Britain: Livingstone Resigns from the Labour Party

 

A Warning to All Socialists inside the Labour Party

 

By Joseph Adams, 24 May 2018, RED LIBERATION, https://redliberation.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

Ken Livingstone, who was suspended from the labour party for purported anti-Semitic comments he made in April 2016, has now resigned from the Labour Party. His reasons are that the right-wing and Zionist elements on the National Executive were preparing more attacks on him and Jeremy Corbyn.

 

“In a statement published on his website, Livingstone said: “I do not accept the allegation that I have brought the Labour Party into disrepute – nor that I am in any way guilty of anti-Semitism.” Yet he goes on to say he acknowledges his “historical argument” – that Jewish people “collaborated” with Hitler, who supported “supported Zionism” when he first came to power – did cause “offence and upset in the Jewish community”. [1]

 

Pro-Zionists in the Labour party have been conducting vicious witch-hunts against socialists in the Labour Party who dare to criticise the state of Israel. Livingstone who made comments about the collaboration of Zionism with the Nazis during the Second World War has been proven correct by historical fact. The evidence is available for all to see. Livingstone has a history of anti-racism and support for the Palestinians and has been singled out for his refusal to capitulate to Zionism in the Labour party and especially the Labour friends of Israel.

 

Corbyn has once again failed to defend Livingstone against the attacks of the Blairites and Zionists. Livingstone has decided, although ostensibly a Corbyn supporter, that it was Corbyn who was responsible for his suspension. It has now been revealed that Corbyn forced him to resign from the Labour party under pressure from Zionists who are delighted that Livingstone has gone.

 

“Iit is clear from reports such as John Rentoul in The Independent that Ken Livingstone’s resignation was not voluntary but the result of pressure exerted by Jeremy Corbyn and his close associates. We refer in particular to Shami Chakrabarti’s disgraceful attack on Livingstone on BBC’s Sunday Politics (May 13),when she threatened she would quit the Labour front bench if Livingstone was not expelled. Chakrabarti has not only ignored her own recommendations on natural justice and due process but she has also destroyed her own reputation, as a former Director of Liberty, for a belief in freedom of expression.

 

Nothing Livingstone was alleged to have done could in any way be described as anti-Semitic. His remark that “Hitler supported Zionism” is confirmed by a host of Holocaust historians. If he gave offence to supporters of Israel and Zionism it is because of the appalling record historically of Zionism when it comes to fighting real anti-Semites”. [2]

 

“The collaboration of various Zionists with the Nazis is a fact which has already been established for a long time. Livingstone and Shah are not racist or Anti-Semitic. Both Shah and Livingstone are strong supporters of a Free Democratic Palestine. Livingstone while he was Leader of the Greater London Council supported the Palestine Liberation Organisation and on occasions invited PLO speakers in Britain to speak.” [3]

 

The weakness of left reformism has shown that when the Blairites and Zionists launch attacks on Corbyn and his supporters, Corbyn fails to support them and buckles under the pressure. A number of left wing activists including Marc Wadsworth and Tony Greenstein have been expelled from the Labour party. Corbyn’s supporters continue to be suspended or expelled by the Labour party bureaucratic machine controlled by the Blairites and Zionists. Corbyn with a majority on the National executive committee refuses to use that majority to curb the worst excesses of the right wing and remains a hostage to the pro-imperialists in the Labour party.

 

“The attack on Livingstone and the expulsions of Marc Wadsworth and Tony Greenstein were all part of the ‘anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism’ witch-hunt. It is noticeable that when it came to laying charges the Labour Party avoided for legal reasons accusing people of anti-Semitism. Instead the catch all charge of ‘bringing the party into disrepute’ was used. Livingstone is the latest victim of a witch-hunt pursued by the pro-Israel lobby and the right-wing in the Labour Party.” [4].

 

As RED LIBERATION No. 4 stated in its article on Livingstone’s suspension, both McDonnell and Corbyn have once again conflated Anti-Semitism with Anti-Zionism.

 

“Unfortunately Corbyn and McDonnell have confused Anti-Semitism and Zionism and are capitulating to the right-wing elements in the Party. Corbyn now says he is going to conduct an inquiry into Anti-Semitism in the Party. Of course the pro Zionist elements in the party – the ‘LABOUR FRIENDS OF ISRAEL’ – are forcing Corbyn and others to instigate a witchunt against pro-Palestinian elements in the party.” [5]

 

RED LIBERATION fully supports the campaign by Labour against the Witch-hunt to reinstate all Labour party members like Wadsworth and Greenstein who have been expelled for Anti-Semitism. Wadsworth is a black activist who has campaigned on anti-racist issues, and Greenstein has fought Zionism in the Labour Party.

 

“This setback will only strengthen the resolve of Labour against the Witch-hunt activists. We fully understand the agenda of Labour Friends of Israel, the Jewish Labour Movement and Progress: to re-establish the politics and economics of neo-liberalism in the Labour Party. We call on Jeremy Corbyn, general secretary Jennie Formby and the National Executive Committee to finally put an end to this ongoing witch-hunt against the left in the party:

 

* LAW does not recognize the legitimacy of the expulsions/exclusions of party comrades on trumped up charges of “anti-Semitism” and will continue to organize with them to defeat the right.

 

* All those summarily expelled or suspended from membership without due process, or as part of the anti-Corbyn witch-hunt, should be immediately reinstated – and that includes Marc Wadsworth, Jackie Walker, Stan Keable, Tony Greenstein and Cyril Chilson.” [6]

 

RED LIBERATION restates its position on the reactionary role of the Zionists and their erstwhile allies in Progress and Labour First. We call for:

 

* Abolish all Kangaroo Courts like the Compliance Unit and carry out the recommendations for transparent democracy in the Labour Party;

 

* Expel all Pro Zionist Organizations which includes Labour Friends of Israel and the Jewish Labour Movement. Remind the witch hunters that the leadership of the Labour party must support a DEMOCRATIC FREE PALESTINE.

 

* Full and unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian people! Lift the blockade against Gaza! Support the resistance of the people in Gaza! Boycott Israel!

 

 

 

Footnotes

 

1) https://labourlist.org/2018/05/sadness-relief-anger-labour-reacts-to-livingstones-resignation/

 

2) http://www.labouragainstthewitchhunt.org/

 

3) https://www.thecommunists.net/worldwide/europe/defend-shah-livingstone/

 

4) http://www.labouragainstthewitchhunt.org/

 

5) https://www.thecommunists.net/worldwide/europe/defend-shah-livingstone/

 

6) http://www.labouragainstthewitchhunt.org/