Labour MPs Daniel Carden and Conor McGinn have denied allegations of antisemitic and homophobic behaviour reported by BuzzFeed. Carden, the acting shadow international development secretary, is accused of singing an altered version of the Beatles song 'Hey Jude' with the lyrics 'hey Jews' during a coach journey from the Cheltenham festival to London in March 2018. McGinn, a former Labour whip, is alleged to have repeatedly called another colleague a 'poof' on the same trip.
Carden denied the claims on Twitter, stating that the coach was full of journalists and MPs, and that any genuine concern should have been reported immediately. He emphasised his record as an antiracist campaigner. A spokesman for Carden said he would never intentionally engage in racist or antisemitic behaviour, noting his commitment to LGBT rights as a homosexual man. McGinn's spokesperson highlighted his record as a staunch supporter of the LGBT community, including leading the campaign for equal marriage.
Mark Tami, another MP on the coach, said he did not hear any such singing. A Labour source also told Sky News they did not hear the words. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson described the allegations as 'disgusting', while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was looking into the matter and that such behaviour would be 'utterly and totally unacceptable' if true.
The allegations come amid ongoing concerns about antisemitism in the Labour Party. Gideon Bull, a parliamentary candidate, recently withdrew from the general election after using the term 'Shylock' in a meeting with a Jewish councillor. Labour also blocked Chris Williamson from standing as a candidate after he downplayed antisemitism in the party.
