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Labour antisemitism crisis: party deals with fallout of Livingstone suspension – live Labour antisemitism crisis: party deals with fallout of Livingstone suspension – live
(35 minutes later)
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Conor Pope, senior reporter at Labour List, points out Livingstone is now in his third day of causing chaos for Labour.
That puts us in a position where, logically, the only way his membership can be reinstated is if the Labour Party endorses his comments.
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More here from Livingstone’s latest interview with Sky News.
On the history of Hitler and Zionism
I suspect most of the pro-Israel Labour MPs have no idea about the history, they certainly don’t teach about 1930s Zionist policy in Israeli schools … almost everyone in the Jewish community grows up in complete ignorance of this.
Over here, they don’t teach it in schools either.
On the controversial work of American Marxist historian Lenni Brenner
He came to Britain to publicise his book and we did a public meeting together.
The shocking thing about his book was that he revealed that not only Hitler had wanted to move all of Germany’s Jews to Israel, but that the Zionist leadership continued a dialogue privately with Hitler from ‘33 when he became Chancellor from 1940-41.
I’ll just produce the evidence and I mean it’s hard for somebody to decide to suspend me from the party here when all this was there 30 years ago in the public domain and nobody raised a peep.
On equating Zionism and Nazism
Political leaders need to suck up to nasty people all the time, I mean David Cameron has to suck up to the Saudi royal family all the time, as Blair did. They are an abhorrent regime.
2.21pm BST
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The New Statesman’s George Eaton has this from Labour MPs mulling whether a leadership challenge to Corbyn is now more probable.
Labour MPs on why a leadership challenge to Corbyn has become more likely https://t.co/21aB8mqeOq pic.twitter.com/8a5elwmh1o
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Lunchtime summaryLunchtime summary
Everything I said yesterday was true and I will be presenting the academic book about that to the Labour Party inquiry.Everything I said yesterday was true and I will be presenting the academic book about that to the Labour Party inquiry.
It wasn’t easy for Jeremy Corbyn yesterday. Ken Livingstone is a 40-year ally of Jeremy and what he did was act swiftly. In fact, I don’t think he could have moved any quicker to deal with Ken Livingstone.It wasn’t easy for Jeremy Corbyn yesterday. Ken Livingstone is a 40-year ally of Jeremy and what he did was act swiftly. In fact, I don’t think he could have moved any quicker to deal with Ken Livingstone.
I don’t think Labour has a particular problem with antisemitism. I think society has a problem with anti-semitism. I think there are people with certain interests stoking this row.I don’t think Labour has a particular problem with antisemitism. I think society has a problem with anti-semitism. I think there are people with certain interests stoking this row.
There are people at Conservative head office who have been trawling Twitter feeds and Facebook pages looking for evidence, stored until a week before the local elections.There are people at Conservative head office who have been trawling Twitter feeds and Facebook pages looking for evidence, stored until a week before the local elections.
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Welsh Labour says it is unlikely Corbyn will now have time to come to Wales after visit cancelledWelsh Labour says it is unlikely Corbyn will now have time to come to Wales after visit cancelled
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
Welsh leader Carwyn Jones has said there probably won’t be time now for Corbyn to join him on campaign trail before Election Day.Welsh leader Carwyn Jones has said there probably won’t be time now for Corbyn to join him on campaign trail before Election Day.
Welsh Labour had previously said they were attempting to reschedule the visit that was cancelled for fear of a media storm that might detract from their Welsh Assembly election campaigning.Welsh Labour had previously said they were attempting to reschedule the visit that was cancelled for fear of a media storm that might detract from their Welsh Assembly election campaigning.
Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones on election trail - but no Jeremy Corbyn. pic.twitter.com/TExFKSMt4i
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Welsh Labour members received this message this afternoon on Corbyn’s visit cancellation, signed by Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Carwyn Jones, denying he had prevented Corbyn’s visit.Welsh Labour members received this message this afternoon on Corbyn’s visit cancellation, signed by Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Carwyn Jones, denying he had prevented Corbyn’s visit.
You may have seen some reports today about Jeremy Corbyn’s planned visit to Wales being cancelled. Whilst that is the case, it is not right to say there is a ‘bar’ on Jeremy coming to Wales. His office have said as much this morning.You may have seen some reports today about Jeremy Corbyn’s planned visit to Wales being cancelled. Whilst that is the case, it is not right to say there is a ‘bar’ on Jeremy coming to Wales. His office have said as much this morning.
There are incredibly serious issues for Jeremy to deal with in Westminster, and it is right and in the interests of the UK Party that he stays there today and sorts this out. I give him my support in getting to grips with that today and commend him on the action he took yesterday.There are incredibly serious issues for Jeremy to deal with in Westminster, and it is right and in the interests of the UK Party that he stays there today and sorts this out. I give him my support in getting to grips with that today and commend him on the action he took yesterday.
In Wales, our campaign for a Welsh Labour Government delivering on jobs, the NHS and good schools standards continues. Those are the things Jeremy spoke about when he came to our conference in February.In Wales, our campaign for a Welsh Labour Government delivering on jobs, the NHS and good schools standards continues. Those are the things Jeremy spoke about when he came to our conference in February.
Let me say one thing on yesterday’s news. I called for Ken Livingstone to be expelled from Labour, because the views he expressed were not only offensive, but they give license to intolerance in our schools and our communities.Let me say one thing on yesterday’s news. I called for Ken Livingstone to be expelled from Labour, because the views he expressed were not only offensive, but they give license to intolerance in our schools and our communities.
My colleague Steve Morris is currently out following Jones on the campaign trail in Bridgend and will have a report from that imminently.My colleague Steve Morris is currently out following Jones on the campaign trail in Bridgend and will have a report from that imminently.
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Jeremy Corbyn is not feeling particularly talkative this morning.Jeremy Corbyn is not feeling particularly talkative this morning.
Jeremy Corbyn has no comment when asked what he intends to do about accusations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party https://t.co/guqNXzPTptJeremy Corbyn has no comment when asked what he intends to do about accusations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party https://t.co/guqNXzPTpt
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The Guardian’s political editor Anushka Asthana was on the campaign trail with Jeremy Corbyn in Grimsby and Hull as the chaos unfolded yesterday afternoon. Here’s the video of the day, which started with fans clamouring for selfies and ends as Corbyn suspends Livingstone saying he will not tolerate anti-Semitism.The Guardian’s political editor Anushka Asthana was on the campaign trail with Jeremy Corbyn in Grimsby and Hull as the chaos unfolded yesterday afternoon. Here’s the video of the day, which started with fans clamouring for selfies and ends as Corbyn suspends Livingstone saying he will not tolerate anti-Semitism.
“It’s not a happy day,” he says. “He made remarks that were unacceptable and a lot of people complained about it.“It’s not a happy day,” he says. “He made remarks that were unacceptable and a lot of people complained about it.
“Obviously [I’m upset] because I’ve had to suspend people from the party, it’s not my wish to do that but I think if people are making remarks that are unacceptable I have to do it.”“Obviously [I’m upset] because I’ve had to suspend people from the party, it’s not my wish to do that but I think if people are making remarks that are unacceptable I have to do it.”
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Livngstone - I made Hitler link to Zionism 30 years agoLivngstone - I made Hitler link to Zionism 30 years ago
Ken Livingstone has told Sky News he would tell the Labour inquiry that he has been making the connection between Adolf Hitler and Zionism for 30 years, since he first read a book on the link.Ken Livingstone has told Sky News he would tell the Labour inquiry that he has been making the connection between Adolf Hitler and Zionism for 30 years, since he first read a book on the link.
Livingstone, who earlier said he would not make any comment until tomorrow but has since spoken to both the Evening Standard and now Sky News, repeated his claim that it was accurate to say Hitler had been a Zionist.Livingstone, who earlier said he would not make any comment until tomorrow but has since spoken to both the Evening Standard and now Sky News, repeated his claim that it was accurate to say Hitler had been a Zionist.
He told Sky News’ political correspondent Tamara Cohen, in an interview that has not been broadcast, that most MPs were not aware of the history because “they don’t teach it in Israeli schools”.He told Sky News’ political correspondent Tamara Cohen, in an interview that has not been broadcast, that most MPs were not aware of the history because “they don’t teach it in Israeli schools”.
EXC Interview with Ken Livingstone online soon: says party inquiry has to let him back in bcos he first made his Hitler claims 30 years agoEXC Interview with Ken Livingstone online soon: says party inquiry has to let him back in bcos he first made his Hitler claims 30 years ago
EXC Livingstone: 'I suspect most pro-Israel MPs have no idea about the history. They don't teach 1930s Zionist policy in Israeli schools'EXC Livingstone: 'I suspect most pro-Israel MPs have no idea about the history. They don't teach 1930s Zionist policy in Israeli schools'
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Ben QuinnBen Quinn
LBC has said that Ken Livingstone is not due to be presenting his usual slot on Saturday, telling the Guardian that is down to Ofcom broadcasting rules in place for the duration of the European referendum.LBC has said that Ken Livingstone is not due to be presenting his usual slot on Saturday, telling the Guardian that is down to Ofcom broadcasting rules in place for the duration of the European referendum.
Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the Channel 4 News presenter, has questioned whether Ken Livingstone should continued to be paid to act as a presenter by national talk radio station LBC following the comments which have led to his suspension by the Labour Party.Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the Channel 4 News presenter, has questioned whether Ken Livingstone should continued to be paid to act as a presenter by national talk radio station LBC following the comments which have led to his suspension by the Labour Party.
Guru-Murthy’s challenge to LBC came as the former London mayor said he would limit his comments on the furore surrounding his interventions in Labour’s antisemitism row, telling reporters outside his London home today that they would have to “tune in” to him on the radio station on Saturday.Guru-Murthy’s challenge to LBC came as the former London mayor said he would limit his comments on the furore surrounding his interventions in Labour’s antisemitism row, telling reporters outside his London home today that they would have to “tune in” to him on the radio station on Saturday.
Livingstone says no more on Hitler until his radio show. Is LBC entirely comfortable paying him as a presenter after what he said yesterday?Livingstone says no more on Hitler until his radio show. Is LBC entirely comfortable paying him as a presenter after what he said yesterday?
However, on Saturday, the presenting place on the show is being filled instead by Michael Crick, a Channel 4 News journalist who happens to have been among the members of the press closely questioning Livingstone after he was surrounded by reporters on Thursday.However, on Saturday, the presenting place on the show is being filled instead by Michael Crick, a Channel 4 News journalist who happens to have been among the members of the press closely questioning Livingstone after he was surrounded by reporters on Thursday.
Crick will present alongside David Mellor, the former Tory MP and minister, although it remains a possibility that Livingstone would appear on the show as a guest.Crick will present alongside David Mellor, the former Tory MP and minister, although it remains a possibility that Livingstone would appear on the show as a guest.
Guru-Murthy agreed that it was a “good point” when others on Twitter pointed out to him that LBC had given a show to the controversial newspaper columnist Katie Hopkin.Guru-Murthy agreed that it was a “good point” when others on Twitter pointed out to him that LBC had given a show to the controversial newspaper columnist Katie Hopkin.
When Hopkins appeared as a guest presenter on the station a year ago she found herself under fire from listeners over a Sun column in which she compared migrants to “cockroaches”.When Hopkins appeared as a guest presenter on the station a year ago she found herself under fire from listeners over a Sun column in which she compared migrants to “cockroaches”.
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This is the front page story of the Western Mail, which suggests Jeremy Corbyn has cancelled campaigning in Wales after advice from Labour Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, though there is some dispute as to whether Corbyn is merely rescheduling his visit rather than being told to stay away altogether.This is the front page story of the Western Mail, which suggests Jeremy Corbyn has cancelled campaigning in Wales after advice from Labour Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, though there is some dispute as to whether Corbyn is merely rescheduling his visit rather than being told to stay away altogether.
Friday's Western Mail front page:Carwyn bars Corbyn#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/JOUgUSz9zCFriday's Western Mail front page:Carwyn bars Corbyn#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/JOUgUSz9zC
Corbyn was due to visit Bridgend College in Pencoed, but the Western Mail report that Jones’ team did not want the distraction of recent days’ events to overshadow Welsh Labour campaigning in the Welsh Assembly elections.Corbyn was due to visit Bridgend College in Pencoed, but the Western Mail report that Jones’ team did not want the distraction of recent days’ events to overshadow Welsh Labour campaigning in the Welsh Assembly elections.
Jones called for Ken Livingstone to be expelled from the Labour Party yesterday, saying the former London mayor knew his comments would be damaging so close to the election.Jones called for Ken Livingstone to be expelled from the Labour Party yesterday, saying the former London mayor knew his comments would be damaging so close to the election.
He told BBC Wales: “He knew exactly what he was doing he knew how harmful it would be with an election coming next week in different parts of the UK - he has to pay the price.”He told BBC Wales: “He knew exactly what he was doing he knew how harmful it would be with an election coming next week in different parts of the UK - he has to pay the price.”
We’ll try and get more on exactly what’s happening with this.We’ll try and get more on exactly what’s happening with this.
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Labour MP Jess Phillips has written on the Guardian’s Comment is Free about why Labout must permanently expel Livingstone.Labour MP Jess Phillips has written on the Guardian’s Comment is Free about why Labout must permanently expel Livingstone.
Ken Livingstone appears incapable of contrition. That is why he must be thrown out of the Labour party. He is so certain he is right about everything, he won’t come close to change. He has got away with it again and again, bolstering his confidence each time.Ken Livingstone appears incapable of contrition. That is why he must be thrown out of the Labour party. He is so certain he is right about everything, he won’t come close to change. He has got away with it again and again, bolstering his confidence each time.
He has a well-worn flak jacket leading him to be a repeat offender, leaving almost no one unharmed by his shrapnel. Jewish people, decent members of the Labour party, the mentally ill, mild-mannered people from south London all bear the wounds.He has a well-worn flak jacket leading him to be a repeat offender, leaving almost no one unharmed by his shrapnel. Jewish people, decent members of the Labour party, the mentally ill, mild-mannered people from south London all bear the wounds.
If and when he has made apologies, they are often delivered too late and are mealy-mouthed, and the worst of all apologies is the one that takes no responsibility for their actions.If and when he has made apologies, they are often delivered too late and are mealy-mouthed, and the worst of all apologies is the one that takes no responsibility for their actions.
Here’s the full piece:Here’s the full piece:
Related: Ken Livingstone must be thrown out of Labour. He’s had his last second chance | Jess PhillipsRelated: Ken Livingstone must be thrown out of Labour. He’s had his last second chance | Jess Phillips
11.51am BST11.51am BST
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Livingstone - Everything I said is trueLivingstone - Everything I said is true
The Evening Standard’s Joe Murphy has spoken briefly to Ken Livingstone this morning, who says he will stand by his comments.The Evening Standard’s Joe Murphy has spoken briefly to Ken Livingstone this morning, who says he will stand by his comments.
Everything I said yesterday was true and I will be presenting the academic book about that to the Labour Party inquiry.Everything I said yesterday was true and I will be presenting the academic book about that to the Labour Party inquiry.
ES reports that the book Livingstone may be referring is writings by the American Marxist historian Lenni Brenner, who wrote the 2002 book 51 Documents: Zionist Collaboration with the Nazis.ES reports that the book Livingstone may be referring is writings by the American Marxist historian Lenni Brenner, who wrote the 2002 book 51 Documents: Zionist Collaboration with the Nazis.
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While Farage has been speaking, Ken Livingstone is still insisting that he will not speak until his LBC show, telling reporters to phone in to the show if they want to ask him questions. There are some reports now however, that Livingstone is not due to present the show tomorrow because of Ofcom rules about partisanship close to elections. We’re trying to get confirmation.While Farage has been speaking, Ken Livingstone is still insisting that he will not speak until his LBC show, telling reporters to phone in to the show if they want to ask him questions. There are some reports now however, that Livingstone is not due to present the show tomorrow because of Ofcom rules about partisanship close to elections. We’re trying to get confirmation.
Ken Livingstone takes Coco for a walk. No comment on his suspension, but said he'd be tending to his newts today pic.twitter.com/yKvNTf8cqsKen Livingstone takes Coco for a walk. No comment on his suspension, but said he'd be tending to his newts today pic.twitter.com/yKvNTf8cqs
Asked how he would be spending his day, Livingstone said:Asked how he would be spending his day, Livingstone said:
Taking Coco for a walk, then I’m coming back to do the washing, then I’m moving the newts and pond weed from my old to my new pond.Taking Coco for a walk, then I’m coming back to do the washing, then I’m moving the newts and pond weed from my old to my new pond.
I need to move the newts and the old pond is past its sell-by date.I need to move the newts and the old pond is past its sell-by date.
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Though the speech was focussed on Europe and security, as well as deep dig at the strategy of his rivals, Farage didn’t miss the opportunity to take aim at Labour’s problems.Though the speech was focussed on Europe and security, as well as deep dig at the strategy of his rivals, Farage didn’t miss the opportunity to take aim at Labour’s problems.
"No longer are we the party accused of harbouring extremists," Farage says with a wry smile. pic.twitter.com/nUJfoJFYxz"No longer are we the party accused of harbouring extremists," Farage says with a wry smile. pic.twitter.com/nUJfoJFYxz
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Farage says that German chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to let in refugees last summer was “one of the worst decisions by a western leader since 1945”Farage says that German chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to let in refugees last summer was “one of the worst decisions by a western leader since 1945”
He says the UK could risk being in a “Turkish-dominated Europe” because of ongoing negotiations with the country regarding potential accession.He says the UK could risk being in a “Turkish-dominated Europe” because of ongoing negotiations with the country regarding potential accession.
Farage has finished speaking now.Farage has finished speaking now.
'@Nigel_Farage "We have to make people understand that this is about taking back control of our borders, our laws and our country"'@Nigel_Farage "We have to make people understand that this is about taking back control of our borders, our laws and our country"
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Ukip will keep speaking out, even if they are not part of the Vote Leave campaign, he says.Ukip will keep speaking out, even if they are not part of the Vote Leave campaign, he says.
For background, Vote Leave won the electoral commission designation to be the lead campaign, which comes with significant extra spending limits and rights, over the Leave.EU-backed group Grassroots Out, supported by Farage and most of Ukip.For background, Vote Leave won the electoral commission designation to be the lead campaign, which comes with significant extra spending limits and rights, over the Leave.EU-backed group Grassroots Out, supported by Farage and most of Ukip.
Farage says some on the Leave campaign are not making the immigration case for Brexit because many of them come from “rich and privileged backgrounds who rarely ever dare stray outside the M25”.Farage says some on the Leave campaign are not making the immigration case for Brexit because many of them come from “rich and privileged backgrounds who rarely ever dare stray outside the M25”.
This is a strange charge for Farage to level, as Huffington Post’s Owen Bennett points out.This is a strange charge for Farage to level, as Huffington Post’s Owen Bennett points out.
Privately educated former city trader @Nigel_Farage attacking ppl from 'privileged and wealthy backgrounds'. Well I suppose he knows them.Privately educated former city trader @Nigel_Farage attacking ppl from 'privileged and wealthy backgrounds'. Well I suppose he knows them.
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Vote Leave rejecting my help - FarageVote Leave rejecting my help - Farage
The Leave campaign has to “get into the other half of the pitch”, Farage says. Migration is the key argument to make he says, and the security and terror threat.The Leave campaign has to “get into the other half of the pitch”, Farage says. Migration is the key argument to make he says, and the security and terror threat.
Vote Leave, the official designated campaign, are not making that case, he says.Vote Leave, the official designated campaign, are not making that case, he says.
They don’t appear to have the credible voices to make those arguments. IThey don’t appear to have the credible voices to make those arguments. I
If you’ve been part of the cabinet that has seen net migration running at record levels, you’re not best placed to make those arguments.If you’ve been part of the cabinet that has seen net migration running at record levels, you’re not best placed to make those arguments.
I tried hard over the course of the weekends to say, we must let bygones be bygones, we want Ukip to work with you.I tried hard over the course of the weekends to say, we must let bygones be bygones, we want Ukip to work with you.
I’m sorry to say that every time I try to work with them I am rebuffed and rejected.I’m sorry to say that every time I try to work with them I am rebuffed and rejected.