Sadiq Khan: Labour has been ‘shockingly poor’ at tackling antisemitism

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he is “desperately sad” about the Labour split, but criticised the party for “shockingly poor” handling of antisemitism.

Seven MPs resigned from the Labour Party on Monday morning, amid tensions over Brexit and allegations of antisemitism.

They include former shadow cabinet ministers Chuka Umunna, Chris Leslie and Luciana Berger alongside Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes and Angela Smith.

In a statement on Facebook following the announcement, Mr Khan said: “This is a desperately sad day.”

Speaking to the Press Association at an enterprise project on Monday, before MPs confirmed the split, Mr Khan blamed the Conservative Party for “the chaotic Brexit process”, but admitted Labour has been “shockingly poor” at dealing with antisemitism.

Mr Khan added: “We know that there are members of the Labour Party who have joined who have clearly antisemitic views, or have been in our party for some time and have clearly antisemitic views, the Labour Party hasn’t acted swiftly enough to kick them out.”

But, he said he believes the Labour divide will make it more difficult for the party to be elected to govern.

Mr Khan said: “History tells us that when the Labour Party splits, it leads to the Conservative Party winning the next election and the one after that and the one after that.

“What people I care about need is a Labour Government.

“One thing that’s going to make that more difficult is Labour splits.”