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A Labour councillor in High Peak - who loved a Facebook post which referred to the seven Independent Group MPs as "Israelis" - says most of his family is Jewish, and says he's "anything but anti-semitic".pic.twitter.com/lIo1dBytzZ
Asked about the councillor, local Labour MP Ruth George wrote on Facebook that it was "possible" @TheIndGroup was receiving support from Israel, and said she wouldn't condemn those who suggested a link existed.pic.twitter.com/QpOHAasSE3
Ruth George's comment appears to have been removed from Facebook.
Ruth George has apologised on Facebook: "I unreservedly and wholeheartedly apologise for my comment. I had no intention of invoking a conspiracy theory and I am deeply sorry that my ill-thought out and poorly worded comment did this. I withdraw it completely."
A Labour party spokesperson says: "It's right that Ruth George has apologised for these offensive remarks. The Whips Office is reminding Ruth George of the conduct expected of her."
Unbelievable comment, just incredible, how stupid is this MP? But, of course, there’s no anti semitism in Labour, yeah right.....
It’s astonishing isn’t it. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her comment. @HighPeakTory revealed the comment earlier now picked up @Telegraph amongst others, I understand.
That is the maddest thing I ever heard. Are they all conspiracy nuts?
All public-school Corbynistas appear to be conspiracy loons and/or anti-Semites.
@JennieGenSec Hi Jennie, another case to add to your to do list. Looking forward to hearing that you've dealt with this swiftly.
I'm not defending anyone but I'm also not throwing out wild accusations either. Ruth George knows she was wrong as she's issued a retraction and an apology.
The important issue is whether the funding for the group is transparent. By making themselves a company they are hiding the source of funding.
They haven't made themselves a company; their contact address is the office of a private company set up by Gavin Shuker last month. If these people want to stand in an election as 'Independent Group' (or whatever name they end up with), they MUST register as a political party.
So let's look again. Luciana Berger is Chair of Jewish Labour. JL says explicitly on its website that its first object is support for Israel. That's one of the most racist states on the planet. What is a supporter of a racist state doing in an antiracist party?
Let's have another look. A _very_ large proportion of Jewish Labour staffers have worked in or are connected to the Israeli Embassy. They were caught red-handed working with Shai Masot. Why are these racists allowed in Labour at all? They are undermining civil democracy.
If a Labour MP is connected to Jewish Labour, a movement whose first object is support for Israel, it's perfectly reasonable, and not antisemitic, to wonder if she receives funds from Israel or its supporters. Ruth George has nothing to apologise for.
Why did she apologise then?
Good question. You'll have to ask her. I expect she was leant on.
Soon there'll be more people who've been accused of antisemitism than haven't been. The term is almost meaningless now, as everyone knows it's just used as a camouflage to hide Israeli crimes, or oppose anyone with socialist/anti-establishment views.
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