Labour will block those not fit to be MPs, says John Healey

Madison Gordon 9 months ago 2 min read

Labour’s Handling of Offensive Comments Sparks Criticism from Jewish Labour Movement

In the midst of an ongoing dispute over offensive comments made by its candidates, Labour’s shadow defence secretary John Healey has pledged to block individuals who are deemed unfit to serve as MPs. The move comes as the party faces backlash from the Jewish Labour Movement, with Chair Mike Katz criticizing their handling of the situation.

Katz argued that party members who fail to call out offensive language should also face suspension. The Jewish Labour Movement has called for an apology to the people of Rochdale for selecting Azhar Ali, the candidate in the upcoming by-election who suggested that Israel allowed the 7 October attacks by Hamas.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has defended himself against the criticism, asserting that he has taken decisive action in response to the offensive comments made by candidates. He emphasized that the party has suspended two parliamentary candidates in the past week after derogatory remarks allegedly made at a meeting attended by Labour politicians and leaders of the local Muslim community.

One of the suspended candidates, Azhar Ali, later blamed “people in the media from certain Jewish quarters” for the suspension of another Labour MP, Andy McDonald, which led Labour to withdraw support for Ali. Graham Jones, another suspended candidate, used an expletive to describe Israel and called for British citizens who fight in the Israel Defense Forces to be locked up.

Shadow defence secretary John Healey condemned Jones’ comments as unacceptable and reaffirmed that the party will vigorously investigate and block individuals who are unfit to serve as MPs. However, due to electoral rules, Azhar Ali will remain on the ballot paper as the party’s candidate in the Rochdale by-election despite the withdrawal of support.

The Jewish Labour Movement’s criticism of Labour’s selection of Ali as their by-election candidate has fueled concerns that George Galloway, running for the Workers Party of Britain, is highly likely to secure victory in Rochdale.

Conservative Justice Minister Laura Farris condemned the spread of conspiracy theories about the 7 October attacks at a public meeting by parliamentary candidates, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of supporting someone who claimed Israel had orchestrated the attacks on itself.

However, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar defended Sir Keir, emphasizing his resolute efforts to combat anti-Semitism within the party. Sarwar argued that criticism of Israel should be separate from general comments about Jewish people.

The upcoming parliamentary vote on an SNP motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is expected to further expose Labour’s divisions over the Gaza conflict. The party’s position will be tested as they navigate this sensitive issue.