Jewish Labour Movement tell of 'disappointment' after meeting with Jennie Formby
2 min read
A leading Jewish group have spoken of their "disappointment" following a meeting with Labour's general secretary to discuss the party's ongoing anti-Semitism problem.
The Jewish Labour Movement held talks with Jennie Formby to find out what steps she plans to take to tackle the issue.
Jeremy Corbyn has told Ms Formby, who took over as general secretary from Iain McNicol in March, to make eradicating anti-Semitism from Labour her top priority.
But in a statement following yesterday's meeting, the JLM said they remained unconvinced that it is being treated with the correct level of seriousness.
They said: "We were disappointed that too much of the conversation focused on process. We called for the kind of sincere, competent leadership required to overcome this crisis now entering its third year.
"Ultimately this can only be solved through political will. Today we wanted to see greater understanding that both the general secretary and the leader of the Labour party are willing to take very public, very urgent and very vocals steps required to give our members, the Jewish community and others the assurances they so desperately need."
A Labour source said: "Jennie Formby’s first priority is tackling antisemitism. Ongoing discussions are taking place with the Jewish Labour Movement and Jewish community organisations about the steps we are taking, including speeding up our disciplinary procedures and developing a political education programme to create a deeper understanding and awareness about all forms of anti-Semitism."
"Thoundands attended a demonstration in Parliament Square in March which was organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council demanding Labour does more to confront anti-Semites in its ranks.
Following a meeting between the Labour leader and representatives of the groups last month, the Board of Deputies and JLC accused Mr Corbyn of inaction.
They said: "Our sole objective from this meeting was to build trust with Mr Corbyn, but this will not be possible until and unless he and the party turn their many strong words against anti-Semitism into equally strong actions in order to bring about a deep cultural change in his supporters’ attitude to Jews."
But a Labour source hit back: "There was agreement that elected officials should not share platforms with people found guilty of anti-Semitism. Jeremy acknowledged that the Board and JLC are the main representative bodies, and they agreed to a meeting in July. Jeremy said he would seek to engage across the Jewish community."
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