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| Labour antisemitism claims revealed ahead of BBC documentary – live news | Labour antisemitism claims revealed ahead of BBC documentary – live news |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Labour MP’s and commentators supportive of Jeremy Corbyn are being advised on how to respond to tonight’s Panorama programme, according to HuffPost’s Paul Waugh. | |
| Revealed: Here's how Corbyn team want MPs and 'outriders' on media to fight back on BBC story. pic.twitter.com/GPnQ2m7P0H | |
| Jeremy Hunt has confirmed he was not the Tory leadership candidate who raised concerns about the composition of the BBC debate between him and Boris Johnson, which was slated for next Tuesday. | |
| Can confirm I am not said candidate. https://t.co/OWYr85fmti | |
| This just in from Jessica Elgot and Peter Walker. | This just in from Jessica Elgot and Peter Walker. |
| Eight whistleblowers have told how they felt consistently undermined by senior Labour bosses in attempts to tackle antisemitism, alleging consistent interference in complaints and claiming that one key aide mocked their efforts. | Eight whistleblowers have told how they felt consistently undermined by senior Labour bosses in attempts to tackle antisemitism, alleging consistent interference in complaints and claiming that one key aide mocked their efforts. |
| Four of the whistleblowers, including the former Labour general secretary Iain McNicol, who left his post last year, have broken non-disclosure agreements to come forward. | Four of the whistleblowers, including the former Labour general secretary Iain McNicol, who left his post last year, have broken non-disclosure agreements to come forward. |
| Speaking to the BBC’s Panorama programme, about which the Labour party has raised complaints to the highest level at the BBC, former officials allege key aides including Labour’s director of communications, Seumas Milne and Labour’s new general secretary, Jennie Formby, interfered with investigations. | Speaking to the BBC’s Panorama programme, about which the Labour party has raised complaints to the highest level at the BBC, former officials allege key aides including Labour’s director of communications, Seumas Milne and Labour’s new general secretary, Jennie Formby, interfered with investigations. |
| Jeremy Corbyn’s personal email address was also copied into leaked email chains, which former officials allege show interference. | Jeremy Corbyn’s personal email address was also copied into leaked email chains, which former officials allege show interference. |
| Labour robustly denies any interference and say that “former disaffected employees sought the view of staff in the leader’s office, which was complied with in good faith”. | Labour robustly denies any interference and say that “former disaffected employees sought the view of staff in the leader’s office, which was complied with in good faith”. |
| Labour bosses accused of undermining fight against antisemitism | Labour bosses accused of undermining fight against antisemitism |
| Labour peer Lord Falconer has said the party is “still in denial” about antisemitism within its ranks. | Labour peer Lord Falconer has said the party is “still in denial” about antisemitism within its ranks. |
| He told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme: | He told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme: |
| The thing that most strikes me about it, is it’s a Labour party still in denial. Hearing Andrew Gwynne, who is a decent man, still trying to defend what’s going on is a problem. | The thing that most strikes me about it, is it’s a Labour party still in denial. Hearing Andrew Gwynne, who is a decent man, still trying to defend what’s going on is a problem. |
| Falconer said that Labour was not taking the issue seriously, despite: | Falconer said that Labour was not taking the issue seriously, despite: |
| The Equality and Human Rights Commission launching a full statutory investigation into allegations of anti-Semitism within the party. | The Equality and Human Rights Commission launching a full statutory investigation into allegations of anti-Semitism within the party. |
| Suspended MP Chris Williamson “baiting the Jewish community by his persistent and utterly inappropriate support of people that are antisemitic”. | Suspended MP Chris Williamson “baiting the Jewish community by his persistent and utterly inappropriate support of people that are antisemitic”. |
| Peter Willsman, an NEC member, saying “all this antisemitism is got up by the Israeli embassy”. | Peter Willsman, an NEC member, saying “all this antisemitism is got up by the Israeli embassy”. |
| The Labour Party, my party, will not take it seriously and it is absolutely appalling. I don’t know why it is, I think it is because too many people think it is wrapped up in factionalism. | The Labour Party, my party, will not take it seriously and it is absolutely appalling. I don’t know why it is, I think it is because too many people think it is wrapped up in factionalism. |
| On whether much of the criticism over antisemitism was disguised to undermine Jeremy Corbyn as leader, Falconer said: | On whether much of the criticism over antisemitism was disguised to undermine Jeremy Corbyn as leader, Falconer said: |
| I don’t think it is. I think there is a very real problem about antisemitism. I think there are some people who want to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn who draw attention to the problems of antisemitism. I don’t think that means the problems of antisemitism are illusory or unreal. But whatever the position, what you’ve got to do is look at the evidence. | I don’t think it is. I think there is a very real problem about antisemitism. I think there are some people who want to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn who draw attention to the problems of antisemitism. I don’t think that means the problems of antisemitism are illusory or unreal. But whatever the position, what you’ve got to do is look at the evidence. |
| Now I haven’t seen the Panorama programme, I’ve only heard the extracts that you’ve read me, those extracts are as hair-raising and as anxiety-inducing as the Willsman case I referred to, and the Williamson case which everyone knows about. | Now I haven’t seen the Panorama programme, I’ve only heard the extracts that you’ve read me, those extracts are as hair-raising and as anxiety-inducing as the Willsman case I referred to, and the Williamson case which everyone knows about. |
| He added that he did not believe antisemitism was part of Labour’s DNA, and stressed he did not believe Corbyn was antisemitic. However, he claimed a number of antisemites had joined the party since 2015 and “must be thrown out”. | He added that he did not believe antisemitism was part of Labour’s DNA, and stressed he did not believe Corbyn was antisemitic. However, he claimed a number of antisemites had joined the party since 2015 and “must be thrown out”. |
| Falconer went on to criticise Labour for using non-disclosure agreements to stop former staffers from revealing details of how the party handles complaints. He said the NDA’s were being wielded by a party acting more “like a big business or an executive” who sought to cover up abuse. | Falconer went on to criticise Labour for using non-disclosure agreements to stop former staffers from revealing details of how the party handles complaints. He said the NDA’s were being wielded by a party acting more “like a big business or an executive” who sought to cover up abuse. |
| After speaking to the Foreign Affairs select committee, the department’s permanent under-secretary Simon McDonald convened an all-staff meeting to express solidarity with the outgoing ambassador to the US, Kim Darroch. | After speaking to the Foreign Affairs select committee, the department’s permanent under-secretary Simon McDonald convened an all-staff meeting to express solidarity with the outgoing ambassador to the US, Kim Darroch. |
| At @foreignoffice we stand together. More colleagues attended my all-staff meeting to express solidarity with @KimDarroch than any other in my 4 years as PUS pic.twitter.com/VpU0smQwAz | At @foreignoffice we stand together. More colleagues attended my all-staff meeting to express solidarity with @KimDarroch than any other in my 4 years as PUS pic.twitter.com/VpU0smQwAz |
| This is from Mark Warner, a Democratic senator in the US and vice chair of the senate intelligence committee. | This is from Mark Warner, a Democratic senator in the US and vice chair of the senate intelligence committee. |
| .@KimDarroch was an outstanding Ambassador who served his country with honesty and integrity. He was a true friend to the United States, and it’s a shame to see him go. | .@KimDarroch was an outstanding Ambassador who served his country with honesty and integrity. He was a true friend to the United States, and it’s a shame to see him go. |
| This counters President Trump’s claim (dismissed as absurd by diplomatic experts) that Kim Darroch was “not liked or well thought of within the US”. | This counters President Trump’s claim (dismissed as absurd by diplomatic experts) that Kim Darroch was “not liked or well thought of within the US”. |
| That’s all from me for today. | That’s all from me for today. |
| My colleague Mattha Busby is taking over. | My colleague Mattha Busby is taking over. |
| Here is the top of the embargoed news release that the BBC has sent out about its Panorama tonight about Labour and antisemitism. | Here is the top of the embargoed news release that the BBC has sent out about its Panorama tonight about Labour and antisemitism. |
| Eight former Labour officials, including seven from the complaints and disputes department, have spoken to BBC Panorama, to discuss antisemitism in the Labour party. They all worked for the party over the last four years, and all have now left. Four are speaking out despite having signed NDAs with the Labour party. In total Panorama has spoken to more than 20 Labour officials, which includes many of the officials who have been dealing with antisemitism complaints since 2015. | Eight former Labour officials, including seven from the complaints and disputes department, have spoken to BBC Panorama, to discuss antisemitism in the Labour party. They all worked for the party over the last four years, and all have now left. Four are speaking out despite having signed NDAs with the Labour party. In total Panorama has spoken to more than 20 Labour officials, which includes many of the officials who have been dealing with antisemitism complaints since 2015. |
| Their testimony reveals: | Their testimony reveals: |
| A complaints and disciplinary system that had to deal with a huge increase in antisemitism complaints since Jeremy Corbyn became leader in 2015. | A complaints and disciplinary system that had to deal with a huge increase in antisemitism complaints since Jeremy Corbyn became leader in 2015. |
| Allegations that there were substantial disagreements within the party about what constituted antisemitism. | Allegations that there were substantial disagreements within the party about what constituted antisemitism. |
| Allegations of interference in the complaints process from the leader’s office, including a claim that there was even one occasion when complaints were directly processed by aides in Jeremy Corbyn’s Westminster Office. | Allegations of interference in the complaints process from the leader’s office, including a claim that there was even one occasion when complaints were directly processed by aides in Jeremy Corbyn’s Westminster Office. |
| Discussion by the general secretary about interference with the national constitution committee (NCC), the independent body within the Labour party that has the final say over expulsions. | Discussion by the general secretary about interference with the national constitution committee (NCC), the independent body within the Labour party that has the final say over expulsions. |
| David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister and Theresa May’s de facto deputy, was speaking to the Commons Brexit committee this afternoon. The Economist’s John Peet has some highlights. | David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister and Theresa May’s de facto deputy, was speaking to the Commons Brexit committee this afternoon. The Economist’s John Peet has some highlights. |
| Answering Pat McFadden, Lidington quite explicit: no deal Brexit a great challenge to the unity of the UK and this has not had sufficient focus. Sad that Boris seems impervious to this point | Answering Pat McFadden, Lidington quite explicit: no deal Brexit a great challenge to the unity of the UK and this has not had sufficient focus. Sad that Boris seems impervious to this point |
| What happens if an election campaign crosses Oct 31? Hilary Benn says cabinet manual implies caretaker PM would seek A50 extension to preserve options. Lidington seems to agree. But Bone says neutral status quo means Brexit just happens willy nilly | What happens if an election campaign crosses Oct 31? Hilary Benn says cabinet manual implies caretaker PM would seek A50 extension to preserve options. Lidington seems to agree. But Bone says neutral status quo means Brexit just happens willy nilly |
| Lidington pours bucket of cold water on chances of amending the backstop. Also clear that those hoping to invoke AXXIV are misreading its purpose | Lidington pours bucket of cold water on chances of amending the backstop. Also clear that those hoping to invoke AXXIV are misreading its purpose |
| Boris Johnson is has been widely criticised at Westminster today for not backing Sir Kim Darroch, the outgoing ambassador to Washington, after President Trump said he would no longer deal with him. | Boris Johnson is has been widely criticised at Westminster today for not backing Sir Kim Darroch, the outgoing ambassador to Washington, after President Trump said he would no longer deal with him. |
| But, according to this YouGov poll, public opinion on this is fairly evenly divided. YouGov found 41% of respondents saying the government should support Darroch when it polled on this yesterday, but 35% saying Darroch should be replaced with someone more amenable to the White House. | But, according to this YouGov poll, public opinion on this is fairly evenly divided. YouGov found 41% of respondents saying the government should support Darroch when it polled on this yesterday, but 35% saying Darroch should be replaced with someone more amenable to the White House. |
| The BBC was meant to be holding a Question Time special with both Tory leadership candidates next Tuesday. But, according to the Sun’s Steve Hawkes, it now looks as if that will not go ahead. | The BBC was meant to be holding a Question Time special with both Tory leadership candidates next Tuesday. But, according to the Sun’s Steve Hawkes, it now looks as if that will not go ahead. |
| BBC admitting the Question Time leadership special planned for next Tuesday is almost certainly off now - because of one candidate's concerns about the make-up of the audience.You can of course catch both the night before in The Sun's debate | BBC admitting the Question Time leadership special planned for next Tuesday is almost certainly off now - because of one candidate's concerns about the make-up of the audience.You can of course catch both the night before in The Sun's debate |
| Tonight the BBC is showing an hour-long Panorama programme looking at how Labour has dealt with allegations of antisemitism. There have been claims that the revelations will be damaging and Labour, which has been approached for its side of the story, has responded with a long letter to Tony Hall, the BBC director general, complaining about the programme. | Tonight the BBC is showing an hour-long Panorama programme looking at how Labour has dealt with allegations of antisemitism. There have been claims that the revelations will be damaging and Labour, which has been approached for its side of the story, has responded with a long letter to Tony Hall, the BBC director general, complaining about the programme. |
| Here is an extract from the Labour letter. | Here is an extract from the Labour letter. |
| We’ve had a number of questions put to us by the Panorama team and we’ve answered them fully and extensively. | We’ve had a number of questions put to us by the Panorama team and we’ve answered them fully and extensively. |
| We’ve given them 50 pages of documentation in response to their questions and we’ve also complained to the BBC at various levels including director general level over the way the process has been engaged in, the lack of engagement with us at an earlier stage and the failure to come to us with a balanced and fair set of questions. | We’ve given them 50 pages of documentation in response to their questions and we’ve also complained to the BBC at various levels including director general level over the way the process has been engaged in, the lack of engagement with us at an earlier stage and the failure to come to us with a balanced and fair set of questions. |
| And from what we’ve seen of the questions and the nature of the investigation, the Panorama team had already come to a conclusion about where its investigation was going before it looked at the evidence in full. | And from what we’ve seen of the questions and the nature of the investigation, the Panorama team had already come to a conclusion about where its investigation was going before it looked at the evidence in full. |
| We are absolutely adamantly opposed to antisemitism in all its forms and we will continue to take the strongest action to eradicate it from the Labour Party and we’ve taken a series of steps. | We are absolutely adamantly opposed to antisemitism in all its forms and we will continue to take the strongest action to eradicate it from the Labour Party and we’ve taken a series of steps. |
| Momentum, the pro-Corbyn Labour group, has also been using Twitter to attack John Ware, the reporter who made the programme. | Momentum, the pro-Corbyn Labour group, has also been using Twitter to attack John Ware, the reporter who made the programme. |
| What do you think?Sign our letter to the BBC here:https://t.co/wnKuwI3rDZ#Panorama pic.twitter.com/FJkQufpji9 | What do you think?Sign our letter to the BBC here:https://t.co/wnKuwI3rDZ#Panorama pic.twitter.com/FJkQufpji9 |
| As the Times’ Matt Chorley reports, this is the same John Ware who was described as an “ever-vigilant investigative journalist” in a congratulatory Commons early day motion signed by Jeremy Corbyn in 2002. | As the Times’ Matt Chorley reports, this is the same John Ware who was described as an “ever-vigilant investigative journalist” in a congratulatory Commons early day motion signed by Jeremy Corbyn in 2002. |
| Momentum launch attack ad against Panorama's John Ware ahead of tonight's expose of Corbyn & antisemitism.In 2002 Jeremy Corbyn sponsored a Commons motion. "This House warmly congratulates Panorama,” the motion read, “and the ever-vigilant investigative journalist, John Ware.” https://t.co/DDBvBaEgyw | Momentum launch attack ad against Panorama's John Ware ahead of tonight's expose of Corbyn & antisemitism.In 2002 Jeremy Corbyn sponsored a Commons motion. "This House warmly congratulates Panorama,” the motion read, “and the ever-vigilant investigative journalist, John Ware.” https://t.co/DDBvBaEgyw |
| Asked about the Labour criticism, a BBC spokesperson said: | Asked about the Labour criticism, a BBC spokesperson said: |
| The Labour party is criticising a programme they have not seen. The programme adheres to the BBC’s editorial guidelines. In line with those, the Labour Party has been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. | The Labour party is criticising a programme they have not seen. The programme adheres to the BBC’s editorial guidelines. In line with those, the Labour Party has been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. |
| Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, says the resignation of Kim Darroch has shamed the UK. In a statement she said: | Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, says the resignation of Kim Darroch has shamed the UK. In a statement she said: |
| The fact that Sir Kim has been bullied out of his job, because of Donald Trump’s tantrums and Boris Johnson’s pathetic lick-spittle response, is something that shames our country. It makes a laughing-stock out of our government, and tells every one of Britain’s brilliant representatives abroad that the next Tory prime minister will not stand up for them, even when they are simply telling the truth and doing their job. | The fact that Sir Kim has been bullied out of his job, because of Donald Trump’s tantrums and Boris Johnson’s pathetic lick-spittle response, is something that shames our country. It makes a laughing-stock out of our government, and tells every one of Britain’s brilliant representatives abroad that the next Tory prime minister will not stand up for them, even when they are simply telling the truth and doing their job. |
| Sir Kim Darroch should hold his head high for the wonderful job he has done representing our country, while Boris Johnson should go and hang his head in shame. He claims to regard Winston Churchill as his hero. But just imagine Churchill allowing this humiliating, servile, sycophantic indulgence of the American president’s ego to go unchallenged. | Sir Kim Darroch should hold his head high for the wonderful job he has done representing our country, while Boris Johnson should go and hang his head in shame. He claims to regard Winston Churchill as his hero. But just imagine Churchill allowing this humiliating, servile, sycophantic indulgence of the American president’s ego to go unchallenged. |
| Johnson likes to accuse opponents of being ‘supine invertebrate jellies’. How does he think he looks today? If this is what represents the future of leadership in our country, then it is all the more reason why we must force Johnson to call an election, and let the British people decide if such an obsequious weakling should be our prime minister. | Johnson likes to accuse opponents of being ‘supine invertebrate jellies’. How does he think he looks today? If this is what represents the future of leadership in our country, then it is all the more reason why we must force Johnson to call an election, and let the British people decide if such an obsequious weakling should be our prime minister. |
| House of Lords staff have been subject to bullying and harassment, an inquiry has found. The investigation by Naomi Ellenbogen QC stated: | House of Lords staff have been subject to bullying and harassment, an inquiry has found. The investigation by Naomi Ellenbogen QC stated: |
| The prevailing culture and behaviours in the House of Lords, as a place of work, have not been conducive to an open and supportive culture to ensure that all those working there are treated with dignity and respect. | The prevailing culture and behaviours in the House of Lords, as a place of work, have not been conducive to an open and supportive culture to ensure that all those working there are treated with dignity and respect. |
| Staff have bullied and harassed other staff. Members have bullied and harassed staff. | Staff have bullied and harassed other staff. Members have bullied and harassed staff. |
| On the whole, staff who have experienced bullying and harassment have tended not to complain, formally or otherwise, in the belief that nothing will happen and/or for fear of reprisal. | On the whole, staff who have experienced bullying and harassment have tended not to complain, formally or otherwise, in the belief that nothing will happen and/or for fear of reprisal. |
| Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has described it as “shameful” that Kim Darroch has been forced out “for doing the job that diplomats are appointed to do”. Responding to a tweet from Nigel Farage that suggested Darroch be replaced by a Brexiter, Sturgeon added: | Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has described it as “shameful” that Kim Darroch has been forced out “for doing the job that diplomats are appointed to do”. Responding to a tweet from Nigel Farage that suggested Darroch be replaced by a Brexiter, Sturgeon added: |
| Who could Farage be thinking of? The last thing that should happen is the politicisation of the civil service and the replacement of honourable diplomats with charlatans like this guy. | Who could Farage be thinking of? The last thing that should happen is the politicisation of the civil service and the replacement of honourable diplomats with charlatans like this guy. |
| Who could Farage be thinking of? The last thing that should happen is the politicisation of the civil service and the replacement of honourable diplomats with charlatans like this guy. https://t.co/XQtPsXopCl | Who could Farage be thinking of? The last thing that should happen is the politicisation of the civil service and the replacement of honourable diplomats with charlatans like this guy. https://t.co/XQtPsXopCl |
| Meanwhile, the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Stephen Gethins MP, said that the resignation was a “deeply concerning and a worrying sign of where the UK’s role on the international stage is heading”, adding: | Meanwhile, the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Stephen Gethins MP, said that the resignation was a “deeply concerning and a worrying sign of where the UK’s role on the international stage is heading”, adding: |
| The integrity and impartiality of the civil service must not be compromised. | The integrity and impartiality of the civil service must not be compromised. |
| It would be unacceptable if the UK’s diplomatic service and appointments were outsourced to the whims of the Trump administration. | It would be unacceptable if the UK’s diplomatic service and appointments were outsourced to the whims of the Trump administration. |
| Jeremy Corbyn says Boris Johnson’s refusal to back Kim Darroch in the ITV debate last night showed “he won’t stand up to Donald Trump”. | Jeremy Corbyn says Boris Johnson’s refusal to back Kim Darroch in the ITV debate last night showed “he won’t stand up to Donald Trump”. |
| Boris Johnson’s refusal to support Kim Darroch shows he won’t stand up to Donald Trump, or stand up for Britain. Johnson wants a sweetheart trade deal with Trump that would open our NHS to US corporate takeover. I'll never let another country's leader choose who represents the UK | Boris Johnson’s refusal to support Kim Darroch shows he won’t stand up to Donald Trump, or stand up for Britain. Johnson wants a sweetheart trade deal with Trump that would open our NHS to US corporate takeover. I'll never let another country's leader choose who represents the UK |
| Mark Francois, the Tory Brexiter, says Theresa May should leave it to her successor to appoint the next ambassador to Washington. Speaking at an Institute for Government event, he told the Guardian: | Mark Francois, the Tory Brexiter, says Theresa May should leave it to her successor to appoint the next ambassador to Washington. Speaking at an Institute for Government event, he told the Guardian: |
| This must have been a very difficult decision for Kim Darroch. But what is most important now is that it is the new prime minister who takes the decision on who his replacement will be because the relationship with the US will be fundamentally important, not least when we have left the EU. | This must have been a very difficult decision for Kim Darroch. But what is most important now is that it is the new prime minister who takes the decision on who his replacement will be because the relationship with the US will be fundamentally important, not least when we have left the EU. |