Jeremy Corbyn and Shami Chakrabarti have faced criticism after it emerged last night (5 August) that the Labour leader had recommended the human rights campaigner for a peerage. The controversial move comes despite Corbyn's 2015 pledge not to nominate new peers and also follows Chakrabarti's "independent" inquiry into anti-Semitism within Labour.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis claimed the credibility of the report "lies in tatters" after Chakrabarti, the former director of Liberty, was nominated for the peerage.

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"Shami Chakrabarti has a proud record of public service, but in accepting this peerage, the credibility of her report lies in tatters and the Labour Party's stated intention, to unequivocally tackle anti-Semitism, remains woefully unrealised," Mirvis said.

Jewish charity CST also criticised the nomination, branding it a "shameless kick in the teeth for all who put hope in her now wholly compromised Inquiry into Labour anti-Semitism." Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson also raised concerns, describing the move as a "mistake."

"Chakrabarti is precisely the sort of person you would want in the House of Lords, she is a very highly regarded human rights lawyer. The timing is not great for the Labour Party, I wasn't aware, I wasn't consulted on whether Shami was going in," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I do think it's a mistake because I don't agree with resignation honours."

But a spokesman for Corbyn defended the decision. "Shami Chakrabarti shares Jeremy's ambition for reform of the House of Lords. Her career has been one of public service and human rights advocacy," he said in a statement.

"Her legal and campaigning skills, and the trust that she has gained from many ordinary Britons, will be a considerable asset to the House of Lords. Brexit will put many hard-fought rights at risk, so it is crucial that those equipped with the right skills are given the opportunity to hold this government to account."

Chakrabarti added: "This is a dangerous moment for our country and we share vital human rights values that need defending more than ever before in my lifetime."

Former Prime Minister David Cameron also came under fire for his resignation honours, which saw ex-Chancellor George Osborne receive the prestigious Companion of Honour award "for political and public service", while Tory MPs Patrick McLoughlin and Oliver Letwin are made knights. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has been awarded with a KCB.

Labour's Will Straw, the chief of unsuccessful Britain Stronger in Europe campaign, has also accepted a CBE from Cameron.

Jeremy Corbyn Human rights