Glastonbury axe screening of pro-Corbyn film after complaints over antisemitism
Festival bosses say they reached decision to axe screening because five-day event is' about unity and not division, and we stand against all forms of discrimination.'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Glastonbury have axed a planned screening of a pro-Jeremy Corbyn film at this month’s festival after complaints it downplayed antisemitism and helped spread vicious conspiracy theories.
The famous festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset had been set to show ‘Oh Jeremy Corbyn – The Big Lie’ on Sunday afternoon at the site’s ‘Pilton Palais’ cinema.
But ahead of the five-day long event’s opening, Glastonbury confirmed in a statement:: “Although we believe that the Pilton Palais booked this film in good faith, in the hope of provoking political debate, it’s become clear that it is not appropriate for us to screen it at the Festival.
“Glastonbury is about unity and not division, and we stand against all forms of discrimination.”
In response to Glastonbury’s decision, the Board of Deputies, who had written to festival chiefs raising concerns about the film, said: “We are pleased that in the wake of a letter we sent earlier today, Glastonbury have announced the cancellation of the screening of this film.
“Hateful conspiracy theories should have no place in our society.”
Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, had joined condemnation of Glastonbury’s initial plans to show the film.
He tweeted:”Glastonbury shouldn’t allow itself to be exploited by antisemitism-deniers seeking to peddle their vile conspiracy theories.
“I hope they change their mind and decide against screening this film.”
After the confirmation it had been canceled Tugendhat wrote:”This is a welcome decision. Spreading conspiracies weakens our democracy and undermines our security.”
An article on the Labour List website, written by former Channel 4 and BBC presenter Paul Mason, who reviewed the film and said it breached “at least two examples of antisemitism in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition” was also instrumental in convincing Glastonbury bosses to cancel the screening.
Mason wrote:”You could easily come away from a screening believing that all that stood between Labour and electoral victory were the PLP,(parliamentary Labour Party) the British state, Israel, Jewish community organisations and the ‘spycop’ Keir Starmer.”
The film featured interviews with the disgraced ex-MP Chris Williams, sacked Bristol University sociology professor David Miller and Ken Loach, the film maker expelled by Labour over his membership of a banned group.
At the heart of the films narrative is the claim that antisemitism was a “smear” used to bring down Corbyn.
It suggests Corbyn was the victim of an “injustice and the destruction of democracy” at the hands of a “conspiracy of forces” – including the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Labour Movement and the state of Israel.
A further section of the film, made by Platform Flims, attempts to substantiate conspiracy theory claims now circulating on the far-left that Labour leader Keir Starmer is a state agent planted either by the CIA or the British security service.
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.
