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

Stormy Daniels seeks Trump testimony on her sex claims

Trump friend says president told him to expect one or two more major personnel changes

How Generative AI is Transforming Healthcare

How to prepare Seared Steak

Drinking Water Crisis in Rural Towns

Two Ingredient No Yeast Pizza Dough

Bannon to address Front National as French far-right leaders seek unity

How to burn bell fat easily

Popular posts from this blog

Stormy Daniels seeks Trump testimony on her sex claims

New post Stormy Daniels seeks Trump testimony on her sex claims 25 minutes ago Share this with Facebook   Share this with Twitter   Share Media caption Stormy Daniels: 'I was threatened' Adult-film star Stormy Daniels has filed a court motion for US President Donald Trump to testify about her claim that they had a relationship. Her lawyer wants sworn testimony from Mr Trump about a "hush" agreement the actress says she signed. The attorney, Michael Avenatti, is also seeking a legal interview with the president's lawyer. Ms Daniels alleges she had unprotected sex with Mr Trump in 2006 a year after he married Melania Trump. He denies it. Mr Avenatti's motion, filed in a court in the Central District of California early on Wednesday, ramps up the legal duel between the porn star and the president. Should Trump be worried about Stormy Daniels? The president and the porn star: Why this matters Ex-model ...

Trump friend says president told him to expect one or two more major personnel changes

New post Trump friend says president told him to expect one or two more major personnel changes By  John Wagner  and  Josh Dawsey   Email the author March 25 at 11:36 AM President Trump greets people cheering him Friday as he arrives at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A friend of President Trump said Sunday that the president has told him that he expects to make one or two more  major personnel changes  in his administration soon, amid mounting signs that Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin is on the way out. Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax, said others in the White House, but not Trump, have told him that Shulkin is “likely to depart the Cabinet very soon.” Ruddy, who speaks frequently to Trump, said on ABC News’s “This Week” that Trump believes that, on the whole, the White House is operating “like a smooth machine” and has been...

How Generative AI is Transforming Healthcare

  How Generative AI is Transforming Healthcare: A New Era of Personalized Medicine In this blog post, we will explore one of the most fascinating and impactful trends in modern healthcare – the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology.  This innovative approach is set to change the face of personalized medicine by creating new opportunities for diagnosis, treatment planning, drug discovery, and patient care. As the world faces complex medical challenges, generative AI can offer solutions that are more effective, efficient, and equitable. The Role of Generative AI in Healthcare Generative AI is a powerful tool that can create new insights from massive amounts of data. This state-of-the-art technology can generate customized solutions that suit the needs of each patient, leading to better treatments and outcomes.  The potential benefits are immense, affecting various aspects of healthcare delivery, such as: Drug Discovery:  Generative AI algorithms can...

How to prepare Seared Steak

  Reverse-Seared Steak Time 45 to 55 minutes, plus lighting the grill Reverse-searing is a grilling technique for steak that ensures a dark, sizzling crust and a rosy center that is perfectly cooked to your desired degree of doneness. This brilliant grilling method combines the low and slow cooking of traditional barbecue with the high heat charring practiced at steakhouses. Though it works well with any thick steak, from picanha to porterhouse, this recipe calls for a cut of steak popularized in Santa Maria, Calif., and is today known and loved across the U.S. as tri-tip. As the name suggests, it’s a triangular or boomerang-shaped steak cut from the tip of the sirloin, blessed with a robust beefy flavor. INGREDIENTS Yield : 4 servings * 1large or 2 small wood chunks (such as oak, hickory or mesquite) or 1½ cups wood chips * Canola oil, for greasing the grill grate * 1tri-tip steak (about 2 to 2¼ pounds; see Tip) * Coarse kosher or sea salt * Freshly ground black pep...