‘Significant disagreement’ between Starmer and some MPs over Long Bailey sacking

Significant differences remained on Friday between Keir Starmer and a group of left-wing Labour MPs over the party leader’s decision to remove Rebecca Long Bailey from the shadow cabinet.

Long Bailey drew criticism on Thursday after the MP shared a long-ranging interview published by the Independent containing a remark appearing to link George Floyd’s killing to claims U.S. police had learned tactics from Israeli forces.

The article, a spokesperson for Starmer said on Thursday, “contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory.”

But members of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs called for Long Bailey’s reinstatement during a virtual meeting with Starmer.

They described the meeting as a “business-like exchange of views which took place in a mutually respectful manner” but warned “significant disagreement remains” over Long Bailey’s removal.

In a statement shared on social media, the group said they had “made it clear that Rebecca Long-Bailey should not have been sacked and should be reinstated.”

“The imminent annexation of the West Bank by Israel’s government was discussed and the need for the Labour Party, MPs, party members and supporters to speak out against Israel’s illegal annexation and ongoing human right abuses by the government of Israel was raised,” they added.