The Labour Party may have unlawfully discriminated against Jewish people, the UK's human rights watchdog says.

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission said it was considering launching a formal investigation into anti-Semitism in the party.

Depending on the response, the commission can take enforcement action ranging from a voluntary agreement with the party to a full-blown investigation. If a formal investigation was launched, the EHRC would request interviews with key figures in the party and have the power to demand access to correspondence, emails and other information to determine how Labour dealt with allegations of anti-Semitic discrimination.

The action comes in response to complaints from a number of organisations and individuals, including the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism.