Prefer Jewish News on Google
Union chief vows to discipline anti-Semitic members, after rival targeted
UNITE chief Len McCluskey vows to take action, after anti-Semitic messages sent to man challenging him for the top job
Len McCluskey has vowed to discipline any member of his UNITE union found to have sent anti-Semitic messages after the man challenging him for the top job was subjected to online abuse from the general secretary’s own backers.
Gerard Coyne is said to be considering calling in the police after being sent messages on Twitter invoking age-old tropes.
One tweet from @1UnionBloke – who has made clear his support for McCluskey – carried an image referring to “Jewish mafia” accompanied with the words: “Be warned @gerard_coyne has backing now!! @UniteforLen.”
A spokesperson for McCluskey, the hard-left incumbent, told the Jewish News: “Len wants his supporters to support his positive, progressive agenda, which celebrates the inclusive values of our labour movement. He does not want or condone any engagement by them in online abuse.
“Unite has made it clear that any member who has made anti-Semitic comments is in breach of the union’s rules and will face disciplinary action.”
@1UnionBloke sent the post yesterday, writing on the same day: “#proudtobeunion for many years and now supporting @uniteforlen campaign for @unitetheunion general secretary. Saying NO to
Right wing Coyne.”
McCluskey – who remains favourite to win another term next month – has previously suggested Labour’s anti-Semitism crisis was manufactured for “political aims”. He is
The online attacks on rival came within hours of Coyne condemning the “singling out” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under the leadership of McCluskey. In an interview with the Jewish Chronicle, he also rounded on the UNITE members on Labour’s NEC who defended two individuals accused of harassment and bullying of Jewish students at Oxford University Labour Club – a move that enabled them the case against them to be thrown out.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
