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-48790803

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Labour anti-Semitism row: MPs attack decision on Chris Williamson Labour anti-Semitism row: MPs attack decision on Chris Williamson
(about 1 hour later)
Ninety Labour MPs and peers have criticised the decision to readmit MP Chris Williamson back into the party.Ninety Labour MPs and peers have criticised the decision to readmit MP Chris Williamson back into the party.
They expressed "hurt and anger" at the ruling and said Jeremy Corbyn must withdraw the party whip.They expressed "hurt and anger" at the ruling and said Jeremy Corbyn must withdraw the party whip.
The Derby North MP was suspended after saying Labour had "given too much ground" in the face of criticism over anti-Semitism in the party.The Derby North MP was suspended after saying Labour had "given too much ground" in the face of criticism over anti-Semitism in the party.
Eleven frontbenchers, including deputy leader Tom Watson, are among those criticising the ruling.Eleven frontbenchers, including deputy leader Tom Watson, are among those criticising the ruling.
A statement signed by 90 Labour parliamentarians, says: "Given that the Labour Party is being investigated by the EHRC [Equality and Human Rights Commission} over allegations of institutional anti-Semitism, this case is particularly important. A statement signed by 90 Labour parliamentarians says that, as Labour is being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission over allegations of anti-Semitism, the case is "particularly important".
"It is clear to us that the Labour Party's disciplinary process remains mired by the appearance of political interference. This must stop. We need a truly independent process." They criticise the process by which Mr Williamson was allowed back into the party, adding: "It is clear to us that the Labour Party's disciplinary process remains mired by the appearance of political interference. This must stop. We need a truly independent process."
It adds: "We call on Jeremy Corbyn to show leadership by asking for this inappropriate, offensive and reputationally damaging decision to be overturned and reviewed.It adds: "We call on Jeremy Corbyn to show leadership by asking for this inappropriate, offensive and reputationally damaging decision to be overturned and reviewed.
"Ultimately, it is for Jeremy Corbyn to decide whether Chris Williamson retains the Labour whip. He must remove it immediately if we are to stand any hope of persuading anyone that the Labour Party is taking anti-Semitism seriously." "Ultimately, it is for Jeremy Corbyn to decide whether Chris Williamson retains the Labour whip.
Mr Williamson was suspended in February following remarks he made about the party's handling of anti-Semitism and was readmitted on Wednesday. "He must remove it immediately if we are to stand any hope of persuading anyone that the Labour Party is taking anti-Semitism seriously."
His suspension followed the publication of footage by the Yorkshire Post, showing Mr Williamson telling activists Labour had been "too apologetic" over anti-Semitism and was being "demonised as a racist, bigoted party". Separately more than 70 Labour staff members have signed a letter to the party's general secretary Jennie Formby to express their dismay at the decision.
But, speaking before the publication of the letter, Mr Corbyn said he had not been involved in the decision to readmit Mr Williamson.
"It was an independent panel set up through [Labour's ruling body] the National Executive. They examined the case, they decided to let him back in, albeit with a reprimand."
He added: "We deal with anti-Semitism very, very seriously. There is no place for anti-Semitism in our society and obviously not in our party as well.
"And anyone that makes anti-Semitic remarks can expect at the very least to be reprimanded and if they are very serious and engaged in anti-Semitic activity then they will be expelled from the party."
Who is Chris Williamson?
Mr Williamson was readmitted to Labour on Wednesday, following his suspension in February.
He was suspended following publication of footage showing Mr Williamson telling activists Labour had been "too apologetic" over anti-Semitism and was being "demonised as a racist, bigoted party".
He later said he "deeply" regretted the remarks and did not want anyone to think he was "minimising the cancer of anti-Semitism".He later said he "deeply" regretted the remarks and did not want anyone to think he was "minimising the cancer of anti-Semitism".
'Against bigotry' After his readmission, he told BBC Radio Derby: "Anybody who knows me, who knows my record, knows I'm someone who has stood up against bigotry throughout my political life and indeed beforehand."
After his readmission he said he was pleased to have been allowed back into the party and had been "inundated with overwhelming messages of support from all over the country".
He told BBC Radio Derby: "Anybody who knows me, who knows my record, knows I'm someone who has stood up against bigotry throughout my political life and indeed beforehand."
A Labour source said Mr Williamson had been found to have breached party rules and given a formal sanction.A Labour source said Mr Williamson had been found to have breached party rules and given a formal sanction.
They said he could face further action if he repeats any similar behaviour.They said he could face further action if he repeats any similar behaviour.
Labour is being formally investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission over allegations of anti-Semitism. But there has been strong criticism of Mr Williamson's readmission from several Labour figures, including MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who described the decision as "appalling, outrageous and unacceptable".
The watchdog told the party in March it had received a number of complaints and was considering its next steps. Another MP, Wes Streeting, told BBC News one of his own local party members had described the ruling as "like a punch in the stomach" and accused Mr Williamson of downplaying and dismissing concerns about anti-Semitism.
But it confirmed in May it would be launching a probe into whether Labour had "unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish". The Equalities and Human Rights Commission confirmed in May it would be launching a probe into whether Labour had "unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish".