THE first stage of a libel case brought against Jeremy Corbyn by pro-Israel activist Richard Millett was adjourned today so that the judge could consider new submissions from lawyers.
The delay was due to Mr Millett’s lawyer submitting late new evidence, which he admitted was a “failure” on his part, according to Jewish News.
The case relates to an appearance made by former Labour leader Mr Corbyn on BBC 1’s Andrew Marr Show in September 2018.
On the programme, Mr Corbyn was asked about a speech he’d made in 2013 at a meeting convened by the Palestinian Return Centre.
During the speech, he commented on an event that had taken place in Parliament days prior, where the guest speaker had been the Palestinian ambassador Manuel Hassassian.
Mr Corbyn said that a small number of those at the meeting had been “thankfully silent zionists,” but had then behaved in a “very, very abusive manner” towards Mr Hassassian by coming up to “berate him afterwards for what he said.”
He claimed that the group, which included Mr Millett, did “not want to study history” and “[did not] understand English irony, either” despite having lived in Britain for a long time.
“Manuel does understand English irony and he uses it very, very effectively,” Mr Corbyn added.
Newspapers, including The Times and the Guardian, reported on the remarks and identified Mr Millett as having been present at the meeting.
Mr Corbyn also said that the group had been so “disruptive” that police wanted to throw them out, but that he had urged officers to let them stay.
Today, a virtual Queen’s Bench court hearing was held before Mr Justice Saini to determine the meaning of Mr Corbyn’s comments on the Marr Show before libel action can proceed.
Five additional documents were filed late last week by the complainant’s lawyer, William Bennett QC, comprising more publications’ reports on Mr Corbyn’s comments from August 2018.
Mr Corbyn’s barrister, Anthony Hudson QC, argued that the additional material should not be considered as part of Mr Millett’s original claim.
Mr Justice Saini asked for new written submissions from both barristers.
Mr Bennett’s last submission is required by July 8, after which the judge will make his ruling as to what can go forward to trial.
