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Two leading film directors and figures from the worlds of journalism and academia have pledged their support for Derby North MP Chris Williamson as he takes legal action over the way his suspension from Labour has been dealt with.

Mr Williamson was suspended from Labour in February accused of bringing it "into disrepute" following a controversial speech about anti-semitism issues plaguing the party.

His suspension was lifted by a sub-committee of the disputes panel of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee on June 26.

But within two days, the panel's decision was overturned and the case was sent to a full meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) on July 9.

That meeting sent the dispute back to another three-person sub committee of the disputes panel, which met last week and decided to refer Mr Williamson to the party’s highest disciplinary body, the National Constitutional Committee (NCC), which has the power of expulsion.

Kerry-Anne Mendoza, editor-in-chief of The Canary, who is one of the supporters of the Campaign for Chris Williamson, set up ahead of the NEC meeting, said: “The party’s decision to refer Chris Williamson to the NCC is a total subversion of due process.

“Chris’s suspension was lifted last month by a three-person disputes panel of the party’s ruling body. The party caved under pressure after two days of hostile media coverage organised by opponents of Jeremy Corbyn.

"It made a political decision to do away with its own procedures and reimpose the suspension, which is unprecedented in Labour’s history.

“The party may have acted unlawfully and against its own rule book, which is why Chris has been forced into legal action. crowdfunder will be established soon in order to meet costs.”

Mr Williamson has been suspended for more than five months.

Ken Loach, who directed films such as Kes and Cathy Come Home, said: “Chris Williamson defended the party’s record against the ‘scourge of anti-semitism’. At no point did he say that those guilty of antisemitism should not apologise. It is absurd that he was charged in the first place.

“He has now been cleared after due process, when all the evidence was examined and following independent legal advice.

"A group of Labour MPs and party grandees objected to this decision and, as a consequence, the party has re-opened the case. This is not justice, it’s bullying.”

(Image: Derby Telegraph)

Members of the Campaign for Chris Williamson, which also numbers Israeli and British academics, include: film director Mike Leigh, musicians Brian Eno and Roger Waters, journalist John Pilger, actor Miriam Margolyes and comedian Alexei Sayle.

In June, Mr Williamson spoke exclusively to Derbyshire Live to express how "incredibly hurtful" his suspension had been over what he said were "inaccurate accusations" - just hours after it was revealed that his suspension had been lifted and before he knew it was to be re-imposed.

He said: "Being subject to these grotesque accusations has been a very difficult time and really upsetting. The thing that has sustained me has been the support of people in Derby and all four nations of the United Kingdom."

It is not known when Labour's NNC will meet to discuss Mr Williamson's future.

A Labour spokesman said: "All of the cases were referred back to the NEC by (general secretary) Jennie Formby following an objection from one of the panel members.

"In line with party rules, the NEC referred every case to a new panel, not just Chris Williamson's, and each case was treated the same."

It is understood that Labour believes that it has acted in line with party rules and is confident that there are no grounds for a successful legal challenge.