Not accurate, Mr O Shea?In the interests of accuracy, in my speech at the Labour Party conference I mentioned neither neoliberals nor Jews. The chair did not warn me about language I used, she warned me to be careful of my language – which I was.The number of proven cases of anti-Semitism in the party is indeed minuscule. There are many cases pending, we do not know who the accusers are (or what their motives might be), because they remain anonymous. But usually people are deemed innocent until proved guilty.You hinted that criticism of Israel must be motivated by anti-Semitism (in itself a horrible accusation, thrown around far too readily). Why not criticise other countries? Partly because Israel claims to be a Western-style democracy but does not behave like one. Partly because western governments are politically and economically supportive of Israel, despite its multiple daily violations of international law, some of which I have seen at first hand. Partly because Britain has played a major role in the region from the First World War onwards and therefore has a special responsibility for the outcome of its policies.You say Jeremy Corbyn has been trying to ‘put this issue to bed’, which I’m sure is true, but actually impossible when spurious or anonymous accusations keep flooding in, seized on but not questioned by the mainstream media.So what is the real reason for this smear campaign? To prevent a left-wing government and to silence criticism of Israel.Hilary Wise
Hilary Wise ● 2740d