Peer who supported activists suspended over antisemitism takes Lords seat
Baroness Osamor who was accused of giving a "two-fingered salute" to the Jewish community by swearing allegiance to Corbyn is admitted as a peer
A controversial campaigner who supported activists suspended from Labour over alleged antisemitism has taken her seat in the House of Lords.
Baroness Osamor was flanked by supporters Lord Harris of Haringey and Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, as she swore the oath of allegiance to the Queen.
Her nomination by Jeremy Corbyn angered Jewish groups, who said it was a “two-fingered salute” to the community.
The civil rights campaigner signed a letter protesting over the suspensions of party members for alleged anti-Semitism, including Ken Livingstone, who was suspended over claims that Hitler supported Zionism in the 1930s.
Mr Livingstone subsequently resigned from Labour, saying the issues around his suspension had become a distraction.
Lady Osamor is the mother of Labour MP Kate Osamor, who recently stepped down from the Labour frontbench as shadow international development secretary following a row about her son’s conviction for possessing drugs.
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.
