JLM lambasts Priti Patel for ‘North London metropolitan liberal elite’ comment

The Jewish Labour Movement has hit out at Home Secretary Priti Patel for referring to the “North London metropolitan, liberal elite” on Tuesday.

The MP for Witham vowed to end “freedom of movement of people once and for all” in her speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this week.

“As home secretary at this defining moment in our country’s history, I have a particular responsibility when it comes to taking back control,” she said.

“This daughter of immigrants needs no lectures from the north London metropolitan liberal elite,” she added.

The remark prompted JLM to express concern the remark was “a worrying allusion to the sort of antisemitism where Jews are hinted at in coded metaphors.”

“The meanings and associations behind language matters, especially in the current political climate,” JLM added.

Patel pledged to “stand up to the threat of antisemitism” after meeting senior representatives of the Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council and Community Security Trust last month.

“I look forward to working with them to stand up to the threat of antisemitism, and ensure the security and safety of Jewish communities,” Patel said at the time.

Patel has been reached for comment.