Labour MP Naz Shah quits post after facing criticism over 'Israel should move to US' comments

Labour MP Naz Shah has resigned from the post of aide to the shadow chancellor after it emerged she had shared a post suggesting Israel should be "relocated" to the US.

The Bradford West MP had earlier apologised for the post, which she made in 2014 prior to winning George Galloway's seat in the 2015 election, and said in a statement that she was sorry for any offence caused.

She had shared a post on Facebook that suggested moving Middle Eastern Jewish people to the US, stating: "The transportation costs would be less than three years of defence spending," to which Shah added "problem solved".

The MP also offered to contact Barack Obama and share the post, which said it had the 'solution' to the Middle East conflict.

But after her controversial comments were shared by political blogger Guido Fawkes and a subsequent backlash, Shah announced she had quit her role working for shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

She said in a statement: "I made these posts at the height of the Gaza conflict in 2014, when emotions were running high around the Middle East conflict.

"But that is no excuse for the offence I have given, for which I unreservedly apologise.

"In recognition of that offence I have stepped down from my role as PPS to the shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

"I will be seeking to expand my existing engagement and dialogue with Jewish community organisations, and will be stepping up my efforts to combat all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism."

Shah's comments were denounced by many as anti-Semitic, with Guido Fawkes pointing out the Labour Party had dismissed people for less. Indeed, in an attempt to rid the party of anti-Semitism, several members have been let go in recent weeks.

A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said: "Naz Shah's comments about relocating Israelis to the United States are simply appalling. She has since apologised and stepped down as John McDonnell's Parliamentary Private Secretary.

"The Board of Deputies of British Jews has sought an urgent meeting for clarification of her views on Israel and the UK Jewish community."