Statement on the National Policy Forum Report

JVL (Jewish Voice for Labour) notes with concern that the National Policy Forum report (p. 56) to be presented to Brighton conference departs significantly from the Party’s Manifesto commitments (p.117-18) to a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The manifesto’s calls for an end to Israel’s blockade, illegal occupation and settlements have been removed, as has the pledge that “A Labour government will immediately recognise the state of Palestine”.

All that remains is the statement that, “In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Labour is committed to a comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution: a secure Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine.”

What has happened since Jeremy Corbyn presented the overwhelmingly popular 2017 Manifesto to the electorate, for the party to abandon its commitment to immediate recognition of Palestinian aspirations?

NPF Chair Ann Cryer says in her introduction to the report that it is the result of “consultation with Party members, and a series of manifesto priorities meetings with NPF representatives and stakeholders.” But there is no sign on the NPF website of a groundswell of opinion requiring the party to ditch the commitment to recognising the state of Palestine and an end to illegal settlement building and occupation.

We note, however, that an article in the pro-Israel Jewish Chronicle applauds the report for avoiding “any direct criticism of Israel” and quotes a “senior Jewish Labour source” saying the wording was “better than the election manifesto and a bit of a success”. The source is presumably aligned with the Jewish Labour Movement which has acquired considerable influence in the Party while deploying allegations of antisemitism against those who persist in upholding their legitimate right to express “direct criticism of Israel”.

As members and supporters of JVL, a newly-formed organisation representing Jewish Labour Party members, we fully recognise Israel’s responsibility for the oppression of Palestinians and urge the NEC to seek remittance of this section of the NPF report and to ensure genuine consultation with members representing a wider range of opinion on this crucial international policy issue.