Become a Member
News

Trade union leaders accused of 'playing with fire' over antisemitism

As Labour conference opens, MP Dame Louise Ellman delivers a strong message at packed fringe meeting

September 23, 2018 16:53
MP Rosie Duffield addresses Jewish Labour Movement meeting at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on Sunday
4 min read

Dame Louise Ellman has accused trade union chiefs Len McCluskey and Mark Serwotka of "playing with fire" over their attempts to blame Labour's continued antisemitism crisis on the Jewish community and Israel.

In a blistering speech to Jewish Labour Movement supporters at a packed fringe rally on the first day of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Dame Louise singled out the two union leaders for particular criticism over recent controversial comments.

The Liverpool Riverside MP said: "Len McCluskey, the powerful general secretary of Unite who spoke about the Jewish community showing 'truculent hostility' - truculent hostility when we speak up against antisemtism being displayed against us, what's that from a major trade union leader?"

She then highlighted PCS chief Mark Serwotka's suggestion last week that Israel was behind the antisemitism row.

More from News

More from News