Concerns raised EHRC Labour antisemitism probe could ‘bankrupt the party’
Sources inside Labour’s ruling executive raise concern probe by equality watchdog could incur lawsuits
Sources inside Labour’s ruling executive raised fears the Equalities and Human Rights Commission probe into alleged antisemitism could “bankrupt the party,” a report claimed.
Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) suggested the party could be exposed to lawsuits amid growing speculation about the outcome of the investigation, the Independent reported on Sunday.
The issue is understood to have been raised at a meeting of the NEC but the discussion was reportedly “shut down” by party officials and allies of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, sources told the newspaper.
According to the report, members of the NEC fear they may be held personally financially responsible if the party is bankrupted by extensive damages.
“People are really worried. The party has been asked to let us know what indemnity it has because there are concerns that NEC members are going to ultimately be responsible for this.”
But a Labour source denied concerns, saying: “It’s a regulatory investigation which does not involve lawsuits against the Party or any individual.”
Labour is currently under investigation by the EHRC, which is expected to deliver its verdict as early as January – making it the second party to be probed by the watchdog after the British National Party.
The probe, launched in May, seeks to determine whether the party, its employees or its “agents” unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised Jews.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
