PM accuses Corbyn over anti-Semitism after immigration criticism at PMQs
Theresa May accused Jeremy Corbyn of allowing anti-Semitism to "run rife" in his party after the Labour leader claimed she led a "callous and incompetent" Government.
The Prime Minister reacted furiously to Mr Corbyn's strong criticism of the Government's treatment of the "Windrush generation", who have faced challenges to their immigration status.
Mrs May pointed to a Commons debate which saw standing ovations and applause for Labour MPs who shared stories of the anti-Semitic abuse and threats they have received, including from those purporting to support Mr Corbyn, and their fears of increasing hostility towards Jewish people.
Quite. It's time for political leaders to hold a mirror up to their own parties. It's uncomfortable. No one has moral high ground on racism right now. https://t.co/wlsB5Tl8us
-- Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) April 18, 2018
Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Corbyn launched a final attack on the Government's immigration policy by telling MPs: "This is a shameful episode and the responsibility for it lies firmly at the Prime Minister's door.
"Her pandering to bogus immigration targets led to a hostile environment for people contributing to our country.
"It led to British citizens being denied NHS treatment, losing their jobs, homes and pensions, thrown into detention centres like criminals and even deported, vital historical records shredded and ministers blaming officials.
"The Windrush generation came to our country after the war to rebuild our nation that had been so devastated by war.
"Isn't the truth, Mr Speaker, that under her the Home Office became heartless and hopeless?
"And doesn't she now run a Government that is both callous and incompetent?"
All I feel after Corbyn/PM exchange is that the prospects of the House of Commons delivering a just and evidence-based immigration system any time soon are not high.
-- Stuart McDonald (@Stuart_McDonald) April 18, 2018
Mrs May said the "Windrush generation" helped to build the country, worked in public service and have a right to be here as they are British, with efforts ongoing to ensure people have the documentation they need.
She added: "(Mr Corbyn) talks about being callous and having a disregard for people.
"I have to say to him that I am the Prime Minister who initiated the Race Disparity Audit, which said 'What are we doing in this country to ensure people have equal opportunities in this country?'.
"And can I say to (Mr Corbyn), he talks about being callous - I will not take that following a debate last night where powerful contributions were made, particularly by the members for Stoke-on-Trent North (Ruth Smeeth), Barking (Dame Margaret Hodge) and Liverpool Wavertree (Luciana Berger).
"I will not take an accusation of callous from a man who allows anti-Semitism to run rife in his party."
