Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ignited a controversy over anti-Semitism following the appointment of Andy Slaughter, a Member of Parliament (MP) known for meeting Hamas officials alongside Jeremy Corbyn, to the significant position of Solicitor General. Slaughter, who has represented Hammersmith for over two decades, was appointed to the role in a recent government reshuffle.
In his new capacity, Slaughter will be responsible for overseeing the Crown Prosecution Service's efforts in prosecuting terrorism, hate crime, and anti-Semitism cases. He will also provide legal counsel on sanctions and arms sales. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians and a Labour Jewish advocacy group.
Slaughter has a history of critiquing Israel, with some of his past statements having been accused of promoting anti-Semitism. In 2010, he was photographed with Hamas officials and Jeremy Corbyn during a visit to the West Bank, an action that Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) at the time described as "shocking."
Further concerns were raised in 2015 when, during a meeting on Palestine, Slaughter reportedly agreed with the assertion that Israel fabricates reasons to attack Palestinians. Multiple Jewish organizations stated that such remarks could foster anti-Semitism within Britain.
More recently, in 2021, the Campaign Against Antisemitism accused Slaughter of excusing anti-Jewish racism found in Palestinian school textbooks. In 2024, he opposed legislation designed to prevent public bodies from boycotting Israeli goods.
Fiona Sharpe, a spokesperson for Labour Against Antisemitism, expressed significant concern regarding Slaughter's appointment, citing his "long and troubling record." She stated, "With antisemitism at record levels in Britain and the Jewish community feeling increasingly under threat, we would want him to state clearly, now that he holds one of the government's most senior legal offices, that he no longer holds views of this kind."
Former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis commented that the Jewish community has valid reasons to be "deeply concerned about the future of this country under this Prime Minister." Nick Timothy, the Conservatives' shadow Justice Secretary, called the appointment a "disgrace" and asserted that Slaughter "should have no place in government."
Burnham himself had previously commented on the Gaza conflict, stating shortly before becoming Prime Minister that Sir Keir Starmer's government "didn't get it right" and that the UK was "too slow to call for a ceasefire." He argued for increased pressure on the Israeli government.
An spokesperson for the Attorney General's office defended Slaughter's appointment, asserting that he has been consistent in condemning Hamas's actions and has long supported a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. They stated that Slaughter advocates for a peace where a viable Palestinian state and Israel can coexist.
