In 2019, just 5 per cent of Jewish people in the UK intended to vote for the Labour Party. The antisemitism crisis under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn saw not only the complete collapse in support for the party but a community in fear of a Labour victory.
Despite this election taking place in the wake of the worst period of antisemitism in modern British history, last week’s JC poll showed that one in three Jewish voters were ready to support Labour on July 4. It is clear that there has been a fundamental change in the relationship between our community and the Labour Party.
In the JLC/JC focus groups last week, we were able to look beneath these numbers. Why are Jewish voters returning to Labour? Does a fear of Labour remain among those still voting for other parties? How well do they think our political leaders have responded to events since October 7?
Unsurprisingly, the British Jews in our groups are looking at the election in a way similar to most British voters. We share the same priorities with regards to the cost of living, NHS, education, crime and housing. Both groups also shared a frustration with the state of politics and there was very little enthusiasm for any of the major parties. Those who told us they would be voting Labour were mainly driven by a desire to vote against the current government.
