Kate Osamor, a Labour Party member with British-Nigerian heritage, has been suspended from the party while an investigation is launched into her controversial remarks comparing the situation in Gaza to the Holocaust. The move, announced on Monday, sparked outrage from Jewish groups and ignited a debate about free speech and historical sensitivity within the party.
Osamor, the MP for Edmonton, drew widespread criticism earlier this week after posting a statement on social media that referred to ongoing events in Gaza as part of a “recent genocide,” alongside other historical atrocities like the Cambodia and Rwanda conflicts. She specifically linked them to Holocaust Memorial Day, which was commemorated on Sunday.
“Tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day, an international day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and now Gaza,” Osamor said.
Her message included a photo of herself signing the Holocaust Education Trust’s commemorative book in Westminster.
Jewish groups reacted swiftly, condemning the comparison as “inappropriate and offensive.” The Board of Deputies of British Jews accused Osamor of minimizing the horrors of the Holocaust and demanded her suspension. The Jewish Labour Movement echoed these sentiments, calling for a “full and thorough investigation.”
The Labour Party responded swiftly, announcing Osamor’s suspension from the parliamentary whip on Sunday evening. A party spokesperson confirmed the investigation into her remarks, emphasizing their commitment to “upholding the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that Jewish communities feel safe and welcome within the party.”
Osamor has since apologized for “any offence caused” by her remarks, insisting she did not intend to disrespect the Holocaust. However, she defended her right to draw comparisons between historical events and highlight the suffering of Palestinians.
