Rachel Reeves defends Labour vetting in anti-Semitism row

Rachel Reeves has insisted Labour cannot “see everything everywhere” as the party comes under pressure to toughen its vetting system for aspiring MPs. Ms Reeves also defended Sir Keir Starmer’s response to the crisis, as well as the Labour leader’s determination to root out anti-Semitism in general, insisting he “hasn’t let the Jewish community down”. Dame Louise Ellman, the vice-president of the Jewish Leadership Council and a former MP who quit Labour over anti-Semitism concerns during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, said the party “clearly” has to “tighten up its procedures”. And it clearly was not tenable, not fit to be there as a Labour candidate and it was the right decision taken.” She added: “The whole issue of people who are fit to hold public office and who don’t bring the political party into disrepute … that’s a broader issue than dealing with one specific issue and that has to be borne in mind when selections are made and clearly the party has to tighten up its procedures.” Taking questions at a press conference in central London on Thursday, Ms Reeves was asked whether the party would tighten its selection process in light of recent events. We can’t see everything, everywhere but when we do see evidence of anti-Semitism, we act swiftly to ensure the highest standards, and rightly so, amongst our MPs and amongst our parliamentary candidates.” Sir Keir faces another test of his authority with the SNP tabling a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, threatening to reopen Labour party splits on the issue.