LABOUR MP Chris Williamson has apologised after he suggested the party had been "too apologetic" about anti-Semitism in its ranks.

A Labour spokesman said: "These comments are deeply offensive and inappropriate, and fall below the standards we expect of MPs.

"Downplaying the problem of anti-Semitism makes it harder for us to tackle it."

In a "personal message and sincere apology from me regarding my recent remarks on anti-Semitism in the Labour Party" posted on Twitter, Mr Williamson said: "The Labour Party is an anti-racist party. It is the only party that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with religious and ethnic minorities in their decades-long fight against racism, discrimination and prejudice in the United Kingdom.

"On a personal level, I have been an anti-racist all my life. As a former member of the Anti-Nazi League, I participated in direct action to confront foul anti-Semites in the streets. I reject racism ethically and morally. It has no place in the Labour Party or in our country.

"It pains me greatly, therefore, that anyone should believe that it is my intention to minimise the cancerous and pernicious nature of anti-Semitism. I deeply regret, and apologise for, my recent choice of words when speaking about how the Labour Party has responded to the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism inside of our party. I was trying to stress how much the party has done to tackle anti-Semitism.

"Our movement can never be "too apologetic" about racism within our ranks. Whilst it is true that there have been very few cases of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party - something I believe is often forgotten when discussing this issue - it is also true that those few are too many.

"It is precisely because of our party's historic struggle against racism that we have taken it upon ourselves to strengthen our rules, to improve our disciplinary procedures and to redouble our efforts to take on anti-Semites. We have held ourselves to a higher standard than any other political party when it comes to anti-racism - and rightly so.

"I am therefore sorry for how I chose to express myself on this issue within our party. This is a fight that I want to be an ally in. In future, I will take it upon myself to be more considered in my remarks, and ensure they reflect the Labour Party's unswerving and unfaltering commitment to anti-racism and the fight against anti-Semitism."

The Northern Echo:

Jenny Chapman

When questioned on Twitter why she "threw Chris Williamson under the bus despite his apology", Darlington Labour MP Jenny Chapman responded: "Because he brings the Labour Party into disrepute and I’ve had enough. That’s why."

The Northern Echo:

Chi Onwurah

Labour MP for Newcastle Central, Chi Onwurah, tweeted: "The Labour Party shouldn't be a little apologetic about anti-Semitism, we need to be ruthlessly apologetic and aggressively intolerant of anti-Semitism where ever it raises its ugly head."

The Northern Echo:

Catherine McKinnell

Responding to reports Chris Williamson was given a "big hug" by Labour Party Chairman Ian Lavery while on his way to the Labour leader's office, Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell tweeted: "And yet the leadership of our party states it is committed to tackling antisemitism & rooting it out at all levels. This is disturbing if true. Time for warm words & pledges to be met with meaningful action. #EnoughisEnough"

Labour MP Margaret Hodge tweeted: "Williamson's comments in Sheffield are just another example of his anti-Semitism denial.

"He's repeatedly given a platform to anti-Semitic speakers and supported their cause. Zero tolerance approach means Williamson must be suspended/whip removed, nothing less will do."

Mrs Hodge previously faced disciplinary action from the party after reportedly calling Jeremy Corbyn an anti-Semite.

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: "Chris Williamson is bringing the Labour Party into disrepute over anti-Semitism. This is a test of seriousness on our part about the whole issue. Disciplinary action, not simply an apology, is required."

Theresa May has suggested Jeremy Corbyn suspend Chris Williamson from the Labour Party.

She told the Commons: "Perhaps if the Labour leader actually wants to take action against racism he would suspend (Mr Williamson)."

Mrs May added: "You can never be too apologetic about anti-Semitism, but I think ... what we've heard sums up Labour under their leader.

"They lose (Luciana Berger) and they keep (Mr Williamson). It tells you all you need to know about the Labour leadership: present but not involved."

In response to Mr Williamson's apology, Labour MP Wes Streeting tweeted: "I do not believe this is sincere. I believe you have deliberately baited Jewish people in our party and across the country.

"I think you were caught in a moment of honesty saying what you really think. It was repulsive, revealing and you should be expelled from the Labour Party."

The Prime Minister's remarks came after James Cleverly, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, raised anti-Semitism during PMQs.

He said: "Will (Mrs May) agree with me that we can never be too blase about anti-Semitism?

"We can never be too tolerant of anti-Semitism and the party opposite can never be too apologetic about anti-Semitism?"

Labour MP and former shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper tweeted: "Appalled by the things that Chris Williamson has said. These are not the values of the Labour Party. Apology is not enough. Party has to demonstrate how seriously we take this. Agree with Tom Watson & Ed Miliband on immediate suspension needed."

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson tweeted: "Chris Williamson has produced a long-winded and heavily caveated apology. It is not good enough. If it was in my gift I would have removed the whip from him already."

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth said Chris Williamson is a "disgrace" and should leave the party.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Jeremy (Corbyn) needs to deal with this to prove that he actually sees that anti-Semitism is a problem in the Labour Party.

"The man's a disgrace. Those views are incompatible with the aims and values of the Labour Party. He has no place in my party. He should leave."

Mr Watson shared an email he sent to Labour chief whip Nick Brown and general secretary Jennie Formby, in which he formally requested that Mr Williamson have the whip removed and was suspended from the party.

In the email he said the MP's speech was "completely unacceptable, it brings the party into disrepute, and amounts to a Labour MP breaching the party's code of conduct on anti-Semitism in a public forum".