Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, called Susan Hall's remarks “divisive and disgusting”. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP
Her comments were criticized by senior figures in the Labor Party and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who said they had no basis in fact.
The organization said: “Throughout his tenure as mayor, Sadiq Khan has treated our community with friendship and respect.
“We look forward to welcoming together key mayoral candidates in the 2024 Jewish electorate, where it will be clear that while London's Jews may have different political views, there is no fear at all.”
Wes Streeting, Shadow Health Secretary, called Ms Hall's remarks “divisive and disgusting” and called them “dog whistle politics.”
He said: “Sadiq Khan has repeatedly supported London's Jewish communities in the fight against antisemitism. Susan Hall's dog whistle politics have no place in London. Will decent conservatives ever be able to say this?
Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labor Party, called on the Conservative candidate to apologize for comments he said were “vile, ignorant and wrong.”
He said: “Sadiq constantly tries his best to work with Jewish community. He supported the Jewish Labor Party when we spoke out about anti-Semitism in the Labor Party. Susan Hall's attempt to use this as a dog whistle is not to be despised. She should apologize.”
Ms Hall defended her comments on Tuesday, insisting she did not say Jews were directly scared of Mr Khan.
She argued that the appalling state of policing in the country of London meant that “many Jews do not feel safe” living in or walking around the capital.
“I said that Jews are scared on our streets, and I never I will apologize for defending the Jewish community. ” she added. “I have so many Jewish friends who are literally talking about leaving the country because they don't feel safe and going to Israel.”
Recent Comments