The Labour MP has told BBC Radio 5 Live that
is a “disgrace” and that
“he needs to go”.
Speaking to Emma Barnett, she added that it’s a “huge test” for
, and “Jeremy needs to deal
with this to prove that he actually sees that anti-Semitism is a
problem in the ”.
Giving her reaction to ’s comments, Ms Smeeth, who
is vice-chair of the Parliamentary , said:
“The man’s a disgrace. Those views are incompatible with
the aims and values of the . He has no place in my
party. He should leave.”
She continued:
“I really hope that we’ll see the whip removed today. I
think that that is the least that they can do to start salvaging
the reputation of the on this issue. He is
now becoming notorious for Jew-baiting, for saying things which
are completely and utterly outrageous. For aligning himself
with people who are incredibly offensive.”
She added:
“This man consistently puts himself on the side of people who
have abhorrent views and who have no place in the . He needs to go.”
When asked by Emma Barnett whether this would mean she’ll leave
the herself, Ms Smeeth responded:
“I am not leaving the . It’s too important a
fight to have inside the . I understand why
Luciana left. But I cannot walk away and let a hardcore
group – a small but hardcore group – of racists dominate the
party. So I will stay and fight my corner. And it is
a battle I am not prepared to lose.
“I am vice chair of the Parliamentary . So I do have a
platform within the party. I will continue to use my voice
very loudly. I can’t believe that in light of everything
that has happened in the in the last three years – but
definitely in the last fortnight – that ’s position will remain
within the . So we’ll see what
happens today.”
On ’s relationship with the
leader, she said:
“He’s incredibly close to . He’s an outlier for
. Jeremy needs to
deal with this to prove that he actually sees that anti-Semitism
is a problem in the . It’s a huge test.”
The interview with was conducted at 11.20am,
before subsequently apologised.
