Seven lawmakers quit UK Labour Party over antisemitism, Brexit concerns
Seven British lawmakers quit the Labour Party on Monday over concerns regarding Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of the antisemitism scandal within the party and because of issues surrounding Brexit, saying that the opposition party had been “hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left.”
U.K. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Credit: Global Justice Now.
The seven lawmakers—Chris Leslie, Luciana Berger, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey—said that “enough is enough” in regards to keeping silent about Corbyn’s fitness for office.
MP Berger, who is Jewish, had been a particularly strong critic of her former party’s handling of antisemitism, calling the party “institutionally antisemitic,” and that she had become “embarrassed and ashamed” to stay. Berger, who represents Liverpool, had been a frequent target of antisemitic attacks since assuming office.
“I am leaving behind a culture of bullying, bigotry and intimidation. I look forward to a future serving with colleagues who respect each other,” she said.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over Corbyn’s handling of Brexit. They all support a second referendum on the decision to leave the European Union, a move that Corbyn opposes.
JNS
Now its 8 British Labour and 3 Conservative MP’s that have moved to cross although the Conservatives are concerned with the dominant right wing of the party while the Labour MP’s are more concerned with antisemitism in the party.
There is a trend in the USA, UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia (the 5 eyes nations) to roll the old white men in suits at recent and future elections.
The only question I have is why did it take Luciana Berger so long to realise that the Labour Party is not the party it used to be.
A good friend of mine, who also happens to be a member of the House of Lords, resigned publicly from Labour many months ago.
There are also many Jewish MPs who have not got the gumption to leave the Party
There are 650 seats in the House of Commons.