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A Labour Party member in Swansea is understood to have been suspended over allegations of anti-Semitism.

An investigation is thought to be underway into Lynne Hayes.

Anti-Semitism is language or behaviour which suggests a dislike towards Jewish people.

A Labour Party spokeswoman said she was unable to comment on individual cases but added: “The Labour Party takes all complaints of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and we are committed to challenging and campaigning against it in all its forms.

“All complaints about anti-Semitism are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”

Ms Hayes said she was unable to comment on the case as it was ongoing.

But a statement issued by Swansea West CLP (constituency Labour Party) executive committee said: “As a CLP we all agree that any accusations of anti-Semitism must be taken seriously and investigated.

“The local party has a proud tradition of anti-racist campaigning and we are fully committed to fighting against all forms of prejudice, unconscious bias and inequalities listed as protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

“Our understanding is that a member of our CLP has received an administrative suspension pending investigation.

“We have not yet received any formal notification of the suspension and certainly there has been no opportunity to establish the nature of the substance of the allegations so it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time.”

Accusations of anti-Semitism have plagued the Labour Party.

Swansea West MP Geraint Davies said he did not know the specifics of the investigation into Ms Hayes, but that there was no place for anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

(Image: Robert Melen)

Mr Davies said: “Obviously it’s crucially important that there are no sympathisers or apologists for anti-Semitism in the Labour Party as it's always been a safe haven, a party that historically congregated to promote progressive policies.

“There should be no confusion with people who want to criticise human rights abuses by the Israeli government in Palestine and others who make anti-Semitic remarks in the community.

“The policies around Brexit should not be allowed to be a passport for people to express racist or anti-Semitism remarks.

“Certainly, the Labour Party should be the champion for people to live together in solidarity.

“Swansea is a City of Sanctuary, there is no place for anti-Semitism or racism.”

Swansea Council deputy leader, Councillor Clive Lloyd, added: “Swansea prides itself on being the first City of Sanctuary in the UK.

“We have a strong reputation of welcoming people from all walks of life and all genders, we are opposed to any racism and bigotry of any kind in any grouping.

“In Swansea we live up to that reputation.

“Swansea does not recognise the things going on in the UK nationally.”

John McDonnell on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn:

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The internal Labour Party row over anti-Semitism has been ongoing for three years but Labour’s General Secretary Jennie Formby said previously she had strengthened and speeded up the party’s disciplinary procedures, with more staff to handle investigations, although some Labour MPs said it was not enough.

Former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer is also set to lead a review of the party’s handling of anti-Semitism claims.