Starmer promises Jewish community Labour ‘won’t let up’ in antisemitism fight
Keir Starmer uses London regional conference speech to say fight against anti-Jewish racism must carry on because if 'we stop for one moment, then we forgo the right to change our communities, our cities, and our country'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Keir Starmer has insisted Labour “won’t let up” in the fight against antisemitism under his leadership, adding if “we stop for one moment, then we forgo the right to change our communities, our cities, and our country.”
Describing last year’s local election victory in Barnet as “the proudest moment of my leadership” he continued: “I say to Jewish communities there and everywhere – we know we must never let up, and we won’t.”
In a speech cheered by members attending the annual London Labour regional conference, Starmer devoted a lengthy section to the battle against anti-Jewish racism.
He also cited a message put out by Jonny Newton of the Community Security Trust, which praised his attempt to tackle anti-Jewish racism after it was so predominant in the party under Jeremy Corbyn.
Starmer told the audience he had spent the past week reflecting on “the worst evil in human history” as Holocaust Memorial Day approached, and his own battle to defeat antisemitism in his party.
“This has been on my mind this week – of course it has,” he added.
“Only yesterday – like many people here I’m sure – I paused to remember the worst evil in human history.
“To reflect on the burden of anxiety and pain Jewish communities still carry as part of that history and to say, as we do on Holocaust Memorial Day every year, never again.”
In a clear attempt to stress he did not believe the pledge to “root out antisemitism” from Labour was completed, Starmer then stated:”Conference, let me be clear: this work never stops.
“Our commitment to fighting all forms hate and discrimination – never stops. ‘Never again’ – never stops
“It’s up to us – everyone here in this room – to keep up the work of fighting antisemitism and changing our party.
“Because if we stop for one moment, then we forgo the right to change our communities, our cities, and our country.
“That’s what a party fit to serve the country means and it’s why our victory in Barnet last year was the proudest moment of my leadership.”
Starmer then referenced the message put out earlier this month by the CST’s Newton “about our journey on antisemitism.”
He added:”But before I share it, I need to be clear about exactly what the Community Security Trust does.
“They campaign against antisemitism, of course but their main focus is protecting Jews…
“From hate, from intimidation, from violent attack in their communities. At Synagogues. At schools.
“Conference, this is the awful reality Jewish communities still face in Britain – the work the Community Security Trust is vital.
“But Jonny’s message is clear and painful to hear.
“He says: ‘In 2018 and 2019 ‘Labour related anti-Semitism’ was a ‘key driver’ of “sustained anti-Jewish hatred”.
“That’s the stain we are trying so hard to remove from our party. But he goes on.
“Because now, in 2023, he praises the work we’ve done.
“‘Meticulously developing and implementing new policies. Warning against complacency.’ No equivocation’.”
In a clear reference to the failing of the Corbyn era he added:”Never again will Labour allow hate to spread unchallenged.”
Returning to Labour victory in Barnet last year, Starmer said “it’s why our victory in Barnet last year was the proudest moment of my leadership.
“But that moment in Barnet, I felt for the first time in a while, that Labour could return the gaze of the British people with confidence.”
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