Wes Streeting: ‘Chris Williamson’s apology is not sincere’

Wes Streeting has joined calls from other Labour MPs for the expulsion of Chris Williamson from the party after the Derby North MP suggested Labour has been “too apologetic” over antisemitism.

In a tweet, Streeting said: “I do not believe this is sincere. I believe you have deliberately baited Jewish people in our Party and across the country.

“I think you were caught in a moment of honesty saying what you really think. It was repulsive, revealing and you should be expelled from the Labour Party.”

Tom Watson tweeted: “Chris Williamson has produced a long-winded and heavily caveated apology. It is not good enough.

“If it was in my gift I would have removed the whip from him already.”

Williamson apologised for his remarks this afternoon, writing: “I deeply regret, and apologise for, my recent choice of words when speaking about how the Labour Party  has responded to the ongoing fight against antisemitism inside of our party.

• Come to The Big Family Show & Expo on 17 March! 

“I was trying to stress how much the party has done to tackle antisemitism.”

Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband tweeted: “Chris Williamson is bringing the Labour party into disrepute over antisemitism.

“This is a test of seriousness on our part about the whole issue. Disciplinary action, not simply an apology, is required.”

Meanwhile, Labour MP Yvette Cooper tweeted: “Appalled by the things that Chris Williamson has said. These are not the values of the Labour Party.

“Apology is not enough. Party has to demonstrate how seriously we take this. Agree with Tom Watson & Ed Miliband on immediate suspension needed”.