By Daniel Martin Policy Editor For The Daily Mail
Published: 00:56 GMT, 15 November 2019 | Updated: 09:38 GMT, 15 November 2019
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Leading public figures including writers, actors and the former head of the equalities watchdog lined up last night to urge people not to vote for Jeremy Corbyn.
In an open letter, they said they would refuse to vote Labour because of its association with anti-Semitism.
The 24 signatories include actors Joanna Lumley and Simon Callow, authors John Le Carre and Fay Weldon, historians Tom Holland and Dan Snow, Countdown host Nick Hewer, and Jimmy Wales, the London-based founder of Wikipedia, who has previously been sympathetic to Labour.
It was also signed by Trevor Phillips, a former Labour politician and ex-chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Actress Joanna Lumley is one of the 24 signatories (left). Historian Dan Snow has also signed the open letter (right)
Labour responded to the letter by saying it takes allegations of anti-Jewish prejudice ‘extremely seriously’. Pictured, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
Labour responded to the letter by saying it takes allegations of anti-Jewish prejudice ‘extremely seriously’ – and in an extraordinary move claimed some of those who signed it have themselves been accused of ‘outright anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and misogyny’. It did not name any individuals.
The letter, published in The Guardian, said ignoring concerns about anti-Semitism because ‘Brexit looms larger’ is ‘to declare that anti-Jewish prejudice is a price worth paying for a Labour government’.
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