In the article, the Countdown presenter backed Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of Labour’s antisemitism crisis
November 2, 2021 10:06Far left activists are calling for a boycott of the Big Issue after the magazine published an interview with television presenter and anti-racism activist Rachel Riley.
Former Momentum vice-chair Jackie Walker said on Twitter, “This is why you shouldn’t buy big issue again [sic]” as she shared the article.
“You’ve either not done proper research on Rachel Riley’s activities or you have. Either way I won’t be buying any more,” she added.
Writer Simon Maginn said he was “very disappointed” in the publication, stating that he would be boycotting “until you offer a right of reply. There are many other ways of helping the homeless. I won't support or defend hate, and neither should you.”
Twitter user Matt Thomas described the publication of Ms Riley’s interview as the Big Issue’s “darkest day,” claiming the move meant the outlet had become an “enemy to the homeless”.
Another account added: “If #RachelRiley cared one jot about homelessness she wouldn’t have spent 5 years smearing the only Party that had a credible plan to do something about it.”
In the piece, Ms Riley backed Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of Labour antisemitism and spoke of her own experience of online abuse.
Sir Keir “took over from someone who gave the worst result in 80 years for Labour,” she told the Big Issue.
“In terms of antisemitism he’s definitely tackling it. They’re doing what they’re legally obliged to.
“I know that he’s got some great people around him that are actually dedicated for the right reasons of wanting to get rid of the problem.”
The Jewish maths whiz also said she had to change the way she used social media after suffering abuse.
“If someone was ringing up your house phone and saying these things you would block that number. If someone came up to you in the street, you wouldn’t accept it,” Ms Riley said.
“So there’s no reason why you should have to on social media either.
“I had to change the way I use social media and unfortunately it’s meant I don’t see as many of the maths problems as I used to because my settings are different.
“That’s the downside. But I have to take responsibility for my own welfare.”