Hampstead Labour refuses to discuss anti-Semitism proposal

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.