Jeremy Corbyn condemns 'unacceptable' Kaufman claims over 'Jewish money' influencing Tories on Israel

Labour whips have raised the issue with Gerald Kaufman

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn ( Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Jeremy Corbyn has criticised one of his MPs for making “unacceptable” claims that money from Jewish donors had influence the Conservatives’ policy on Israel.

Gerald Kaufman, who is himself Jewish, had said “Jewish money, Jewish donations to the Conservative Party” had led to a pro-Israel “bias” in the Conservatives.

Mr Corbyn, a longstanding critic of Israel, said Labour whips had been ordered to speak to Mr Kaufman about the comments.

“Last week’s reported comments by Sir Gerald Kaufman about the Jewish community, the Conservative party and Israel are completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable,” he said in a statement.

“Such remarks are damaging to community relations, and also do nothing to benefit the Palestinian cause. I have always implacably opposed all forms of racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and will continue to do so.

“At my request, the Chief Whip has met Sir Gerald and expressed my deep concern.”

After the news was announced, Simon Johnson, the chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, said:

“The fact that Mr Corbyn has distanced himself from Sir Gerald’s despicable comments is in itself a welcome intervention. We await a response from the Chief Whip as to whether any further disciplinary action will be taken and, of course, if Sir Gerald will apologise.”

The initial remarks made by Mr Kaufman led to groups including the Board of Deputies of British Jews writing to Labour’s whip’s office requesting disciplinary action.

The comments were made at a meeting in Parliament last Tuesday.

Mr Corbyn was criticised by the newspaper the Jewish Chronicle during the Labour leadership campaign for apparently associating with people with allegedly anti-Semitic views.

He was also heckled by a supporter of Israel during the Labour Party conference at a reception run by the Labour Friends of Israel.