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Labour reportedly in fresh turmoil over antisemitism crisis
Key aides of Jeremy Corbyn will be in the spotlight in forthcoming Panorama antisemitism expose, according to the Sunday Times
July 7, 2019 09:37
Key aides of Jeremy Corbyn will be in the spotlight in forthcoming Panorama antisemitism expose, according to the Sunday Times
July 7, 2019 09:37The Labour Party is reportedly in fresh turmoil as fresh allegations are about to air on the BBC that key aides of Jeremy Corbyn tried to protect leftwingers accused of antisemtism.
The Sunday Times reported today that leading allies of the Labour leader have demanded he remove his chief of staff, Karie Murphy, and director of communictions and strategy, Seamas Milne.
According to the newspaper, the two aides are “at the heart” of an hour-long Panorama programme due to be broadcast this week, which examines their alleged intervention in cases involving accusations of antisemitism.
The newspaper quoted a Labour insider who said the two aides were “clearly alarmed” after receiving details of the content of the programme, adding “It’s very possible heads will roll.”
But another Labour source told the paper the party was preparing to complain about the programme. “Rather than investigating antisemitism in the Labour Party in a balanced and impartial way, Panorama appears to have predetermined its outcome and created a programme to fit a one-sided narrative.”
The source also accused the BBC of ignoring Islamophobia in the Conservative party.
According to the ST, Ms Murphy and Mr Milne are also under pressure from those who want to see Labour committed to a second referendum on Brexit.
On Friday it emerged that, the QC drafted in by Labour last year to advise on its antisemitism crisis, Gordon Nardell, was returning to his chambers.
The ST reported that “multiple sources said he had quit the party after becoming “aware of some of the claims being made” in the Panorama programme.
Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a “radical change of policy” to stamp out antisemitism in the party.
He said Labour owed the Jewish community an “unqualified apology” over its handling of antisemitism cases, in an article in the Guardian ahead of the annual Isaiah Berlin lecture he is due to give on Sunday evening at Hampstead Synagogue.
“Automatic expulsion is the procedure we adopt when members vote or support for other political parties,” he said.
“When the offence is as counter to our core principles as antisemitism, we cannot, in all conscience, be less demanding and less immediate in our response. We should automatically expel – and not just suspend – in cases where there is irrefutable evidence of antisemitism or any kind of racism.”
While those facing expulsion should be entitled to an appeal, the appeals process should be independent and established in consultation with the Jewish community, he said.
If Labour came to power, it should appoint a minister supported by an ambassador to monitor antisemitism, Mr Brown said.
When Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell was questioned about Mr Brown's comments on The Andrew Marr Show on BBC on Sunday, he said that Mr Corbyn had already apologised "ages ago".
But he added, "If that needs more, we should do it".
Mr McDonnell said talks of splits between him and Mr Corbyn were "rubbish" and, asked whether he had confidence in Mr Milne and Ms Murphy, said, "Of course".
He also defended the party sending legal letters to former Labour staff, who are understood to have talked to the BBC about the handling of antisemitism cases.
He was asked whether this was not hypocritical given Labour's promise to protect whistleblowers by scrapping non-disclosure agreements between companies and departing employees.
"What we are trying to do is to remind them of their confidentiality agreements," the Shadow Chancellor replied., "What we will always protect is anyone who is subject to victimisation and harassment."
