Conservative candidate suggested Jewish journalist had dual loyalty to Israel in past social media post
A Conservative candidate suggested that a Jewish journalist, Melanie Phillips, may have dual loyalty to Israel in a past social media post.
In June 2013, Richard Short, now a Conservative candidate, agreed with another Twitter used commenting on Ms Phillips’ appearance on an episode of BBC’s Question Time that “her allegiance is greater to Israel”, adding himself: “She almost has to declare an interest.”
Mr Short has apologised, saying: “I apologise unreservedly for this Tweet of 6 years ago. I admit I was ignorant of the offence that could be caused by what I said regarding Melanie Phillips, but I realise how inappropriate it was, it was wrong and I fully apologise.”
A spokesperson from Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “The charge of dual loyalty and disloyalty is among the most widely held antisemitic slurs and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Under the International Definition of Antisemitism, adopted by the British Government, “Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations” is antisemitic. We expect the Conservative Party to take immediate action.”
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.