The British Labour Party took a radical, anti-austerity manifesto to last year’s general elections — and despite polls and media commentators expecting an unprecedented disaster, came close to winning, denying the ruling Conservatives a majority.
Despite this success, attempts to attack and sabotage Labour’s socialist leader Jeremy Corbyn, and the ranks that support his vision, have continued.
Backed by the media, the party’s establishment and many MPs have sought to undermine attempts to transform the party into a true voice for working people. Many of these debates played out Labour’s September 23-28 conference in Liverpool. Michael Calderbank takes a look at what took place and what it means for the party’s future.
On anti-Semitism
Corbyn dealt with the issue of anti-Semitism, which has dominated the media in recent months, head-on. He forcibly reasserted that “this party, this movement, will always be implacable campaigners against anti-Semitism and racism in all its forms … We will work with Jewish communities to eradicate anti-Semitism, both from our party and wider society.
“And with your help I will fight for that with every breath I possess.”
At the same time, it was equally clear that accusations of anti-Semitism would not be allowed to stifle legitimate criticisms of Israel over the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Some on the fringes tried to argue that the sea of Palestinian flags waved on the conference floor indicated Labour is not a “safe space” for Jews. But in reality, this display of international solidarity called for human rights and democratic freedoms for everyone in the region.
Labour recommitted itself to a two-state solution with a secure Israel alongside a viable and secure Palestinian State, and to formally recognise Palestine as a state.
Tensions continued to surface around the conference fringe, with pro-Israel Jewish Labour MP Luciana Berger claiming she required a police escort for her security. A film-showing about suspended pro-Palestine Jewish Labour member Jackie Walker was cancelled after a bomb threat.
Read the article in Green Left Weekly.