Thread: Yesterday’s EHRC report and the robustness of its findings mark what many have rightly called a line in the sand. Do read it. 1/9
The report does not pull its punches. Read it. The EHRC’s investigation “identified serious failings in leadership” making it “hard not to conclude that AS within the Labour Party could have been tackled more effectively if the leadership had chosen to do so”. /2
I take no satisfaction in the outcome, or that the investigation had to be brought in the first place. I do feel a measure of relief after the emotionally draining and corrosive discourse of the last few years. /3
The independent report is clear and definitive. It confirms that the issues Jewish Labour members have been raising for years and the denial of those issues were real. This was a colossal “failure of leadership” which undermines confidence in our democratic politics. /4
As well as being politically disastrous, Antisemitism within the Labour Party had serious consequences for many people, causing emotional pain and despair to many who have given their lives to the Labour Party. /5
I want to acknowledge the allyship shown by those without ‘skin in the game’ and friends in particular in @BarnetLabour /6
The most dispiriting aspect is how the leadership’s failure on AS contributed to Lab’s loss of the trust of Jewish ppl and of the British public precisely at a time of austerity, Brexit & profound social injustice when the country desperately needed (and still needs)a Lab govt /7
To end on a hopeful note, the report reminds us of why equalities law matters and the role it can play in producing an evidenced-based and just analysis of profoundly difficult problems. /8
I am glad the Party will be adopting the EHRC’s recommendations in full. Under new leadership I believe the Party can return to values of solidarity, respect and equality. There is much work to do. /9
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