A leaked copy of Labour’s general election manifesto reveals the party’s likely positions on the Middle East and on tackling antisemitism in Britain.
A draft of the document was sent to a number of national media outlets last night. It is not expected to be signed-off by Jeremy Corbyn and the party leadership until today, with its full publication due next week.
The manifesto says Labour is a party of “equality” which seeks to build a society “free from all forms of racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia”.
It adds: “We should all be deeply troubled by the rise in racially aggravated attacks and race hate crime this year. Antisemitic incidents are also on the rise once more and we are committed to combating this trend with adequate resources and firm political will.”
In a reference to the allegations of antisemitism in the party over the past two years and the subsequent Chakrabarti inquiry into Jew-hate in Labour, the document says: “Commissioning a report on our own party was an unprecedented step in British politics, demonstrating a commitment to tackling prejudice wherever it is found.
“Labour is already acting on recommendations, including reform of internal disciplinary procedures to make them firmer and fairer, and expansion of training to tackle antisemitism.
“On a matter of such importance, Labour urges all democratic political parties to do the same.”
On the Middle East, Labour pledges its commitment to a “comprehensive peace…based on a two-state solution. That means a secure Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine".
But on specific details relating to Israel and the Palestinians, the document appears to show an intention to support a Palestinian narrative of events. It focusses on Israeli actions and makes no mention of Palestinian terrorism.
“The expansion of Israeli settlements on the Palestinian West Bank is not only wrong and illegal, but represents a threat to the very viability of the hopes of securing a successful outcome of the peace process,” it says.
“We cannot accept the continued humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and we will support Palestinian recognition at the UN.
“At the heart of Labour foreign policy will be a strong commitment to reducing human suffering as a result of conflict. The next Labour government will publish a strategy for protecting civilians in conflict.”
Richard Verber, Board of Deputies senior vice-president, said: "The leaked Labour manifesto is a draft document which has not yet been rubber-stamped by the NEC.
"We hope that the final version is substantially different as this Labour policy appears to place all of the onus on Israel when it comes to achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
"It lacks any mention of terrorism, incitement or indeed political will - which suggests complete detachment from reality.
"It also peddles the myth that peace will be achieved through unilateral moves in international organisations such as the UN.
"Peace can only be achieved by the two parties themselves, and the UK is better placed to play a constructive role when it's honest broker that understands the concerns and challenges faced by both sides."
