Labour extends John Mcdonnell suspension as four MPs readmitted
Apsana Begum and Zarah Sultana also remain suspended from the parliamentary party
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Labour has extended the suspensions of hard-left MPs John McDonnell, Apsana Begum and Zarah Sultana from the parliamentary party.
In a move, predicted by Jewish News, the chief whip has taken into account their conduct since the trio were suspended for voting against the government on the two-child benefit cap nearly sevent months ago.
But the whip has been restored to four other MPs – Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain and Rebecca Long-Bailey.
The three MPs who remain suspended have continued to be outspoken on issues such as Gaza, often in a manner that does not reflect Labour Party policy.
The trio have also expressed support for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s controversial demos, speaking at those in London.
Last month veteran MP McDonnell said he had “kept in touch” with the Chief Whip throughout his suspension process adding ” we won’t know anything until the weekend.”
He added:”But we’ve served our sentence, so I’m hoping we’ll simply have the whip restored.”
McDonnell, who agreed to be interviewed by the police last month after attending a pro-Palestine demo, said he did not think it would “prejudice” the case for having the whip restored.
But he added: “It may delay the timing of it, particularly with me. But again, I don’t mind that I can understand the Labour Party doing that.”
Labour insiders told Jewish News last month it would be easier for some of the suspended MPs to come back from their suspensions than others.
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.
