Police say ‘malicious’ letters were sent to ex-Labour MP who joined the Independent Group

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Police are investigating antisemitic letters sent to MP Joan Ryan, who quit the Labour party last week, citing concerns over its relationship with the Jewish community.

The Metropolitan police confirmed that two “malicious” letters sent to the former Labour Friends of Israel chairman are being investigated.

Ryan, who joined the breakaway Independent Group of MPs, said the party had become “infected with the scourge of antisemitism” under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership when she quit.

Scotland Yard said: “Police are investigating after two items of malicious communication were sent to a serving MP in February 2019. The items, both letters, contained abuse of an antisemitic nature. A number of enquiries including a review of relevant CCTV footage and forensic analysis are in hand.”

No one has yet been arrested.

Meanwhile, Amber Rudd has attacked the Labour party in her constituency, accusing it of “baiting Jews with hateful language”. She has called on Corbyn to place the Hastings and Rye constituency Labour party (CLP) under special behavioural measures.

The work and pensions secretary expressed concern that Labour activists passed a motion calling for Derby North MP Chris Williamson to be reinstated to the party. Williamson was suspended on Wednesday following claims the party has been “too apologetic” about antisemitism.