Labour frontbencher backs party's critics in antisemitism definition row

Labour's shadow Brexit Secretary said: “Councils, institutions across the country have accepted the full definition. I think that's the right position to be in.

“I would urge everybody within the Labour Party to listen to the voices that have come out in recent days and get to a position where we are supporting the full definition. We have to very clear about our position on this.

“I think we need to reflect on what's been said in the last few days and if we are not in a position of supporting the full definition we need to get into that position and sharpish.”

Adam Langleben, a former Labour councillor in Barnet, North West London, said the party’s failure to adopt the full IHRA definition of antisemitism means it is “no longer an anti-racist party”.

The departure from the MacPherson principle confirms that Labour is no longer the anti-racist party I joined 12 years ago. You allow victims to define the prejudice they experience. It is fundamental to anti-racism.
If they do it to the Jews then they will do it to others next.

— Adam Langleben 🇪🇺 (@adamlangleben) July 7, 2018

Mr Langleben has been a vocal critic of the Labour leadership, arguing that its inaction on antisemitism contributed to its failure to win a majority in recent Barnet Council elections, in which he also lost his own seat.

He tweeted: “You allow victims to define the prejudice they experience. It is fundamental to anti-racism. If they do it to the Jews then they will do it to others next.”