Tom Watson: Failing to tackle anti-Semitism risks 'eternal shame' for Labour
Tom Watson has warned that a failure to tackle Labour's anti-Semitism crisis risks 'eternal shame' for the party – as he hailed Ian Austin for standing up to racism.
In a speech to a Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) fringe meeting at the party conference in Liverpool, the West Bromwich East MP condemned members who make 'grotesque parallels between the Jewish states and the Nazis' and those who call for boycotts of Israeli goods.
He also attacked new members who had attempted to 'hound' out of the party pro-Israel MPs including Dudley North MP Mr Austin – who is facing disciplinary action for criticising Jeremy Corbyn over his failure to tackle anti-Semitism – and Joan Ryan, for standing up against anti-Semitism.
The Labour Deputy Leader told delegates that his party had a 'moral obligation' to get rid of the anti-Semitism that has blighted within the party, adding that 'failing to tackle the problem risks eternal shame'.
His comments came after Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said that anti-Semites should be expelled from Labour 'the way Oswald Mosley was kicked out of Liverpool'.
Mr Watson said: "We have a moral obligation to rid this party of anti-Semitism and I know it's important to all of us in this room that all of those commitments are delivered.
"I recognise the hurt that's been caused, I recognise the pain that's been thrust upon our friends in the Jewish community
"I know how failing to tackle a problem risks bringing eternal shame.
"I just hope that we can do what we can to rebuild that trust and confidence, and I know with people like Joan Ryan chairing this organisation – courageous, dogged and determined, hounded out by people who've only just joined the Labour party – and Luciana [Berger] and Ian Austin, I know that journey will be long but I tell you we will do everything we can to rebuild that trust."
Remorse
Enfield North MP Ms Ryan accused the party of 'a great shame' which can only be overcome when Labour show 'remorse, humility and empathy'.
"The reaction I encounter is almost universal. It is one of anxiety, hurt and anger," she told the event.
"An incomprehension that our party could have treated a minority community in this country with such disregard, arrogance and contempt."
Urging party members to call out anti-Semitism wherever they saw it, she added that she had 'a real fear that our party under the current leadership might soon be in government'.
"This is a collective failure and only remorse, humility and empathy can begin to redress it," she said.
"As Labour party members, we all bear responsibility for what has been done in our name.
"When the history of our party is written, this dark chapter will be one of great shame."
Mr Corbyn, who did not attend the event on Tuesday, spoke at a Labour Friends of Palestine reception on the same evening.
He has insisted the party will tackle anti-Semitism.
