Britain�s main opposition Labour Party is in turmoil after a television documentary renewed allegations that anti-Semitism is rife within its ranks.

In the BBC program, former staff members of the left-of-center party recounted being subjected to anti-Semitic abuse and alleged that senior party officials interfered in complaint investigations.

Accusations of hostility toward Jews have riven Labour since left-winger Jeremy Corbyn, a longtime supporter of the Palestinians, became party leader in 2015.

The party condemned the BBC documentary, broadcast last night, saying it contained �deliberate and malicious representations.� It alleged the former staffers who took part had �personal and political axes to grind.�

But many Labour lawmakers express dismay at the allegations.

Legislator Pat McFadden tweets that the program was �powerful and shocking. Huge bravery shown by the young people who spoke out.�

Colleague Jess Phillips says on Twitter that the claims made in the program were �worse than I expected. The Labour party response tells me that they don�t care.�

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson says anti-Semitism is �a sickness in our party� that has to be dealt with.

(AP)