Britain’s Equalities and Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into antisemitism in the Labour party.
The equality watchdog said it believes Labour may have “unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs”.
It is now contacting Jeremy Corbyn’s party to set out its concerns and request a response.
“Our concerns are sufficient for us to consider using our statutory enforcement powers.
“As set out in our enforcement policy, we are now engaging with the Labour Party to give them an opportunity to respond.”
The probe follows a complaint from the Jewish Labour Movement and Campaign against Antisemitism.
The last time a statutory probe was launched by the body was in relation to the Metropolitan Police.
If such an investigation is opened, the Commission could compel the party to reveal details of its handling of antisemitism cases including through internal communications like emails and texts.
It would also have the power to force the party to take on a plan of action to tackle hate.
A JLM spokesperson said: “In early November 2018, the Jewish Labour Movement made a submission to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission asking them to investigate the allegation that the Labour Party is institutionally antisemitic.
“We did not take that decision lightly. After years of anti-Jewish racism experienced by our members, and a long pattern of denial, obfuscation and inaction by those with the power and ability to do something about it, we felt there was little choice but to secure a fully independent inquiry, not encumbered by corrupted internal practices. Everything that has happened in the months since our referral supports our view that the Labour Party is now institutionally antisemitic.
