UK Labour risks anti-Semitism probe

Britain's opposition Labour Party must explain allegations of anti-Semitism that have been lodged against it, the country's equality watchdog says, escalating a crisis that contributed to lawmakers splitting from the party last month.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission on Thursday said it wanted to hear from Labour before deciding whether to launch a formal investigation.

Labour has faced accusations of anti-Semitism for over two years. Nine lawmakers quit the party last month citing the leadership's handling of anti-Semitism in the party, as well as its Brexit stance, as their reason for leaving.

Last week, Labour suspended a lawmaker who is close to party leader Jeremy Corbyn and said it would investigate his conduct after remarks he made over the party's handling of anti-Semitism accusations.

"Having received a number of complaints regarding anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, we believe the Labour Party may have unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs," the commission said in a statement.

"Our concerns are sufficient for us to consider using our statutory enforcement powers ... we are now engaging with the Labour Party to give them an opportunity to respond."

A Labour spokesperson said the party rejected any suggestion that it acted unlawfully and would cooperate fully with the commission, which upholds Britain's equality laws.