This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46652775
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Labour MP sorry for backing musician accused of anti-Semitism | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Labour MP Chris Williamson has apologised for tweeting in support of a jazz musician his own party called a "vile anti-Semite". | Labour MP Chris Williamson has apologised for tweeting in support of a jazz musician his own party called a "vile anti-Semite". |
Islington Council had banned saxophonist Gilad Atzmon from playing with Ian Dury's old band the Blockheads at the Islington Assembly Hall. | |
The council said Mr Atzmon's appearance "might harm" relationships with the London borough's religious communities. | |
The MP had posted a link to a petition calling for him to be reinstated. | The MP had posted a link to a petition calling for him to be reinstated. |
In his post, Mr Williamson, a former shadow minister and close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, said: "Hands off Gilad Atzmon - sign the petition!" | In his post, Mr Williamson, a former shadow minister and close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, said: "Hands off Gilad Atzmon - sign the petition!" |
He deleted the message and posted an apology after social media users and Jewish groups expressed their anger. | He deleted the message and posted an apology after social media users and Jewish groups expressed their anger. |
"Earlier today I tweeted a petition about an Islington Council ban against the Blockheads performing with their chosen line-up. The council has blocked jazz musician Gilad Atzmon from playing with the group," said the Derby North MP. | "Earlier today I tweeted a petition about an Islington Council ban against the Blockheads performing with their chosen line-up. The council has blocked jazz musician Gilad Atzmon from playing with the group," said the Derby North MP. |
"Since then I've learned that Atzmon, a former Israeli soldier, is not confined to the jazz world. I am told that in various blogs and in speeches he has adopted anti-Semitic language. | "Since then I've learned that Atzmon, a former Israeli soldier, is not confined to the jazz world. I am told that in various blogs and in speeches he has adopted anti-Semitic language. |
"I wasn't aware of this until after I tweeted the petition. As soon as I was informed, I deleted the tweet. I've always condemned all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, and strongly disassociate myself from Atzmon's anti-Semitic views. | "I wasn't aware of this until after I tweeted the petition. As soon as I was informed, I deleted the tweet. I've always condemned all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, and strongly disassociate myself from Atzmon's anti-Semitic views. |
"I therefore apologise for tweeting this petition and any distress or offence it may have caused." | "I therefore apologise for tweeting this petition and any distress or offence it may have caused." |
Despite Mr Williamson's apology, the Jewish Labour Movement called for Mr Williamson to be suspended from the party. | Despite Mr Williamson's apology, the Jewish Labour Movement called for Mr Williamson to be suspended from the party. |
The campaign group Labour Against Antisemitism tweeted in support of the Jewish Labour Movement, adding: "There can be no equivocation: Chris Williamson MP must have his membership of Labour withdrawn today." | The campaign group Labour Against Antisemitism tweeted in support of the Jewish Labour Movement, adding: "There can be no equivocation: Chris Williamson MP must have his membership of Labour withdrawn today." |
A Labour spokesman said: "Gilad Atzmon is a vile anti-Semite. Chris Williamson has said he was not aware of Atzmon's appalling views and rightly apologised for his tweet." | A Labour spokesman said: "Gilad Atzmon is a vile anti-Semite. Chris Williamson has said he was not aware of Atzmon's appalling views and rightly apologised for his tweet." |
Labour MP Wes Streeting tweeted: "Chris has now apologised, as he should. | |
"Presumably it was just a love of jazz that led him to sign and share a petition defending someone with anti-Semitic form - apparently without even checking why the Council (a LABOUR Council) took the step of banning him in the first place." | |
Speaking to the Islington Gazette, Mr Atzmon accused the council of having "adopted the role of book burners". |
Previous version
1
Next version