Labour faces historic anti-Semitism probe

JEREMY Corbyn's Labour party may have illegally discriminated against Jews, the equalities watchdog said today.

The party could face legal action after the Equality and Human Rights Commission announced a historic probe over anti-Semitism, it was revealed this morning.

The watchdog have announced they will look into whether the party is institutionally anti-Semitic and if it's broken the law.

They said today that after a "number of complaints" Labour may have "unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and beliefs".

The move by the independent and respected watchdog is the biggest blow yet to the Labour leader comes as the party continue to be embroiled in an ongoing row over anti-Jewish hate in the party.

It comes after the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) and Campaign Against Anti-Semitism submitted dossiers of evidence to them last year.

An Equality and Human Rights Commission spokesperson said today: "Having received a number of complaints regarding antisemitism in the Labour Party, we believe Labour may have unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs.

"Our concerns are sufficient for us to consider using our statutory enforcement powers. As set out in our enforcement policy, we are now engaging with the Labour Party to give them an opportunity to respond."

A Labour Party spokesperson said today they rejected any suggestion the party had acted unlawfully and would cooperate fully with the probe.

"Labour is fully committed to the support, defence and celebration of the Jewish community and its organisations," they said.
"Antisemitism complaints received since April 2018 relate to about 0.1 per cent of our membership, but one anti-Semite in our party is one too many. We are determined to tackle antisemitism and root it out of our Party."

It's understood the party has not yet seen the allegations, and a formal investigation has yet to be announced.

Countdown star Rachel Riley, who has spoken up against anti-Semitism hailed the news today.

She said: "Modern British values don’t stand for any part of what’s been happening lately, out in the open for all to see, it’s unprecedented."

Euan Philipps, spokesperson for Labour Against Anti-Semitism told The Sun this morning: "Under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, anti-Semitism in the Labour Party has become endemic... This seems to be institutional racism under almost every definition.

"It has become obvious that this is a crisis that the Labour Party can no longer deal with itself. The problem starts at the top and flows downwards. It was therefore vital, for the sake of British democracy, for the EHRC to intervene.

"It is only through shining a light on racial hatred that it can be defeated."

SHINE A LIGHT ON HATRED
And Gideon Falter, Chairman of the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: " It is a sad indictment that the once great anti-racist Labour Party is now being investigated by the equality and human rights regulator it established just a decade ago.

"Since the Holocaust, Britain has led the world in promoting human rights, and it could scarcely be more important to British society that the Jew-hatred festering in the Labour Party is firmly brought to an end."

The JLM told the Jewish Chronicle last night: "We did not take this decision lightly.

"Everything that has happened in the months since our referral supports our view that the Labour Party is now institutionally antisemitic."

Jewish MP Ruth Smeeth said it was "another dark day in the history of our party" which could and should have been avoided.

"This is a devastating indictment on the Labour Party. Decent members will be horrified that we have got into this position."

Yesterday a series of leaks of emails alleged that Mr Corbyn's team had been involved in decisions on anti-Semitism allegations.

Key staff had asked to be copied in on complaints, and were shown to argue against suspensions.

Labour sources insisted the practise has now ended and the leaks were from a disgruntled former employee.

Last night the Jewish Labour Movement decided to stay alligned to the party - despite the departure of their chair, MP Luciana Berger.