Fabian Hamilton, the Labour MP for Leeds North East, has said he took the “wrong” approach over antisemitism in the party and that he regrets damaging relations with the local Jewish community. 

Mr Hamilton, who is one of the longest serving Jewish MPs, caused anger two years ago when he suggested “we all need to be a little less angry and hysterical”, after being challenged for not speaking out over the party’s then refusal to adopt the International Holocaust Alliance Remembrance definition of antisemitism. 

But in an interview with the Yorkshire Post yesterday,  he said that while he had privately told then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn of the pain and anger felt with in the Jewish community throughout his leadership, “it’s clear that my testimonies were not acted upon. It was the wrong approach and I am truly sorry.” 

He called Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to implement the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Report into Labour’s handling of antisemitism “a step in the right direction” and said it had been “shocking” to read of political interference in antisemitism complaints. 

Mr Hamilton told the paper, “I deeply regret damaging my personal relationship with the Leeds Jewish community - many of whom I have worked closely with over the last 23 years as Labour MP for Leeds North East - and many of whom remain as good friends.” 

He hoped “those in the Jewish community who have been so hurt by the disgraceful events of the last four years feel they are able to work with me once again and I will do all I can to rebuild a fruitful relationship.”