Labour MPs revolt against Jeremy Corbyn's 'wholly inadequate' response to anti-Semitic mural
Jeremy Corbyn faced questions over his apparent support for an artist behind an anti-Semitic mural on a London street.
The Labour leader was challenged by some of his own MPs over his response to a Facebook post by the street artist Mear One about the plan to paint over the work.
Mr Corbyn's response suggested the artist was "in good company" because the Rockefeller family had covered over a mural featuring Lenin in their New York development.
In his post responding to the imminent destruction of the mural, Mr Corbyn said: "Why? You are in good company. Rockerfeller (sic) destroyed Diego Viera's mural because it includes a picture of Lenin."
I asked the Leader’s Office for an explanation about this Facebook post first thing this morning. I’m still waiting for a response. pic.twitter.com/DL8ynBtES4
— Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) March 23, 2018
It is understood that at the time of the post in 2012, Mr Corbyn did not condone the artwork but was expressing concerns about free speech.
A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: "In 2012, Jeremy was responding to concerns about the removal of public art on grounds of freedom of speech.
Completely support @lucianaberger in raising this and expecting a much better response. Labour has long been a proud anti-racist party and we have got to do better than this.
— Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) March 23, 2018
"However, the mural was offensive, used anti-Semitic imagery, which has no place in our society, and it is right that it was removed."
The mural, in east London, was painted by Mear One - whose real name is Kalen Ockerman - and depicted a group of businessmen playing a Monopoly-style game on a board balanced on the backs of people.
This sort of thing is insidious & dangerous. I agree with @lucianaberger @lisanandy https://t.co/p1y7fuxg7V
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) March 23, 2018
The artist denied being anti-Semitic, saying the mural is about "class and privilege" and contains a group of bankers"made up of Jewish and white Anglos".
Mr Corbyn's response to the decision to paint over the work was highlighted by Labour MP Luciana Berger who demanded an explanation.
If only antisemites were dealt with as swiftly and severely as Remainers. https://t.co/hnm3tCRn4Q
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) March 23, 2018
Fellow Labour MP Wes Streeting said Ms Berger was "not alone" in demanding an explanation.
Both MPs have previously been critical about Mr Corbyn's response to allegations of anti-Semitism within Labour ranks.
Additional reporting by the Press Association