No Free Speech in Tower Hamlets
Published
by
Richard Kuper
JVL Introduction
We have always argued the IHRA definition of antisemitism is not fit for purpose. Chilling discussion of Palestine is its main achievement, not combatting antisemitism.
Now Tower Hamlets Council has used it to ban – illegally – use of a public park for a rally at the end of a bike ride in support of Palestine.
This article was originally published by Free Speech on Israel on Sat 3 Aug 2019. Read the original here.
No Free Speech in Tower Hamlets
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This terrible unjust and frankly ridiculous situation is what we all feared from adopting the deeply deeply flawed IHRA definition on anti semitism.
The IHRA pseudodefinition is sham antiracism. Why wont Jeremy or Jenny pick up the phone to me to simply acknowledge this.
Could there be clearer evidence that the Labour movement has been guilt tripped into supporting oppression?
I fear for the UK’s future right now. This is so utterly wrong. When you are frightened to speak out as you witness blatant injustices then the last vestiges of freedom have been erased forever.
What a big mistake was to adopt the IHRA definition on antisemitism. There should be a legal challenge to this as it goes against freedom of expression.
The Labour Party was bullied into adopting the IHRA … the consequences were obvious. Whether this is termed political expediency, complicity with a racist ideology or simple cowardice, the consequences for the struggle for free speech, justice for the oppressed in Palestine and elsewhere, are unfolding as predicted. Anyone who thinks it’s all worth it as long as we get a Labour government is living in a fantasy where decisions have no consequences. This will continue to eat away the moral heart of the labour movement, undermine the leadership and those who support it.
Tower Hamlets should reconsider their decision and adopt the above caveats to the IRHI, in order to guarantee free speech in the borough!
The terrible definition is totally UNDEMOCRATIC and unacceptable. Hope when the witch hunt and hysteria has been defeated it will be overturned. We are so sorry for all of our great friends who have suffered from the vile bullying lynch mob. I hope they are all doing well and know how much they mean to us. Wonderful to hear from the magnificent Jackie Walker 😃
So An Israeli lobby has interfered with a local council and a peaceful political protest in the UK. This is not OK.