• I LISTENED with pride as our MP, Sir Keir Starmer, made clear unequivocal opposition to anti-Semitism.

As he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr on Sunday, Labour needs to accept the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Jewish abuse.

It is – as he stressed – “really important” that the party listened to people who have criticised it for refusing to adopt the widely-recognised definition.

And he called on Labour’s leaders to act “sharpish” to change their policy. This is important, since the full definition of anti-Semitism includes a list of examples.

At present the party has omitted four of the examples: accusing Jewish people of being more loyal to Israel than the country they live in; suggesting Israel’s existence is racist; holding Israel to a higher standard than other countries, and comparing Israeli polices to those of the Nazis.

To exclude these examples cannot be right. Each example is completely unacceptable.

This is no mere quibble: it is critical in fighting anti-Semitism wherever it and whenever it raises its ugly head.

This is why Camden Council, like councils across the country, unanimously endorsed the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition.

This is an issue the Labour leadership really must address. We owe it not only to the Jewish community, but to everyone who finds this scourge repugnant.

And, as Sir Keir rightly put it, this must be tackled “sharpish”.

MARTIN PLAUT
Ryland Road, NW5