Recommendations include adopting APPG definition of anti-Muslim racism – and assessing all policies for their equality impact. That poses huge problems for the Labour right
Labour general secretary David Evans has responded to the publication of a measured but damning report on Islamophobia in the Labour Party with an email to party officials, seen by the SKWAWKBOX, committing to accepting and implementing all the report’s recommendations – and that he, Keir Starmer and deputy leader Angela Rayner will lead on the implementation.
It’s almost unthinkable that this will actually be carried out in practice, because one of the report’s recommendations would mean the suspension of dozens of Labour MPs – and acting against one of the groups most cherished by the Labour right.
The ‘APPG’ definition
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims has created a ‘working definition’ of Islamophobia along similar lines to the ‘IHRA’ working definition of antisemitism adopted by the Labour Party. The Labour Muslim Network report’s recommendations include adopting this definition at all levels of the party:
But the APPG definition, like the IHRA definition, provides examples of Islamophobic behaviour. Those examples include:
Contemporary examples of Islamophobia in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in
encounters between religions and non-religions in the public sphere could, taking into account the
overall context, include, but are not limited to:• Calling for, aiding, instigating or justifying the killing or harming of Muslims in the name of a racist/fascist ideology, or an extremist view of religion.
• Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Muslims as such, or of Muslims as a collective group, such as, especially but not exclusively, conspiracies about Muslim entryism in politics, government or other societal institutions; the myth of Muslim identity having a unique propensity for terrorism, and claims of a demographic ‘threat’ posed by Muslims or of a ‘Muslim takeover’.
• Accusing Muslims as a group of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Muslim person or group of Muslim individuals, or even for acts committed by non-Muslims.
• Accusing Muslims as a group, or Muslim majority states, of inventing or exaggerating Islamophobia, ethnic cleansing or genocide perpetrated against Muslims.
• Accusing Muslim citizens of being more loyal to the ‘Ummah’ (transnational Muslim community) or to their countries of origin, or to the alleged priorities of Muslims worldwide, than to the interests of their own
nations.
• Denying Muslim populations the right to self-determination e.g., by claiming that the existence of an independent Palestine or Kashmir is a terrorist endeavour.
• Applying double standards by requiring of Muslims behaviours that are not expected or demanded of any other groups in society, eg loyalty tests.
• Using the symbols and images associated with classic Islamophobia (e.g. Muhammed being a paedophile, claims of Muslims spreading Islam by the sword or subjugating minority groups under their rule) to characterize Muslims as being ‘sex groomers’, inherently violent or incapable of living harmoniously in plural societies.
• Holding Muslims collectively responsible for the actions of any Muslim majority state, whether secular
or constitutionally Islamic.
These examples are a minefield for the Labour right. For example, the pro-Israel group of Labour MPs Labour Friends of Israel responded to the massacre of dozens of unarmed Palestinians protestings against the occupation of their land by blaming Palestinians for their own murder, in a tweet it subsequently deleted because of the outraged response:
The tweet provoked angry calls from Muslims and other supporters of Palestine for Labour MPs to resign their membership of LFI over the comment, but only one – Catherine West – is known to have taken action:
In addition, Labour MPs have made comments linking Muslims to grooming, while right-wing favourite Jess Phillips was heavily criticised for comments about Muslim families ‘importing’ wives from Pakistan for their ‘disabled sons’.
If Evans and Starmer put their commitment into practice, the precedent they have created by suspending Jeremy Corbyn would logically require them to ‘administratively’ suspend every MP and peer who remained a member of LFI or was otherwise associated with anti-Palestinian or anti-Muslim comments – for example, the numerous MPs who have shared or praised anti-Muslim articles by certain journalists and any MP who has written for the S*n, which was ludicrously cleared by IPSO after headlines asking what should be done about ‘the Muslim Problem‘. Any failure to do so would lead, rightly, to accusations of differential treatment.
After all, Jeremy Corbyn was suspended for making a comment that the leadership acknowledged was true but which they said was offensive and hurtful. Right-wing comments about Palestinians, especially those blaming them for their own murder, don’t even have that defence. And near the end of his tenure, Jeremy Corbyn led the way when Labour suspended former equality watchdog head Trevor Phillips after Islamophobia complaints over his comments associating Muslims with child abuse.
Equality impact
The LMN report also calls for every Labour policy to be assessed for any discriminatory impact. Yet the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report on antisemitism linked the party’s focus on antisemitism complaints to a damaging impact on other ethnic minorities. This would make Keir Starmer’s promise to implement the Board of Deputies’ demands highly questionable – and would almost certainly put Labour in breach of equalities laws if they in any way involved the BoD and other groups in disciplinary processes and policy formation without offering exactly the same to every other minority group.
Starmer’s and Evans’s promise to implement ‘all’ the LMN recommendations, if they do so in a way that stands up to even a moment’s scrutiny, will involve mass suspensions. It’s hard in the extreme to imagine it happening.
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No MPs will be suspended, excuse would be, all done pre the new recommendations.
Exactly Ray. But sadly as ever, too manywill grasp anything to fool themselves that a Labour party with Evans, Starmer, Ashworth, Bliar etc can throw a crumb or two and “posterity will prove us right” on everything else. Has “posterity” been of any use to people exploited then and now! Robbed blind by Tory cronies out and within our party‼️ But just being right is enough?
Seems Blair’s invasions, wars, money grabbing and slime and Mandelson’s plotting, Starmer and Twatson’s BLATANT undermining of Jeremy for FOUR years… not four months FOUR WHOLE YEARS, then open determination to make Cumming’s Johnson become PM… seems despite their proof that they hate “the many”, decent inteligent people STILL feel that we should “unify” with those repellant crooks.
Some STILL believe that someone who deceived his way in to Labour and the Leadership by utterly DISHONEST DISGUSTING means can be a leader worth supporting. Sorry, NO‼️ Not me NEVER‼️ I believe we must work together to return the “loyalty” the 1% beneficiaries of the Status Quo gave until we get our party back🌹🌹🌹
That was a great reply, I agree with everything you said,I am finally finished with the party now, even I unfollowed the socialist MPs, they have no backbone to support us
Thanks Ray🌹 Must clarify though, I’m DEFINITELY Anot finished with OUR party. Can’t say i’m finished with Saboteur Starmer as i was NEVER a supporter of the shiny suited deceiver. I was horrified and deeply concerned when he was first invited into the shadow cabinet. Even more when he was re invited after the coup… even typing this now and i can feel the sadness as if it was yesterday.
It is impossible to understand why that was done. Starmer’s record is plain. So are Bliar’s and the others, so what exactly is the failure to realise that they do not share our values?
We cannot be forever running away. The landscape is littered with all sorts of runaways…. Ghastly ones like Ummuna and well meaning ones who fragmented to form all sorts of other parties. It is our attitudes and practical actions and inactions that need changing.
To feel that the solution is to form some utopian party with perfect people who all agree on everything… and somehow those “perfect” decent people who are content to await “posterity” despite the exploitation of the many now is a pipe dream. I wish them luck. They have the best intentions. The very BEST intentions. The fundamental reality, however is this – In the world as it has been since Noah was still at the builders’ merchants, the BEST is enemy of the GOOD 🌹🌹🌹
I am fascinated by the resident QC, who celebrates being a QC.
He appears to make decisions without thinking through the consequences of his actions, and what will happen with other groups. He appears to act irrationally and far too quickly and impetuously.
He has now tied himself in knots, and made himself vulnerable to the charge of favouring one part of the community over another part of the community; one section of MPs over another section of MPs; one side of a policy over the opposite side of a policy.
If you wanted a masterclass in how to create divisions in a political party, its members and supporters, then you are getting one right now!
He was asked on Desert Island discs if his choices had been made using a political adviser, which was a remarkable question. Maybe he should run his “normal” policy decisions past a political adviser. One who is prepared to challenge his responses.
Indeed JoeRobson, that Laverne could even consider asking the question shows just how quickly and broadly accepted the notion has become that Steer Calmer has no principles, no firmly held convictions and is a mere sponge or spineless cephalopod that can only make decisions through triangulation or via focus groups.
labrebisgalloise, i agree with u. And i am begging people to recognise that the interviewer referred to the swift publicised report re how we lost the north. Not telepathy or waiting for “posterity to prove us right”. Not assuming that the public can see the obvious. NO! We must must deal in basic facts and present them over and over again.
THAT is how u begin to reverse the MSM narrative. Hiding and moaning is no good. ZERO. As Skwawkbox reported, the report was widely reported. I heard Right Wing MSM presenters bring it up. They would not bring up points kept in one’s mind.
Nothing good will come of Starmer & Twatson, Hodge, Bliar, Ashworth, Streeting, Phillips, EHRC, knifer Jess Phillips, Mandelson etc. Until we escape the sad self defeating worship at the one way broad church that only benefits the Right, we are DOOMED to repeat the history of good intentions without MEANINGFUL robust action.
I’m not ashamed to beg. I’m BEGGING again to do the realistic sensible thing to save our party. Return the “loyalty” of the careerist parasites. DRIVE them out. Let them do a CHUCKKA UMMUNA. Let them do a BERGER. It will be tough because on all the parasites are as DIM WITTED as Chukka Ummuna and Berger to believe that the assessment of their mirrors, trumps the infrastructure of our Labour Party. That’s why Saboteur Sir Starmer and the other plotters remained while we had control. Surely we can get control again or what’s the point?🌹🌹🌹
“If you wanted a masterclass in how to create divisions in a political party, its members and supporters, then you are getting one right now!”
Don’t think that this is accidental. The aim is to reduce the membership to powerless cyphers, contributing money and assistance but kept well away from the lvers of power.
And the idea that members are prone to islamophobia, sexism, negrophobia. antisemitism and perhaps even transphobia is the ultimate justification for removing the right to decide, or even debate, policy from them and lodge it where it belongs with the professional, university educated elites who understand that there is nothing to be done about capitalism, that we must bow to our imperial masters and allow the Daily Mail and The Guardian to decide what and who is acceptable and desirable.
Of course there is lots of islamophobia about, it would be amazing if there was not- the capitalists have been promoting it and their allies like Blair and the Zionists, feasting off it for generations. But the solution lies in democracy not in telling people what they must be believe-or pretend to believe- at pain of expulsion but in making sure that all views are heard and that discussions are fair and aimed at producing not conformity but truth.
Spot on JoeRobson🌹
… and bevin & labre too🌹
More IDPOL nonsense for Labour to get hoist with its own petard.
This is supposed to be the age of the enlightenment isn’t it?
Superstition, sectarianism and mumbo-jumbo should play no part in any serious socialist party.
I’m fortunate enough to live in France where hijabs, crucifixes and other outward signs of religious indoctrination or female subjugation are banned from schools.
The French constitution describes France as a secular state, further qualified by the law of 1905 that codifies the separation of church and state and forbids the state funding or recognition of any religion.
When I was young, moves towards such civilising principles in Britain were widely discussed in the Labour Party. Today the party is hostage to various sectarian groups, particularly amongst the jewish and muslim populations. We should once again make it our mission to liberate young people from the shackles of medievalism and religious clap-trap.
The UK tried to ban religion from schools one year later than France. It went through the House of Commons, but was stymied by the House of Lords – which was then far more powerful than it is today.
I see no reason why the party shouldn’t be able to behave in a non discriminatory fashion to both Jews and Muslims or anyone else for that matter. Isn’t standing up for the equality of all supposed to be part of our DNA.
After all don’t most of us manage to quite successfully go about our daily lives without feeling any need whatsoever to intentionally discriminate against anyone.
As labrebisgalloise has (I think) intimated above I firmly believe that we should have one secular code of practise that applies to everyone, having policies that only apply to particular factions is in itself inherently discriminatory and leads to many of the problem touched on by labrebisgalloise above.
Discrimination is discrimination it doesn’t matter who it is against. Everyone in our society has an absolute right to be treated equally and not to be discriminated against.
If we really are all equal then we should all be treated with equal respect. Unless we are moving into ‘Animal Farm’ territory then no person or group is ‘more equal’ than any than anyone else.
We should not have a racist leading the Labour Party whose racism influences many of his decisions to the detriment of those who express opposition to his adopted cult.
I have seen no indication that Keir Starmer is a racist.
SteveH, You know Starmer is racist, he told you so and you accepted it, don’t be so coy.
Jack – Running around accusing your those you don’t support of racism doesn’t help anyone. Do you really want to be seen to be emulating the CAA. Try making a positive contribution instead of baseless accusations that foster factional division.
oops – accusing
yourthose you don’t supportOh let’s see jackanory…. Most likely from the way you carry on with anyone who disagrees with you over ANYTHING.
You supported fatberg and stammer over the 2nd ref which led to labour’s humiliation at the election, but the people who warned you – especially if they were leave voters – are now zionist enablers, according to you.
Not MY fault stammer’s now (pretending he’s) the leader…And has empowered the zionist faction even more… Something you refused to be warned about.
So that’s on YOUR toes, sunshine. YOU have enabled and empowered the zionists… End of discussion, dope.
Wee Steven… Had you read the post, you’d have noted I already said I’d wait for part two, cretin.
Toffee – WGAF
Toffee Troll, it wasn’t Remainers who Zionised the Labour Party, it was people like you who tried to deflect attention away from them when you were being warned exactly what they were up to, divvy.
SteveH you are exhibiting a classic case of cognative dissonance. For a start, I am not accusing Starmer of anything or making baseless accusations. Please tell me what he said about his support for Zionism, which I’m sure you agree is racism?
To suggest that I am emulating the CAA and fostering factional division first of all is nonsense. The cult to which Starmer belongs and whom you support, are the ones creating division. Second, it could get you suspended by your mate Starmer if he finds out you have cast aspersions on his buddies in the CAA.
Jack – I’m glad to hear that you aren’t accusing anyone, although many will not be in the least bit surprised that I misinterpreted your comments
“We should not have a racist leading the Labour Party…..”
“You know Starmer is racist, “
Perhaps you should exercise more care in the future is you don’t want your intentions to be misunderstood.
As for your reference to the CAA, I doubt it and I’ll be happy to take my chances with a clear conscience should this occur.
SteveH I most certainly do not wish my intentions to be misunderstood. I am not making accusations, I am stating facts which if you had not have side-stepped my question you would have confirmed.
So just to be absolutely clear there is no misunderstanding, do you agree that Zionism is racism?
Jack – I have made my position crystal clear, I have absolutely no intention of joining you down your 🐰🕳.
SteveH, correct, your position is now crystal clear, you have taken the fifth to avoid self incrimination. Clear but cowardly – emulating your master.
Jack – No I simply have no inclination to partake in an endless circular discussion that will achieve absolutely SFA.
SteveH it’s only endless if you keep dodging. But you started it by disputing my comment on Starmer and then could not back it up – your move.
Jack – If that’s your understanding of our conversation than you are sadly mistaken.
SteveH, I’m willing to be corrected, go for it.
Jack – I really can’t be bothered with your silly nonsense. I stand by everything I said above. Please feel free to continue on your own.
Oh, wow!
Looks like I’ve missed the ‘you’re all zionists’ loon, and the stammerite wacko having a tiff!?!
I don’t know whether to be amused, aroused, or ashamed of being either. Nevermind – I’ll just get me popcorn out of the microwave, sit back, and wait for part two…
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/whtF8HVtyKlMp341QVMtWWQKe5SmV6JZZmwEqGaEnMWkVlW0RN1EdbLTLa8MbiB46RMgKUPUUsuKA4Dbvrf-0s4fO14NWipQrLaS9pz2T8Uk1lHbrFAZ7fycTPk
Toffee – Sorry to disappoint you.
You’re too late to join the party.
Where did you get the ‘you’re all Zionists’ bit from Toffee Troll?
SteveH each time I ask you to clarify or justify something you’ve said, you waffle on and then fizzle out at the end just as you’ve done now.
Jack – I’m sorry I nearly missed your comment. I would contend that you are dishonestly trying to get me to agree with what you wish I’d said rather than just accept what I’ve actually said and deal with that.
SteveH you are waffling again, please tell me what is dishonest about asking you if you agree that Zionism is racism?
Jack – Because you are trying to back me into a yes or no answer when we both know that it is much more nuanced and complex than that.
SteveH, that’s the classic answer given by Zionists i.e. that it’s nuanced. There is nothing nuanced about it, it is racism, it was even agreed by the UN.
Go and tell the Palestinians that when the Zionists are bulldozing their homes and murdering them, don’t worry it’s nuanced.
Jack – I think that it is disingenuous to view this from such a narrow perspective plus I doubt that me wasting my time arguing the toss with you will make bugger all difference to anyone. I’ve got better things to do.
SteveH, that’s because rather than accept that Zionism is racism you are trying to brush it under the carpet and not discuss it. Zionism is out there, it’s real and it’s having a devastating effect on the Palestinians and upon the Labour Party which at the moment under Starmer, is trying to get rid of anyone who opposes it.
You and Starmer are hypocrites who say they oppose racism but are steeped in it and because Jeremy Corbyn was in a position to focus attention on it by supporting the Palestinians, the Zionists, including Starmer had to get rid of him. Even since he has been suspended they are calling for his expulsion.
Jack – perhaps your obsession is clouding your judgement.
SteveH, perhaps if you weren’t so hypocritical you would also have an ‘obsession’ against racism.
Jack – If you ask Allan really nicely maybe he will lend you one of his flags to help you out with your virtue signalling.
SteveH. ‘virtue signalling’ that’s so out of date as a put down and yet another sign you’ve fizzled out.
jack – Yeah, OK ……..and
What about ‘Tebbitt’s Cricket Test?’ Is that Islamophobic?
Didn’t his test apply equally to all? 😉
…and yes I agree his ‘test’ was ridiculous.
I’ve read vitriolic faith-based Twitter wars between Britons of many faiths from different parts of the world.
Jews and Muslims are not the only groups to be considered
David – I agree, we should have a single secular code of conduct that covers everyone.
Evans is banking on the billionaire press and MSM not to bother with this story and not to comment on Labour’s deceitful response line here – which is a pretty safe bet given that his boss is “by appointment” to the trilateral billionaires.
Training has to be given within all CLP’s no ifs no buts. And any not doing training should be stopped from taking any sort of official post
Training given by who to whom? The IHRA is a pro- Zionist document that is intended to stop criticism of the genocide being undertaken in Palestine. Training given by JLM & CAA aka ‘Jewish Stakeholders’ to impose their values…more Margaret Hodge lecturing Jeremy Corbyn.
Anti-Semitism is racist because it involves hatred of a specific race. When a religion deliberately conflates itself with a country, don’t be surprised if people do the same & hold the religion accountable for the actions of a government.
This is a photocopy of the IHRA and as such has all the maladies of its predecessor in addition to this one: “Denying Muslim populations the right to self-determination e.g., by claiming that the existence of an independent Palestine or Kashmir is a terrorist endeavour.” This completely ignore the fact the PLO is a secular movement and for long supported the single secular state solution. It also ignore the fact that some of the prominent leaders and members of the Palestinian liberation movement were and are non-Muslims. It subjecting the right for self-determination to Islam, exactly as the IHRA subjected the right for self-determination of Jews to Zionism.
There is a different though – racism is not embedded in Islam as it is in Zionism.
I left the Labour Party when warmonger Bliar became leader & came back when Jeremy became leader. I was wrong! Look @ the intrinsic power base the Blairites have now entrenched within the Labour Party. The cancer is real & active; Starmer is fascism in action & a manifestation the corruption that is festering within. Evans is more ruthless than McNichol & together they seek to divide & rule by eliminating all opposition within. The Party will become compliant & Zionist. Stay & fight or they have won & Palestine will be obliterated & Socialism buried forever..
Steve – If only we hadn’t been let down so badly on the much promised mandatory reselection then things could have been so different.