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 Chicken Miso Meatballs in 3 easy steps

Raspberry Macarons

Wondering something to Eat "Bacon Explosion"

How to make Roasted Vegetable Burritos

First Republican Congressman to Officiate a Gay Wedding

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed President Donald Trump to transfer billions of dollars of military funding in order to construct hundreds of miles of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, California and New Mexico.

How can I prepare Grand Green Aioli

More Lung Damage From Vaping Reported

Popular posts from this blog

How to prepare Chicken Miso Meatballs in 3 easy steps

Chicken Miso Meatballs Ground chicken bosom meat is genuinely lean, so milk is added to this formula to keep them damp and delicate.  As the meatballs prepare, the miso caramelizes into exquisite chomps of sweet-pungent umami.  Disintegrated Ritz wafers add lavishness and make a more succulent meatball (however plain, dry bread pieces will likewise work). To make the Ritz morsels, place the wafers in a resealable plastic pack and delicately squash them with the rear of a wooden spoon or estimating cup.  These additionally make a scrumptious hors d'oeuvre: Simply fold the blend into more modest 1-inch balls. For a fast plunging sauce, join 2 sections soy sauce to 1 section refined white vinegar, and add cut scallions, or red-pepper pieces, assuming you like hotness. INGREDIENTS  ¼   cup whole milk 3   tablespoons sweet white miso 1   tablespoon minced garlic 1   teaspoons kosher salt ¾   teaspoon black pepper ½   cup finely crushed Ritz c...

Raspberry Macarons

  Raspberry Macarons Time : About 2 ½ hours, plus at least 24 hours chilling These macarons' recipe include a little amount of finely chopped freeze-dried raspberries, which lends an unexpected tart fruitiness. Just keep in mind that it can also encourage the shells to brown very rapidly, so if the first batch starts to get a little golden, lower the oven's temperature for the second batch by around 25 degrees. Also try the Chocolate Macarons  INGREDIENTS Yield: 23 macarons FOR THE BATTER 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons/130 grams confectioners’ sugar ¾ cup/85 grams superfine blanched almond flour ½ cup/14 grams freeze-dried raspberries Lemon wedge (optional), for cleaning bowl 3 large egg whites (90 grams), at room temperature ½ teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) 6 tablespoons/75 grams granulated sugar Red gel food coloring (optional) FOR THE FILLING 4 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) ⅓  ...

Wondering something to Eat "Bacon Explosion"

How to cook Bacon Explosion This concoction and Internet sensation came to The Times from Jason Day and Aaron Chronister, who created it shortly before Christmas one year in Roeland Park, Kan. They modestly call it “the BBQ Sausage Recipe of all Recipes.” It contains at least 5,000 calories and 500 grams of fat, but you don’t have to eat it all at once. It is not for vegetarians, ascetics or the faint of heart — instead, consider it a delicious challenge to your abilities at the grill. RECIPES FOR BACON 2   pounds thick-cut sliced bacon 1 ½   pounds Italian sausage, casings removed 3   tablespoons barbecue rub ¾   cup barbecue sauce HOW TO COOK BACON  STEP 1 Using 10 slices of bacon, weave a square lattice like that on top of a pie: first, place 5 bacon slices side by side on a large sheet of aluminum foil, parallel to one another, sides touching. Place another strip of bacon on one end, perpendicular to the other strips. Fold first, third and fifth bacon strips...

How to make Roasted Vegetable Burritos

Roasted Vegetable Burritos Roasted mushrooms, sweet potatoes and poblano chiles become a comforting vegetarian burrito filling in just 30 minutes. The meaty mushrooms and hearty potatoes give it substance, while roasted poblanos impart subtle smoky notes and mild heat. (Green bell peppers are a good nonspicy alternative.) The mashed avocado and sour cream lend creamy richness, while shredded lettuce and pico de gallo bring welcome crunch and freshness. Although not necessary, leftover rice is a nice addition to the burritos for an even more substantial meal. 1 Recipes: Roasted Vegetable Burritos : 12   ounces white, cremini or stuffing mushrooms, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3   large poblano chiles (12 ounces), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces  1   medium sweet potato (8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2   garlic cloves, minced 1   teaspoon dried oregano 1   teaspoon smoked paprika ¼   cup extra-virgin olive oil   Kosher salt and bl...