Senior Labour Figure Pete Willsman Suspended For Alleging Anti-Semitism ‘Whipped Up’ By Israeli Embassy

A tape has emerged.
Pete Willsman has been suspended from the Labour Party
Pete Willsman has been suspended from the Labour Party
NurPhoto via Getty Images

Labour has suspended its National Executive Committee member Pete Willsman after a tape emerged of him saying anti-Semitism has been “whipped up” by the Israeli embassy working within the party.

A spokesperson for Labour said he had been suspended “pending investigation”.

The decision comes after Willsman was caught on tape in an “anti-Semitic rant”.

It means he will not be able to attend NEC meetings or perform any other functions as a member of the committee.

Deputy leader Tom Watson had previously called for Willsman’s “immediate” suspension, tweeting: “The fact that a member of Labour’s governing body feels he can continue to make such offensive remarks after being warned for similar outbursts previously shows how serious the problem of anti-Semitism is in our party.

“The general secretary must make good on the promise that was made following Mr Willsman’s previous outburst that he would face disciplinary action if he engaged in similar conduct again.”

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