labourlist--2020-10-29--JLM on EHRC report: “There is still much that needs to be done”

Below is the full text of the Jewish Labour Movement ’ s statement on the EHRC report .
Today ’ s report provides Jewish Labour members with the relief that they have been seeking from the Labour Party , but which it failed , over five years , to offer .
Since 2015 , we have consistently warned the Labour Party about a deepening casual culture of anti-Jewish racism , that saw Jewish Labour members and activists harassed and discriminated against .
Instead of listening to our growing concerns over the scale of the challenge , we were told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factional advantage or intended to silence debate .
Today ’ s report confirms that our voices were marginalised and our members victimised .
As set out in forensic detail by the EHRC , the blame for this sordid , disgraceful chapter in the Labour Party ’ s history lies firmly with those who held positions of leadership – those who possessed both power and influence to prevent the growth of anti-Jewish racism , but failed to act .
What the report shows is that , worse than simply failing to act , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the processes relating to antisemitism , for political reasons .
This failure of leadership amounted to unlawful conduct that facilitated antisemitism to become normalised within the Labour Party , a situation that continues to this day , that must be stopped , and must never happen again .
We take no satisfaction in today ’ s outcome , or in having had to refer the Labour Party to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for investigation in 2018 .
This year marks the centenary of the Jewish Labour Movement ’ s affiliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 100 years , Jewish Labour activists have campaigned to elect Labour governments in the pursuit of peace , justice and equality both in the UK and abroad .
Never before in our collective history has the Labour Party so fundamentally strained the ties that have bound the Jewish community to the British Left .
Antisemitism within the Labour Party had serious consequences for many people , causing real emotional pain and despair to those who have given their lives to the Labour Party .
As the EHRC points out it undermines confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our democracy .
Members have been subjected to persistent levels of abuse that passed criminal thresholds , whilst Jewish women Members of Parliament such as Luciana Berger and Dame Louise Ellman were left little choice but to resign under extreme duress .
Jewish Labour members , our friends and allies have far too often faced the perverse insinuation that we have ‘ weaponised ’ antisemitism by the very same individuals who have perpetrated it against us , with little if inadequate intervention by those who could have stopped it .
It will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out how they intend to eradicate anti-Jewish racism from our Party .
This will in part be achieved by implementing the legally binding actions set out of the EHRC ’ s report in full and without delay .
These recommendations will ensure that the Party is able to address the longstanding deficiencies in its structure , practice and culture and will have lasting impact in ensuring equality within the Party not just for Jewish members , but all those who have found themselves victims of harassment , discrimination and victimisation within the Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation as the Party of equality , we believe Labour , as well as fully implementing the action plan and recommendations set out in the report , must now set out bold and decisive steps to radically change the culture of our Party .
This will include pushing the Labour Party for a fully independent disciplinary process ; preventing casual bullying , intimidation and harassment ; implementing a proper education plan for Party members and finally demonstrating strong , moral , decisive leadership .
This includes immediate action in relation to those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to diminish the EHRC conclusions .
Suggesting that complaints of antisemitism are fakes or smears is , as the EHRC points , out an act of antisemitism itself and dealing with such suggestions will be the first test of the leadership of Labour Party ’ s genuine recognition of the report ’ s finding .
JLM has never shied away from protecting the rights of our members as part of the fight against racism , and we will continue to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and inactions .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewed resolve , the Party will return to its core values of solidarity , tolerance and respect .
There is still much that needs to be done .

Below is the full text of the Jewish Labour Movement’s statement on the EHRC report.
Today’s report provides Jewish Labour members with the relief that they have been seeking from the Labour Party, but which it failed, over five years, to offer.
Since 2015, we have consistently warned the Labour Party about a deepening casual culture of anti-Jewish racism, that saw Jewish Labour members and activists harassed and discriminated against. Instead of listening to our growing concerns over the scale of the challenge, we were told that this racism was imagined, fabricated for factional advantage or intended to silence debate. Today’s report confirms that our voices were marginalised and our members victimised.
As set out in forensic detail by the EHRC, the blame for this sordid, disgraceful chapter in the Labour Party’s history lies firmly with those who held positions of leadership – those who possessed both power and influence to prevent the growth of anti-Jewish racism, but failed to act. What the report shows is that, worse than simply failing to act, the leadership of the Labour Party actively interfered in the processes relating to antisemitism, for political reasons. This failure of leadership amounted to unlawful conduct that facilitated antisemitism to become normalised within the Labour Party, a situation that continues to this day, that must be stopped, and must never happen again.
We take no satisfaction in today’s outcome, or in having had to refer the Labour Party to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for investigation in 2018. This year marks the centenary of the Jewish Labour Movement’s affiliation to the Labour Party. Throughout the last 100 years, Jewish Labour activists have campaigned to elect Labour governments in the pursuit of peace, justice and equality both in the UK and abroad. Never before in our collective history has the Labour Party so fundamentally strained the ties that have bound the Jewish community to the British Left.
Antisemitism within the Labour Party had serious consequences for many people, causing real emotional pain and despair to those who have given their lives to the Labour Party. As the EHRC points out it undermines confidence in our politics and the fabric of our democracy.
Members have been subjected to persistent levels of abuse that passed criminal thresholds, whilst Jewish women Members of Parliament such as Luciana Berger and Dame Louise Ellman were left little choice but to resign under extreme duress. Jewish Labour members, our friends and allies have far too often faced the perverse insinuation that we have ‘weaponised’ antisemitism by the very same individuals who have perpetrated it against us, with little if inadequate intervention by those who could have stopped it.
It will now be for the Labour Party to set out how they intend to eradicate anti-Jewish racism from our Party. This will in part be achieved by implementing the legally binding actions set out of the EHRC’s report in full and without delay.
These recommendations will ensure that the Party is able to address the longstanding deficiencies in its structure, practice and culture and will have lasting impact in ensuring equality within the Party not just for Jewish members, but all those who have found themselves victims of harassment, discrimination and victimisation within the Party.
In order to truly restore its reputation as the Party of equality, we believe Labour, as well as fully implementing the action plan and recommendations set out in the report, must now set out bold and decisive steps to radically change the culture of our Party.
This will include pushing the Labour Party for a fully independent disciplinary process; preventing casual bullying, intimidation and harassment; implementing a proper education plan for Party members and finally demonstrating strong, moral, decisive leadership. This includes immediate action in relation to those who, even before its publication, are seeking to diminish the EHRC conclusions. Suggesting that complaints of antisemitism are fakes or smears is, as the EHRC points, out an act of antisemitism itself and dealing with such suggestions will be the first test of the leadership of Labour Party’s genuine recognition of the report’s finding.
JLM has never shied away from protecting the rights of our members as part of the fight against racism, and we will continue to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and inactions.
We are hopeful that under new leadership, and renewed resolve, the Party will return to its core values of solidarity, tolerance and respect. There is still much that needs to be done.


labourlist--2020-10-29--Corbyn claims Labour antisemitism was “dramatically overstated”

Jeremy Corbyn has claimed in response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on allegations of antisemitism within Labour being released that the “ problem was dramatically overstated ” .
The former Labour leader expressed “ regret that it took longer to deliver that change than it should ” but added that “ the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
Corbyn has confirmed that he does not accept all the findings of the EHRC report published today , though said “ I trust its recommendations will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this period ” .
The report has found that there were “ unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination for which the Labour Party is responsible ” as well as “ serious failings in leadership ” during the time in which Corbyn was in charge .
Corbyn ’ s name is included 12 times in the EHRC report , but these report does not describe Corbyn himself as antisemitic or recommend that disciplinary action be taken against the former leader .
Below is the full text of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abhorrent , wrong and responsible for some of humanity ’ s greatest crimes .
As Leader of the Labour Party I was always determined to eliminate all forms of racism and root out the cancer of antisemitism .
I have campaigned in support of Jewish people and communities my entire life and I will continue to do so .
“ The EHRC ’ s report shows that when I became Labour leader in 2015 , the Party ’ s processes for handling complaints were not fit for purpose .
Reform was then stalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2018 , Jennie Formby and a new NEC that supported my leadership made substantial improvements , making it much easier and swifter to remove antisemites .
My team acted to speed up , not hinder the process .
“ Anyone claiming there is no antisemitism in the Labour Party is wrong .
Of course there is , as there is throughout society , and sometimes it is voiced by people who think of themselves as on the left .
“ Jewish members of our party and the wider community were right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I regret that it took longer to deliver that change than it should .
“ One antisemite is one too many , but the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party , as well as by much of the media .
That combination hurt Jewish people and must never be repeated .
“ My sincere hope is that relations with Jewish communities can be rebuilt and those fears overcome .
While I do not accept all of its findings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented to help move on from this period .
”

Jeremy Corbyn has claimed in response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on allegations of antisemitism within Labour being released that “the scale of the problem was dramatically overstated”.
The former Labour leader expressed “regret that it took longer to deliver that change than it should” but added that “the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
Corbyn has confirmed that he does not accept all the findings of the EHRC report published today, though said “I trust its recommendations will be swiftly implemented to help move on from this period”.
The report has found that there were “unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination for which the Labour Party is responsible” as well as “serious failings in leadership” during the time in which Corbyn was in charge.
Corbyn’s name is included 12 times in the EHRC report, but as expected the report does not describe Corbyn himself as antisemitic or recommend that disciplinary action be taken against the former leader.
Below is the full text of Jeremy Corbyn’s response to the EHRC report.
“Antisemitism is absolutely abhorrent, wrong and responsible for some of humanity’s greatest crimes. As Leader of the Labour Party I was always determined to eliminate all forms of racism and root out the cancer of antisemitism. I have campaigned in support of Jewish people and communities my entire life and I will continue to do so.
“The EHRC’s report shows that when I became Labour leader in 2015, the Party’s processes for handling complaints were not fit for purpose. Reform was then stalled by an obstructive party bureaucracy. But from 2018, Jennie Formby and a new NEC that supported my leadership made substantial improvements, making it much easier and swifter to remove antisemites. My team acted to speed up, not hinder the process.
“Anyone claiming there is no antisemitism in the Labour Party is wrong. Of course there is, as there is throughout society, and sometimes it is voiced by people who think of themselves as on the left.
“Jewish members of our party and the wider community were right to expect us to deal with it, and I regret that it took longer to deliver that change than it should.
“One antisemite is one too many, but the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media. That combination hurt Jewish people and must never be repeated.
“My sincere hope is that relations with Jewish communities can be rebuilt and those fears overcome. While I do not accept all of its findings, I trust its recommendations will be swiftly implemented to help move on from this period.”


labourlist--2020-10-29--EHRC antisemitism report: Labour responsible for “unlawful acts”

The final version of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on allegations of antisemitism within Labour has been published following a formal investigation into the party that started in May 2019 .
It has found that there were “ unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination for which the Labour Party is responsible ” , “ serious failings in leadership and an inadequate process for handling antisemitism complaints ” .
The EHRC has concluded that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act ( 2010 ) relating to : • Failure to provide adequate training to those handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference “ mainly came from the opposition ’ s office ” , the EHRC found , and this was “ not a legitimate approach ” .
The interference applied to a third of the 70 case files reviewed .
The EHRC found that the failure to provide adequate training is not a currently unlawful finding because it has “ not been possible ” for Labour to implement this before publication of the report .
But the body has instructed the Labour Party to put in place practical and adequate training for those handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the report today .
The report states that Labour “ committed harassment against its members in relation to Jewish ethnicity ” specifically in the cases of two individuals – former official Ken Livingstone and Pam Bromley .
The EHRC said Labour was responsible for Livingstone ’ s action as he was an agent of the party – a member of the national executive committee – and that his comments “ had the effect of harassing Labour Party members ” .
Bromley was a Labour councillor in Rossendale , thus an agent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of her authorised functions ” when posting antisemitic comments on her Facebook account .
The EHRC says it saw email evidence that in February 2019 , Governance and Legal Unit ( GLU ) staff were specifically instructed not to update any complainants on decisions in antisemitism cases .
Analysis of evidence by the body has also found that there was a “ culture ” within the Labour Party that “ at best , did not do enough to prevent antisemitism and , at worst , could be seen to accept it ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an unlawful act notice .
The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published today .
The party now led by Keir Starmer has until December 10th to draft the action plan to implement the recommendations of the EHRC , and this is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled .
• Commission an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints , as soon as rule changes allow .
• Implement clear rules and guidance that prohibit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
• Review and update its ‘ Code of Conduct : Social Media Policy ’ to make it clear that members may be investigated and subject to disciplinary action if they share or like any antisemitic social media content .
• Commission and provide education and practical training for all individuals involved in the antisemitism complaints process within six months .
Commenting on the report publication , Campaign Against Antisemitism chief executive Gideon Falter said : “ The Equality and Human Rights Commission ’ s report is a groundbreaking document .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EHRC of unlawful acts .
It heavily criticises the Labour Party ’ s former leadership .
It makes clear recommendations to ensure that there is zero tolerance of antisemitism in the party in the future .
“ It provides a robust framework for ensuring that the party complies .
The EHRC ’ s report utterly vindicates Britain ’ s Jews who were accused of lying and exaggerating , acting as agents of another country and using their religion to ‘ smear ’ the Labour Party.
” The CAA has submitted complaints against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other sitting MPs and “ has given Labour six months to conduct transparent investigations and finally deliver justice for the Jewish community ” .
After repeatedly complaining to Labour about Jeremy Corbyn but not finding that it would open an investigation , the Campaign Against Antisemitism formally referred the party to the EHRC in July 2018 .
The EHRC decided that the threshold for a full statutory investigation had been met and launched a probe in May 2019 into whether Labour had “ unlawfully discriminated against , harassed or victimised people because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine “ whether unlawful acts had been committed by the party , its employees or its agents ” , and whether the party had “ responded to complaints of unlawful acts in a lawful , efficient and effective manner ” .
The Jewish Labour Movement made submissions including a document , leaked in a redacted form last year , that contained 70 testimonies from current and former party staffers and over 100 testimonies from members .
Labour confirmed in July 2020 that it had received the draft EHRC report .
The party said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contents until the drafting process was completed , and Labour succeeded in preventing any leaks .
The EHRC was set up in 2007 under a Labour government .
Section 20 of the Equality Act 2006 allows the body to carry out investigations in organisations suspected of committing unlawful discrimination .
During the statutory investigation , the EHRC was able to compel Labour to reveal details of its handling of antisemitism within the party including internal communications such as text messages and emails .

The final version of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on allegations of antisemitism within Labour has been published following a formal investigation into the party that started in May 2019.
It has found that there were “unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination for which the Labour Party is responsible”, “serious failings in leadership and an inadequate process for handling antisemitism complaints”.
The EHRC has concluded that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act (2010) relating to:
Political interference in antisemitism complaints
Failure to provide adequate training to those handling antisemitism complaints
Harassment
The failure relating to political interference “mainly came from the opposition’s office”, the EHRC found, and this was “not a legitimate approach”. The interference applied to a third of the 70 case files reviewed.
The EHRC found that the failure to provide adequate training is not a currently unlawful finding because it has “not been possible” for Labour to implement this before publication of the report.
But the body has instructed the Labour Party to put in place practical and adequate training for those handling antisemitism complaints within six months of publication of the report today.
The report states that Labour “committed harassment against its members in relation to Jewish ethnicity” specifically in the cases of two individuals – former official Ken Livingstone and Pam Bromley.
The EHRC said Labour was responsible for Livingstone’s action as he was an agent of the party – a member of the national executive committee – and that his comments “had the effect of harassing Labour Party members”.
Bromley was a Labour councillor in Rossendale, thus an agent of the party and “Acting in the course of her authorised functions” when posting antisemitic comments on her Facebook account.
The EHRC says it saw email evidence that in February 2019, Governance and Legal Unit (GLU) staff were specifically instructed not to update any complainants on decisions in antisemitism cases.
Analysis of evidence by the body has also found that there was a “culture” within the Labour Party that “at best, did not do enough to prevent antisemitism and, at worst, could be seen to accept it”.
The Labour Party has been served with an unlawful act notice. The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published today.
The party now led by Keir Starmer has until December 10th to draft the action plan to implement the recommendations of the EHRC, and this is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled.
EHRC recommendations for the Labour Party include:
Commission an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints, as soon as rule changes allow.
Implement clear rules and guidance that prohibit and sanction any inappropriate interference in the complaints process.
Review and update its ‘Code of Conduct: Social Media Policy’ to make it clear that members may be investigated and subject to disciplinary action if they share or like any antisemitic social media content.
Commission and provide education and practical training for all individuals involved in the antisemitism complaints process within six months.
Commenting on the report publication, Campaign Against Antisemitism chief executive Gideon Falter said: “The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report is a groundbreaking document.
“It is the first ever finding by the EHRC of unlawful acts. It heavily criticises the Labour Party’s former leadership. It makes clear recommendations to ensure that there is zero tolerance of antisemitism in the party in the future.
“It provides a robust framework for ensuring that the party complies. The EHRC’s report utterly vindicates Britain’s Jews who were accused of lying and exaggerating, acting as agents of another country and using their religion to ‘smear’ the Labour Party.”
The CAA has submitted complaints against Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott and 15 other sitting MPs and “has given Labour six months to conduct transparent investigations and finally deliver justice for the Jewish community”.
After repeatedly complaining to Labour about Jeremy Corbyn but not finding that it would open an investigation, the Campaign Against Antisemitism formally referred the party to the EHRC in July 2018.
The EHRC decided that the threshold for a full statutory investigation had been met and launched a probe in May 2019 into whether Labour had “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”.
It sought to determine “whether unlawful acts had been committed by the party, its employees or its agents”, and whether the party had “responded to complaints of unlawful acts in a lawful, efficient and effective manner”.
The Jewish Labour Movement made submissions including a document, leaked in a redacted form last year, that contained 70 testimonies from current and former party staffers and over 100 testimonies from members.
Labour confirmed in July 2020 that it had received the draft EHRC report. The party said it would not be commenting on the contents until the drafting process was completed, and Labour succeeded in preventing any leaks.
The EHRC was set up in 2007 under a Labour government. Section 20 of the Equality Act 2006 allows the body to carry out investigations in organisations suspected of committing unlawful discrimination.
During the statutory investigation, the EHRC was able to compel Labour to reveal details of its handling of antisemitism within the party including internal communications such as text messages and emails.


labourlist--2020-10-29--Labour calls for Covid press conference as virus doubling every nine days

Labour has called on the Prime Minister to hold a coronavirus press conference today to update the nation after a new study exposed the severity of the second coronavirus wave in England this month .
A new study from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI reveals that between October 16th and 25th , 128 people per 10,000 were infected with Covid in England – almost twice the 60 per 10,000 recorded on October 5th .
The new research also found that the national ‘ R ’ reproduction rate of the coronavirus in England has increased to 1.6 , which means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubling in cases every nine days .
Commenting on the Imperial College London findings and the need for a Covid press conference , Labour ’ s Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : “ This study reveals just how serious the situation we are now in is .
“ The virus is growing nationwide .
This will inevitably lead to more loss of life , more serious harm , immense pressure on the NHS and a slow , damaging drag on the economy .
“ Boris Johnson should have used the school half-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ to push infections down , fix test and trace and save lives .
People will be alarmed and worried and looking for reassurance from ministers .
“ Businesses are fearful that a delay in taking decisive national action will create further , deeper uncertainty for the economy .
Boris Johnson must hold a press conference later today to update the nation and outline what steps he will now take to get control of the virus and save lives.
” The new Imperial College London research conducted mass testing on the general population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increased across all age groups and regions of the country .
The new study suggests that across England 96,000 people are catching Covid each day .
While only 24,701 new cases were officially reported on Thursday , the figures only account for those who get a positive test , not asymptomatic carriers .
Ashworth declared yesterday that the government has “ put Christmas at risk ” by failing to implement a national ‘ circuit breaker ’ lockdown over the October half-term as Labour recommended .
He told Times Radio : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window of opportunity over the half-term I ’ m worried that what we ’ ll see is deeper , more drastic lockdown action… which sadly probably does put Christmas at risk.
” “ The government have got to do something quickly to save Christmas for everybody because we want people to have a family Christmas , don ’ t we ?
I think it would be awful if people don ’ t get that.
” Keir Starmer had called on the government to implement a short , sharp ‘ circuit breaker ’ lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country did not “ sleep walk into a long and bleak winter ” .
While Downing Street rejected the policy in favour of their tiered local lockdown framework , a similar two-week national lockdown is currently in place in Wales and set to end on November 9th .
The new study follows the release of the latest Test and Trace figures last week , which revealed that the scheme had hit record lows , with just 59.6 % of contacts being reached by tracers and only 7.4 % of results being delivered @ @ @ @

Labour has called on the Prime Minister to hold a coronavirus press conference today to update the nation after a new study exposed the severity of the second coronavirus wave in England this month.
A new study from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI reveals that between October 16th and 25th, 128 people per 10,000 were infected with Covid in England – almost twice the 60 per 10,000 recorded on October 5th.
The new research also found that the national ‘R’ reproduction rate of the coronavirus in England has increased to 1.6, which means the virus is not only growing but doubling in cases every nine days.
Commenting on the Imperial College London findings and the need for a Covid press conference, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “This study reveals just how serious the situation we are now in is.
“The virus is growing nationwide. This will inevitably lead to more loss of life, more serious harm, immense pressure on the NHS and a slow, damaging drag on the economy.
“Boris Johnson should have used the school half-term to implement a time-limited ‘circuit breaker’ to push infections down, fix test and trace and save lives. People will be alarmed and worried and looking for reassurance from ministers.
“Businesses are fearful that a delay in taking decisive national action will create further, deeper uncertainty for the economy. Boris Johnson must hold a press conference later today to update the nation and outline what steps he will now take to get control of the virus and save lives.”
The new Imperial College London research conducted mass testing on the general population and found that the number of infections has increased across all age groups and regions of the country.
The new study suggests that across England 96,000 people are catching Covid each day. While only 24,701 new cases were officially reported on Thursday, the figures only account for those who get a positive test, not asymptomatic carriers.
Ashworth declared yesterday that the government has “put Christmas at risk” by failing to implement a national ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown over the October half-term as Labour recommended.
He told Times Radio: “I think because they’ve missed this window of opportunity over the half-term I’m worried that what we’ll see is deeper, more drastic lockdown action… which sadly probably does put Christmas at risk.”
“The government have got to do something quickly to save Christmas for everybody because we want people to have a family Christmas, don’t we? I think it would be awful if people don’t get that.”
Keir Starmer had called on the government to implement a short, sharp ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown over the October half-term to ensure that the country did not “sleep walk into a long and bleak winter”.
While Downing Street rejected the policy in favour of their tiered local lockdown framework, a similar two-week national lockdown is currently in place in Wales and set to end on November 9th.
The new study follows the release of the latest Test and Trace figures last week, which revealed that the scheme had hit record lows, with just 59.6% of contacts being reached by tracers and only 7.4% of results being delivered in 24 hours.


labourlist--2020-10-29--Ruth Smeeth on EHRC: “It’s an appalling day for the Labour Party”

Former Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has described today as an “ appalling day for the Labour Party ” ahead of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism being released at 10am .
Smeeth , who was one of Labour ’ s few Jewish MPs , told Good Morning Britain that she expected the report to find “ clear ” evidence of antisemitism in the Labour Party and said the party ’ s future rested on “ how Keir Starmer responds ” .
She said : “ We know that it ’ s taken 18 months , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be quite narrow in focus and talk about policies and procedures that need to be changed within the Labour Party and about whether there has been a culture of antisemitism .
“ I think the evidence is going to be clear that they ’ re going to find that there has been a level of discrimination against Jewish members within the Labour Party .
And so it ’ s an appalling day for the Labour Party , it ’ s a black day in our history .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just on the report , but how Keir Starmer responds to the report later today and demonstrates that we are under new leadership .
“ And that he is going to fix this , not just procedurally , but also culturally .
We can ’ t have a situation where anybody feels unsafe at a Labour Party meeting and that ’ s where we were.
” Smeeth , vice-chair of the Jewish Labour Movement , created a pivotal moment for the party when she introduced Starmer at Labour ’ s online conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his keynote speech .
The EHRC launched an investigation in May 2019 into “ whether The Labour Party has unlawfully discriminated against , harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish ” .
Its findings will be published this morning .
Smeeth served as Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North from 2015 to 2019 .
She has been vocal about the party ’ s problem with antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn and has frequently described the abuse she faced as a prominent Jewish Labour activist .
In a Times Radio interview yesterday , former Shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with antisemitism within Labour as a “ tragedy and a disaster ” but said he did not think Corbyn should be expelled from the party .
Karie Murphy declared earlier this week , in anticipation of the release of the EHRC report , that she is “ proud ” of the party ’ s record on dealing with antisemitism complaints under Corbyn ’ s leadership .

Former Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has described today as an “appalling day for the Labour Party” ahead of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism being released at 10am.
Smeeth, who was one of Labour’s few Jewish MPs, told Good Morning Britain that she expected the report to find “clear” evidence of antisemitism in the Labour Party and said the party’s future rested on “how Keir Starmer responds”.
She said: “We know that it’s taken 18 months, it’s going to be comprehensive, it’s going to be quite narrow in focus and talk about policies and procedures that need to be changed within the Labour Party and about whether there has been a culture of antisemitism.
“I think the evidence is going to be clear that they’re going to find that there has been a level of discrimination against Jewish members within the Labour Party. And so it’s an appalling day for the Labour Party, it’s a black day in our history.
“And I think everything rests today with, not just on the report, but how Keir Starmer responds to the report later today and demonstrates that we are under new leadership.
“And that he is going to fix this, not just procedurally, but also culturally. We can’t have a situation where anybody feels unsafe at a Labour Party meeting and that’s where we were.”
Smeeth, vice-chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, created a pivotal moment for the party when she introduced Starmer at Labour’s online conference this year before the new leader delivered his keynote speech.
Former Labour MP @RuthSmeeth tells @CharlotteHawkns what she expects from Keir Starmer when the long-awaited report into antisemitism in the Labour party from the Human Rights watchdog, is published. She adds that ‘it’s an appalling day for the Labour party.’ pic.twitter.com/Da67HhRMZe — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) October 29, 2020
The EHRC launched an investigation in May 2019 into “whether The Labour Party has unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”. Its findings will be published this morning.
Smeeth served as Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North from 2015 to 2019. She has been vocal about the party’s problem with antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn and has frequently described the abuse she faced as a prominent Jewish Labour activist.
In a Times Radio interview yesterday, former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls described the failure to deal with antisemitism within Labour as a “tragedy and a disaster” but said he did not think Corbyn should be expelled from the party.
Karie Murphy declared earlier this week, in anticipation of the release of the EHRC report, that she is “proud” of the party’s record on dealing with antisemitism complaints under Corbyn’s leadership.


labourlist--2020-10-29--18 key EHRC recommendations that must be implemented by Labour

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism makes 18 key recommendations .
The party will need to create and deliver an action plan to implement these within six weeks , at which point the EHRC must agree with the plan and will monitor its administration .
The equalities body has the power to take enforcement action if the legally-binding plan is not executed well enough .
Aimed at targeting the unlawful acts for which Labour was found responsible and preventing their continuation or repetition , the EHRC recommendations range from broader commitments , such as accepting responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantifiable moves , such as publishing quarterly data on antisemitism cases .
The text below is an extract from the report setting out its central recommendations .
The Labour Party must live up to its commitment to be a political party with zero tolerance of antisemitism .
To do this the Labour Party should : • Continue to build on its new leadership ’ s statement regarding its failure to deal with antisemitism , and acknowledge its responsibility for not living up to its commitment to zero tolerance of antisemitism .
• Engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear , accessible and robust principles and practices to tackle antisemitism and to instil confidence for the future .
• Make sure that it has a system and culture that encourages members to challenge inappropriate behaviour and to report antisemitism complaints .
The Labour Party must rebuild trust and confidence that antisemitism complaints are handled independently , lawfully , efficiently and effectively .
To do this the Labour Party should : • In line with its commitment , and as soon as rule changes allow , commission an independent process to handle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until trust and confidence in the process is fully restored and should ensure that independent oversight and auditing are permanently embedded in the new process .
• Acknowledge , through its leadership , the effect that political interference has had on the handling of antisemitism complaints , and implement clear rules and guidance that prohibit and sanction political interference in the complaints process .
• Publish a comprehensive policy and procedure , setting out how antisemitism complaints will be handled and how decisions on them will be made .
This should include published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigation and suspension , and what will be considered an appropriate sanction for different types of proven antisemitic conduct .
• Develop and implement comprehensive internal guidance for all stages of the antisemitism complaints process on : • communication , including regular communication with complainants and clear rules regulating the use of informal methods of communication in the complaints process .
• Review and update the ‘ Code of Conduct : Social Media Policy ’ to make it clear that members may be investigated and subject to disciplinary action if they share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Make sure that NCC panels are routinely assisted by an external lawyer in the same way that NEC antisemitism panels are .
• Take steps to increase transparency in the disciplinary process , as highlighted by the HASC report , by reporting regularly on the reasons for the final outcome decisions in antisemitism complaints , taking account of legal requirements to publish anonymised information where appropriate .
• In line with the recommendation of the Royall report , make sure the complaint handling process is resourced properly so that it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay .
The Labour Party should take the following steps relating to education and training : • Commission and provide education and practical training for all individuals involved in the antisemitism complaints process .
This should be implemented fully within six months of publication of this report and , from that date , should be mandatory before any individual is allowed to be involved in any stage of the antisemitism complaints process .
• Make sure that all members found to have engaged in antisemitic conduct ( apart from those who are expelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tackling antisemitism , regardless of the level of sanction applied .
• Roll out a programme of education and training on identifying and tackling antisemitism , for all staff , Party officials , and other members in positions of responsibility within the Party .
We note the Leader of the Labour Party ’ s statement about his ambition to roll out training to all Party staff as soon as possible .
• Develop all education and training programmes on antisemitism in consultation with Jewish stakeholders .
Monitor and evaluate improvements to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effectiveness of improvements to the antisemitism complaints process , the Labour Party should : • Collect , analyse , and publish quarterly data that enables a comparison between the handling of antisemitism complaints and other types of complaint .
This should include the number of complaints , the outcome , what body made the decision ( the Governance and Legal Unit , the NEC or the NCC ) , the sanctions applied , the time taken for completion , and how many complaints remain outstanding .
• Audit its complaint handling processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and consistency of outcomes , including sanctions , and make changes to address any issues identified .
• Measure staff and stakeholder confidence in the complaint handling process and respond appropriately to the feedback .
• Put in place long-term arrangements for independent oversight of the complaint handling process , to make sure that standards are monitored and enforced and adequate resources are in place .

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism makes 18 key recommendations. The party will need to create and deliver an action plan to implement these within six weeks, at which point the EHRC must agree with the plan and will monitor its administration. The equalities body has the power to take enforcement action if the legally-binding plan is not executed well enough.
Aimed at targeting the unlawful acts for which Labour was found responsible and preventing their continuation or repetition, the EHRC recommendations range from broader commitments, such as accepting responsibility for past failures, to specific and quantifiable moves, such as publishing quarterly data on antisemitism cases.
The text below is an extract from the report setting out its central recommendations.
Living up to a zero-tolerance commitment
The Labour Party must live up to its commitment to be a political party with zero tolerance of antisemitism. To do this the Labour Party should:
Continue to build on its new leadership’s statement regarding its failure to deal with antisemitism, and acknowledge its responsibility for not living up to its commitment to zero tolerance of antisemitism.
Engage with Jewish stakeholders to develop and embed clear, accessible and robust principles and practices to tackle antisemitism and to instil confidence for the future.
Make sure that it has a system and culture that encourages members to challenge inappropriate behaviour and to report antisemitism complaints.
Rebuilding trust and confidence in antisemitism complaint handling
The Labour Party must rebuild trust and confidence that antisemitism complaints are handled independently, lawfully, efficiently and effectively. To do this the Labour Party should:
In line with its commitment, and as soon as rule changes allow, commission an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints. This should last until trust and confidence in the process is fully restored and should ensure that independent oversight and auditing are permanently embedded in the new process.
Acknowledge, through its leadership, the effect that political interference has had on the handling of antisemitism complaints, and implement clear rules and guidance that prohibit and sanction political interference in the complaints process.
Publish a comprehensive policy and procedure, setting out how antisemitism complaints will be handled and how decisions on them will be made. This should include published criteria on what conduct will be subject to investigation and suspension, and what will be considered an appropriate sanction for different types of proven antisemitic conduct.
Develop and implement comprehensive internal guidance for all stages of the antisemitism complaints process on: decision-making criteria robust record-keeping, including recording reasons for decisions timescales, and communication, including regular communication with complainants and clear rules regulating the use of informal methods of communication in the complaints process.
Review and update the ‘Code of Conduct: Social Media Policy’ to make it clear that members may be investigated and subject to disciplinary action if they share or like any antisemitic social media content.
Make sure that NCC panels are routinely assisted by an external lawyer in the same way that NEC antisemitism panels are.
Take steps to increase transparency in the disciplinary process, as highlighted by the HASC report, by reporting regularly on the reasons for the final outcome decisions in antisemitism complaints, taking account of legal requirements to publish anonymised information where appropriate.
In line with the recommendation of the Royall report, make sure the complaint handling process is resourced properly so that it can deal with antisemitism complaints effectively and without delay.
Education and training
The Labour Party should take the following steps relating to education and training:
Commission and provide education and practical training for all individuals involved in the antisemitism complaints process. This should be implemented fully within six months of publication of this report and, from that date, should be mandatory before any individual is allowed to be involved in any stage of the antisemitism complaints process.
Make sure that all members found to have engaged in antisemitic conduct (apart from those who are expelled) undertake an educational course on identifying and tackling antisemitism, regardless of the level of sanction applied.
Roll out a programme of education and training on identifying and tackling antisemitism, for all staff, party officials, and other members in positions of responsibility within the party. We note the leader of the Labour Party’s statement about his ambition to roll out training to all party staff as soon as possible.
Develop all education and training programmes on antisemitism in consultation with Jewish stakeholders.
Monitor and evaluate improvements to the process to ensure lasting change
To evaluate the effectiveness of improvements to the antisemitism complaints process, the Labour Party should:


labourlist--2020-10-29--Nandy: Tories have “chased trade deals” at expense of “proper foreign policy”

Lisa Nandy has declared that the Conservative Party has “ chased growth and trade deals at the expense of having a proper foreign policy in relation to the world ” over its past ten years in government .
In an online interview with Politico this evening , the Shadow Foreign Secretary slammed the government over its handling of relations with the UK ’ s EU allies , and over its approach to major political powers China and the US .
Nandy told the virtual audience that a Biden win in the imminent US election would be a “ real game-changer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the way in which the Conservative UK government has interacted with both candidates .
She said : “ Whoever is in the Whitehouse , we have to have a relationship with .
It has to be a constructive relationship , but it also has to be one that is robust and stands up for British interests .
“ My concern about approach that the Tory Party have taken , and the position that they ’ ve left Britain in as we approach that momentous day next week , is that they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand up to the Trump administration.
” The Shadow Foreign Secretary added : “ At the same time , they have needlessly and repeatedly created tension in the relationship with the Democrats and with the Biden potential administration.
” She highlighted in particular one occasion on which Boris Johnson claimed that Democrat President Barack Obama removing a bust of Churchill from his office was seen by some as a sign of an “ ancestral dislike of the British Empire ” .
Nandy accused the Tories of having “ weakened our relationships with both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment in a world that feels increasingly unstable , where friends and alliance have never been more important ” .
Nandy told the audience this evening that it is her job , as well as that of Labour leader Keir Starmer , to do everything possible to “ reach out to the Biden administration , to the Democrats , and build those ties ” .
She also added that the strategy of trashing our relationship with EU friends and allies in order to position the UK closer to the US had shown itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” – in the words of George Orwell – over the last few months .
On Brexit and the Tory Party win at the last general election on its ‘ get Brexit done ’ slogan , Nandy said she thought that it was a rejection of Labour more than a “ wholesale embrace of Boris Johnson ’ s Conservative Party ” .
The Wigan MP argued that a sense that Labour had been moving “ for quite some time ” away from Leave-voting areas and constituencies like the one she represents had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in December 2019 .
She said : “ The Brexit decision that were made by the party were very much a part of that too .
In the end I think people were willing to give us a hearing on Brexit but what they weren ’ t willing to do was be ignored or disrespected.
” Labour committed in its last general election manifesto to giving people the “ final say on Brexit ” by securing deal within three months and then submitting that deal to a public vote alongside an option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson went into that election with a couple of very simple promises , ” Nandy said .
“ He said he would get Brexit done – deliver his oven-ready deal – and he said that he would level up the North… “ The problem now for Boris Johnson is that it has become apparent that he had absolutely no strategy for doing that… They are not so much levelling up now as levelling down and I think they won ’ t be forgiven for that… “ They were very clear promises that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like the Prime Minister may not be able to deliver on any of the promises that he made .
I think people will find that very , very difficult to forgive.
” Asked about Labour ’ s approach to foreign policy under Starmer ’ s leadership , she emphasised the importance of consistency for the UK ’ s “ moral authority and standing throughout the world ” .
She explained : “ That is one of the principles that informs the different approach to China and Russia that we ’ ve taken.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over what it has called an inconsistent approach to China , warning that it has been “ going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security ” .
The relationship between the UK and China became increasingly strained earlier this year after the Chinese government imposed severe new security laws in Hong Kong and the British government offered Hong-Kongers a route to the UK .
Labour at the time welcomed the plans to offer citizenship to all British nationals in Hong Kong , but criticised the government for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confused ” relationship with China .
The Conservative announced that mobile providers must remove 5G kit supplied by Huawei by 2027 in a major U-turn earlier this year after concerns were raised over the state-backed company ’ s involvement in UK internet infrastructure .
But Labour reminded the public at the time that the government is “ pressing ahead with nuclear power projects ” , such as one in Bradwell , that will give the Chinese government “ significant access to our nuclear system and our energy system ” .
She added this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very clear when it comes to China that the actions in Hong Kong that erode the Sino-British declaration , the appalling persecution of the Uighurs .
“ That is something that we [ Labour ] will never shy away from .
We will not let ideology blind us to that appalling persecution or other acts of harm against people on the other side of the world .
“ And our job in the Labour Party is not to stand up for governments that are committing appalling acts against their own citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Britain and to stand up for those values around the world.
” Nandy argued Britain must work better with other countries to avoid a repeat of the Huawei row , in which she said the country was “ squeezed in a fight between two global superpowers without the strategic independence to stand up to either ” .
She added : “ We need a strategy from this government , which has been lacking now for almost a decade .
We have chased growth and trade deals at the expense of having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
“ For far too long , we ’ ve lacked a strategy at home , a strategy abroad , when it comes those major geopolitical challenges .
“ I think what the next few weeks will show , as we leave the transition period with the EU and as we get the result of the US elections , is that the UK government will have to urgently rethink that approach.
” The transition period for the UK exiting the EU is set to end on December 31st .
Johnson told voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal during the general election campaign as part of his pledge to the electorate to ‘ get Brexit done ’ .
The Conservative government signed the withdrawal agreement with the EU in January this year but has since brought forward the controversial internal market bill , which intentionally overwrites sections of that agreement .
Candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden are in the final week of campaigning in the US election .
70 million people are thought to have already voted by post , and the Democrats are currently ahead in the polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that just over 50 % of voters intend to back Biden while Trump ’ s support is trailing behind by around seven or eight points .
Trump has been keen to emphasise his upset in the 2016 election , defying polls at the time .

Lisa Nandy has declared that the Conservative Party has “chased growth and trade deals at the expense of having a proper foreign policy in relation to the world” over its past ten years in government.
In an online interview with Politico this evening, the Shadow Foreign Secretary slammed the government over its handling of relations with the UK’s EU allies, and over its approach to major political powers China and the US.
Nandy told the virtual audience that a Biden win in the imminent US election would be a “real game-changer for the world” but voiced concerns over the way in which the Conservative UK government has interacted with both candidates.
She said: “Whoever is in the Whitehouse, we have to have a relationship with. It has to be a constructive relationship, but it also has to be one that is robust and stands up for British interests.
“My concern about approach that the Tory Party have taken, and the position that they’ve left Britain in as we approach that momentous day next week, is that they’ve proven themselves unwilling or unable to stand up to the Trump administration.”
The Shadow Foreign Secretary added: “At the same time, they have needlessly and repeatedly created tension in the relationship with the Democrats and with the Biden potential administration.”
She highlighted in particular one occasion on which Boris Johnson claimed that Democrat President Barack Obama removing a bust of Churchill from his office was seen by some as a sign of an “ancestral dislike of the British Empire”.
Nandy accused the Tories of having “weakened our relationships with both and left us at a particularly precarious moment in a world that feels increasingly unstable, where friends and alliance have never been more important”.
Nandy told the audience this evening that it is her job, as well as that of Labour leader Keir Starmer, to do everything possible to “reach out to the Biden administration, to the Democrats, and build those ties”.
She also added that the strategy of trashing our relationship with EU friends and allies in order to position the UK closer to the US had shown itself to be “hollow as a jug” – in the words of George Orwell – over the last few months.
On Brexit and the Tory Party win at the last general election on its ‘get Brexit done’ slogan, Nandy said she thought that it was a rejection of Labour more than a “wholesale embrace of Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party”.
The Wigan MP argued that a sense that Labour had been moving “for quite some time” away from Leave-voting areas and constituencies like the one she represents had a significant impact on the outcome of the election in December 2019.
She said: “The Brexit decision that were made by the party were very much a part of that too. In the end I think people were willing to give us a hearing on Brexit but what they weren’t willing to do was be ignored or disrespected.”
Labour committed in its last general election manifesto to giving people the “final say on Brexit” by securing deal within three months and then submitting that deal to a public vote alongside an option to Remain in the EU.
“Boris Johnson went into that election with a couple of very simple promises,” Nandy said. “He said he would get Brexit done – deliver his oven-ready deal – and he said that he would level up the North…
“The problem now for Boris Johnson is that it has become apparent that he had absolutely no strategy for doing that… They are not so much levelling up now as levelling down and I think they won’t be forgiven for that…
“They were very clear promises that were made in December and seemingly it looks like the Prime Minister may not be able to deliver on any of the promises that he made. I think people will find that very, very difficult to forgive.”
Asked about Labour’s approach to foreign policy under Starmer’s leadership, she emphasised the importance of consistency for the UK’s “moral authority and standing throughout the world”.
She explained: “That is one of the principles that informs the different approach to China and Russia that we’ve taken.”
Labour has repeatedly criticised the government over what it has called an inconsistent approach to China, warning that it has been “going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security”.
The relationship between the UK and China became increasingly strained earlier this year after the Chinese government imposed severe new security laws in Hong Kong and the British government offered Hong-Kongers a route to the UK.
Labour at the time welcomed the plans to offer citizenship to all British nationals in Hong Kong, but criticised the government for what it described as a “deeply confused” relationship with China.
The Conservative announced that mobile providers must remove 5G kit supplied by Huawei by 2027 in a major U-turn earlier this year after concerns were raised over the state-backed company’s involvement in UK internet infrastructure.
But Labour reminded the public at the time that the government is “pressing ahead with nuclear power projects”, such as one in Bradwell, that will give the Chinese government “significant access to our nuclear system and our energy system”.
She added this evening: “We have to be very, very clear when it comes to China that the actions in Hong Kong that erode the Sino-British declaration, the appalling persecution of the Uighurs.
“That is something that we [Labour] will never shy away from. We will not let ideology blind us to that appalling persecution or other acts of harm against people on the other side of the world.
“And our job in the Labour Party is not to stand up for governments that are committing appalling acts against their own citizens. Our job is to stand up for Britain and to stand up for those values around the world.”
Nandy argued Britain must work better with other countries to avoid a repeat of the Huawei row, in which she said the country was “squeezed in a fight between two global superpowers without the strategic independence to stand up to either”.
She added: “We need a strategy from this government, which has been lacking now for almost a decade. We have chased growth and trade deals at the expense of having a proper foreign policy in relation to the world.
“For far too long, we’ve lacked a strategy at home, a strategy abroad, when it comes those major geopolitical challenges.
“I think what the next few weeks will show, as we leave the transition period with the EU and as we get the result of the US elections, is that the UK government will have to urgently rethink that approach.”
The transition period for the UK exiting the EU is set to end on December 31st. Johnson told voters that would deliver an ‘oven-ready’ deal during the general election campaign as part of his pledge to the electorate to ‘get Brexit done’.
The Conservative government signed the withdrawal agreement with the EU in January this year but has since brought forward the controversial internal market bill, which intentionally overwrites sections of that agreement.
Candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden are in the final week of campaigning in the US election. 70 million people are thought to have already voted by post, and the Democrats are currently ahead in the polls.
An average of ten polls indicates that just over 50% of voters intend to back Biden while Trump’s support is trailing behind by around seven or eight points. Trump has been keen to emphasise his upset in the 2016 election, defying polls at the time.


labourlist--2020-10-29--McCluskey: Corbyn suspension “will create chaos within the party”

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has described the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn as a move that “ will create chaos within the party ” – and urged Keir Starmer to find a “ unifying way forward ” .
McCluskey said : “ This was a day for our party to move forward as one to defeat the evil of antisemitism .
However , the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn has threatened that opportunity .
“ The suspension appears to fly in the face of one of the important recommendations made by the EHRC – and which Keir himself said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is to remove the leader ’ s office from party investigations .
“ But it is also an act of grave injustice which , if not reversed , will create chaos within the party and in doing so compromise Labour ’ s chances of a general election victory .
A split party will be doomed to defeat .
“ I therefore call upon Keir to work across the party on a fitting and unifying way forward , to unite our party behind the implementation of the EHRC ’ s important recommendations so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speedily as possible , and with the members ’ full trust and confidence .
“ I also appeal to members angered by this suspension not to leave the party but to support moves to find a better way through .
“ Working people are under fire like never before and ill-served by the worst government of our lifetimes .
More than ever , they need a strong , united Labour party to stand up for them , ready to govern.
” Corbyn has asked the Labour Party to “ kindly think again ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he claimed the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism ] problem ” was “ dramatically overstated for political reasons ” .
A Labour spokesperson subsequently said Corbyn had been suspended , and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP , “ in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
Starmer has said the party can not accept suggestions that Labour antisemitism claims are “ exaggerated or factional ” , adding : “ I was very disappointed in Jeremy Corbyn ’ s statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which I fully support .
”

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has described the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn as a move that “will create chaos within the party” – and urged Keir Starmer to find a “unifying way forward”.
McCluskey said: “This was a day for our party to move forward as one to defeat the evil of antisemitism. However, the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn has threatened that opportunity.
“The suspension appears to fly in the face of one of the important recommendations made by the EHRC – and which Keir himself said he would implement in full and immediately – which is to remove the leader’s office from party investigations.
“But it is also an act of grave injustice which, if not reversed, will create chaos within the party and in doing so compromise Labour’s chances of a general election victory. A split party will be doomed to defeat.
“I therefore call upon Keir to work across the party on a fitting and unifying way forward, to unite our party behind the implementation of the EHRC’s important recommendations so that they can be taken forward as speedily as possible, and with the members’ full trust and confidence.
“I also appeal to members angered by this suspension not to leave the party but to support moves to find a better way through.
“Working people are under fire like never before and ill-served by the worst government of our lifetimes. More than ever, they need a strong, united Labour party to stand up for them, ready to govern.”
Corbyn has asked the Labour Party to “kindly think again” about the decision to suspend him after he claimed the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem” was “dramatically overstated for political reasons”.
A Labour spokesperson subsequently said Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
Starmer has said the party cannot accept suggestions that Labour antisemitism claims are “exaggerated or factional”, adding: “I was very disappointed in Jeremy Corbyn’s statement and appropriate action has been taken, which I fully support.”


labourlist--2020-10-29--WATCH: “We cannot say zero tolerance and then turn a blind eye,” says Starmer

Keir Starmer has declared that the Labour Party “ can not say zero tolerance and then turn a blind eye ” in relation to the suspension of former party leader Jeremy Corbyn over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report .
In an interview this afternoon , the Labour leader discussed the statement issued by Corbyn in response to the outcome of the investigation into the handling of antisemitism complaints by the Labour Party in recent years .
Starmer said : “ I made it very clear in my response to the commission ’ s report this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tolerate antisemitism or the denial of antisemitism by suggestions that it is exaggerated or factional .
“ I was very disappointed in Jeremy Corbyn ’ s statement and appropriate action has been taken , which I fully support.
” The EHRC report published today found that there were “ unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination ” , “ serious failings in leadership ” and an “ inadequate ” process for antisemitism complaints .
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report , arguing that the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
Starmer added this afternoon : “ I want to unite the Labour Party , bring our factions together as a united party .
But I made a very clear commitment to root out antisemitism and I ’ m going to follow through on that commitment.
” Commenting on the EHRC report at a press conference this morning , after the former Labour leader had made his statement , Keir Starmer declared : “ If you ’ re antisemitic , you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll make sure you ’ re not .
“ And if after all the pain , all the grief , and all the evidence in this report , there are still those who think there ’ s no problem with antisemitism in the Labour Party .
That it ’ s all exaggerated , or a factional attack .
“ Then , frankly , you are part of the problem too .
And you should be nowhere near the Labour Party either.
” A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whip removed from the Labour MP , “ in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
LabourList understands that Angela Rayner and her team were in touch with Corbyn and his team about his response to the EHRC statement before it was posted – and warned that it would be problematic .
Sources say Corbyn was asked by Rayner ’ s team after posting his statement on Facebook to retract , withdraw or correct the comments about the scale of antisemitism being “ overstated ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Labour leader Starmer followed comments from Corbyn earlier this afternoon on the suspension , in which he appealed to “ the party and those that have made this decision to kindly think again ” .

Keir Starmer has declared that the Labour Party “cannot say zero tolerance and then turn a blind eye” in relation to the suspension of former party leader Jeremy Corbyn over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
In an interview this afternoon, the Labour leader discussed the statement issued by Corbyn in response to the outcome of the investigation into the handling of antisemitism complaints by the Labour Party in recent years.
Starmer said: “I made it very clear in my response to the commission’s report this morning that the Labour Party will not tolerate antisemitism or the denial of antisemitism by suggestions that it is exaggerated or factional.
“I was very disappointed in Jeremy Corbyn’s statement and appropriate action has been taken, which I fully support.”
The EHRC report published today found that there were “unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination”, “serious failings in leadership” and an “inadequate” process for antisemitism complaints.
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report, arguing that the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
Starmer added this afternoon: “I want to unite the Labour Party, bring our factions together as a united party. But I made a very clear commitment to root out antisemitism and I’m going to follow through on that commitment.”
Sir Keir Starmer has expressed disappointment in Jeremy Corbyn's response to a report on antisemitism. Read more of Corbyn's suspension here: https://t.co/21TFr9mQiN pic.twitter.com/uC0O5lYrba — SkyNews (@SkyNews) October 29, 2020
Commenting on the EHRC report at a press conference this morning, after the former Labour leader had made his statement, Keir Starmer declared: “If you’re antisemitic, you should be nowhere near this party. And we’ll make sure you’re not.
“And if after all the pain, all the grief, and all the evidence in this report, there are still those who think there’s no problem with antisemitism in the Labour Party. That it’s all exaggerated, or a factional attack.
“Then, frankly, you are part of the problem too. And you should be nowhere near the Labour Party either.”
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
LabourList understands that Angela Rayner and her team were in touch with Corbyn and his team about his response to the EHRC statement before it was posted – and warned that it would be problematic.
Sources say Corbyn was asked by Rayner’s team after posting his statement on Facebook to retract, withdraw or correct the comments about the scale of antisemitism being “overstated” in his next media appearance.
The interview with Labour leader Starmer followed comments from Corbyn earlier this afternoon on the suspension, in which he appealed to “the party and those that have made this decision to kindly think again”.


labourlist--2020-10-29--Corbyn urges Labour Party to “kindly think again” about his suspension

Jeremy Corbyn has appealed to “ the party and those that have made this decision to kindly think again ” about his suspension that followed his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report .
In an interview with Sky News this afternoon , the former Labour leader reiterated that he would be contesting the decision and argued that he is “ not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism ” .
Corbyn said : “ Antisemitism has no place whatsoever in our party or in our movement .
I have opposed it and racism in all its forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ ve made clear during my leadership of the party and what I ’ ll make clear today.
” The EHRC concluded today that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints ; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them ; and harassment .
Corbyn issued a statement this morning in response to the report , which claimed the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism ] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended , and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP , “ in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
LabourList understands that Angela Rayner and her team were in touch with Corbyn and his team about his response to the EHRC statement before it was posted – and warned that it would be problematic .
Sources say Corbyn was asked by Rayner ’ s team after posting his statement on Facebook to retract , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale of antisemitism being “ overstated ” in his next media appearance .
Corbyn argued this afternoon : “ All I have done is pointed out that this terrible issue of antisemitism does exist and anyone that has antisemitic views has no place in the labour movement or the Labour Party .
“ All I pointed out was there was a public perception of a third of Labour Party members under suspicion of antisemitism – the reality is very different , it was 0.03 % .
But that is 0.03 % too many.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the EHRC report , the former Labour leader said : “ I ’ ve explained what I ’ ve said .
I ’ ve explained what I meant by it .
I am not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism .
“ It is serious .
It is real .
It does exist .
And indeed I ’ ve said very bluntly to a number of people over the last few years who have said to me ‘ well , it doesn ’ t exist ’ – I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s got to be dealt with.
” Pressed again on whether he would walk back his earlier comments , he added : “ I ’ ve explained what the statement was designed to say – simply the size of the issue .
But one antisemite is one antisemite too many and I ’ ve made that clear.
” On the disciplinary action , he said : “ It seems odd that it all happened so very quickly , and indeed I ’ ve yet to receive any official communication about that but obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox when I finally get to my office today.
” He added : “ I just say , hang on a minute , let ’ s all keep a bit calmer .
Let ’ s think again about this whole issue .
Our party comes together to fight racism and injustice , but we also come together to bring about economic justice for the people of this country .
“ That is what unites our movement and our party .
And that is what I appeal to members to focus on .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t leave the party .
Stay in the party and argue the case for economic and social justice in our party.
” Commenting on the EHRC report at a press conference this morning , after the former Labour leader made his statement , Keir Starmer declared : “ If you ’ re antisemitic , you should be nowhere near this party .
And we ’ ll make sure you ’ re not .
“ And if after all the pain , all the grief , and all the evidence in this report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no problem with antisemitism in the Labour Party .
That it ’ s all exaggerated , or a factional attack .
“ Then , frankly , you are part of the problem too .
And you should be nowhere near the Labour Party either.
” Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has declared the disciplinary action taken against Corbyn today was “ profoundly wrong ” and has urged Labour members to “ call upon the leadership to lift this suspension ” .
The Socialist Campaign Group of MPs has tweeted that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy Corbyn ” and have pledged to “ work tirelessly for his reinstatement ” .
Gabriel Pogrund has since reported that not all SCG MPs were consulted on the tweet , with one member saying it was “ ill-advised to issue the statement ” and they were “ waiting to find out on what grounds ” he was suspended .
Several trade union figures have expressed their opposition to Corbyn ’ s suspension .
CWU general secretary Dave Ward tweeted that it “ flies in the face of the report ” and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett highlighted a section of the report that said party members could express opinions on the scale of antisemitism and asked Starmer to “ explain why you take a different view than the EHRC ?
” A number of recommendations have been made by the EHRC for Labour in its report around living up to the zero-tolerance commitment on antisemitism , rebuilding trust , education and training and on monitoring and evaluating improvements .
Labour has been served with an unlawful act notice following the investigation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published today .
Starmer has pledged to implement an independent complaints process “ as quickly as possible ” and he hopes that this will be “ early next year ” .
Rule changes would normally require conference approval .
The party has until December 10th to deliver an action plan to the EHRC on how it will implement the recommendations and when .
This is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled .

Jeremy Corbyn has appealed to “the party and those that have made this decision to kindly think again” about his suspension that followed his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
In an interview with Sky News this afternoon, the former Labour leader reiterated that he would be contesting the decision and argued that he is “not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism”.
Corbyn said: “Antisemitism has no place whatsoever in our party or in our movement. I have opposed it and racism in all its forms all my life. And that is what I’ve made clear during my leadership of the party and what I’ll make clear today.”
The EHRC concluded today that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them; and harassment.
Corbyn issued a statement this morning in response to the report, which claimed the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
LabourList understands that Angela Rayner and her team were in touch with Corbyn and his team about his response to the EHRC statement before it was posted – and warned that it would be problematic.
Sources say Corbyn was asked by Rayner’s team after posting his statement on Facebook to retract, withdraw or correct the comments about the scale of antisemitism being “overstated” in his next media appearance.
Corbyn argued this afternoon: “All I have done is pointed out that this terrible issue of antisemitism does exist and anyone that has antisemitic views has no place in the labour movement or the Labour Party.
“All I pointed out was there was a public perception of a third of Labour Party members under suspicion of antisemitism – the reality is very different, it was 0.03%. But that is 0.3% too many.”
Asked if he would retract his response to the EHRC report, the former Labour leader said: “I’ve explained what I’ve said. I’ve explained what I meant by it. I am not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism.
“It is serious. It is real. It does exist. And indeed I’ve said very bluntly to a number of people over the last few years who have said to me ‘well, it doesn’t exist’ – I’ve said it does exist and it’s got to be dealt with.”
Pressed again on whether he would walk back his earlier comments, he added: “I’ve explained what the statement was designed to say – simply the size of the issue. But one antisemite is one antisemite too many and I’ve made that clear.”
On the disciplinary action, he said: “It seems odd that it all happened so very quickly, and indeed I’ve yet to receive any official communication about that but obviously I’ll be looking at my inbox when I finally get to my office today.”
He added: “I just say, hang on a minute, let’s all keep a bit calmer. Let’s think again about this whole issue. Our party comes together to fight racism and injustice, but we also come together to bring about economic justice for the people of this country.
“That is what unites our movement and our party. And that is what I appeal to members to focus on. Don’t go away, don’t leave the party. Stay in the party and argue the case for economic and social justice in our party.”
Jeremy Corbyn is asked if he will retract comments he made in reaction to the release of the Labour antisemitism report. The former Labour leader said: "I've explained what I meant by it. I am not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism."https://t.co/mFbj02iR8r pic.twitter.com/eLn8J5QAX8 — SkyNews (@SkyNews) October 29, 2020
Commenting on the EHRC report at a press conference this morning, after the former Labour leader made his statement, Keir Starmer declared: “If you’re antisemitic, you should be nowhere near this party. And we’ll make sure you’re not.
“And if after all the pain, all the grief, and all the evidence in this report, there are still those who think there’s no problem with antisemitism in the Labour Party. That it’s all exaggerated, or a factional attack.
“Then, frankly, you are part of the problem too. And you should be nowhere near the Labour Party either.”
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has declared the disciplinary action taken against Corbyn today was “profoundly wrong” and has urged Labour members to “call upon the leadership to lift this suspension”.
The Socialist Campaign Group of MPs has tweeted that they “firmly oppose the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn” and have pledged to “work tirelessly for his reinstatement”.
Gabriel Pogrund has since reported that not all SCG MPs were consulted on the tweet, with one member saying it was “ill-advised to issue the statement” and they were “waiting to find out on what grounds” he was suspended.
Several trade union figures have expressed their opposition to Corbyn’s suspension. CWU general secretary Dave Ward tweeted that it “flies in the face of the report” and the leadership needed to reverse the decision.
Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett highlighted a section of the report that said party members could express opinions on the scale of antisemitism and asked Starmer to “explain why you take a different view than the EHRC?”
A number of recommendations have been made by the EHRC for Labour in its report around living up to the zero-tolerance commitment on antisemitism, rebuilding trust, education and training and on monitoring and evaluating improvements.
Labour has been served with an unlawful act notice following the investigation. The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published today.
Starmer has pledged to implement an independent complaints process “as quickly as possible” and he hopes that this will be “early next year”. Rule changes would normally require conference approval.
The party has until December 10th to deliver an action plan to the EHRC on how it will implement the recommendations and when. This is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled.


labourlist--2020-10-29--John McDonnell: Suspension of Jeremy Corbyn “profoundly wrong”

John McDonnell has declared as “ profoundly wrong ” the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on antisemitism within the Labour Party .
Taking to social media shortly after Labour announced that the former leader had been suspended pending an investigation , McDonnell urged members to call on the leadership to reverse the disciplinary action .
He said : “ On the day we should all be moving forward and taking all steps to fight antisemitism , the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn is profoundly wrong .
In interests of party unity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undoing and resolving this.
” The former Shadow Chancellor added : “ I urge all party members to stay calm as that is the best way to support Jeremy and each other .
Let ’ s all call upon the leadership to lift this suspension.
” Following his suspension , Corbyn declared that he would “ strongly contest the political intervention ” to suspend him and argued he has “ made absolutely clear those who deny there has been an antisemitism problem in the Labour Party are wrong ” .
The comments by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader Angela Rayner , who said Corbyn has an “ absolute blindspot ” when it comes to the issues raised by the EHRC investigation .
She told the BBC ’ s World at One earlier today : “ Jeremy is a thoroughly decent man .
But as Margaret Hodge said in her piece he has an absolute blind spot and a denial when it comes to some of these issues.
” Lisa Nandy has echoed Rayner ’ s comments .
Asked whether Corbyn is antisemitic , she said : “ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ve known Jeremy Corbyn a long time and I would have said to you , before he became leader , absolutely not.
” The Shadow Foreign Secretary added : “ I genuinely don ’ t know what is in his heart .
What I do is that there was a real blindspot when it came to antisemitism collectively at that level of the Labour Party under his leadership.
” The EHRC report found Labour responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling them ; and harassment .
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the findings of the investigation , arguing that the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism ] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
Labour leader Keir Starmer told a press conference today : “ I found this report hard to read .
And it is a day of shame for the Labour Party .
We have failed Jewish people .
Our members .
Our supporters .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on behalf of the Labour Party : I am truly sorry for all the pain and grief that has been caused… I will act .
Never again will Labour let you down .
Never again will we fail to tackle antisemitism and never again will we lose your trust.
” Starmer also said : “ If you ’ re antisemitic , you should be nowhere near this party .
And we ’ ll make sure you ’ re not .
“ And if after all the pain , all the grief , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are still those who think there ’ s no problem with antisemitism in the Labour Party .
That it ’ s all exaggerated , or a factional attack .
“ Then , frankly , you are part of the problem too .
And you should be nowhere near the Labour Party either.
” Labour has been served with an unlawful act notice following the investigation .
The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report .
The party has until December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EHRC on how it will implement the recommendations and when .
This is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled .
Update , 3:30pm : The Socialist Campaign Group of MPs has tweeted that they “ firmly oppose the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn ” and have pledged to “ work tirelessly for his reinstatement ” .
Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood has said the suspension risks “ politicising and undermining Labour ’ s response to antisemitism ” .
He added that the suspension was a “ massive attack on the left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should be “ immediately lifted in the interests of party unity ” .
Update , 4:15pm : Gabriel Pogrund has since reported that not all of the Socialist Campaign Group MPs were consulted on the tweet , with one member saying it was “ ill-advised to issue the statement ” and they were “ waiting to find out on what grounds ” he was suspended .
Update , 4:20pm : Several trade union figures have also expressed their opposition to Corbyn ’ s suspension .
CWU general secretary Dave Ward tweeted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report ” and the leadership needed to reverse the decision .
Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett highlighted a section of the report that said party members could express opinions on the scale of antisemitism and asked Starmer to “ explain why you take a different view than the EHRC ?
”

John McDonnell has declared as “profoundly wrong” the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on antisemitism within the Labour Party.
Taking to social media shortly after Labour announced that the former leader had been suspended pending an investigation, McDonnell urged members to call on the leadership to reverse the disciplinary action.
He said: “On the day we should all be moving forward and taking all steps to fight antisemitism, the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn is profoundly wrong. In interests of party unity let’s find a way of undoing and resolving this.”
The former Shadow Chancellor added: “I urge all party members to stay calm as that is the best way to support Jeremy and each other. Let’s all call upon the leadership to lift this suspension.”
Following his suspension, Corbyn declared that he would “strongly contest the political intervention” to suspend him and argued he has “made absolutely clear those who deny there has been an antisemitism problem in the Labour Party are wrong”.
The comments by McDonnell this afternoon follow those of deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner, who said Corbyn has an “absolute blindspot” when it comes to the issues raised by the EHRC investigation.
She told the BBC’s World at One earlier today: “Jeremy is a thoroughly decent man. But as Margaret Hodge said in her piece he has an absolute blind spot and a denial when it comes to some of these issues.”
Lisa Nandy has echoed Rayner’s comments. Asked whether Corbyn is antisemitic, she said: “I don’t know is the honest answer. I’ve known Jeremy Corbyn a long time and I would have said to you, before he became leader, absolutely not.”
The Shadow Foreign Secretary added: “I genuinely don’t know what is in his heart. What I do is that there was a real blindspot when it came to antisemitism collectively at that level of the Labour Party under his leadership.”
The EHRC report found Labour responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them; and harassment.
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the findings of the investigation, arguing that the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
Labour leader Keir Starmer told a press conference today: “I found this report hard to read. And it is a day of shame for the Labour Party. We have failed Jewish people. Our members. Our supporters. And the British public.
“And so: on behalf of the Labour Party: I am truly sorry for all the pain and grief that has been caused… I will act. Never again will Labour let you down. Never again will we fail to tackle antisemitism and never again will we lose your trust.”
Starmer also said: “If you’re antisemitic, you should be nowhere near this party. And we’ll make sure you’re not.
“And if after all the pain, all the grief, and all the evidence in this report, there are still those who think there’s no problem with antisemitism in the Labour Party. That it’s all exaggerated, or a factional attack.
“Then, frankly, you are part of the problem too. And you should be nowhere near the Labour Party either.”
Labour has been served with an unlawful act notice following the investigation. The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report.
The party has until December 10th to deliver an action plan to the EHRC on how it will implement the recommendations and when. This is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled.
Update, 3:30pm: The Socialist Campaign Group of MPs has tweeted that they “firmly oppose the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn” and have pledged to “work tirelessly for his reinstatement”.
Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood has said the suspension risks “politicising and undermining Labour’s response to antisemitism”.
He added that the suspension was a “massive attack on the left by the new leadership” and that it should be “immediately lifted in the interests of party unity”.
Update, 4:15pm: Gabriel Pogrund has since reported that not all of the Socialist Campaign Group MPs were consulted on the tweet, with one member saying it was “ill-advised to issue the statement” and they were “waiting to find out on what grounds” he was suspended.
Update, 4:20pm: Several trade union figures have also expressed their opposition to Corbyn’s suspension. CWU general secretary Dave Ward tweeted that it “flies in the face of the report” and the leadership needed to reverse the decision.
Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett highlighted a section of the report that said party members could express opinions on the scale of antisemitism and asked Starmer to “explain why you take a different view than the EHRC?”