Sir Keir Starmer has responded to criticism that his efforts to tackle antisemitism are compromised by his previous support former leader Jeremy Corbyn at a time when “the Jewish community were crying out for help”.

Reacting to the claim from a caller to radio presenter Nick Ferrari’s LBC show, Sir Keir said: “Give me the space to show what I will  do and I will kick antisemites out of the Labour Party.’’

Appearing on Monday morning’s show, the Labour leader was accused of “standing alongside Jeremy Corbyn while other MPs left the party they were so disgusted by the antisemitism”.

The caller, who was identified as David, added that “saying the right things now, that’s not principled… that’s empty words”.

In response, Sir Keir reiterated his invitations to communal groups and to the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to discuss tackling the anti-Jewish racism issue.

He said: “Those leaders have at least given me enough trust to do what I have go to do. So David I am well aware of the nature and the scale of the task”.

Sir Keir then confirmed: “We have already made changes to our disciplinary processes. There are people being suspended and expelled from the Labour Party.”

He also said the Jewish Labour Movement had “agreed to do training with us and keep dialogue open”.

The Labour leader then added: “All I ask is that they, and you, give me the space to show what I will do.”

Sir Keir also said he did not have any concerns over the independence of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission – in contrast to comments made by Mr Corbyn last week.

He said: “I campaigned to have that commission set up” – a reference to the investigation into the handling of antisemitism within Labour under the previous leader.