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1/ The Sunday Times are reporting that the Labour Party “is expected” to launch a formal statutory investigation into antisemitism in the Labour Party
Below is a short thread explaining what it could mean for Labour thetimes.co.uk/article/watchd…
Below is a short thread explaining what it could mean for Labour thetimes.co.uk/article/watchd…
2/ This is not confirmation that the EHRC will actually do this - the ST say that the final decision will go to a Commissioners meeting next month. This tallies with my own understanding
3/ This would only be the second time in the Commission’s history that it has used statutory powers against a political party. The last time was with the BNP in 2009 independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…
5/ The EHRC’s powers to investigate come from section 20 (And, further, Schedule 2) of the Equality Act 2006. They are strong powers - akin to a public inquiry. The EHRC can demand documents and information and get orders in court to force compliance legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/3/s… 
6/ I was instructed by the Campaign Against Antisemitism to prepare submissions to the EHRC over a number of months. You can read a summary in this article why I think the EHRC should step in theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
7/ I would be surprised if the EHRC didn’t do an Investigation after everything that has happened. The evidence of a pervasive and seemingly intractable racism problem is clear enough and this is exactly the kind of issue the EHRC has the expertise and independence to deal with
8/ Peering through the partisan reality distortion field which has enveloped the party over this issue, the EHRC could actually really help the party sort itself out. It is remarkable how many senior Labour figures have called for to happen: Thornberry, Watson, Falconer...
Sorry, *Equality and Human Rights Commission “is expected”... late night tweeting!
