Letter to the Guardian

Questions for Labour on Middle East position

Jonathan Rosenhead is concerned by what he sees as a shift in Labour’s stated position on Israel

Roger van Zwanenberg (Blame China not CUP for censoring articles, Letters, 25 August) points up our double standards on free speech – criticising China but acquiescing in the domestic limitations imposed on criticism of Israel. A case in point is the migration in Labour’s position on Israel in less than three months. Between the much-praised radical Labour manifesto of June and the just-published national policy forum report, the interest groups have got to work.

All that is now left of Labour’s former position is “a commitment to a comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution: a secure Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine”. What has been cut out? Oh, just things like an end to the blockade, occupation and settlements; pressure from Labour for an immediate return to meaningful negotiations leading to a diplomatic resolution. And the promise that a Labour government will immediately recognise the state of Palestine.

That’s how reduction in bandwidth of discussion is achieved in the UK – less centralised than in China, but highly effective.

Jonathan Rosenhead
London