THE Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer has said that "there is no place for Antisemitism in the Labour Party", following widespread criticism of the party over the issue.

His comments came after he attended a round table meeting with businesses at the Red Hall Hotel in Bury to discuss concerns around exiting the EU, yesterday.

Sir Keir said that the party must ensure that its code and disciplinary process are "effective and credible", and that he is pleased that Labour's National Executive Committee is continuing to consult over the issue to gain the confidence of the Jewish community.

Yesterday three of the UK's most prominent Jewish newspapers, The Jewish Telegraph, The Jewish News and The Jewish Chronicle, published a joint editorial claiming that a Labour Government led by Jeremy Corbyn would pose an "existential threat" to the country's Jewish community.

The editorial comes after Labour was heavily criticised for not adopting the full definition of Antisemitism given by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance — with the party omitting four of the examples given by the body.

It is just the latest in a line of scandals connected to Antisemitism which have engulfed the party in recent months and years, placing a strain on Labour's relationship with the Jewish community.

Concerns around Antisemitism in the Labour Party were also an important issue for voters on the doorstep in Bury in the lead up to the local elections earlier this year.

Sir Keir said: "Let me be very clear there is no place for Antisemitism in the Labour Party whatsoever, full stop.

"We have to strive to do everything we can to underline that. That is why its very important that we reiterate that message that we make sure that our code and our disciplinary processes are working and effective and credible and have the confidence of all communities, but in particular the Jewish Community."

Sir Keir also added that he thought the Labour Party was wrong not to adopt IHRA's full definition.

He said: "I think that along with many other organisations and institutions the Labour Party should accept the international definition of Antisemitism, and the examples.

" I accept that, obviously, I’m not a member of the NEC, but I’m glad that the NEC is continuing to consult and with Jewish communities and that this isn’t the end of the exercise.

"But in the end we have to have a code that has the confidence of everyone in the Labour Party and the Jewish communities and Jewish members in particular. And that debate is not over."