Jeremy Corbyn has set up an independent inquiry into antisemitism within
Labour as he battles to assert control over a party in turmoil on the eve of
crucial local elections.
In a defiant interview, Corbyn told the Guardian the crisis that led to
the suspension of his long-time friend and ally Ken Livingstone would not blow
his leadership off course. The Labour leader also insisted he would not be held
to “arbitrary” measures of success in Thursday’s polls.
Corbyn said the review would be led by Shami Chakrabarti, the former
head of the rights group Liberty, and that he was determined to root out
antisemitism and racism in every form.
Chakrabarti will talk to the Jewish community and members of other
groups, and report back to the party within two months about how it can best
tackle antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, including Islamophobia.
Labour sources said she would be asked to recommend guidance on the
boundaries of acceptable behaviour and language; and, “action to ensure Labour
is a welcoming environment for members of all communities”, including training
for new councillors and MPs.
Chakrabarti’s deputy chair will be Prof David Feldman, director of the
Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism. A separate investigation into
antisemitism at the Oxford University Labour club, led by Lady Royall, will
feed into the new, wider inquiry.
Labour will also immediately draw up new rules, banning antisemitic
behaviour and other forms of discrimination, which will be submitted to its
national executive committee in the coming weeks. The code will be aimed at
making it easier to discipline members, rather than relying on the charge
brought against Livingstone, of “bringing the party into disrepute”.
Labour
will also immediately draw up new rules, banning antisemitic behaviour and
other forms of discrimination, which will be submitted to its national
executive committee in the coming weeks. The code will be aimed at making it
easier to discipline members, rather than relying on the charge brought against
Livingstone, of “bringing the party into disrepute”.
