Two Conservative MPs who have been investigated over allegations of antisemitism have voluntarily taken part in training sessions on recognising Jew-hate.
Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hastings, and Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield, attended different sessions of online training organised by the Antisemitism Policy Trust charity to give them a greater understanding of what constitutes anti-Jewish racism.
The Tories confirmed they had launched investigations into both individuals only weeks before the December 2019 General Election in relation to their conduct online.
But over one year later the results have not been made public.
The JC understands that the training sessions — which the Antisemitism Policy Trust makes available to MPs and others —include a guide to modern and historic antisemitism and end with a questionnaire to demonstrate that participants have understood what they were taught.
Ms Hart had posted a link to a You-Tube video in 2017 about the EU, which used George Soros’s image.
The businessman has been widely accused of ‘pulling strings’ in the EU, which has been condemned as an antisemitic slur. She then liked a comment left underneath the video, that said “Ein Reich”, a Nazi slogan.
This week she told the JC: “Following an investigation by the Conservative Party, which concluded some months ago and found I was not racist in any way, just as I had stated all along, I did then undertake social media training.
"When I was first elected as an MP in December 2019, I joined the APPG Against Antisemitism that holds regular training opportunities for MPs which I have attended.”
Mr Anderson was an active member of Ashfield Backs Boris, a Facebook group where Soros conspiracy theories have been promoted and which includes supporters of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
He told the JC: “I apologised for being a member of the group that allegedly posted offensive remarks.
"I never saw any antisemitic comments and no one has ever provided any proof. However, I left the group once the allegations were made. After no evidence was provided to substantiate the claims made against me the Conservative Party investigation has concluded.
“I am extremely happy with the robust way in which the Conservative Party handled the investigation which highlighted to me they will not tolerate any form of prejudice or discrimination.
“Following the conclusion of the investigation, I asked for myself and staff members to voluntarily attend training as I think it is imperative that we all take part in regular training to ensure we are fully aware of discrimination and prejudices that have no place in our society.”
A Conservative spokesman told the JC:“Lee Anderson and Sally-Ann Hart have apologised and been reminded that as MPs they are expected to hold themselves to higher standards.”
“Mr. Anderson and Ms. Hart have also both undertaken training."
