Members of ‘Labour Black Socialists’ selectively ‘downing tools’
JVL Introduction
We support and repost below a powerful statement from Labour Black Socialists, contained in this article published on Skwawkbox.
The concerns raised in this statement, about the hierarchy that exists when dealing with racism in the Labour Party, have still not been dealt with. This is an indictment of the Party.
It follows warnings that we have raised for some time that the issues of anti-Black racism and Islamophobia have been sidelined by the exaggerated and distorted allegations of antisemitism within the party.
We have already lost much of our support in the northern Red Wall seats. We must beware losing seats in the urban Black Wall too.
This article was originally published by Skwawkbox. Read the original here.
Exclusive: Black Labour members go on ‘strike’ – no campaigning in 2021 for MPs who ‘look other way’ on anti-black racism
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Campaign for socialists in the 2021 elections. Stand down from campaigning for supporters of right wing policies and the witch hunt. It’s quite simple when you come to think about it. There is nothing to be gained from electing people who will sell out the oppressed including the white working class.
I agree woleheartedly with the statement made by members of the ‘Labour Black Socialists’ group. Issues of all racism/discrimination need to be dealt with equally. If that does not happen then there will be serious consequences at least in so far that the Party will be losing support and credibility from potential voters and from its members.
Support you 100 per cent.
Why does Keir Starmer have to use the language of first? He said: “When I stood for leader of this Party, I was clear that my first priority would be to root out anti-semitism.” The problem with putting some people first is that you also put other people second and last. That is inherently divisive. And it’s unnecessary. In his ten pledges to party members in the leadership election, he promised: “Robust action to eradicate the scourge of antisemitism.” That will do. He might also have refrained from persecuting Jewish Voice for Labour had he been serious. Anyway, there’s no need to advocate a hierarchy of anti-racist priorities. Corbyn was always careful to condemn anti-semitism and all forms of racism. He cared about party unity. Starmer also said: I’m calling on the government today to put families first during this lockdown.” The corollary is: “Let’s put people without families last.” Am I alone in thinking “Down with orphans!” is a terrible slogan for our party?
My good friend who is left wing, Arab, and Moslem, with family in Palestinian, has now left the party in disappointment.
Excellent article & excellent principles being actioned. I too refuse to campaign for members who are blind to the racially unjust policies of this current party leadership which institutionalises a hierarchy of racism excluding Bame / Grt concerns.
A great deal of effort has been put in the fight against antisemitism by the Starmer administration in contrast to the other forms of racism. I believe now is the time for Starmer to go. This Tory government has mishandled the pandemic and are continuing to do so but they are still ahead in the polls. This is because there is no effective opposition. I hope there will soon be a leadership challenge.