Labour MP Fabian Hamilton accused of ‘failing’ to represent Jewish constituents
The president of Leeds' leading community organisation has expressed concern to the MP in emails
A community organisation in Leeds has accused Labour MP Fabian Hamilton of “failing” to represent his Jewish constituents as the antisemitism row intensifies.
In a series of emails published online, Leeds Jewish Representative Council President Lisa Baker accused the Jewish MP for Leeds North East of supporting party members who use “anti-Jewish rhetoric.”
She wrote: “I am writing to you on behalf of us all to give you an opportunity to explain why you are not standing with your colleagues to condemn hatred and arguing for your Jewish constituents. We look to you to represent and we feel you are failing us.”
The shadow peace minister then told the organisation: “I also know Chris Williamson personally and have worked with him over a number of years. What he said was wrong and very foolish, but I do not think his re-admittance to the Labour Party is an attack on the Jewish community in my constituency or across the country.”
Williamson was let back in the party last month with a “formal warning” and suspended again two days later. The MP for Derby North was first suspended in February for remarks about the party’s handling of antisemitism cases.
This comes after Hamilton invited to the Palace of Westminster a controversial Jordanian MP accused of making antisemitic comments called Yahya Al-Saud.
Al-Saud, who met with members of the House of Lords, including Jenny Tonge, has backed violence against Israel including suicide bombings, according to the Times of Israel.
“Being Jewish myself, I am appalled to learn of his remarks and totally reject any suggestion that I somehow support what he said simply because this MP was part of the delegation.
“Jordan is a vital ally and a good friend of the United Kingdom in the Middle East and I know that Mr Al-Saud’s comments do not represent the views of the King or the Jordanian government.”
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