Today, Labour announced that former leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has been suspended from the party. Despite resigning as leader nearly a year ago, Corbyn was finally hounded out of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) today following the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report into Antisemitism within the Labour Party.
Jewish Voice for Peace described the move as Appalling and said “This is not about Antisemitism, it’s a malicious attack on Palestinian rights and those who advocate in defence of Palestinian freedom“. This week, in Palestine, thousands of acres of land have been destroyed by the latest wave of Israeli Settlements despite widespread condemnation from the UN and others.
Responding to the decision to suspend him, Corbyn said: “I will strongly contest the political intervention to suspend me. I’ve made absolutely clear that those who deny there has been an antisemitism problem in the Labour Party are wrong.“
I will continue to support a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of racism. And I urge all members to stay calm and focused – while this problem is resolved amicably, as I believe it will be – to defeat this awful government, which is further impoverishing the poorest in our society.”
Despite his unequivocal support for Labour, and his plea to members, many Labour activists have voiced their fury, and countless more have resigned from the Party. Many of whom have applied to join the YCL and the Communist Party.
Discussing the surge in membership, Peter Stoddart, YCL Executive Committee member said: “Over the last year, the YCL and the Communist Party’s membership has increased dramatically and many applicants have indeed come from Labour.”
“The YCL has many allies across the Labour movement and within the Labour Party. However, it is clear that for many, the move to suspend Jeremy Corbyn, is a step too far. We in the YCL will welcome anyone who follows our program and is serious about delivering it.”
However, Stoddart stressed that the YCL remained a proud member of the broader movement and did not outright encourage Labour members to resign.
For anyone looking to apply to join the YCL, you can do so here.
Regardless, it is clear that Starmer bears no regret over the continued lurch to the right taking place within Labour. Symbolic, political or otherwise, the move to suspend Corbyn highlights this, and is unlikely to win him any favours from the Left of the Party. The parliamentary Socialist Campaign Group, Momentum and the Morning Star have all came out and publicly condemned the move.
The Communist Party is due to release a statement shortly. It will be republished here.
Challenge News Desk
