Labour adopts IHRA definition of anti-semitism but still faces criticism for adding free speech caveat

Labour ruling body has formally accepted a definition of anti-semitism set by the pro-Israel International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

The party has faced criticism for previously leaving out four of the examples set out in the internationally accepted guidelines because of fears it would quash legitimate criticism of the actions of the Israeli government.

But Jewish groups remain critical of Labour's NEC after it added a statement which says the new definition should not be used to "undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians".

The Jewish Leadership Council said the additional wording would “drive a coach and horses” through the IHRA definition.

They were joined by Jewish Labour rebel MP Dame Margaret Hodge - who has called party Leader Jeremy Corbyn a racist over the issue - who said that the meeting was “two steps forward and one step back.”

A spokesman for the Labour Against Anti-Semitism group said: "There can be no caveats, no conditions and no compromises with racism.

"We are disappointed by the decision of Labour's governing body, the NEC, to diminish the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism via the attachment of a 'clarification' that risks giving racists in the party a get-out-of-jail card."

Another caveat from Jeremy Corbyn was leaked to journalists after being rejected by the NEC. It read: “[It should not be] regarded as anti-Semitic to describe Israel, its policies or the circumstances around its foundation as racist because of their discriminatory impact, or to support another settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict.”