Labour anti-Semitism row deepens as watchdog says party ‘may have discriminated’

Labour could face enforcement action from the Equality and Human Rights Commission over complaints about anti-Semitism in the party.

The equality watchdog said it believes Labour may have “unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs”.

It is now contacting Jeremy Corbyn’s party to set out its concerns and request a response. If that response is found to be unsatisfactory, the EHRC could launch a formal investigation.

In a statement, an EHRC spokesman said: “Having received a number of complaints regarding anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, we believe Labour may have unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs.

“Our concerns are sufficient for us to consider using our statutory enforcement powers.

“As set out in our enforcement policy, we are now engaging with the Labour Party to give them an opportunity to respond.”