The Derby North MP has faced calls for him to be suspended after shadow ministers, including deputy leader Tom Watson, condemned footage of him making ‘inflammatory’ remarks at a Momentum event.
A Labour MP has said he ‘deeply regrets’ saying the party had ‘given too much ground’ in its response to anti-Semitism.
In a statement today, he said: ‘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 anti-Semitism inside of our party.‘Our movement can never be “too apologetic” about racism within our ranks.’In his speech to grassroots activists in Sheffield, Mr Williamson also described how he had celebrated the resignation of former Labour MP Joan Ryan, who defected to join The Independent Group of MPs last week.
Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips said Mr Williamson’s comment seemed ‘specifically designed to upset’, adding: ‘Must be disciplined.’supports HTML5 videoWalthamstow MP Stella Creasy said anti-Semtitism has to be ‘expunged not ignored’, tweeting: ‘Those who perpetuate it or minimise it bring the party into disrepute. No ifs, no buts. #standupspeakup.’And Ilford North MP Wes Streeting tweeted: ‘Stomach-turning. No action will be taken.
Mr Williamson also said he had sung Celebration by Kool & The Gang after hearing of Ms Ryan’s resignation.She was one of nine MPs who quit in protest at Mr Corbyn’s leadership last week, with his response to allegations of anti-Semitism in the party among their main grievances.
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