A Welsh Labour AM has been readmitted to the Party’s Assembly group
after being suspended for making “extremely offensive” comments
about Jewish people and the security concerns of a synagogue in her
own constituency.
Cardiff Central AM , who supported eventual
winner in the contest to become the
next Welsh Labour leader, had said in 2017:
“The fact that the Jewish synagogue in Cyncoed is, is become one
of these, you know, fortress is really uncomfortable. How much of
it is for real and how much of it is in their own heads is really
hard for an outsider to judge, but I think siege mentalities are
also part of it.”
Ms Rathbone was reinstated into the Welsh Labour Assembly Group
following Mr Drakeford’s victory.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Faith Minister
AM, said:
“This decision raises so many questions about the ’s attitude towards the Jewish
citizens of our country.
“Ms Rathbone was suspended from the Group so her comments and the
extent of her prejudices could be investigated thoroughly and
diligently. This has not happened, yet she’s been welcomed back
with open arms.
“This only goes to demonstrate that Labour do not care about the
Jewish community, the hate aimed at them, and their security
concerns.
“Is it a coincidence that Ms Rathbone supported for the leadership and once
he won the competition, she’s back in?
“When her troubling comments came to light, people wanted a fair
investigation to ensure due process. But it seems Labour aren’t
interested. This will be a huge stain on the new First Minister’s
record.”
