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Corbyn questions impartiality of the EHRC ahead of publication of Labour antisemitism inquiry

In an interview with Middle East Eye, the former party leader claims the EHRC is ‘part of the government machine’

June 1, 2020 15:24
Jeremy-Corbyn-outside-his-Islington-home-on-December-13-2019-the-day-after-his-party-s-historic-defeat.jpg
2 min read

Jeremy Corbyn has questioned the impartiality of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), claiming that under-funding by the Conservatives and a “loss of its independence” have left the watchdog “part of the government machine”.

In a new interview, the former Labour leader also claimed attacks over his failure on antisemitism were “wrong and unfair”, and suggested that former Tory Prime Minister Winston Churchill  was guilty of anti-Jewish racism “all through his life”.

Speaking to the Middle East Eye website, the Islington North MP was asked about the EHRC, which is due to publish its report into Labour’s handling of antisemitism in a matter of weeks.

He said: “I think it's quite significant that the Conservative government has underfunded the Equality and Human Rights Commission… and for some reason, which I don't fully understand… decided to take away its independent status and make it part of the government machine.’’