UK: Jeremy Corbyn suing Nigel Farage over 'defamatory' antisemitism comment

British MP Jeremy Corbyn has launched a legal challenge against right-wing political maverick Nigel Farage over comments in which he was accused of promoting an antisemitic conspiracy theory.

The former Labour Party leader is suing Farage over a "highly defamatory statement" relating to remarks the staunch Brexiteer made on a TV news show on right-wing network GB News last month.

In a post on X, Corbyn, who sits in the British parliament as an independent MP, said: "I have asked my lawyers to take the first steps in commencing legal proceedings against Nigel Farage".

"We are a movement for peace — and we cannot stand by and let these disgusting and malicious lies go unchallenged".

A spokesperson for Corbyn said that Farage accused the former Labour leader of "subscribing to an antisemitic conspiracy theory" on his GB News show on 28 February. 

I have asked my lawyers to take the first steps in commencing legal proceedings against Nigel Farage, following a highly defamatory statement about me.

We are a movement for peace — and we cannot stand by and let these disgusting and malicious lies go unchallenged.

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 4, 2024

Corbyn is one of the UK’s most prominent supporters of Palestinian rights and has spoken out against Israel’s occupation for years. His outspoken support for the Palestinian cause has led to accusations of antisemitism by those on the political right.

He has been a regular attendee of the pro-Palestine marches in London which have taken place across the capital since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October.

The 74-year-old former Labour leader became an independent MP following a row with his old party.