Starmer, Nandy, Mandelson and Miliband set for unprecedented JLM conference

More than 55 sessions will take place on issues ranging from Labour's antisemitism crisis and the Middle East, to the environment and domestic abuse in faith communities

By Jack Mendel
  • Jack Mendel is the former Online Editor at the Jewish News.
 25 November 2020, 3:45 pm
(back row left to right) Mike Katz, Ruth Smeeth, Adam Langleben, (front row) Margaret Hodge and Peter Mason, during a press conference by the Jewish Labour Movement at the offices of Mishcon de Reya in London, following the publication of damming anti-Semitism report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Keir Starmer, David Miliband, Lisa Nandy and Lord Mandelson will be among an unprecedented line-up of speakers at the Jewish Labour Movement’s one-day conference on Sunday.

More than 55 sessions will take place over the course of a day of virtual discussion, with the schedule including Labour’s leader, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, and senior Jewish politicians Dame Margaret Hodge, Ruth Smeeth and Dame Louise Ellman. The event will be held in partnership with Labour Friends of Israel.

Former foreign secretary David Miliband will be in conversation with top journalist Jonathan Freedland, while John Ware will speak about his Bafta-nominated Panorama whistle-blowers’ documentary. Among other top speakers include Lisa Nandy,  who won the JLM’s nomination during the Labour leadership contest, who will be interviewed by former senior Reform Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner. Manchester Metro mayor Andy Burnham and MP Angela Rayner will discuss the community’s ‘second city.’

Topical issues will also take centre-stage, including exploring the recent publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report into  antisemitism. Wayne David MP, Shadow Minister for the Middle East, will discuss Labour’s approach to peace in the region with Steve McCabe MP, Chair Labour Friends of Israel.

The conference also features journalist Gabriel Pogrund, who recently authored the book ‘Left Out’ looking at Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure, in discussion with Lord Peter Mandelson, in an event entitled ‘bedtime horror stories’.

Guests from abroad include with Merav Mchaeli MK, discussing the state of Labor in Israel, while Halie Soifer, Executive Director Jewish Democratic Council of America will be in conversation with Ruth Smeeth about the election of Joe Biden.

Subjects being discussed on the day range for the environment to domestic abuse in faith communities and trans rights to progressive Zionism.

Mike Katz, JLM National Chair, and Andrew Gilbert, JLM’s One Day Conference Chair said: “This year’s One Day Conference line-up is our most impressive yet – and it shows the important place that Jewish Labour Movement holds in the British Jewish Left that we’re hosting Keir Starmer, Shadow Front Benchers, leading journalists and activists from the UK, Israel and America.”

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