Antisemitism Labour donor criticised for blaming rise on Netanyahu

The green entrepreneur and Labour donor Dale Vince has faced condemnation for saying the Israeli government is partly responsible for a rise in antisemitism globally, after the murder of 15 people at a Hanukah event in Sydney.

- Peter Walker

Vince, who has given more than £5m to Labour, as well as smaller sums to the Greens and Liberal Democrats, mainly via his Ecotricity green energy company, said his comments on X were "not intended to excuse or legitimise terrorism, or any form of racism". However, he was criticised by Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, who called on the prime minister, Keir Starmer, to condemn him.

It is understood that Vince is not a Labour member, and has not donated to the party since May 2024.

In a post sent on Sunday afternoon, Vince quoted Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, saying "antisemitism spreads when leaders stay silent".