Livingstone suspended by Labour Party for Hitler comments

In a statement Labour said Mr Livingstone “has been suspended by the Labour Party, pending an investigation, for bringing the Party into disrepute.”

Earlier in an interview with BBC London about the suspension on Wednesday of Bradford West MP Naz Shah for Facebook posts, Mr Livingstone said “during the 47 years I’ve been in the Labour Party, I’ve nver heard anyone say anything anti-semitic.”

He continued “Let’s remember, when Hitler won his election in 1932 his policy then was that Jews should be moved to Israel.

“He was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews.”

Verbal assault

His comments enraged Labour MP John Mann who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group against Anti-semitism.

Accosting Mr Livingstone in the street in Westminster, a furious Mr Mann accused him of being “a disgusting racist” and a “Nazi apologist”. Mr Mann followed him inside to continue the argument, with cameras recording every word – he has since been summoned by the Labour Chief Whip to “discuss his conduct”.

Chorus of disapproval

Mr Livingstone’s comments drew a broadside from other Labour MPs.

Former Labour minister David Lammy tweeted “I am appalled by Ken Livingstone’s despicable comments.”

In a tweet, former leadership contender Caroline Flint said his comments are “a disgrace, and he should be suspended. No ifs – no buts.”

Sadiq Khan tweeted “Ken Livingstone’s comments are appalling and inexcusable. There must be no place for this in our Party.”

Ken Livingstone’s comments are a disgrace and he should be suspended. No ifs – no buts.

— Caroline Flint (@CarolineFlintMP) April 28, 2016