Labour’s NEC has voted to fully adopt the IHRA’s definition and examples of antisemitism
The Labour party has accepted the definition and examples of antisemitism, given by International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Following a vote by its National Executive Committee (NEC) Labour shifted its position to fully accept the IHRA’s definition, but introduced its own “free speech clause.”
A statement released by Labour said: “The NEC has today adopted all of the IHRA examples of antisemitism, in addition to the IHRA definition which Labour adopted in 2016, alongside a statement which ensures this will not in any way undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians.
“The NEC welcomed Jeremy Corbyn’s statement to the meeting about action against antisemitism, solidarity with the Jewish community and protection of Palestinian rights, as an important contribution to the consultation on Labour’s code of conduct.”
Previously, Labour had left four key parts out of its definition of antisemitism:
- Accusing Jewish people of being more loyal to Israel than their home country
- Claiming that Israel’s existence as a state is a racist endeavour
- Requiring higher standards of behaviour from Israel than other nations
- Comparing contemporary Israeli policies to those of the Nazis
It provoked a number of the UK’s rabbis to write a joint letter to the Labour leadership, accusing it of acting in “the most insulting and arrogant way.”
The Labour MP Stephen Kinnock told the BBC’s Today show: “I think that the NEC should simply adopt the full IHRA definition and all of its examples.
“I don’t personally think that now is the time to be putting in additions and qualifications. That’s pouring more fuel on the fire, and that’s the last thing we should be doing right now.”
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Corbynite MP Chris Williamson told Talk Radio: “It’s been alleged that Labour hasn’t accepted the full IHRA definition. We have accepted the full IHRA definition. The argument is about examples.
“Jewish academics have said these examples are not fit for purpose.”
