Labour ‘poised’ to offer apology to Panorama whistleblowers, report claims
A settlement between the Labour Party and its former employees is 'imminent', according to media reports
The Labour Party appears “poised” to offer a formal apology to the whistleblowers who appeared on an episode of Panorama last year.
According to a report in the Guardian, citing multiple sources, a settlement between the party and its former employees is “imminent.”
Media lawyer Mark Lewis, who declined to comment when approached by Jewish News, was instructed earlier this year to take legal action against the party on behalf of seven former staffers who appeared on the BBC documentary.
They accuse the Labour Party of making false libellous statements in their response to John Ware’s Panorama investigation, Is Labour Anti-Semitic?, broadcast last summer.
The programme contained allegations of interference within its disciplinary process by senior party figures – which were denied by the party at the time.
Meanwhile, the party has 28 days to respond to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft report investigating allegations of antisemitism.
“It is sent in confidence by the EHRC, so until that process is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment on any of the contents of the draft report – and we will not do so,” read a statement from the party on Monday.
“Tackling antisemitism within the Labour Party is a priority and we are determined to take the further action necessary to begin restoring trust with the Jewish community.
“We are committed to co-operating fully with the Commission’s investigation and implementing its recommendations when the final report is published.”
The Labour Party was approached for comment.
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