Jewish Labour Movement hits out at Robert Jenrick’s ‘Quisling Keir’ comment

Robert Jenrick has been criticised by the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) after calling the Prime Minister “Quisling Keir” in a social media post attacking the government’s reported deal with Mauritius over the future of the Chagos Islands.

“Quisling Keir cares more about his reputation amongst the international legal fraternity than what’s good for Britain”, the shadow justice secretary said in a lengthy statement on X, adding: “This disastrous deal is nothing short of traitorous”.

The word Quisling, often used as a synonym for traitor, references former Norwegian leader Vidkun Quisling, he served as the country’s Minister President between 1942-1945, collaborating with the Nazis during Germany’s occupation of his country.

JLM’s chair Lord Katz hit out at Jenrick’s comments, telling the JC: “Bandying around words like ‘Quisling’ may satisfy Jenrick’s desire to act like a two-bit populist, but it’s entirely unserious and irresponsible for a leading member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition – not to mention highly offensive.

“Quisling sold his people out to the Nazis. Jenrick should show some leadership before making such a tawdry comparison and apologise.”

The Times reported that, under the terms of the Chagos deal, the UK could end up paying as much as £18bn to Mauritius as part of an agreement that would see Britain hand over territory but maintain a lease on a UK-US airbase on the main island, Diego Garcia, for 99 years.

However, the Foreign Office has disputed that figure, telling the BBC that it was "inaccurate and misleading" and that "the UK will only sign a deal that is in our national interest”.

Jenrick, whose wife is Jewish and was born in Israel, also took aim at what he called “The cast of characters involved in this ‘negotiation’” who he said “absolutely stink – and they all link back to Starmer”.

“Representing the Mauritian Government as their lead negotiator is Philippe Sands KC. Sands campaigned to elect Starmer as Labour leader and described him as a ‘great friend’. Sands has previously spoken about ‘humiliating’ Britain through his legal work”, the onetime Tory leadership contender added.

Sands, who is Jewish, spoke at the Jewish Labour Movement’s one-day conference in January in a session on “human rights and international law” which journalists were barred from attending.

Jenrick also attacked Attorney General Lord Hermer, “another donor to Starmer’s leadership campaign and friend of 30 years”, who is also Jewish.

“Before becoming Attorney General, Lord Hemer worked with Philippe Sands at Matrix Chambers for 10 years. They know each other well. Together, Starmer, Hermer and Sands have reportedly agreed for the UK Government to make massive concessions to the Mauritian Government”, he added.

Robert Jenrick declined to comment on the JLM’s criticism.