Why I wasn't insulting Holocaust victims

Holocaust survivors who tried to meet Mr Livingstone to press for an apology accused him of comparing the way he has been treated by the press over 24 years with their suffering at the hands of the Nazis.

But he said today: "I am not seeking to make that comparison.

"I don't suggest for one minute I have anything in common with the Holocaust that was uniquely the most evil chapter in human history.

"I was pointing out that it's the thin end of the wedge when reporters say they are only doing their job. If you continue to bark the same question time after time I believe it is harassment."

Asked if he had overstepped the mark with phrases such as concentration camp guard and war criminal the Mayor said: "No. I've been making identical comments for 20 years."

Mr Livingstone, who faces investigation by the Standards Board for England following a complaint from the Board of Deputies of British Jews over his remarks, denied refusing to meet Holocaust survivors Gena Turgel, 82, Roman Halter, 77, and Joseph Perl, 74, who yesterday handed in a petition to the London Assembly calling on him to apologise.

He claimed the chamber's seating had been "unilaterally" changed so he had his back to the trio and could not acknowledge them.

"I'm still delighted to meet them and talk these issues through," he said.

Mr Livingstone also offered to meet the Board of Deputies to discuss his remarks to Oliver Finegold.