, Labour’s Shadow Leader
in the Lords and a member of ’s Shadow Cabinet, has become
the most senior Labour figure so far to call on Peter Willsman to
consider his position on the NEC.
It follows Mr Willsman’s remarks about anti-semitism, which Mr
Willsman has since apologised for.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, said she didn’t think
his apology “goes far enough”, and “he ought to consider his
position”.
said:
“I think sometimes people say an apology isn’t always enough. And
certainly, Pete Willsman, who I’ve known for many years, should
not be allowed to make such awful and appalling comments. It’s
one thing saying you want evidence, that’s quite acceptable. But
I think the tone of which he spoke, and what he said in that,
isn’t acceptable.
“Now he’s made an apology. I think for most people, I don’t think
it goes far enough.”
When asked by presenter Chris Warburton whether his apology went
far enough for her, replied:
“No, it doesn’t, to be honest. I think sometimes things almost
can’t be unsaid. There are things that happen many years ago, and
people look back on their lives and think, actually that’s not
the person I am now, I wouldn’t say that now, I understand better
now.
“But this was very recent, and I think certainly it damages him
in standing for the NEC. But I think he ought to consider his
position.”
When asked what that meant, she said:
“There’s a proper procedure to go through, but I think
personally, for him, I would say to him, consider your position.
Reconsider the position.
“This isn’t just an ordinary party member. This is somebody on
the ruling body. Our National Executive Committee. That is
absolutely key, that we can’t have people making these comments
at meetings of our ruling body of the .”
In the same broadcast, also criticised for allegedly meeting Trump’s
former adviser, Steve Bannon. told BBC Radio 5 live that
“I personally wouldn’t touch him [Bannon] with a bargepole”.