Far-left Labour party activists are trying to silence Labour members of parliament, or MPs, who oppose anti-Semitism. That’s not a joke or an exaggeration, but the latest turn in an ongoing struggle over anti-Semitism in Britain’s primary opposition party.
On one side are Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and his fanatical followers. After years in the political wilderness, these ardent socialists (a good number are actually communists) now have a real opportunity to take power from the ruling Conservative party. Before the next election comes along, however, these activists want to purge Labour MPs who have called on Corbyn to do more against anti-Semitism.
The head of Labour’s “Friends of Israel” organization has already been censured by her local party. On Wednesday, MP Rosie Duffield faces the same action. Duffield’s offense? Joining a march in protest of Corbyn’s well-documented tolerance for anti-Semtism.
It’s a very real concern. Having previously endorsed anti-Semitic artwork, and as a former employee of Iranian revolutionary guard interests, Corbyn’s credibility on the issue is completely shot. Now Corbyn is even restraining efforts to limit Labour Party members in the negative things they are allowed to say about Jews. This, you might think, is an odd state of affairs in modern Britain. But supported by well-organized activists who believe Israel is inherently racist, Corbyn is far less concerned about anti-Semitism than he is about countering Israeli interests.
Fortunately, some Labour supporters are working hard to oppose Corbyn’s agenda. One of their number is the journalist and longtime Labour centrist, Dan Hodges, who on Monday explained what’s at stake.
They tried to cover themselves with Joan Ryan. But there’s no way for the Corbynites to deny it now. The Rosie Duffield motion is clear. She’s being targeted solely for voicing support for the Jewish community. In 2018, standing with the Jews is a crime against the Labour Party.
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) September 10, 2018
I’m going to repeat that. It’s 2018. And Labour Party members, in the name of their party leader, are systematically targeting elected MPs who show support for Jews. This is real. It’s happening now. In a mainstream political party. In the United Kingdom.
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) September 10, 2018
For the sake of British Jews and for many other reasons, let’s hope Hodges’ vision eventually wins the day.
