‘Momentum’s domination allows extreme views to go unpunished’

LABOUR’S problem with anti-semitism is “deep-rooted and institutional” because Jeremy Corbyn has let the party be taken over by people who allow such views to go unchallenged, critics have warned.

MPS and senior party figures believe Left-wing group Momentum’s bid for control of the party’s ruling body has allowed some members to feel safe expressing controversial views about Israel and even anti-jewish remarks, because of the culture at the top.

The removal of Ann Black as chairman of the party’s powerful disputes committee was seen by many as the final nail in the coffin, after she was replaced by Christine Shawcroft, one of the most senior figures in Momentum. Ms Shawcroft was yesterday forced to resign from the committee for supporting an activist who was accused of posting anti-semitic slurs on the internet.

Critics warned that the party has a “deep-rooted institutional problem” at its core, which allows anti-semitism to go unpunished and has even caused it to thrive.

One source told The Daily Telegraph that meetings of the disputes committee have been “hijacked” by people who will support activists no matter what they have said, as long as they are seen to be on the “right” side.

The process is now so “toxic” and complicated by political battles that it has become almost worthless, the source said, adding that the actions of some Labour members are being defended even when they have said the most “abhorrent” things.

Momentum has control over much of the party machinery, alongside Unite the union. Critics warn that the group shuts down any challenge to its authority by claiming attacks are motivated by people who want to get rid of Mr Corbyn.

Alongside Ms Shawcroft, former vice-chair of Momentum Jackie Walker, was also suspended from her post over alleged anti-semitic remarks. She recently mounted a protest outside the party’s headquarters demanding so-called moderate employees be sacked.

Richard Angell, director of pressure group Progress, told The Daily Telegraph: “Labour is institutionally antisemitic because its power structure seeks to attack the person who reports anti-semitism often quicker and more robustly than it does the perpetrator of anti-semitism itself.

“The culture is so clearly ‘say one thing do another’ that it dissuades people from reporting anti-semitism and sadly encourages those who do it.

“If you can put on Facebook things that dispute the facts of the Holocaust and you know that senior National Executive Committee members’ first instinct would be to defend you, not investigate you, you have been given a green light.”

‘The culture is so clearly “say one thing do another’’ that is dissuades people from reporting anti-semitism.’