Voice of the Jewish News: Keeping bad company
This week's first editorial reflects on JVL activist Stephen Marks chairing a Labour party disciplinary panel, and what that says about much change has really taken place
The history of the Jewish Voice For Labour (JVL) group in relation to the antisemitism crisis under Jeremy Corbyn should mean no member of that organisation comes anywhere near chairing a Labour disciplinary panel.
But, as we reveal today, JVL’s Stephen Marks did exactly that last week, when he led a panel on Labour’s highest disciplinary body, known as the NCC.
There will justifiably be anger among many in the community over this.
Questions will be asked as to why, despite pledging to “root out” antisemitism, Keir Starmer can allow such a situation to occur. In truth, Starmer is not responsible for deciding Labour disciplinary panels. The make-up of these panels is decided by votes cast by Labour members, often in elections held was before he became leader. Selection of elected officials to take part in hearings often relies on those among the select group available to take part in cases on a particular day, with little prior notice given.
There is change ahead, though. One of the key recommendations of the EHRC report, adopted by Starmer last October, was the implementation of an independent complaints system by his party to end the power and influence of the NCC in cases often involving claims of antisemitism.
As the EHRC report recognised, such a change to Labour’s machinery needs to be voted through at its annual conference. Until then, Starmer must ensure that those responsible for appointing elected officials onto its disciplinary panels on cases that involve claims around antisemitism steer well clear of those associated with groups like JVL.
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