UK Labour leader won't interfere with Livingstone affair

The leader of Britain’s Labour Party says he will not interfere in the internal disciplinary process taken against Ken Livingstone over his anti-Semitic remarks, and warns that the former London mayor could face additional penalties if he refuses to apologize.

“It is deeply disappointing that, despite his long record of standing up to racism, Ken has failed to acknowledge or apologize for the hurt he has caused, party leader Jeremy Corbyn says in a statement.

“Many people are understandably upset that he has continued to make offensive remarks which could open him to further disciplinary action.”

Yesterday, the UK Labour Party suspended Livingstone for one year for comments he made last year about Hitler supporting Zionism after a disciplinary committee found those remarks “grossly detrimental” to the party.

A number of high-ranking party members and the British Jewish community have criticized the decision as a slap on the wrist.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks along Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament in central London on March 23, 2017. (AFP Photo/Daniel Leal-Olivas)

“Since initiating the disciplinary process, I have not interfered with it and respect the independence of the party’s disciplinary bodies,” Corbyn says. “Ken’s subsequent comments and actions will now be considered by the National Executive Committee after representations from party members.”