Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour has a problem with racism and religious prejudice in its ranks, a new poll has revealed, as the fallout from a Parliamentary debate on the same issue continues to dog the left-wing party.
A survey for the Independent found 61 per cent of people of those polled thought Labour had issues, while a majority of people questioned by BMG Research believed Mr. Corbyn had personally handled claims of anti-Semitism “badly”, with the party becoming subject to protests from the Jewish community and Israel’s Labour Party severing ties with the leader’s office.
The results were released on Tuesday just hours before Mr. Corbyn took his place in Westminster and heard voices from both sides of the House excoriate the Labour Party for its tolerance of anti-Semites in its ranks.
The most powerful testimony in the special debate came from Labour MP Ruth Smeeth who received a standing ovation after reading the anti-Semitic abuse she has received from Corbyn supporters.
Fellow Labour MP John Mann also delivered a moving speech against anti-Semitism during which he revealed family members have been physically threatened for his decision to stand by Jewish colleagues allegedly threatened by members of pro-Jeremy Corbyn group Momentum.
Mr Mann said he had been targeted by campaign group Momentum for showing solidarity with Jewish Labour members – with his wife “threatened with rape” by a “leftist anti-Semite”.
The Labour MP, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on anti-Semitism, claimed the Momentum had specifically threatened Jewish members of the Labour Party and the Jewish community.
You can watch his speech below:
All the speakers had ample support from their peers:
Tuesday’s special debate came after widespread fury at claims that Mr. Corbyn has been too soft on anti-Semitism among his hard-left supporters who are increasingly dictating the party’s course and policy.
Follow Simon Kent on Twitter: Follow @SunSimonKent or e-mail to: skent@breitbart.com
//