Labour MPs send Jeremy Corbyn three key demands to end antisemitic abuse

Two Labour MPs have complained to Jeremy Corbyn that they have been “subjected to a torrent of abuse and threats of deselection” since speaking up against antisemitism in the party.

John Mann and Wes Streeting, both vocal supporters of the Jewish community, made the claim in a letter to the Labour leader on Tuesday afternoon.

In it, they also made three demands of Mr Corbyn to “show that we’ve got the message” after about 2,000 demonstrators gathered in Westminster on Monday to protest against Mr Corbyn’s record on antisemitism.

Before the rally, organised by the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) and the Board of Deputies, Mr Corbyn apologised for the “pain and hurt” caused to the Jewish community, and promised to be an ally in the fight against antisemitism.

Mr Mann and Mr Streeting, who both spoke at yesterday’s rally, wrote: “Unfortunately, some people in our party still haven’t got your message.

“Those of us who have spoken out against antisemitism have been subjected to a torrent of abuse and threats of deselection. Our Jewish colleagues have, in the last 24 hours alone, received social media abuse accusing them of running a smear campaign and have been subjected to further antisemitic remarks.

“The only way our party will be able to show that we’ve got the message is through action, rather than words. In this context, we urge you to take the following actions immediately:

1. Make it clear that those who sought to disrupt and oppose the mainstream Jewish community rally do not speak for you, that their protest was not in your name and that people in our party should stop accusing others of ‘weaponising antisemitism’, creating ‘mood music’ or acting in bad faith. This includes front bench spokespeople sharing social media video clips suggesting that concerns about antisemitism amount to a smear campaign.
2. Meet with our Jewish colleagues and send a message of solidarity to all Jewish members demanding that social media abuse directed against them ends, making it clear that you will press for the strongest action against any Labour Party members involved in this activity.
3. Ensure the NEC (National Executive Committee) working group established to review the process for handling cases of antisemitism is properly resourced to conclude this important [issue] in a timely fashion and that the remit and membership of this group are agreed and published urgently.”

Mr Streeting, the MP for Ilford North in London, and Mr Mann, MP for Bassetlaw, in Nottinghamshire, act as co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews and the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism, respectively.