Yesterday a leaked recording of comments by NEC member Peter Willsman was published in the media, accompanied by a narrative that claimed he had been offensive or even racist toward the Jewish community.

A detailed examination of the recording has already demonstrated that that narrative is misleading.

However, Willsman has issued an apology for any offence caused by his comments – an apology that has been referred to in the media, but does not appear to have been published in full. It is replicated below:

In the NEC on Tuesday 17th July, I spoke in support of the decision to confirm the adoption of the Code of Conduct on antisemitism and to reopen development of the code in consultation with Jewish community organisations. Some of what I said has been misquoted or misrepresented. But I accept that what I did say, and the way I said it, fell short of the requirement, which I accept, for discussions of contentious issues to be conducted in a fully civil and respectful way. I deeply apologise for any offence caused to those present and those to whom my remarks were reported. I believe that the whole NEC sincerely wants a way forward that works for all sides and hope that the process of consultation and development of the Code will achieve that, and I look forward to participating in future discussions in the spirit of comradeship and mutual respect that should be the hallmark of our Party.

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