Leeds MP's 'deep regret' over damaged relationship with Jewish community who accused him of 'failing' the represent them in anti-Semitism row

A Yorkshire Labour MP who represents a constituency with one of the largest Jewish communities in the country has said he hopes those “hurt by the disgraceful events of the last four years feel they are able to work with me once again”.
Leeds North East Labour MP Fabian Hamilton. Photo: JPI MediaLeeds North East Labour MP Fabian Hamilton. Photo: JPI Media
Leeds North East Labour MP Fabian Hamilton. Photo: JPI Media

A Yorkshire Labour MP who represents a constituency with one of the largest Jewish communities in the country has said he hopes those “hurt by the disgraceful events of the last four years feel they are able to work with me once again”.

A report by a human rights watchdog into how Labour dealt with allegations of anti-Semitism released last week found 23 instances of inappropriate involvement by the Leader of the Opposition’s Office (LOTO) and others in the 70 files the watchdog looked at.

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And it concluded the party was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination.

Former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has now been suspended from the party, and ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone were among those singled out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) over the way allegations against them were handled.

Mr Corbyn had the Labour whip withdrawn from him by current party leader Sir Keir Starmer due to his response to the findings of the report.

Sir Keir said: “We have failed Jewish people. Our members. Our supporters. And the British public.

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“And so: on behalf of the Labour Party: I am truly sorry for all the pain and grief that has been caused.”

And now Fabian Hamilton, who is Jewish himself but has, has spoken about the “shameful moment in the history of our party”.

Mr Hamilton, MP for Leeds North East where the majority of Leeds’ 8,000-strong Jewish community live, had previously been accused by local community groups of “failing” to represent them.

When he faced challenges from constituents after he initially did not publicly condemn Labour’s refusal to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, instead opting for its own code of conduct which was criticised for not being comprehensive enough, Mr Hamilton said the Parliamentary Labour Party needed to be a “little less hysterical and angry”.

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He did later publicly welcome to adoption of the IHRA definition by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee and speaking exclusively to The Yorkshire Post yesterday he said: “Whilst I did raise the pain and anger felt across the Jewish community in Leeds privately with Jeremy Corbyn and his team throughout his leadership, it’s clear that my testimonies were not acted upon. It was the wrong approach and I am truly sorry.

“I deeply regret damaging my personal relationship with the Leeds Jewish community - many of whom I have worked closely with over the last 23 years as Labour MP for Leeds North East - and many of whom remain as good friends.”

During the General Election campaign in December last year, Jewish voters in Leeds walked out of hustings where Mr Hamilton was present as they were dissatisfied with his answers to their questions over anti-Semitism.

Mr Hamilton said yesterday: “Given my own background, and being a Labour MP with one of the largest Jewish communities in the country, makes the report’s findings that Labour’s complaints process was ‘at odds with the Labour Party’s commitment to zero-tolerance of anti-Semitism’ particularly distressing. Victims of anti-Semitism should always be heard and all complaints should clearly be investigated fully and independently.

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“To read that political interference was so prevalent in complaints about anti-Semitism was shocking.

“I believe this report, and the immediate action taken by Keir Starmer to implement its recommendations in full, is a step in the right direction. I sincerely hope those in the Jewish community who have been so hurt by the disgraceful events of the last four years feel they are able to work with me once again and I will do all I can to rebuild a fruitful relationship while I continue to do my utmost to serve all the people of North East Leeds."

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