In its report, the watchdog found the party responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act, namely:
Political interference in anti-Semitism complaints
Failure to provide adequate training to those handling anti-Semitism complaints
Harassment
In a statement, it said: “The equality body’s analysis points to a culture within the party which, at best, did not do enough to prevent anti-Semitism and, at worst, could be seen to accept it.”
To be honest I think it’s the nail in the coffin for Corbyn.
If Starmer wants to end the division in the party this is his opportunity to do so. Will be interesting to see if he purges or uses it to force people into line.
Given that Starmer has known of the contents of this report for some time, is it any surprise that he settled the defamation cases? Wonder what the position of the Unions is now? Do they still think Labour should have defended them to trial, with all of the publicity that would entail? Do they think that would have reflected well on the party?
Can’t see Corbyn or Len McCluskey accepting the finding of the report. I think they honestly believe that it was simply a mechanism to bring down Corbyn.
Expect them to state dissapointed by the findings, they have always fought descrimination. It’s not reflective of labour party they know and love.
Did Starmer have any say in the timing of the reports release? I’m not sure there’s a good time but that could also be an interesting part of the tactical side of things.
It’s that timing thing again which I find so frustrating.
Just when there’s something that should be really uncomfortable for the government it gets overshadowed by a foot in mouth moment from the Labour party.
Coincidental. Reports like this often get amended before release as interested parties see a draft and asked for clarification on points, or submit further evidence, and that will be what has delayed it.
I would be very surprised if Starmer or any other party had any control over the date of its publication. I mean, there’s really no “good time” for something like this to be released.
Now the EHCR should look at the allegations of islamaphobia within and around the Conservative party.
Then, of course, there’s the other shit that @Draexnael has mentioned. I fucking hate politicians. Well, most of them.
I suspect you’re right but I did wonder as the tactical side of politics is quite fascinating at times. I guess I like beating myself round the head with a big stick.
Wasn’t that investigation scheduled to happen and for some reason not started, delayed or whatever? The Conservatives seem to be very good at delaying such things.
No, so far (at least) the EHCR have said that there isn’t sufficient evidence for them to open an investigation. If I was the Conservatives and I felt that there was nothing insidious or institutional I’d be tempted to invite EHCR to open an investigation into them anyway. Not sure if the EHCR are allowed to do that though…there’s probably a charter about proportionate use of public funds that might prevent EHCR launching an investigation just at someone’s invitation. That’s probably why they require a certain threshold of evidence in the first place (that I understand hasn’t been met…yet).
Just out of curiosity, was the report/investigation purely focused on anti-semitism or did it cover all types of discriminations, abuses and harassments?
Purely with regards to antisemitism although no doubt had they discovered other issues relevant to equality and human rights they would have been entitled (perhaps even obligated) to follow that trail as well.