Labour MPs march with Jewish colleague Ruth Smeeth at anti-Semitism hearing – while another defends the member accused of abusing her as party descends into civil war
They were met by protesters carrying placards and chanting their support for Marc Wadsworth who and faces expulsion from Labour today
LABOUR’S anti-Semitism crisis turned into a civil war among its MPs after dozens of Labour MPs marched in solidarity with their Jewish colleague – while another defended the man accused of abusing her.
Ruth Smeeth is giving evidence against Marc Wadsworth, who faces expulsion for challenging her at the launch of a report into anti-Semitism within the party.
But while she arrived at the hearing this morning flanked by a host of Labour politicians – the Corbynista backbench MP Chris Williamson joined the protesters carrying placards and chanting their support for Mr Wadsworth.
He is also due to be a character witness for him.
It marks a new low in the row over tackling anti-Jewish hatred in the party, after Jeremy Corbyn met with community leaders last night, who then accused him of falling short of the “minimum level of action” they were hoping for.
One of the MPs who showed support for Ms Smeeth as she arrived at Church House in Westminster was Jess Phillips, who said: "(We are) making sure she isn't walking into a protest on her own."
Ahead of the hearing, Mr Wadsworth told reporters: "I'm confident, as I'm not guilty. Based on the facts, this hearing, if it's fair, I will be exonerated.
"I'm totally and utterly opposed to anti-Semitism, to all forms of bigotry, including anti-black racism and Islamophobia."
Mr Wadsworth’s supporters, who were chanting for him to be reinstated, described him as a veteran anti-racist.
Stan Keable said: "The charges should be dropped. He's been suspended for nearly two years. She has falsely accused him of anti-Semitism. He didn't even know she was Jewish."
Mr Williamson, who is defending him, has previously claimed there had been a “weaponisation of antisemitism for political ends”.
He once claimed: “I'm not saying it never ever happens but it is a really dirty, lowdown trick, particularly the anti-Semitism smears."
The Derby North MP has also shared a platform with Jackie Walker, who is suspended by Labour for claiming Jews were the "chief financiers" of the slave trade.
After reports he planned to appear alongside her again, Mr Corbyn allegedly told said there was nothing he could do about it.
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But in another sign of a split within Labour Barry Gardiner, his shadow International Trade secretary, said: "My own view, my personal view, is that Chris is wrong to share a platform with somebody who has expressed the views that she has."
It comes after Mr Corbyn was accused of just “shrugging” when urged to condemn Labour’s anti-Semites at his meeting with Jewish leaders.
Following the meeting he said the talks had been "positive and constructive", but he was savaged in a press conference by the campaigners for refusing to accept even one proposal they tabled in a desperate bid to make the peace.
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