Chris Williamson has been allowed back into the Labour Party following an investigation into anti-Semitism.
The Derby North MP was suspended from the party in February after a video emerged of him telling activists that Labour had been “too apologetic” over anti-Semitism and had “given too much ground” to accusations of racism.
However, Williamson’s suspension was lifted on Wednesday by a panel of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) – a decision that has angered Jewish Labour activists.
Williamson was instead handed a formal warning – a sanction that will be taken into account if he breaches party rules.
“An NEC panel, advised by an independent barrister, found Chris Williamson had breached the Party’s rules and gave him a formal sanction,” a Labour Party source said.
“He could face further, more severe, action if he repeats any similar comments or behaviour.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the party said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously, which are investigated in line with our rules and procedures. We can’t comment on individual cases.”
But the move has sparked anger among the Jewish Labour Movement, who suggested it was a politically-motivated decision.
Mike Katz, the national chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, said: “How dare the Labour Party deny it is institutionally racist against Jews when it decides to take no action against Chris Williamson?
“It seems the decision to let him off is because he represents a marginal seat and there might be a snap election. It’s good to know that a Party of anti-racists, led by an avowed anti-racist decides its OK to ignore anti-Jewish racism if there’s a vote to be won.
“This decision stinks and shows the moral turpitude the Party finds itself in.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews vice president Amanda Bowman called the decision “an utter disgrace”.
“Despite years of baiting the Jewish community – calling anti-Semitism allegations ‘proxy wars and bullshit’, actively supporting people suspended and expelled from the party for anti-Semitism, attacking the Board of Deputies on the day of the Pittsburgh attack, and saying that Labour has been ‘too apologetic’ over anti-Semitism – Chris Williamson has reportedly been readmitted to the Labour Party.
“This is yet more damning evidence for the EHRC’s inquiry into anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.”
Meanwhile, Jewish Labour MP Margaret Hodge tweeted: “Ignoring Chris Williamson’s vile track record of antisemitism just for a vote is disgusting!
“He should have been kicked out of the party for good months ago.”
Labour backbencher Stella Creasy added: “The decision to let Chris Williamson back into the party in time for him to stand again as a Labour candidate is [the] best example yet of why we need an independent process for anti-Semitism and sexual harassment and not mates rates… #EnoughIsEnough”.
