In Prime Minister’s Questions this week, Prime Minister Theresa May expressed her concern about the rise in anti-Semitism in Britain, underlining that all political parties must send a clear message that they will not tolerate it. The Prime Minister advised Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to “think very carefully about the environment that has been created in the Labour Party in relation to anti-Semitism”.
Prime Minister May referred to the report published recently by the Home Affairs Select Committee on anti-Semitism in the UK, which accused Jeremy Corbyn of lacking “consistent leadership” on the issue, creating “what some have referred to as a ‘safe space’ for those with vile attitudes towards Jewish people”.
The Prime Minister’s comments came in response to a question from CFI Officer Oliver Dowden, MP for Hertsmere, who asked: “Many constituents have contacted me to express concern about anti-Semitism. I’m sure every member of this house can agree that we should show zero tolerance to anti-Semitism. Does the Prime Minister also agree we must ensure that all parties do not allow a situation to arise where it appears that an environment is created where anti-Semitism is tolerated?”
Prime Minister May said: “I absolutely agree with my Honourable Friend that this House should send a very clear message that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism. I have been concerned about the rise in the number of incidents of anti-Semitism in this country”.
She continued: “We should very clearly ensure that those incidents of anti-Semitism are properly investigated and dealt with, and that we give the clear message that we will not tolerate it”, underlining that this must be done by “every single political party in this Chamber”.
The Prime Minister concluded: “I say to the Leader of the Opposition that given the report of the Home Affairs Committee about anti-Semitism and the approach to anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, he needs to think very carefully about the environment that has been created in the Labour Party in relation to anti-Semitism”.
