JOHN McDONNELL’S clarion call for a new wave of nationwide opposition to racism and the rising tide of far-right violence is timely.

Mainstream media and Labour’s opponents have embarked on a feeding frenzy with no sign of slackening over anti-semitism claims personalised on leader Jeremy Corbyn.

All complaints must be examined, of course, but it is clear that, for some, no reply by Corbyn will ever suffice.

While he and his party bear the brunt of this campaign, with its twin goals of forcing Labour to accept a definition of anti-semitism that would diminish criticism of Israel and undermine Corbyn to make him susceptible to replacement, the far right is having a field day.

Why did a group of fascist thugs feel confident of their ability to ransack the Bookmarks bookshop round the corner from the Trades Union Congress headquarters and to video and upload their violent escapade?

Why has Boris Johnson returned to the gutter to make offensive comments about Muslim women who wear clothing they regard as appropriate to their religious views?

Former Tory Party national co-chair Sayeeda Warsi suspects that Johnson believes his Islamophobia will be a vote-winner among the Tory faithful when he bids to replace Theresa May in due course.

While current chair Brandon Lewis has asked Johnson to apologise for his insults, the Prime Minister’s silence has been deafening.

Opposition to anti-semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism cannot be left to the Westminster village.

The Anti-Nazi League example that McDonnell cites became a mass movement when the organised labour movement threw its weight behind the group, along with cultural, religious and black and ethnic minority forces.

Working openly and honestly with different forces is the best way to isolate and minimise the noxious influence of those who wish to divide us.