EXCLUSIVE

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said he accepts “my responsibility to give a strong and continuing personal lead” in the fight against antisemitism. In his reply to the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council, obtained tonight by the JC, he says he is happy to meet “without any preconditions…I place no limitations on the points you would wish to raise and am happy for the agenda to cover the issues you’ve already outlined.”

He also says he “recognize[s] the full legitimacy of raising concerns about antisemitism whether that is done by MPs or ordinary party members. I remain resolutely opposed to the abuse of MPs or anyone else.”

In the letter, Mr Corbyn says "I appreciate and understand the anger you express and reiterate my determination to fight antisemitism within the Labour Party and society at large...I recommit to doing all I can to address the anguish and distress caused to many people in the Jewish community."

He said he "would welcome an early meeting with your organisations to discuss the issues that you have raised. I am a strong believer that engaging in meaningful dialogue is crucial to finding effective solutions and resolving disputes and I am clear that such a meeting would be just the start of a fruitful ongoing exchange on eradicating antisemitic behaviour and discourse within the Labour Party." 

Mr Corbyn writes that "my door will remain open to all Jewish organisations to discuss how to deepen our cooperation in the fight against antisemitsm."

A source close to the communal leadership said it would be “churlish” not to accept Mr Corbyn’s response and that a meeting will take place.

The full text follows...