Former Labour MP Chris Williamson has claimed he has been named in the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report into antisemitism.

Mr Williamson, who stood as an independent in the last election and lost the seat and his deposit, launched an appeal for donations after saying he had learned he was cited in a draft version of the report sent to Labour.

In a video appeal placed online on Wednesday, the former MP – who was accused of “Jew-baiting” ahead of his suspension from Labour – said he wanted to take legal action and accused the equalities watchdog of being “determined to smear our movement”.

Mr Williamson claimed the appeal would also support activists with legal costs “who’ve been smeared by the Israel lobby”.

The release of the draft EHRC report into Labour’s handling of antisemitism has been shrouded in secrecy, with only a small number of party figures – including Sir Keir Starmer and General Secretary David Evans - able to read it.

It is understood that the EHRC has sent its report out to individuals named within the report. But they will not comment on who these individuals may be. Those named are believed to have been given a period of at least 28 days in which to respond to allegations made against them.

The JC has approached the EHRC for comment.