Formby says only 12 Labour members expelled for antisemitism in past year

Only 12 Labour members have been expelled over antisemitism in the past year, according to Labour general secretary Jennie Formby. 

Formby has written to Labour MPs to release new statistics on antisemitism in the party, but insisted most reported cases were not about party members.

The data has been released for the first time, with the permission of Labour’s National Executive, following demands for greater transparency on this issue.

But in the letter, Formby claims vast numbers of complaints were lodged against people outside the party and that many refer to social media posts up to 8 years-old

The letter claims 60 percent of “complaint dossiers” are filed against non-members while 30 percent of complaints received by the party relate to people outside the party.

However, of the 673 complaints against party members processed since April of last year, only 12 cases were expelled.

Another 6 cases received sanctions and the remainder are still awaiting a decision, according to the letter.

Labour did not have a consistent system for recording and processing cases of antisemitism before April 2018, according to Formby.

The general secretary adds: “I have had private meetings with individuals from several Jewish community organisations to explore how to bring that about.

“I very much hope this will change as I remain absolutely committed to engaging and working together with Jewish community organisations at all times.”