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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)
3.05pm BST
15:05
Jones: Ken lives in the London bubble, he wouldn't have considered elections
Steven Morris
The Welsh Labour leader, Carwyn Jones has rejected claims that he “banned” Jeremy Corbyn from joining him on the assembly election campaign trail.
The idea of a UK Labour leader not joining a campaign in one of the party’s traditional strongholds would have once been inconceivable.
Jones told the Guardian:
The decision [for the visit to be cancelled] was taken yesterday. There’s no question of me having banned him from Wales. I don’t have the power to do that, of course.
Yesterday we saw what happened with Ken Livingstone. We knew that if he came today the day would be entirely about Ken Livingstone and we’re here to spend a day talking about the Welsh election on Thursday.
On Livingstone’s comments and suspension, he said:
Enough’s enough. How many times is he going to do this? He knew exactly what he was doing yesterday. This is not somebody who is inexperienced. It was deliberate.
Asked if Livingstone would have even known an election was on. Jones said:
No – he lives in the London bubble, [he] wouldn’t have thought about the elections elsewhere.
Welsh Labour has mixed views over whether Corbyn is positive or negative for their campaign. Ahead of the campaign, Jones told the Guardian Welsh Labour would attempt to distance itself from the UK party and the infighting that has blighted Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership during its campaign.
On Friday he said Corbyn was playing better now.
On the doorstep it’s fair to say we get mixed views. Fewer people are raising him as an issue and the reaction is more mixed. Some months ago the reaction was more negative. Not now – it’s much more balanced.
2.57pm BST
14:57
Jamie Reed, the Labour MP for Copeland, has written an emotional blog for centrist Labour pressure group Progress.
The Labour party can, and at some point will, become a national movement again. Doing so will require the abandonment of both exceptionalism and the corruption of language.
Nowhere can these destructive practices be seen more clearly than through the events leading up to and following the suspension of Naz Shah MP from the Labour benches this week.
Having made appalling and unacceptable comments about Israel and the Jewish people, Naz apologized with a statement and also, uncommonly, in the House of Commons. The apology appeared to be both genuine and sincere. Prior to this a Party spokesperson was asked whether or not Naz was, in fact an anti-Semite. The spokesman responded ‘We’re not saying she’s anti-Semitic, we’re saying she’s made remarks that she doesn’t agree with.’
This explanation represents exceptionalism of the worst kind and a truly appalling corruption of language and logic.
As I did after our general election defeat, this week I again apologise to every man, woman and child in our nation who needs a Labour government. In a poisoned environment of debased meaning, I have no other words than these: I am truly sorry and my heart is breaking.
2.44pm BST
14:44
The leader of Labour’s sister party in Israel has said his party was on “red alert” over the number of incidents plaguing UK Labour.
Labor leader Isaac Herzog told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One that he did not believe the views “symbolise the majority of the British Labour Party.”
It’s a red alert that comes from within the body politic of the British Labour Party.
However, this collection of recent events in a short time span show it has to be treated and I would focus not only on the political side but also on educating, explaining the issues at stake before people say such horrific things.
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2.27pm BST2.27pm BST
14:2714:27
Conor Pope, senior reporter at Labour List, points out Livingstone is now in his third day of causing chaos for Labour.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.That puts us in a position where, logically, the only way his membership can be reinstated is if the Labour Party endorses his comments.
2.26pm BST2.26pm BST
14:2614:26
More here from Livingstone’s latest interview with Sky News.More here from Livingstone’s latest interview with Sky News.
How can the truth be an offence? If I had lied that would be offensive
On the history of Hitler and ZionismOn 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.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.Over here, they don’t teach it in schools either.
On the controversial work of American Marxist historian Lenni BrennerOn the controversial work of American Marxist historian Lenni Brenner
He came to Britain to publicise his book and we did a public meeting together.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.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.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 NazismOn 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.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.
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2.21pm BST2.21pm BST
14:2114:21
The New Statesman’s George Eaton has this from Labour MPs mulling whether a leadership challenge to Corbyn is now more probable.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/8a5elwmh1oLabour MPs on why a leadership challenge to Corbyn has become more likely https://t.co/21aB8mqeOq pic.twitter.com/8a5elwmh1o
1.49pm BST1.49pm BST
13:4913:49
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.
1.46pm BST1.46pm BST
13:4613:46
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/TExFKSMt4iWelsh first minister Carwyn Jones on election trail - but no Jeremy Corbyn. pic.twitter.com/TExFKSMt4i
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at 2.19pm BSTat 2.19pm BST
1.45pm BST1.45pm BST
13:4513:45
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.
1.22pm BST1.22pm BST
13:2213:22
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
1.22pm BST1.22pm BST
13:2213:22
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.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.27pm BSTat 1.27pm BST
1.11pm BST
13:11
Livngstone - 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.
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”.
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 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'
12.43pm BST
12:43
Ben 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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12.34pm BST
12:34
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/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.
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.”
We’ll try and get more on exactly what’s happening with this.
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11.58am BST
11:58
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.
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.
Here’s the full piece:
Related: Ken Livingstone must be thrown out of Labour. He’s had his last second chance | Jess Phillips
11.51am BST
11:51
Livingstone - 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.
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.
Updated
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11.38am BST
11:38
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/yKvNTf8cqs
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.
I need to move the newts and the old pond is past its sell-by date.
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11.10am BST
11:10
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
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11.07am BST
11:07
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.
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"
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at 11.34am BST
11.03am BST
11:03
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.
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.
Privately educated former city trader @Nigel_Farage attacking ppl from 'privileged and wealthy backgrounds'. Well I suppose he knows them.
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at 11.04am BST
11.00am BST
11:00
Vote 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.
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. 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.
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.