Spring Statement: Chancellor says McDonnell ‘turned blind eye’ to antisemitism
Philip Hammond referenced former Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee and politician Aneurin Bevan in his statement
Chancellor Philip Hammond has accused his counterpart John McDonnell of “turning a blind eye” to antisemitism during his Spring Statement.
Hammond’s remarks came after the Labour frontbencher described the budget speech as a display “of this government’s toxic mix of callous complacency over austerity and its grotesque incompetence over the handling of Brexit.”
McDonnell also said: “The Chancellor turns up today with no real end or reversal of austerity and to threaten us because this is what he means that austerity can only end if we accept this government’s bad deal over Brexit.”
In response, Hammond dismissed McDonnell’s criticisms as being “the same old recycled lines.”
He added: “The ultimate audacity is the moral lecturing tone in the close of his remarks.
“I really do take exception to being lectured to by a man who has stood idly by, turning a blind eye while his leader has allowed antisemitism to all but destroy a once great political party from the inside out.
“Atlee and Bevan must be rotating in their graves. Look at what this pair have done to the Labour Party and just think what they would do our country.”
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.
