The Archbishop of Canterbury has intervened in the row about anti-semitism within Labour after England's Chief Rabbi attacked the party for failing to deal with the issue.

Ephraim Mirvis made a highly unusual public statement denouncing Labour's record on tackling the issue.

He said the party was not doing enough to root out anti-Jewish racism and urged people to "vote with their conscience" in next month's General Election.

Writing in the Times, the Chief Rabbi said "a new poison - sanctioned from the very top - has taken root" in the party.

He described Labour's claim it had investigated all cases of anti-Semitism in its ranks as "mendacious fiction".

Although he stopped short of explicitly urging people to vote for other parties, he said "the overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety" at the prospect of a Labour victory in the December 12 election.

His highly charged attack led to Archbishop Welby to issue a statement supporting the Chief Rabbi, saying in a tweet: "That the chief rabbi should be compelled to make such an unprecedented statement at this time ought to alert us to the deep sense of insecurity and fear felt by many British Jews.

"They should be able to love in accordance with their beliefs and freely express their culture and faith.

"None of us can afford to be complacent. Voicing words that commit to a stand against anti-semitism requires a corresponding effort in visible action."

Responding, the Labour party said: "We are taking robust action to root out anti-Semitism in the party, with swift suspensions, processes for rapid expulsions and an education programme for members.

"Jeremy Corbyn is a lifelong campaigner against anti-semitism and has made absolutely clear it has no place in our party and society and that no one who engages in it does so in his name.

"A Labour government will guarantee the security of the Jewish community, defend and support the Jewish way of life, and combat rising anti-semitism in our country and across Europe.

"Our race and faith manifesto sets out our policies to achieve this."

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