Guido can reveal that Graham Jones, the former Member of Parliament for Hyndburn, who is seeking to be re-elected for the seat again, repeatedly referred to “f**king Israel” and even ranted to Azhar Ali at the now infamous Lancashire meeting that Britons who volunteer to fight for the Israeli Defence Forces “should be locked up”. He claimed – falsely – that it was illegal for Brits to fight for Israel. This is untrue.

Many British Jews with dual citizenship have gone to Israel to fight in what is an existential fight for the Jewish homeland and it is entirely wrong to claim they are doing so illegally. Despite Keir Starmer himself saying Israel has a right to self-defence it is a widespread belief in parts of the Labour Party – as per this recording – that like fighting for ISIS terrorists fighting for the IDF is a crime. The claim that it is unlawful is an unfounded smear.

According to Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office):

“The UK recognises the right of British nationals with additional nationalities to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationalities. The Israel Defence Force is a recognised armed force and British nationals are both able to volunteer into the Israel Defence Force and eligible for national service. For Israel, one does not have to be Israeli to serve in the Israel Defence Force.”

When Israel was attacked Keir Starmer was firm in that the Labour Party supported Israel’s right to self defence. Can that be credible if one of his candidates is demanding British Jews are locked up for fighting for “f**king Israel”?

UPDATE:  Sara Britcliffe Tory MP for Hyndburn tells Guido:

“At a time of increasing community tensions, it is the responsibility of all of us in politics to be careful with the language we use. We need immediate answers from those seeking to represent Hyndburn about whether they challenged Mr Ali. Creating community cohesion is essential and this quite frankly does the complete opposite. This is a clear example that the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer has not changed at all.”