Labour frontbencher ‘wholly opposed to Israel Apartheid Week’

Labour frontbencher Fabian Hamilton has called on the University of Leeds to investigate any allegations of antisemitism at Israel Apartheid Week events.

The Jewish MP for Leeds North East wrote on social media that he was “appalled” to see that Israel Apartheid  Week is running events at the University of Leeds this month.

“Leeds University must fully investigate any allegations of antisemitism at these events and I urge anybody that sees antisemitism to report it,” he tweeted. “Supporting a Palestinian state should not go hand in hand with this week of hate.”

The MP also said he has written to the universities minister to ask him to ensure breaches of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism “are dealt with swiftly by the relevant authorities.”

He added: “To link South African Apartheid to the creation of the state of Israel is outrageous and undermines both the struggle of the Jewish people as well as the possibility of a two-state solution.

“The two-state solution can never exist while this week continues to fuel the divisions between two communities. Whether Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim or Jew, we should all work together to protect everyone’s freedoms and look to establish a more peaceful world.”

A university spokesperson said it was not currently aware of any complaints or allegations of antisemitism resulting from the week’s events, adding: “Israeli Apartheid Week is a national campaign organised across numerous universities.

“At Leeds there have been a range of student-led activities representing different perspectives.

“The University has a legal requirement to enable freedom of speech within the law, and as a university encourages free debate.”