LFI announces new parliamentary chair
Mark Sewards, MP for Leeds South West and Morley, said he was 'delighted' to assume the role
Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) has announced Mark Sewards, MP for Leeds South West and Morley, as its new honorary parliamentary chair.
Sewards succeeds Jon Pearce MP, who stepped down in September after becoming the prime minister’s parliamentary private secretary.
In his first engagement since taking up the post, Sewards met with members of Leeds University Jewish Society (JSoc) last weekend, listening to Jewish students’ concerns about antisemitism and safety on campus since October 2023.
Sewards said he was “delighted” to assume the role, praising the “principled and determined leadership” of his predecessor.
He highlighted the “opportunity for a more peaceful future” in the Middle East, citing the UN-backed peace plan, and called for the return of the remaining Israeli hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and international efforts to rebuild Gaza and reform the Palestinian Authority.
He emphasised the UK’s potential role in advancing peace and said the ambitions of LFI and the Labour government must be clear: “to work towards two states for two peoples; promote peacebuilding; strengthen regional security and prosperity; enhance the UK’s relationship with Israel and Palestine; support an International Fund for peacebuilding; and confront anti-Zionist antisemitism.”
Reflecting on a recent LFI delegation visit to the region, Sewards noted the devastating impact of the October 7 attacks and subsequent conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians.
Addressing rising antisemitism in the UK, including the murder of two Jewish people in Manchester on Yom Kippur, Sewards said: “I’ve been sickened by the tidal wave of antisemitism that has hit our country, including in Leeds and on campus, since 7 October.
“I am determined to help ensure that, just as Keir Starmer defeated antisemitism in the Labour Party, our Labour government will lead the fight against hatred of Jews in the country.”
Michael Rubin, LFI director, welcomed Sewards, describing him as “a resolute ally to the Jewish community” and commending Jon Pearce’s “outstanding leadership in extraordinarily challenging circumstances.”
Louis Danker, president of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), said it was “powerful” to welcome Sewards to Leeds Hillel House for his first engagement as LFI chair and wished him well in his new role.
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