Reader's letter: Apologies for the distress in light of Labour's anti-Semitism

I am just one of hundreds of thousands of Labour Party members who were deeply ashamed and saddened by its conclusions. Winchester has significant historical Jewish roots and a vibrant Jewish community. To all Jewish friends, colleagues, members and on behalf of many people, I apologise for the distress, torment, harassment, intimidation and religious intolerance that you may have experienced in recent years. Jewish Labour MPs were hounded out of the party as part of a concerted and unchallenged strategy to target them knowing there would be no appropriate intervention.

I fully support the commitment and actions of the Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer that he set out as the party’s response to the report. He has unequivocally accepted all the recommendations. He will deliver an action plan by December. There will be structural and fundamental changes to ensure that anti-Semites and anti-Semitic behaviour have absolutely no place in the party. The EHRC report says clearly that there was a significant problem with anti-Semitism in the party and that it was not chosen to be dealt with effectively by the previous leader. By not dealing with this toxic and endemic culture, the party was seen to accept and condone it, precisely what Jewish Labour MPs had been saying for years.

Following the loss of several elections and a disastrous period in the history of the party, it has been gaining strength and vitality with the new leader, overwhelmingly voted for by over 95 per cent of members including Winchester. Membership is increasing and former members are re-joining in large numbers. It is a matter of concern that so far, there has not been the decency of an apology from Jeremy Corbyn to the Jewish community, to Labour members and hounded-out MPs. It is never too late for those responsible to show humility, contrition and accept responsibility.

Peter Rees,

Monarch Way,

Winchester