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

Pork belly recipes for your 21 day fix meal plan

Smash Burgers secret Recipes

Soy Sauce Noodles With Cabbage and Fried Eggs Recipe

Man Utd ‘Fail With Initial Transfer Bid’ for Benfica Defender Ruben Dias

Vegetarian Top cook Book

Egg Salad

How to make Madeira Gravy

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 ...

Pork belly recipes for your 21 day fix meal plan

Glazed Pork Chop :for Your Cookery Book  This grilled (or broiled) slab of pork chop resembles Chinese roast pork. It is a vital component of arroz gordo, a dish from Macau. But it can easily stand on its own. Just be sure the meat is at least 2 inches thick so it will brown nicely without overcooking. Slice it to serve as an appetizer with strong mustard, or add it at the last minute to stir-fried mushrooms. You could substitute pork loin for the shoulder as this could be a great audition  to your fix diet.  recipe for cooking  ½   cup dry white wine 2   tablespoons soy sauce 1   tablespoon Chinese oyster sauce 1   teaspoon sweet paprika ½   teaspoon cinnamon 5   tablespoons honey 1 ½   tablespoons cornstarch 1   pound pork shoulder, about 6 inches long Cooking  process for pork chop Step 1 Combine wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, paprika, cinnamon and honey in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a simmer. Mix cor...

Smash Burgers secret Recipes

  Smash Burgers TIME :20 minutes  This is the typical griddled hamburger found in restaurants and fast food joints. Its edges have been grilled to a crispness. Instead of using a grill, it is better to cook in a large, cast-iron pan that has been greased with fat or oil. For beef, you can either grind your own or ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak that has at least 20% fat content. Use an ice-cream scoop or spoon to handle it instead of your fingers, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. A few ounces should be dropped into the pan, mashed with a spatula, salt it, and then turned over when it has become crisp. Then toast your bun and add cheese. The procedure proceeds swiftly. INGREDIENTS Yield: 4 to 8 servings ½teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter 2pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat Kosher salt and black pepper to taste 8slices cheese (optional) 8soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted Lettuce leaves, sliced toma...

Soy Sauce Noodles With Cabbage and Fried Eggs Recipe

  Soy Sauce Noodles With Cabbage and Fried Eggs Time: 30 minutes  Soy sauce noodles, a traditional Cantonese dish frequently eaten for breakfast or lunch at dim sum, are hearty enough to be served for dinner as well. Contrary to the traditional dish, which includes bean sprouts and frequently garlic chives, this recipe calls for cabbage because it has a nice textural crunch and plenty of scallions since they pack a strong flavor. Regular and dark soy sauce, or lăochu in Cantonese, are simply mixed together to make the soy sauce seasoning. It imparts the noodles' very rich color. Tamari also works nicely if black soy sauce is not an option. Although thin egg noodles are typically used in this recipe, any dry wheat noodles would work in a pinch. INGREDIENTS Yield: 4 servings FOR THE NOODLES Kosher salt 7 ounces dried (or 16 ounces fresh) thin egg noodles Neutral oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed 4 large eggs ½ small green cabbage (1½ pounds), core removed then thinly sliced 1 ...