Defiant Livingstone refuses to apologise in 'Nazi guard' row

[bemildred]

I dunno why, it reminded me of the flap with Churchill
in Colorado ...

After nearly a fortnight of condemnation of his remarks likening a Jewish reporter to a concentration camp guard "doing the job just because you are paid to", Ken Livingstone issued a blunt verdict on the row yesterday: "I have nothing to apologise for."

In a 35-minute display of defiance and rhetoric, the London Mayor insisted he had not meant to offend Jews - and renewed his tirade against Associated Newspapers, owner of the Daily Mail and London Evening Standard.

Many had predicted Mr Livingstone would end the controversy, which threatened to overshadow London's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, by expressing regret for any offence caused to the Jewish community. But the Mayor said instead he had been "deeply affected" by concerns that his comments downplayed the Holocaust.

He contrasted what he said was his own record on combating racism - then spoke about what he claimed was the Daily Mail group's role as "leading advocates of anti-Semitism in Britain for half a century".

Independent UK

[autorank]

1. Oh, what the heck, make him a Knight. Blair & Livingston...losermen!