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Emma Barnett abused on social media

Broadcaster targeted after Labour leader fails to remember cost of key policy

May 30, 2017 15:15
Emma Barnett with Mr Corbyn. Her questions sparked abuse online
1 min read

Emma Barnett, the broadcaster and JC columnist, was subjected to antisemitic abuse from Jeremy Corbyn's supporters following an interview she conducted with the Labour leader on Radio 4's Woman's Hour.

Questioned about the party's position on childcare, Mr Corbyn struggled to remember the cost of  Labour's policy.

Following the broadcast, on Tuesday, Ms Barnett was branded a '"Zionist shill" on Twitter and accused of writing "Zionist drivel" . 

False allegations about her family were also circulated on social media and other posts accused her of "bias" and being a Conservative.

Mr Corbyn was asked about the "antisemitic abuse directed at Emma Barnett" as he launched his party's Race and Faith manifesto in Watford on Tuesday afternoon.

He responsed that it was "totally and absolutely unacceptable."

Earlier Ms Barnett had told Mr Corbyn "it is quite troubling" he was launching a child care policy without knowing the cost.

But she later tweeted: "So abuse from Jeremy Corbyn supporters begins. He didn't know his figures plain and simple."

The Labour leader later apologised for his failure to have a grasp of the childcare figures.

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