Former head of Labour Jeremy Corbyn was suspended from the party on Thursday due to a recent report on antisemitic tendences in the party. The European Commission of Human Rights, a watchdog organisation, published a report suggesting persistent antisemitism in the ranks of the Labour party. Corbyn had failed to condemn anti-Jewish remarks made by him and colleagues in the past. 

For years, Jewish members and lawmakers have called out party members for making antisemitic remarks on Facebook groups and in party meetings – several members left the party in protest to this. In 2018, Corbyn addressed allegations made against the party and vowed to take quicker action in condemning those spreading anti-Jewish material. 

However, there had been ‘inexcusable’ messages and posts published to which Corbyn as former party leader did not respond to accordingly, critics say. Within six weeks, the party now has to offer an action plan to work against antisemitism in the party. 

Party leader Sir Keir Starmer apologised to the Jewish community and announced that a ‘culture change’ within the party would follow. He also mentioned Corbyn should have known that his downplaying the significance of antisemitic notions made in the party would have consequences.