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Theresa May raises 'real concern' over Labour Party's attitude to antisemitism on walkabout

The Former PM visited Finchley and Golders Green to support Mike Freer, who is defending a 1,652 majority

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Former Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken of her "real concern" with the Labour's attitude to antisemitism during a visit to Finchley and Golders Green to support Mike Freer, who is seeking re-election.

She made the visit to the constituency where Mr Freer is defending a seat he won with a 1,652 majority over Labour but where he now faces a challenge from the Liberal Democrat candidate Luciana Berger, who quit Labour over antisemitic bullying.

Mrs May said: "One thing we can't risk is Jeremy Corbyn getting into Downing Street.

"I think there are many good reasons why he should not be in Downing Street, not only because he will destroy the economy, but he has presided over a Labour Party where antisemitism has run rife. The only vote that will stop him being in Downing Street is a vote for the Conservatives."

Mrs May, who is a keen cook, walked around the area before stopping off in Kosher Kingdom to buy some Kosher salt as it was “what the chefs use”.

She made a final stop at the home of Conservative Barnet Councillor Dean Cohen to answer questions from the JC along side the Ham&High and Hamodia.

Her visit to the constituency signals its status as a seat that could be a tight call  what with the majority of locals supporting remain.

She used the visit to make the case for those Tories who voted Remain to back Mr Freer so they can "move on" from Brexit.

The Maidenhead MP said: "The wider reason is that actually I voted Remain, but we had a vote and we said we would abide by that result. It's important for democracy and trust in politicians that we do that.

"I'd say to all Conservative voters and others that what the country needs is to move on. Let's get this done, get Brexit sorted and move on to the better future that I know we can have."

The former PM seemed to be enjoying time out of the spotlight having spent her time as leader trying to convince MPs including current Prime Minister Boris Johnson to back her Brexit deal.

"If sufficient members of parliament had voted for my deal we would be outside the European Union,” she said.

“But in parliament I found a Labour Party that was unwilling to take a proper decision over this issue. You saw it in the debates, unwilling to say where the Labour Party really stands on this issue."

She said that after “three years since the referendum most people want to be able to move on and start focusing on the things that really matter to people like education, NHS and crime."

When asked why Mr Freer should be re-elected she said he was a "man of huge integrity" who speaks up for constituents.

"I see him standing up and raising issues that matter to people here in this constituency.

"He has been a fantastically strong voice for the Jewish community over the years that he has been in parliament. They have an MP in Mike they can trust, and trust to take up their issues and work hard for them."

 Mr Freer said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Theresa May to Golders Green to meet members of our diverse community.

"Local residents were keen to engage in conversation about the issues that matter to them and to discuss the importance of returning a Conservative government in the General Election.

"She strongly agrees with me that a vote for anyone other than the Conservative candidate is a vote for a Corbyn government.”

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