Liverpool MP Kim Johnson has apologised for comments she made about Israel during Prime Minister's Questions today.
Ms Johnson, who represents the Liverpool Riverside constituency for Labour, spoke in the House of Commons, where she described Israel's government as "fascist" and referred to the country as an "apartheid state."
During Prime Minister's Questions, Ms Johnson said: "Since the election of the fascist Israeli government last year, there has been an increase in human rights violations against Palestinian civilians, including Children, can the Prime Minister tell us how he is challenging what Amnesty and other human rights organisations are referring to as an apartheid state?"
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After PMQs, Labour leader Keir Starmer's official spokesman told reporters that Ms Johnson's words were "unacceptable" and should be withdrawn. It is understood the party's chief whip then met with the Liverpool Riverside MP.
Ms Johnson later returned to the House of Commons and made an apology. She said: "I would like to apologise unreservedly for the intemperate language I used during PMQs, I was wrong to use the term fascist in relation to the Israeli government and understand why this was particularly insensitive given the history of the state of Israel.
"While there are far-right elements in the government, I recognise that the use of the term in this context was wrong.
"I would also like to apologise for the use of the term 'apartheid state'. While I was quoting accurately Amnesty's description, I recognise this is insensitive and I'd like to withdraw it."
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