EXCL Senior Labour MP warns party 'will cease to exist' unless anti-Semitism is tackled
3 min read
A Labour MP has said the party "will cease to exist" unless it does more to tackle alleged anti-Semitism by its members.
John Mann spoke out after it emerged that activist Mike Sivier, who was suspended by Labour over comments he made about Jews and Zionism, was offered the chance of re-admission by the party's ruling national executive committee if he went on a training course.
However, he refused and remains suspended pending a further disciplinary hearing.
Several Labour MPs took to Twitter yesterday to express their outrage at the initial ruling, and to urge the party to take a harder line on anti-Semitism.
PoliticsHome has learned that senior Labour figures rang round MPs yesterday urging them to take down their critical Twitter posts.
It is also understood that at least one MP is seeking a meeting with Jeremy Corbyn to discuss the issue.
The issue is also expected to be raised by angry MPs at the weekly meeting of the parliamentary Labour party this evening.
Bassetlaw MP Mr Mann, who is chair of the all-party parliamentary group on anti-Semitism, said: "The Labour party is in danger of losing its moral compass.
"There's no due process taking place at all, and if we become a haven for anti-Semites, the Labour party will cease to exist.
"We're a party founded on anti-racism, and therefore allowing racists to join brings into question the future of the party."
Another Labour backbencher told PoliticsHome: "The only reason Mike Sivier is still suspended is because he refused to take part in an anti-Semitism awareness course. The idea that it's because the party is taking a tough line is crap.
"My exasperation isn't just about him, it's about the many cases of anti-Semitism that remain unresolved, like Ken Livingstone. There are a catalogue of issues and Jeremy has to provide a lead on this."
A Labour spokesman said: "The Labour party takes all instances of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and is committed to challenging it in all its forms.
"Any complaints of anti-Semitism are investigated and acted upon in line with Labour’s procedures."
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
