Chris Williamson: 90 Labour MPs and peers demand Corbyn withdraw whip from MP over antisemitism row

Almost 90 Labour MPs and peers led by deputy leader Tom Watson have demanded that Jeremy Corbyn remove the whip from Chris Williamson after the MP was allowed back into the party following a row over antisemitism.

The Derby North MP had his suspension lifted on Wednesday after a four-month disciplinary inquiry into his claims that Labour had “given too much ground” and been “too apologetic” in tackling anti-Jewish abuse.

The decision to readmit him with just a warning about his behaviour was made by a panel consisting of three members of Labour’s ruling executive. It sparked immediate fury and led to calls for Mr Corbyn to try to have the ruling overturned.

In a letter organised by Mr Watson, 60 MPs and almost 30 peers said allowing Mr Williamson back into the party was “inappropriate, offensive and reputationally damaging” and demanded that Mr Corbyn “show leadership” in trying to reverse the decision.

They wrote: “It is clear to us that the Labour Party’s disciplinary process remains mired by the appearance of political interference. This must stop. We need a truly independent process.

“We call on Jeremy Corbyn to show leadership by asking for this inappropriate, offensive and reputationally damaging decision to be overturned and reviewed.

“Ultimately, it is for Jeremy Corbyn to decide whether Chris Williamson retains the Labour whip. He must remove it immediately if we are to stand any hope of persuading anyone that the Labour Party is taking antisemitism seriously.”

The MPs and peers said they “cannot overstate the depth and breath of hurt and anger felt” about the decision to readmit Mr Williamson into the party and pointed out that Labour staff had advised that the MP be referred to the party’s disciplinary body for a full investigation. This advice was ignored.

The make-up of the panel hearing Mr Williamson’s case was also changed at the last minute after one member of the previous panel failed to turn up.

The MPs and peers said this was “highly irregular”.

They said: “Justice needs to be seen to be done and this process has not done that.”

In a separate letter, sent to the party’s general secretary, Jennie Formby, almost 70 Labour staff members expressed their “dismay” at the panel’s decision.

They said: “The decision to readmit Chris Williamson into the party will help to create an environment where Jewish and non-Jewish employees, who care deeply about fighting antisemitism, are made to feel unwelcome by his presence whilst at work.”

The decision to lift Mr Williamson’s suspension was also strongly condemned by Jewish community groups and many Labour MPs.

Veteran MP Dame Margaret Hodge said: “This shows that the complaints process is a complete sham.

“This is not zero tolerance. This is letting your political pals back in and turning a blind eye to Jew-hate. Every decent Labour Party member must challenge this.”

Writing for The Independent, Gillian Merron, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and Simon Johnson, chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “The news that Chris Williamson, a serial ‘baiter’ of the Jewish community and MP for Derby North, had his suspension lifted by a Labour Party disputes panel landed us a blow.

“As a decision, it beggars belief. There was no transparent reason given and no clarity about the process that was followed.

The Independent previously revealed that Mr Corbyn’s office directly intervened to prevent the suspension initially, despite Nick Brown, the party’s chief whip, being ready to act.

The decision to readmit the MP was made by a panel consisting of two MPs, Keith Vaz and George Howarth, and a representative of Labour members, Huda Elmi. It is understood that Mr Vaz and Ms Elmi both argued that Mr Williamson should not face further investigation.

Mr Corbyn’s team has been contacted for comment.