Sir Keir REFUSES to let Jeremy Corbyn come back as a Labour MP as fresh anti-Semitism war explodes

SIR KEIR Starmer has REFUSED to let Jeremy Corbyn come back as a Labour MP after Jewish politicians threatened to quit and a fresh war over anti-Semitism exploded.

It means the shamed ex-Labour leader won't be allowed to sit as part of the group in the Commons - despite being reinstated to the party last night.

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Sir Keir said this morning: "I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn.

"I will keep this situation under review.

"Jeremy Corbyn’s actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to tackle anti-Semitism."

The disastrous ex-Labour leader was given a formal warning by the party's governing body yesterday - but had his membership reinstated by a group of leftie party executives.

He was only suspended for less than three weeks after he appeared to downplay anti-semitism following the publication of a damning review by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Despite the decision, Sir Keir will not restore the Parliamentary Party whip and allow him to continue as a Labour MP in an attempt to hold together a shaky relationship with Jewish Labour members.

Jewish MP Margaret Hodge said last night: "This is a broken outcome from a broken system."

And Ms Hodge was reported to have threatened to quit over Mr Corbyn's renewed welcome back to the Labour Party.

She spoke with the current Labour boss, Sir Keir, last night to express her fury over the move.

But today she said Sir Keir's decision not to welcome him back into the fold was "right" after years of "anguish" from Jewish Labour members.

Ms Hodge said: "Yesterday has shown once again just how broken and unjust the existing complaints system is.

"It has caused untold hurt and anguish across the Jewish community, undermined progress made and made me question my own place in the party.

"As Corbyn has refused to himself accept the findings of the EHRC report, refused to apologise for his actions and refused to take any responsibility, withholding the whip is the right decision."

The Jewish MP, who has repeatedly been the target of anti-Semitic attacks, branded the decision "ridiculous" given Mr Corbyn had continued to claim anti-Semitism had been exaggerated - even after the EHRC report.

Mr Corbyn has refused to apologise for allowing anti-Semitism to flourish on his watch.

Today Labour's Shadow Communities Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC that removing the whip from Mr Corbyn was "the right thing to do".

And he lashed out at Labour's disciplinary processes which were deemed ineffective by the EHRC report.

Sir Keir has said he will shake them up, but the new process was not yet in place to look at Mr Corbyn's case.

'INSINCERE & INADEQUATE'

A crucial element of the EHRC report warned the complaints process had failed to tackle allegations of anti-Semitism and directed Sir Keir to set up a new body.

The Jewish Labour Movement also condemned the decision, saying it would only "embolden those who agree with him".

They blasted Mr Corbyn's statement, in which he finally admitted anti-Semitism was not overstated, as "insincere and wholly inadequate."

They groups said the former leader had "offered no apology for his total failure of leadership to tackle anti-Semitism".

"Once again, we find ourselves having to remind the Labour party that Jeremy Corbyn is not the victim of Labour anti-Semitism - Jewish members are."

Former Labour MP Luciana Berger, who was subject to vicious anti-Semitic attacks, stressed there is a massive problem with Mr Corbyn being allowed back into the party - even after the EHRC's indictment of his leadership.

TV presenter and campaigner Rachel Riley said the decision to readmit Mr Corbyn to the Labour Party "condones" his behaviour.

e added Labour's National Executive Committee "condones those messages" by readmitting the former leader into the party.

"It was quite clear the EHRC found that the Labour Party broke the law, they unlawfully harassed and discriminated against Jews," she said.

Corbynista MPs were quick to slam Sir Keir's decision - and welcome him back into the Labour fold.

Ally and former Chancellor John McDonnell wrote on Twitter: "This is just plain wrong & will cause more division & disunity in party. Jeremy’s gone through the formal procedures & decision has been made properly.

"I appeal to everyone that surely it’s time to move on & start working together to implement the EHRC."

Hard left faction Momentum said: "“A disciplinary panel found that Corbyn had not broken any rule, so now Starmer is making it up as he goes along.

"This is not only farcical and incompetent, it is a blatant political attack on the left...they can’t remove the whip from our movement.”

Nadia Whittome praised the Labour party for bringing back Mr Corbyn said: "Welcome back @jeremycorbyn! I'm very pleased to see Jeremy reinstated.

"It's time for our party to move forward: implement the recommendations of the EHRC report, root out anti-Semitism and come together to fight against this dangerous government. We have big battles to win."

And Zarah Sultana heaped praise on Mr Corbyn, saying: "It's right that @jeremycorbyn has been readmitted to the party. He has spent his whole life fighting for peace, justice and equality.

"That fight isn't over. Let's now unite to take on this rotten Tory government."