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Jeremy Corbyn clarifies Balfour Declaration remark after hustings confusion

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Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn has ended confusion over remarks he made during a hustings event with the Jewish community.

He appeared alongside fellow MPs Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall at the JW3 community centre in north-west London on Monday at an event organised by Labour Friends of Israel, the Jewish Labour Movement and the JC.

During a section discussing the 2017 centenary of the Balfour Declaration the candidates were asked how they would mark the occasion.

Mr Corbyn, a leading critic of Israel , said: “It should be marked by a serious study of the history of the whole region.

“The Balfour Declaration was an extremely confused document which did not enjoy universal support in the cabinet of the time, and indeed was opposed by some of the Jewish members of the cabinet because of its confusion.”

His comment was met with audible gasps from the packed audience , but also sparked confusion of its own.

Some sections of the crowd believed he had said the declaration was “imposed” by Jews, while others heard “opposed”.

A spokesman for the MP’s campaign confirmed on Tuesday afternoon: "Jeremy definitely meant opposed, not imposed".

“As the rest of his comments in that section make clear, Jeremy refers to Lord Montagu's opposition to the declaration which, in context with the rest of his answer at the time, is clearly understood.

“He may not have said this clearly as he had a cold but this is what he was saying and intending to say.”

What do you think he said? Watch the recording of the hustings here and look out for 38 minutes in when Corbyn answers the question on the Belfour Declaration.

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