Corbyn defends plans to tackle anti-Semitism

JEREMY Corbyn has defended his plans to speed up how Labour deals with serious antiSemitism complaints from claims that it will lack independence.

The Labour leader said he had been presenting his proposals for a “speeded-up process in the most severe cases” at a meeting of the party’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC).

There had been concerns over the plans because they include the involvement of NEC general secretary Jennie Formby, who has faced criticism.

But Mr Corbyn spoke during a break in the meeting, which he said made “very interesting discussion”.

“The suggestion I’ve made is that the general secretary, as the most senior official of the party, should be involved in the most serious cases that are brought to our attention to ensure a rapid process of them,” he added.

“But as I’ve said, the legally supportable

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn details are being worked out and will be put as a rule change to conference at the end of September.”

Earlier in the day, parliamentary chairwoman of the Jewish Labour Movement Ruth Smeeth called for a completely independent process.

“There is still no independence, in fact arguably political power over anti-Semitism cases is going to be consolidated by political supporters of Jeremy Corbyn,” the MP told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I think we need a completely independent process that could restore faith for everybody.”

The NEC meeting came after Mr Corbyn addressed the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Monday night and said the “poison” of anti-Semitism, needed to be dealt with more robustly.

Mr Corbyn supports an initiative which would allow the most serious cases to be referred to a special panel consisting of Ms Formby and NEC officers which would have the power to expel anti-Semites.

It would allow for speedier removal in the most serious cases, according to Labour sources.

The package would need to be approved by the Labour conference in the autumn.

Mr Corbyn also set out an alternative proposal which would give existing NEC anti-Semitism panels the power to impose a suspension or expulsion, with a right of appeal to the National Constitutional Committee (NCC).

The shadow cabinet backed the proposal for “summary exclusion” outlined by the Labour leader.

It issued a statement issued saying senior Labour figures also support a proposal to introduce “independent oversight of our processes, and will continue to seek to engage with Jewish community organisations to build confidence”.

In the first six months of 2019 there have been complaints against 625 members relating to anti-Semitism, around 0.1% of the party membership.

There were also complaints about 658 people who are not in the party.

In 28 of the most serious disciplinary cases concluded by the NCC in the first six months of 2019, eight members were expelled, three received an extended suspension and four received a warning.

One member received no action as the NCC found the charges to be unproven and 12 left the party after being referred to the disciplinary body.

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