Corbyn allies speed up action on anti-Semitism
EXPULSIONS of anti-Semitic Labour members could be fast-tracked in an effort to eradicate the party’s racist abuse problem.
The idea first floated by shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, and backed by party deputy Tom Watson, is understood to now have the support of the Labour leadership.
Expulsions would be sped up in clearcut cases of antiJewish hatred, under guidelines drawn up by senior Jeremy Corbyn allies, as the antiSemitism crisis continues to rock the party. A source close to the leadership said today: “Mr Corbyn is leading the discussion about further improving the process, including speeding up expulsions where necessary.”
The plans, unveiled by HuffPost UK, suggest new panels should be created by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee and they would have unprecedented powers to expel anyone found guilty of anti-Semitism more quickly than the current disciplinary process.
Some investigations into anti-Semitic behaviour have taken months to resolve which has led to significant criticism that the party is not taking the issue seriously.
Veteran Left-winger and leader of pro-Corbyn group Momentum Jon Lansman is backing the proposal. He previously said the party had members with some “hardcore anti-Semitic opinions”.
However, strong calls remain within the shadow cabinet for a full independent complaints procedure which is being championed by Mr Watson.
A shadow cabinet source said the plans are to be welcomed but there “is no longer confidence in the people doing the process”, which means only an independent scheme will work.
It came as the shadow cabinet were today meeting for emergency talks on tackling anti-Semitism.
Mr Corbyn is due to appear before a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party(PLP) this evening to face questions on the explosive Panorama documentary on anti-Semitism in the party.
The programme alleges that two senior party officials — communications chief Seumas Milne and general secretary Jennie Formby — interfered in the handling of anti-Semitism cases, which the party denies.
Polling for The Times also showed a decline in the popularity of Mr Corbyn, as 43 per cent of 1,100 party members surveyed feel he is doing a bad job, 70 per cent said anti-Semitism is a “genuine” problem and more than half were dissatisfied with the way Mr Corbyn has handled Brexit.