Edinburgh's Ian Murray challenges Labour deputy leadership rivals over anti-semitism

'Next leader and deputy will have to spend years repairing relationship'

Ian Murray wants to know what the other deputy leadership candidates did about the issue while on Labour's frontbench

Labour deputy leadership candidate Ian Murray has challenged rival candidates to explain what they did from the frontbench to address the stain of anti-semitism in the party.

The Edinburgh South MP published a letter he has sent to the Jewish Labour Movement saying: “I want to say a heartfelt and meaningful apology.

“The Labour Party has treated you appallingly and I know that the next leader and deputy leader will have to spend years repairing this relationship.”

Mr Murray, Scotland’s only Labour MP, also questioned why some of the other candidates for deputy leader had failed to sign the Board of Deputies’ pledges on tackling anti-semitism.

He said: “Everyone in the contest now says they want to tackle anti-semitism, but I want to know what on earth they have been doing for the past three-and-a-half years from the frontbench?

“I did not think twice about signing the Board of Deputies’ pledges on anti-semitism and it’s deeply disappointing that some candidates are not prepared to take the action that the Jewish community demands. They need to justify that decision.

“I never want to knock on a door again when the resident won’t vote Labour for the first ever time because of anti-semitism.