Tom Watson steps up criticism of Labour hierarchy over anti-Semitism
Labour has been urged by its deputy leader to publish its submission to a watchdog investigating anti-Semitism claims as the bitter row within the party continues.
Tom Watson told the party’s general secretary Jennie Formby the document produced for the Equality and Human Rights Commission should be made public because “only sunlight can disinfect Labour of anti-Semitism now”.
He also said he believes there was “some participation” from leader Jeremy Corbyn’s office in the disciplinary process dealing with accusations of anti-Semitism.
However, the row deepened when Ms Formby accused Mr Watson of "traducing" her (damaging her reputation) while she is undergoing cancer treatment.
Mr Watson claimed there was “almost a permissive culture” towards anti-Jewish racism in the ranks after damning claims about the party’s handling of accusations were broadcast.
Eight people told the BBC’s Panorama programme they were undermined in their attempts to tackle anti-Semitism in the party.
Former officials alleged Labour’s director of communications Seumas Milne and its general secretary Ms Formby interfered with investigations.
Four of those who spoke out, including former Labour general secretary Lord Iain McNicol, broke non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to do so.
Labour and Jeremy Corbyn condemned after 'heartbreaking' BBC Panorama documentary on anti-Semitism
Labour should automatically expel anti-Semites, says Sir Keir Starmer
Labour has denied the claims and written a complaint to the BBC.
In his letter to Ms Formby, Mr Watson said the people who spoke to the programme were “very brave to go before a camera and tell their stories”.
“The way that they have been smeared, including by Labour spokespeople, is deplorable,” he said.
“Even if some in the party did not want to hear what they had to say, it is unacceptable to attempt to undermine their integrity and characters in this manner.”
In her reply, Ms Formby said she was "very disappointed" in his approach and accused him of abusing his position.
She said: "The party has at all levels consistently shown that it recognises the vital importance of combating anti-Semitism, yet you consistently abuse your considerable platform to denigrate any progress that has been made and any individual that is involved in that."
Ms Formby, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, added: "Traducing my reputation and publicly attacking me when you know I am undergoing chemotherapy and am unable to respond in the media is another example of the inappropriate way in which you choose to discuss this issue."
Earlier, Mr Watson said the party had failed to address the “permissive culture” that people can use anti-Semitic language in meetings and on social media.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “In the last four years, since Jeremy and I were elected leader and deputy leader of the party, there is a growing belief that there is a sickness in our party, that this kind of abuse has been in some way allowed.
“That there’s almost a permissive culture that people can use anti-Jewish, racist language both in our meetings and to each other on social media and we’ve failed to address that properly.
“It does seem to me that there is obviously some participation in these disciplinary cases from the leader’s office, which means they are responsible for dealing with the rebuilding of trust in the Jewish community.”
The frontbencher said there needed to be a rule change to “auto-exclude” party members who have a “prima facie case to answer of using anti-Semitic behaviours and language”.
He claimed Mr Corbyn was the “only one” who could fix the issue.
Meanwhile, shadow chancellor John McDonnell called on the BBC to carry out an investigation into complaints made by Labour about the Panorama report.
Three senior peers quit the Labour whip earlier this week in protest at the handling of the issue under Mr Corbyn’s leadership.
Another peer, Lord Levy, said he considers leaving Labour every day over its handling of anti-Semitism and has “immense respect” for his fellow peers who have resigned the whip.
Sam Matthews, Labour’s former head of complaints, said he had been pushed to the brink of suicide by the issues in the party.
“After Jeremy became leader, he opened the floodgates and allowed people to join the Labour Party who never would have been allowed anywhere near it in the past,” he told The Jewish Chronicle.
A Labour spokesman said the party rejected any claim it is anti-Semitic and it complained in advance to the BBC “over the way the programme was put together and its choice of a presenter who has expressed overt personal and political hostility to Jeremy Corbyn’s politics”.
“We stand in solidarity with Jewish people, and we’re taking decisive action to root out anti-Semitism from our movement and society,” the spokesman said.
“The Panorama programme was not a fair or balanced investigation."