Hampstead Labour refuses to discuss anti-Semitism proposal
Anger as local constituency party backs motion NOT to discuss move to change party rules to crackdown on racism
Members of the Hampstead and Kilburn Labour party have been accused of “betraying the values” of the party after flatly refusing to even debate a proposal to crackdown on anti-Semitism.
A motion was tabled last night to discuss proposals by the Jewish labour Movement to make it easier to expel those expressing racist sentiment, including anti-Semitism or Islamophobia. Several local constituency groups have already backed the move.
But witnesses said some members pointed to Labour’s ongoing inquiry into anti-Semitism set up following a string of suspensions of members, councillors and even an MP – and a counter proposal against even discussing the original text was passed.
Local councillor Phil Rosenberg, who was hoping to speak in favour of the JLM proposal in a personal capacity, said: “Our own party members betrayed us. And not just on any issue – on the issue of anti-Semitism.
“Labour is supposed to be a part of inclusion and anti-discrimination but some people were not even prepared to hear how vulnerable a minority feel. It felt like a betrayal of the values of the party.”
Local MP Tulip Siddiq has repeatedly spoken out against anti-Semitism within the party.
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