Skip to main content

Labour MPs vote on binding antisemitism rules as Jeremy Corbyn faces backlash over free speech clause

Proposed and seconded by Jewish Labour MPs, the vote may see the IHRA's antisemitism definition and examples all adopted.

Jeremy Corbyn doorstepped on 05/09
Image: Jeremy Corbyn faces a backlash over his proposed statement
Labour MPs are set to vote on binding the international definition of antisemitism closer to the party, amid a backlash against party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
They will be balloted on whether to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition and 11 examples of antisemitism in full.
It comes after Labour's ruling body approved the change to its code of conduct, to help investigate, suspend and expel members accused of discriminating against Jewish people.
Mr Corbyn faced the wrath of some groups for trying to add a statement saying it is not anti-Semitic to "describe Israel, its policies or the circumstances around its foundation as racist".
Activists outside a meeting of the Labour National Executive Committee in London
Image: Labour's NEC voted to adopt the IHRA definition and examples in full
Instead, a "free speech" clause was added to the code to ensure it "will not in any way undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians".
The vote by Labour MPs was called weeks before, and if passed would strengthen the party's stance against claims it is failing to tackle antisemitism.
Despite the move to end an issue that has dogged Labour all summer, Mr Corbyn's statement sparked anger from some.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Labour MP Margaret Hodge arrives to attend a press conference held by former shadow business secretary Angela Eagle in which Eagle announced her intention to challenge Jeremy Corbyn for leadership pf the Labour Party, on July 11, 2016 in London, England. Mr Corbyn has faced numerous frontbench resignations, but has said he would not betray the party members, who elected him last year, by standing down. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Image: Dame Margaret Hodge accused Jeremy Corbyn of making an 'unnecessary qualification'
The Labour Against Antisemitism campaign said it "appeared to be about protecting the freedom of racists to present vile views".
Dame Margaret Hodge added change's to Labour's code amounted to "two steps forward, one step back", asking: "Why dilute the welcome adoption in full of the IHRA definition of antisemitism with an unnecessary qualification?"
After Mr Corbyn's statement was withdrawn, a source told Sky News: "Team JC climbed down completely. The statement he proposed got completely scrapped."
Baroness Chakrabarti, Labour's shadow attorney general and the author of a 2016 report on antisemitism, said the statement was "only an exposition of the IHRA definition and examples themselves".
Shami Chakrabarti
Image: Shami Chakrabarti said the Labour leader was offering 'reassurance'
She said: "There are great supporters of the Israeli state, there are leading Jewish commentators who have been trying to say to us as a Labour party for months that you can except this definition and all of its examples and still be a vociferous critic of Israel.
"Jeremy was just making that reassurance around the table."

Comments

TRENDING

How To Prepare Coconut-Dill Salmon With Green Beans and Corn

Reasons why Julian McMahon Is Leaving CBS Drama Series ‘FBI: Most Wanted

Bella Shmurda honors Mohbad with ‘KPK’ performance in UK

Sausage and Peppers Pasta With Broccoli : Italian Dishes To Try

How to make Blueberry Muffins

Police now uses dead fingers to unlock phones

LED Nail Lamp for Manicure 114W/90W/54W

Ant and Dec dropped by Suzuki after drink-drive crash

Popular posts from this blog

How To Prepare Coconut-Dill Salmon With Green Beans and Corn

  Coconut-Dill Salmon With Green Beans and Corn Time : 40 minutes  A fillet of salmon is foil-wrapped and placed on a hot grill to steam in its own juices after being bathed in a fragrant mixture of coconut cream, lemon, and dill. The fish is served with a light salad of fresh corn, tomatoes, green beans, and a sprinkling of feathery dill. The outcome, either warm or cold, is an excellent low-lift dish for a large gathering or a supper that can be prepared ahead of time. INGREDIENTS Yield : 6 to 8 servings 1(2-pound) salmon fillet (skin on or off) 2tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil Coarse kosher salt (such as Morton) and black pepper 1cup unsweetened coconut cream or coconut milk 2tablespoons dark brown sugar 1tablespoon sherry vinegar 1teaspoon Dijon mustard 1lemon 1cup chopped fresh dill 8ounces green beans, trimmed and halved crosswise 1cup fresh corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears corn) 1pint cherry tomatoes, lightly crushed open or sliced into halves PREPARATION Step 1 Hea...

Reasons why Julian McMahon Is Leaving CBS Drama Series ‘FBI: Most Wanted

Julian McMahon Is Leaving CBS Drama Series ‘FBI: Most Wanted Julian McMahon, star of FBI: Most Wanted, is allegedly leaving the CBS wrongdoing show after very nearly three seasons. McMahon's last episode as unsaid specialist Jess LaCroix is scheduled to shoot one week from now and will air on March 8. To make up for the shortcoming left by McMahon's leave, the show is relied upon to present another person later this season. LaCroix is depicted as an "specialist's representative" and top of the group from the FBI's Most Wanted Unit which is doled out the most severe and confounded cases. As per Deadline, sources have said that McMahon moved toward the FBI: Most Wanted leader makers, including Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski, about leaving the series early this season. "Throughout recent months, the makers of FBI: Most Wanted and I have had conversations about my takeoff from the show for extra innovative pursuits and the progress of my personality Jess LaCro...

Bella Shmurda honors Mohbad with ‘KPK’ performance in UK

 Bella Shmurda honors Mohbad with ‘KPK’ performance in UK Nigerian singer and songwriter Bella Shmurda paid homage to his late friend and colleague Mohbad by performing his smash hit ‘KPK’ at a UK show. Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji, died in a car crash in December 2023, leaving behind a musical legacy that moved many people. Bella Shmurda’s rendition of ‘KPK’ was a heartfelt tribute to his buddy, and it revealed the strength of their bond. In a world where many forget their friends after becoming successful, Bella Shmurda’s act reminded us that true friendship is more than just fame and money. The crowd cheered and sang along to every word of the song. It was an emotional moment that demonstrated the influence of Mohbad’s music on people’s lives, and the admiration and affection that Bella Shmurda had for his friend. After the show, Bella Shmurda talked about his friendship with Mohbad, saying, “He was not just a friend to me. He was like a brother, and I miss h...

Sausage and Peppers Pasta With Broccoli : Italian Dishes To Try

  Sausage and Peppers Pasta With Broccoli Time : 20 Minutes  When coupled with spaghetti, the traditional Italian flavor combination of sausage and peppers produces a filling and simple midweek supper. Broccoli is a great nutritious ingredient that adds texture and cooks quickly. If you prefer a more aggressive vegetable, though, you can choose between broccolini or broccoli rabe. Although this recipe calls for sweet Italian pork sausage, there's no need to feel constrained by it: Use chicken-apple sausage as a healthy alternative, spicy Italian sausage for more spice, or fresh chorizo or breakfast sausage to transform this meal into brunch. INGREDIENTS Yield: 4 servings ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed 1 pound broccoli, cut into 1½-inch florets (about 4 cups) 2 medium yellow bell peppers (12 ounces), cored, seeded and thinly sliced (about 2½ cups) 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Kosher salt and pepper 1 pound rigatoni ½ cup grate...