Comment Writer Aaminah Saleem discusses Labour’s anti-semitism report and explores the lessons we can learn from its contents
Writer’s disclaimer: Due to the sensitive nature of the report, the publishing of victim names and the spread of the report via social media, I will refer to sections of the report I have read but will not link what I am discussing. I am electing to discuss the mistreatment of MP’s in the party – as this has been well – documented. I urge readers not to share the leaked report, as the report being unredacted puts many people at risk for further harassment.
On Sunday the 12th of April, an internal party report regarding the handling of anti – Semitism, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination was leaked. The report concludes that the handling of anti – Semitism was due to factional hostility toward former leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and was finished in the last months of his time as Labour leader. The report was initially intended to be submitted to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) who had started an inquiry into anti – Semitism within the Labour Party, but party lawyers have intervened to prevent the report from being sent to the EHRC. The report also concluded that anti – Semitism within the Labour Party had not been mishandled due to anti – Semitic intent, but asserted it was instead failings in the process which existed until 2018 when Jennie Formby became the new General Secretary of the party.
The issues with this report
The report is lengthy in detail – compromising 860 pages which detail many events, complaints and incidents. The most worrying aspect is that this report was released unredacted – those who had made complaints had their identities revealed, which is a gross breach of confidentiality. The leak has subjected many people to possible attacks – the identities of those who complained should have been protected by the leak, and the failure to do so, also leaves the party open to GDPR claims. In politics, it can be harder to report cases of prejudice and discrimination due to party cultures amongst all political parties, but the recent leak which exposed the names of the complainants will undoubtedly make it harder for victims to come forward. The bravery exhibited by the victims of discrimination within the Labour Party is put at jeopardy, as the report circulates social media via Reddit and Twitter, it is easy to find the reports submitted which questions the integrity of the complaints process.
The leak has subjected many people to possible attacks – the identities of those who complained should have been protected by the leak
The mistreatment of MP’s within the Labour Party
One of the most shocking revelations within the report surrounded the treatment of MP’s – especially Dianne Abbott (Shadow Home Secretary during Jeremy Corbyn’s time as leader) and Dawn Butler (Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities during Jeremy Corbyn’s time as leader and Deputy Leader contender in the 2020 internal election). Dianne Abbott was the subject of ridicule by her own Party for crying in the toilets due to a racist complaint, and this was also leaked to Channel Four and her constant rape and death threats were ridiculed by staffers within the Labour Party. Considering research by Amnesty International also discovered half of the abuse sent to female MP’s in 2017 was sent to Dianne Abbott, the ridicule over the racism and sexism levied at Abbott is particularly more concerning. Furthermore, the report highlights the internal party culture towards racism and discrimination as Dawn Butler’s concerns over racism in the party were dismissed by party staffers and mocked.
The report highlights the internal party culture towards racism and discrimination
What have we learned from the report?
The findings indicate that factionalism within the party-political culture is toxic – the constant infighting and attacks has meant the issue of discrimination – particularly anti – Semitism has been weaponised. The focus now should be on the structural changes Labour needs to enact, a shift response from Sir Keir and making party culture more inclusive. Furthermore, the breach of confidential information poses legal challenges regarding GDPR regulations, thus it is clear that more safeguarding training is required for the party – and effective disciplinary measures for the individual/group who chose to leak the report and endanger victims of discrimination, harassment, anti – Semitism, Islamophobia and sexism.
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