For the first time in its 100-year history, the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) in the United Kingdom will not be campaigning for members of the Labour Party outside of “exceptional circumstances and for exceptional candidates,” announced the group amid criticism over the party’s handling of anti-Semitism complaints.
“We will not be campaigning unless in exceptional circumstances and for exceptional candidates, like our parliamentary chair Ruth Smeeth, and members of the parliamentary Labour party who’ve been unwavering in their support of us,” said JLM in a statement. “We will not be giving endorsements to candidates in non-Labour-held seats.”
JLM, which has 2,500 members, has blamed Jeremy Corbyn for enabling a “culture of anti-Semitism to emerge and fester” within the party.
“When two accomplished and dedicated Jewish Labour MPs no longer see a place for themselves in the Labour Party, it’s clear that the party has lost its way,” added the statement.
The two Jewish Labour members, Luciana Berger and Louise Ellman, left in February and this month, respectively.
General elections in the United Kingdom are scheduled for Dec. 12.
