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Labour confirms it has received draft of landmark EHRC report into antisemitism
Labour General Secretary David Evans emails staff to say: "Antisemitism has been a stain on our party in recent years.
July 13, 2020 19:03
Labour General Secretary David Evans emails staff to say: "Antisemitism has been a stain on our party in recent years.
July 13, 2020 19:03The Labour Party has confirmed it has received a draft of the landmark Equalities and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) report into its handling of antisemitism.
In a statement on Monday party officials confirmed they had received the long-awaited report from the equalities watchdog.
New General Secretary David Evans has also warned party of the consequences should anyone attempt to leak any of the report ahead of its publication.
Under the Equality Act 2010, the subject of an investigation by the commission must be given at least 28 days in order to make representations of its findings before the final report is released.
Confirming a draft of the report had been received by the party, Labour’s statement said: “The Equality and Human Rights Commission has provided the Labour Party with a draft of its report into allegations of antisemitism.
“The draft report has been shared with the Labour Party as part of a process afforded to us prior to the report’s publication. It is sent in confidence by the EHRC, so until that process is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment on any of the contents of the draft report - and we will not do so.
“Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are committed to tackling antisemitism within the Labour Party. Antisemitism has been a stain on the Labour Party in recent years. It has caused unacceptable and unimaginable levels of grief and distress for many in the Jewish community, as well as members of staff.
“Tackling antisemitism within the Labour Party is a priority and we are determined to take the further action necessary to begin restoring trust with the Jewish community.
“We are committed to cooperating fully with the Commission’s investigation and implementing its recommendations when the final report is published. We will be making no further comment.”
The EHRC launched the inquiry in May 2019, following complaints about repeated antisemitic conduct in the party.
The key submission to the watchdog was provided by the Jewish Labour Movement, who provided 70 sworn statements from serving and former party officials who outlining allegations of Labour’s failure to tackle antisemitism in a document compiled by James Libson, from the legal firm Mishcon de Reya.
Other submissions were provided by the Labour Against Antisemitism (LAAS) group and the Campaign Against Antisemitism. (CAA)
Emailing staff on Monday, Labour General Secretary Mr Evans said: "Antisemitism has been a stain on our party in recent years.
“It has caused unacceptable and unimaginable levels of grief and distress for many in the Jewish community, as well as members of staff."
A spokesperson for the JLM said: “Our decision to refer the Labour Party to the EHRC for investigation in 2018 was taken in response to a growing culture of anti-Jewish racism, bullying and harassment of our members. Since then, we have seen a casual atmosphere of denial grip the party. This must change.
“As a third-party to the investigation, we have not had sight of the draft report. We hope that when it is published, it will provide the kind of impartial and independent scrutiny required to force the party to comply with its duties under the Equality Act and toward our members.”
LAAS said they welcomed the fact that Labour had received a draft of the report adding: "We trust Keir Starmer will publish the final report and we look forward to reviewing its findings."
