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What a blast: Jeremy Corbyn was the celebrated party leader a year ago, now Labor kicked him out.
The former pop star of the party will sit in the lower house as an independent party for the time being. This was preceded by a report that concluded that the party had tolerated anti-Semitic tendencies in its own ranks for years.
Surprising expulsion
The investigation report and its results were not a surprise: years of failure to fight anti-Semitism and interference by the party headquarters in complaint procedures. But hardly anyone expected current party leader Keir Starmer to seize the moment to completely break up with former party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
At lunchtime, in response to the report, Corbyn repeated that he condemned anti-Semitism, but classified the issues raised as exaggerated and politically motivated. Starmer later stated at a press conference that anyone who classifies the investigation’s results as exaggerated has no more place in the party under his leadership. After this statement it was clear: Corbyn will be suspended.
The last word has not yet been said. Corbyn’s supporters are already announcing on Twitter that they will not accept this expulsion because it is basically an attack on the left of the party. The party leadership rejects the accusation. The party is unlikely to rest anytime soon.
Corbyn celebrated like a pop star
The socialist Corbyn had led the party forcefully to the left from 2015 to 2020, away from the center, where Tony Blair once stood. His ideas were particularly well received by young British people, who celebrated him as a pop star. The 71-year-old was also heavily involved when it came to the Palestinian state, and was accused of anti-Semitism on this issue.
Keir Starmer not only wants to clearly distance himself from anti-Semitism, but he also wants to bring his party more to the center. Today’s decision shows: The otherwise cautious Starmer does not shy away from drastic action. Many welcome this and hope that the party will now resolutely eliminate the problems of anti-Semitism.
Henriette Engbersen
UK Correspondent, SRF
