Scottish Labour urged to adopt international definition of anti-Semitism after UK party snub

Ben Procter, chair of Eastwood Labour, said local members had phoned him in tears after the UK party's national executive committee refused to adopt in full the International Holocaust Memorial Alliance's guidelines on identifying anti-Jewish abuse.

Instead, Labour has adopted its own examples of what constitutes anti-Semitism alongside the IHRA definition, while agreeing to consult with the Jewish community.

In a letter to Cathy Peattie, chair of Labour's Scottish executive committee, Mr Procter said that was "an insult".

He said: "If we did not listen when the Jewish community across Britain spoke with a united voice last time, why should they believe us or even engage with us on an exercise that has already been deemed by many to be nothing more than false platitudes and eindow dressing?"

Mr Procter added: "Where there is inaction on a UK level, we in Scotland have a duty to act."

Scottish Labour has been contacted for comment.

In a statement earlier this week, a Labour party spokesperson said: "The NEC upheld the adoption of the code of conduct on anti-Semitism, but in recognition of the serious concerns expressed, agreed to re-open the development of the code, in consultation with Jewish community organisations and groups, in order to better reflect their views."

Meanwhile, a Labour MP has spoken of his sadness after party members said they were quitting over the latest anti-Semitism row.

John Mann, chair of the all-party group on anti-Semitism, told PoliticsHome: "They’re leaving in protest. These are longstanding people. It is getting to a critical mass now who are leaving."

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