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Rachel Riley says Jeremy Corbyn is 'condoning' antisemitism in Labour
Countdown presenter says Labour leader is 'fostering an environment hostile to Jews'
April 3, 2019 16:10
Countdown presenter says Labour leader is 'fostering an environment hostile to Jews'
April 3, 2019 16:10Countdown presenter Rachel Riley has accused Jeremy Corbyn of "condoning" Labour antisemitism, saying his failure to act is "fostering an environment hostile to Jews".
Ms Riley, who became a target of trolls after she condemned Jew-hate in the party, said the Labour leader was "allowing this to happen" and his "top people appear to be adding to the idea that it's a smear".
In an interview with Alistair Campbell for GC published on Wednesday, she said it was "pointless" to argue whether Mr Corbyn was personally antisemitic.
She said: "I think it's a pointless argument. "I couldn't give a monkey's if he is antisemitic or not himself, because the environment he seemingly supports and is encouraging, the stuff that people are claiming to do in his name, is vile.
"So, for me, whether he says he's an antisemite or not, he's allowing this to happen. He's condoning it, in my view. His top people appear to be adding to the idea that it's a smear.
"So, he is helping it grow. I couldn't care less that he has friends who are Jewish, or he doesn't think he's an antisemite.
"It means nothing to me, as he, deliberately or not, is fostering an environment that's just really hostile to Jews. So, for me, whether he says he's an antisemite or not, he's allowing this to happen.
"He's condoning it, in my view... His top people adding to the idea that it's a smear.
"So, he is helping it grow. I couldn't care less that he has friends who are Jewish, or he doesn't think he's an antisemite.
"It means nothing to me, as he is fostering an environment that's just really hostile to Jews."
She said she had had messages of support from Labour members "trying to fight this" but "from the hierarchy I've either had nothing or I've seen them follow people who are spreading viscious lies about me and others trying to stop antisemitism and that's all they're doing".
When asked how she would vote now, she said: "If there was an election tomorrow, I'd vote Conservative. In a heartbeat.
"Because I'd vote anyone that would stop them getting in power. I mean, the Greens are no better."
After the interview was published on Wednesday, Ms Riley tweeted it had been recorded two months earlier, before The Independent Group was formed by MPs quitting Labour and the Tories.
She tweeted to say she "realled hoped they are the change we need".
And for the record, the @BritishGQ interview was filmed a couple of months ago. Thankfully we have another option now in politics, whom I’ve already voiced my support for @TheIndGroup I really hope they are the change we need ❤️ https://t.co/pIPWLbSXEa
— Rachel Riley (@RachelRileyRR) April 3, 2019
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