THE Labour Party was “responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination”, an investigation into antisemitism allegations by the equalities watchdog has found.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published a report this morning, in which it identified what it called “serious failings in the Labour Party leadership in addressing antisemitism and an inadequate process for handling antisemitism complaints”.
The body found the party is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act (2010). These relate to political interference in antisemitism complaints, failure to provide adequate training to those handling antisemitism complaints and harassment.
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The watchdog says it found evidence of political interference in the complaints process – including 23 instances of inappropriate involvement by the Leader of the Opposition’s Office and others.
An unlawful act notice has been served to Labour, meaning it must now publish an action plan within six weeks.
The report says its analysis “points to a culture within the party which, at best, did not do enough to prevent antisemitism and, at worst, could be seen to accept it”.
The interim chair of the EHRC, Caroline Waters, said the investigation highlights “multiple areas” where the party’s approach to tackling antisemitism was not sufficient
She said: “This is inexcusable and appeared to be a result of a lack of willingness to tackle antisemitism rather than an inability to do so.”
Keir Starmer, who was elected Labour leader earlier this year, is due to give a statement on the report later this morning.
More to follow.
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