DOZENS of politicians and artists today called for “clarity” on Labour’s anti-semitism code and whether criticism of Israel’s actions would be in breach of it.

In a letter published by the Guardian this weekend, 19 Labour MPs and various cultural figures such as musician Jarvis Cocker and film director Mike Leigh emphasised the need for “what type of speech about Israel may be anti-semitic and what is not” to be defined.

They noted that “the fight against anti-semitism is not enhanced by any conflation of anti-semitism” with “legitimate criticism” of the Israeli government’s policies.

Their statement demanded “robust action” against both anti-semitism and Israel’s consistent denial of human rights for Palestinians.

It also sets out principles for challenging anti-semitism and distinguishing anti-semitism from “legitimate” criticism of Israel that is not “motivated by anti-Jewish prejudice.”

“Criticising laws and policies of the State of Israel as racist and as falling under the definition of apartheid is not anti-semitic,” they added.

“Calling for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel to oppose those policies is not anti-semitic.”

The statement comes as controversy has erupted in the past few days within Labour over moves by new general secretary Jennie Formby to combat anti-semitism within the party.

Labour’s new code on anti-semitism, which states that anti-semitism is “racism” and “unacceptable in our party and in wider society,” has been criticised by some Labour MPs such as Chuka Umunna and Anna Turley for not fully signing up to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of anti-semitism – which has itself been attacked for muddying the distinction between racism and political opposition to particular states.

Momentum leader Jon Lansman has publicly defended the party’s new anti-semitism code, saying it brings “greater clarity” to the IHRA’s working definition.

Labour MP Grahame Morris, who chairs Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, said that “we should be deeply concerned about anti-semitism in all its manifestations and rigorously challenge it at all times.

“It is also essential to defend the right to speak out against Israel’s violations of international law and denial of the rights of the Palestinian people, and to call for action to address them.

“Clarity on the difference is therefore vital and I welcome the sensible principles the letter sets out.”