Labour criticised over anti-Semitism
A Holocaust survivor has accused Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party of being a "drastic example" of the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe.
Charlotte Knobloch stunned MEPs during an address to the European Parliament in Brussels as part of a Holocaust remembrance ceremony.
The former head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany said that anti-Semitism was "once again rearing its ugly head" in countries across the Europe, adding that "radical groups" from across the political spectrum were promoting shared anti-Semitic beliefs.
And she was particularly critical of Mr Corbyn's Labour party, which has been in embroiled in a long running anti-Semitism row.
Warning that anti-Semitism was on the rise, the 86-year-old said: "One of the most drastic examples of this development can be seen today in the United Kingdom.
"The Labour party, which was a bastion of reasoning for many years, has been transformed under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn in recent years, to one of the most striking problem places in Europe when it comes to political anti-Semitism.
"Under his leadership, Labour has left the political centre far behind."
Ms Knobloch's comments were loudly applauded in the chamber.
West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge, who was in the European Parliament for the speech, said: "I find it incredible and truly awful that during a moving ceremony about the horrors of the Holocaust a survivor named Jeremy Corbyn and the British Labour party as a major source of rising anti-Semitic feeling in the modern world.
"They have brought shame not just upon themselves but upon our whole country with their dreadful prejudice and hate."
Since Mr Corbyn became leader, the Labour party has been rocked by a series of anti-Semitism allegations involving Mr Corbyn himself, MPs, members and councillors.
It appeared to peak last year when the party initially refused to adopt in full the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition, and accompanying examples, of anti-Semitism.
The party's ruling NEC finally adopted the definition in September, including a clause stating it should not undermine free speech on Israel.
The Met Police has launched an investigation into a number of allegations of Anti-Semitism involving Labour members, while some Labour MPs have called on Mr Corbyn to reveal details of the party's disciplinary processes over fears that high profile anti-Semitism cases were not being dealt with.
Last week Labour councillor Jim Sheridan was readmitted to the party without punishment for saying he no longer had "respect and empathy" for British Jews because they were working with "Blairite plotters" to undermine Mr Corbyn.
Mr Corbyn has said he will not tolerate anti-Semitism "in and around" Labour.
The Labour party has been contacted for a comment.
