Labour MP sparks anger after branding Israeli government ‘fascist’ during PMQs
Liverpool Riverside's Kim Johnson later 'apologises unreservedly for the intemperate language' she admits using at PMQs
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A Labour MP has branded the new Israel government “fascist” during prime ministers question time in the House of Commons.
Liverpool Riverside’s Kim Johnson stood up near the end of Wednesday ‘s session and said:”Since the election of the fascist Israeli government last December there has been an increase in human rights violations against Palestinians including children.
“Can the Prime Minister tell us how he is challenging what Amnesty and other human rights organisations refer to as an apartheid state.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak immediately condemned the remarks noting Johnson had “failed to mention the horrific attack on civilians inside Israel.”
Jewish Labour MP Margaret Hodge was quick to condemn Johnson’s language.
She tweeted:”This language is unacceptable and dangerous.
“With violence escalating in recent weeks, this careless remark only makes it harder to bridge the divide.
“Not to mention a complete insult to Louise Ellman’s legacy. ”
Johnson later withdrew her remarks after being spoken to by Labour’s chief whip.
Other MPs in the Commons also greeted Johnson’s comments with loud groans of disapproval.
Johnson had replaced Dame Louise Ellman as MP in the Liverpool seat. Ellman was regularly taunted with questions about her support for Israel by pro-Jeremy Corbyn members of the local Labour Party.
During PMQs, Sunak added it was “important to remain calm” to make sure “all sides strive for peace” in the region.
He added that is “what I will do as prime minister and in conversations with the Israeli prime minister.”
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