The American Jewish Congress congratulates Member of Parliament Keir Starmer for his election as leader of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom and wishes him success in his new position.
We were pleased that Mr. Starmer committed in his victory statement to working towards tackling antisemitism in the Labour Party and making amends with the British Jewish community. His predecessor, Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, not only failed to confront antisemitism, but also discouraged and reprimanded those in the party that spoke out against hate. Mr. Corbyn’s leadership and divisive rhetoric will forever be a stain in the history of the Labour Party.
The Labour Party in the UK needs today a new direction that embraces minorities, including the Jewish community, and we hope that Mr. Starmer will be up to the challenge. The British people showed that they do not reward hate and that reason and values ultimately prevail.