Steerpike Steerpike

Equalities watchdog: Labour may have unlawfully discriminated

It’s been a gruelling couple of days for the Labour Party, as their approach to handling and meddling in anti-Semitism complaints has been held up to scrutiny. But it looks like things may be about to get worse for the party.

The equalities watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has begun the first stages of an inquiry to see if the party has broken the law in the way it has treated its members and employees.

In a statement the EHRC said that:

‘Having received a number of complaints regarding anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, we believe Labour may have unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs.

Our concerns are sufficient for us to consider using our statutory enforcement powers. As set out in our enforcement policy, we are now engaging with the Labour Party to give them an opportunity to respond.’

One wonders if the party’s response to the EHRC will be as robust as they usually are on human-rights scandals.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in