Thread by @PickardJE

Breaking:

The Labour Party has been served with an unlawful act notice after an investigation into antisemitism by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found it responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination.

From the @EHRC

The Party is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act (2010) relating to:

- Political interference in antisemitism complaints.
- Failure to provide adequate training to those handling antisemitism complaints.
- Harassment

"The EHRC found evidence of political interference in the complaints process, with 23 instances of inappropriate involvement by the Leader of the Opposition’s Office (LOTO) and others in the 70 files looked at."

"We find that the Labour Party committed unlawful harassment through the actions of its agent, Ken Livingstone, contrary to section 101(4)(a) of the Equality
Act 2010"

this is specifically awkward for Corbyn

Alasdair Henderson, commissoner for EHRC, says blame for the failings cannot be placed on any one person but adds:

"Jeremy Corbyn is ultimately accountable and responsible for what happened at that time."

the Jewish Labour Movement said the report “provides Jewish Labour members with the relief that they have been seeking from the Labour party, but which it failed, over five years, to offer”.

here's our @ft story

ft.com/content/4f9aa2…

some of the 23 examples of interference were LOTO seeking *tougher* interventions, Henderson said:

"In some instances there were interferences to say 'let's take action' or 'let's take tougher action' but we are clear that that is an unlawful action that undermines the process"

Keir Starmer speaking now:

"The report’s conclusions are clear and stark, they leave no room for equivocation. The report finds serious failings in leadership, processes and culture in dealing with anti-Semitism within our party."