JEREMY CORBYN has addressed the “poison” of anti-semitism in a video message to Labour Party members released today, warning racists that they do not speak in his name.

In the clip sent to all members by email and posted on social media, Mr Corbyn speaks of a Labour government taking all necessary measures to “support and guarantee the security of all Jewish communities and their culture.”

“I am sorry for the hurt that has been caused to many Jewish people. We have been too slow in processing disciplinary cases of, mostly, online anti-semitic abuse by party members. We are acting to speed this process up,” he says. 

Mr Corbyn addresses claims that the party has an “anti-semitism crisis” by saying: “people who use anti-semitic poison need to understand. You do not do it in my name or the name of my party. You are not our supporters.”

Mr Corbyn reiterated his commitment to speeding up disciplinary cases related to anti-semitism in Labour and assured viewers that he will work closely with new party general secretary Jennie Formby to “rebuild trust” and ensure that Jewish people feel comfortable with Labour.

He also said that anyone seeking to deny that anti-semitism is a growing issue for Labour is contributing to a wider problem for his leadership and the party at large.

The video, which was warmly received by supporters and critics alike, is part of wider efforts by Mr Corbyn and his party to encourage a more nuanced understanding of anti-semitism among the membership.

It was released after Labour deputy leader Tom Watson claimed in the Observer newspaper today that the party risks being lost in a “vortex of eternal shame” unless it addresses the concerns of the Jewish community.