Brexit Party yet to drop candidate Marc Stanton who declared: “I sure as hell am antisemitic”

The Brexit Party has not dropped its candidate for West Lancashire, despite revelations that he made antisemitic and other controversial comments on social media.

Marc Stanton is alleged to have written the problematic posts in 2014.

One read: “Having just watched the latest news about Gaza, I can’t say I am a fan of fanatical Islam – but I sure as hell am antisemitic now,” adding: “The situation between Palestine and Israel seems to continually get worse. Of course, I could not possibly express an opinion but one could perhaps understand why some people might feel that the Israelis learnt their lesson well 60 years ago about genocide and oppression. The student should not always follow the teachings of the professor.”

Mr Stanton reportedly responded to the reports, saying: “It has been brought to my attention that I have used some appalling language on my private Facebook page in the past. I regret wholeheartedly using such language and realize that it will have offended some people. For this, I apologise. The comments were made years ago, at the end of a tiring day, and on a private account. I made a mistake and condemn such language and all forms of bigotry….I have spent years as part of a mixed society of many different nationalities and religions and social types. I honestly believe that everyone is equal and that is what I have always strived to ensure in my daily life.

“My grandmother was Jewish and so being part Jewish myself, I find it strange that I am being accused of being antisemitic and Islamophobic at the same time. I have always endeavored to treat every one of whatever background equally. It would seem that some of my Facebook posts from several years ago have been taken out of context and in a selective manner for the purpose of trying to cause me a problem. I do object to radicalism and extremism from any religion or ideology.”

Other candidates revealed to have made such comments have been dumped by their respective parties, but disappointingly the Brexit Party does not appear to have taken any action against Mr Stanton.

On 8th December, regardless of religion, race or politics, Jews and non-Jews alike will gather in Parliament Square to declare that they stand together against antisemitism in the face of Jew-hatred in politics and mounting anti-Jewish hate crime.