The sanction fell short of removing the whip from Baroness Tonge because the Liberal Democrat leader did not believe her remarks were antisemitic. Mr Clegg has always said that Jenny Tonge would not be a member of the Liberal Democrat if he believed she was racist.
The comments were wrong, distasteful and provocative Nick Clegg
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon Mr Clegg said: “Following discussions with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, Lord McNally, I have decided that Jenny Tonge will stand down as Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson in the Lords following her unacceptable comments suggesting an inquiry into highly offensive allegations against the IDF humanitarian operation in Haiti.
"The comments were wrong, distasteful and provocative and I recognise the deep and understandable distress they have caused to the Jewish community.
"While I do not believe that Jenny Tonge is anti-semitic or racist, I regard her comments as wholly unacceptable.
"Jenny Tonge apologises unreservedly for the offence she has caused.”
Liberal Democrat candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn Ed Fordham said: "Nick Clegg has done the right thing. Jenny had gone beyond what was acceptable and Nick promised he would act - he has now taken incredibly severe action. Jenny's comments were damaging within the community and also to the wider debate about the Middle East."
