Keir Starmer praises guests at CST dinner for helping him get ‘to where we did’ on Corbyn
The Labour leader speaks of 'strong and deep' ties to Jewish community
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Keir Starmer has issued his first public remarks on the move to formally block Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour at the next election, as he lavished praise on attendees at the Community Security Trust dinner.
In a well-received speech, ahead of making the toast to King Charles, the Labour leader said on Wednesday night:” I want to take this opportunity, humbly, to say to many people in this room,’Thank you for giving me the time and the space to address antisemitism in my party’.
“Without your help, without you giving me that space, we would not have got to where we did yesterday.”
Starmer, who attended the dinner with his wife Victoria, told the guests:”I can assure you, we will be forever vigilant, the fight against antisemitism is never over.
“Nor is the fight to reconnect with the Jewish community, and recognise the enormous contribution in education, care and to the economy.
“And to build on our shared values of tolerance and social justice.”
Starmer also revealed that his wife had known Gail and Gerald Ronson “since she was 11 years old through their daughter Hayley”.
He added:”This is a long, long association, and I’m really grateful for all the ties we have with the Jewish community. They are strong and they are deep.”
Heaping praise on the “vital work of the CST in keeping the Jewish community safe” Starmer also praised their work to protect other communities “safe from hate.”
He added:”We all know this getting tougher. The rise of hate troubles me.”
Starmer then said; “If I am privileged enough to get into government at the next election I will work with CST and others to tackle it (hate) head on, with all of you.”
The dinner, which took place at a central London hotel was also attended by Ed Ball and wife Yvette Cooper, Dayan Gelley, Lord John Mann, Luciana Berger, and JLC chair Keith Black.
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