A general debate on anti-Semitism has been scheduled for the British Parliament as the opposition Labour Party continues to battle allegations of “appalling” behaviour against those of the Jewish faith.
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom confirmed a general debate is set down for April 17, delivering a platform for MPs to speak up for their Jewish constituents.
The announcement was made as a group of 39 Labour politicians called on party leader Jeremy Corbyn to suspend the party’s former disputes chief.
In an open letter, MPs and peers called for Christine Shawcroft to be suspended from the National Executive Committee.
Ms Shawcroft had quit as head of Labour’s disputes panel after she sent an email showing support for a council candidate accused of Holocaust denial.
The debate comes after a tumultuous few weeks for the left wing Labour Party which is facing continual allegations of anti-Semitic behaviour by members and representatives alike.
As Breitbart Jerusalem reported, Jewish leaders and thousands of their supporters took to London’s streets on Tuesday to voice their opposition to the rise of anti-Semitism in the party.
Protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding action as they accused Mr. Corbyn of not doing enough to tackle anti-Jewish sentiment, and in a strongly-worded open letter told him “enough is enough.”
Labour’s John Mann, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group against anti-Semitism, sought more than half a day to debate the issue with the original schedule suggesting it is in line to last for approximately three hours.
Members of the Jewish community hold a protest against Britain’s opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and anti-semitism in the Labour party, outside the British Houses of Parliament in central London. (TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Mr. Mann told the Commons: “Considering the importance of the issue, half-a-day is simply insubstantial and insignificant. It needs to be a full day’s debate.
“I’m sure this side of the House would be happy to agree a rearranging of business to give a full day. Would the Leader of the House take that away and look at it please?”
Mrs Leadsom replied: “I share your grave concern about anti-Semitism and in recent weeks we’ve seen some appalling examples of anti-Semitic behaviour, which is utterly unacceptable.
“I will take away his request but he will appreciate there are lots of competing demands on time in this chamber.”
The debate will be held despite a 2016 investigation by the Labour Party, headed by Shami Chakrabarti, that found no indication of institutional anti-Semitism within Labour. Her report led to Jewish community leaders calling the findings a “whitewash” and a “fraud”.
Chakrabarti was nominated for a peerage by Mr. Corbyn just a few weeks after she cleared the party of the allegations.
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