Labour offers to drop disciplinary action against Hodge in anti-Semitism row
Labour has offered to drop disciplinary action against Dame Margaret Hodge in the party’s anti-Semitism dispute, on the condition she issued an "appropriate apology."
The veteran Labour MP has published a three-page letter dated July 25 from the party’s general secretary, Jennie Formby, on her Facebook page.
Ms Hodge questioned many elements surrounding the nature of her disciplinary action in the continuing correspondence with the Labour Party.
She said: "I’m still no wiser as to what I’m accused of; the nature of complaints received; who the investigating officer is; or what the time-frame for the investigation will be. Is this fair?"
Dame Margaret labelled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn anti-Semitic and racist in a heated exchange after the party leadership refused to sign up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) code of conduct in full.
The Labour MP, a secular Jew with relatives who died in Auschwitz concentration camp, called for disciplinary investigations against her and colleague Ian Austin to be dropped.
She also demanded Mr Corbyn sign up to the IHRA code in full, and reports suggest the Labour leader could be gearing up for a climbdown speech on the issue at the Jewish Museum next week.
The letter said: "To be clear, the current investigation is not directed to your client raising concerns about anti-Semitism.
"Labour Party members have a right to raise concerns about anti-Semitism. The party is making considerable efforts to address that issue.
"Rather the investigation is concerned with the alleged abusive manner in which your client behaved."
The letter sent last month to Dame Margaret’s lawyer says a "warning and reprimand" from the chief whip would enable the investigation "to be brought to an end, on condition your client gives in short order an appropriate apology for her conduct”.
It adds, should the investigation continue, "your client will be provided with further information at the appropriate stage."
The investigation is expected to continue as Dame Margaret has not offered any apology to date, instead criticising the party for failing to outline the accusations against her and drawing attention to alleged anti-Semitic behaviour.
The letter said: "Complaints were received from a number of individuals about your client’s conduct in parliament on 17th July. The party is investigating the circumstances.
The letter says there is "no threat" against Dame Margaret but does reference the possibility of suspension.
"If the present investigation continues to the interview stage, at that point the substance of the information obtained will be put to your client and she will have a full opportunity to respond," the letter adds.