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Corbyn deputy Tom Watson backs Labour leader as PM amid anti-Semitism row - just about

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson (PA)
Labour deputy leader Tom Watson (PA)

Labour’s deputy leader has given only lukewarm support to Jeremy Corbyn and called on the party to rid itself of anti-Semitism.

Asked on BBC radio if Mr Corbyn was fit to be a Prime Minister, his number two could only say: ‘He could easily be prime minister.

He then added: ‘But, of course, we could do without the anti-Semitism because it allows you to ask me that question on the Today programme.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (PA)
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (PA)

‘We need to close these issues down and we do it by being absolutely vigilant in the way we deal with racism in our own ranks. That’s on all of us.’

Mr Watson was asked about Mr Corbyn’s leadership credentials, after the deputy branded Labour’s row over anti-Semitism and the loss of Jewish MP Luciana Berger as the ‘worst day of shame’ in the party’s history.

It was a hardly a ringing endorsement from Labour’s deputy.

Watson also backed Labour’s suspension of MP Chris Williamson, announced on Wednesday.

‘Having monitored some of the things he’s said in the last week, our general secretary decided that the pattern of behaviour over recent months was potentially bringing our party into disrepute, and so has suspended him from the party and there’ll be an inquiry,’ he told the Today programme.

‘He’s entitled to a fair hearing but I’ve been very, very concerned that his comments have almost been deliberately inflammatory and causing offence to not just parliamentary colleagues but people in the Jewish community who understandably have a real concern about anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.’

Asked whether anyone from Mr Corbyn’s office had argued against suspension, Mr Watson said: ‘I can’t confirm that. I’ve no idea who said what in Jeremy’s office. I honestly don’t know that.

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‘I’ve asked to see Jeremy on Monday next week to talk about how we can further improve our measures to deal with anti-Semitism.

‘When Luciana Berger left the Labour Party, I thought it was the worst day of shame in the Labour Party’s 120-year history. A pregnant young MP bullied out of her own party by racist thugs.’

Williamson was suspended after being filmed in Sheffield saying that Labour had been ‘too apologetic’ in the ongoing row about antisemitism.

Former Labour MP Luciana Berger (PA)
Former Labour MP Luciana Berger (PA)

The MP also took to Twitter to thanks those who supported him during the current row for the ‘incredible solidarity you have shown me over the last 48 hours.’

He added: ‘Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on because #ChangeIsComing.’