Prefer Jewish News on Google
MP of Palestinian origin had to ‘mansplain’ antisemitism to John McDonnell
Layla Moran criticises the shadow chancellor for not taking antisemitism seriously, and hits out at critics who say she's not a real Palestinian
An MP of Palestinian origin has said she “had to mansplain” antisemitism to shadow chancellor John McDonnell.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Evening Standard, Liberal Democrat politician Layla Moran said she was upset by posters calling Israel a racist endeavour, after Labour backed the international definition of antisemitism.
“The people who put it up were called London Palestine Action. As a Palestinian they don’t speak for me, and they are blatantly racist signs. “You don’t say a whole country is racist.
Criticising John McDonnell who said he’s “on a journey” learning about antisemitism, Moran, whose mother is a Palestinian Christian, mocks him, saying: “You’re 60 something years old, come on. If you haven’t realised by now that this is anti-Semitism no wonder there’s a problem in the Labour Party.”
During Jewish News’ exclusive interview with John McDonnell earlier this month, he said the antisemitism row has allowed ‘soul searching’ and “it’s been effective, and now we want a process of engagement, dialogue and discussion and hopefully agreement and consensus”.
Responding to criticism she has received for fighting Jew-hatred, she says “calling out anti-Semitism doesn’t make me any less Palestinian.
“There’s a nuance in the argument that has been lost and Corbyn not saying antisemitism is wrong has fuelled the problem. Some responsibility does lie at his door.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
