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INTRODUCTION
On 29 April 2016, and after considerable concern and controversy leading to high-profile and senior
suspensions from the Labour Party, the Leader Jeremy Corbyn MP asked me to conduct this Inquiry
into antisemitism and other forms of racism.
My terms of reference are as follows:
The Inquiry, which will report in two months (of its launch), will:
•
Consult widely with Labour Party Members, the Jewish community and other minority
representatives about a statement of principles and guidance about antisemitism and other
forms of racism, including Islamophobia.
•
Consult on guidance about the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and language.
•
Recommend clear and transparent compliance procedures for dealing with allegations of
racism and antisemitism.
•
Look into training programmes for parliamentary candidates, MPs, councillors and others.
•
Make recommendations for changes to the Code of Conduct and Party Rules if necessary.
•
Propose other action if needed, to ensure Labour is a welcoming environment for members of
all communities.
To subsequent consternation outside the Party, I joined Labour as soon as I accepted this brief and did
so for two reasons. Firstly, I had for some time been an undeclared Labour voter and supporter,
though formally unaffiliated due to my work as first a civil servant and then the director of a crossparty, non-party human rights organisation. That employment ended only a month previously.
Secondly, I wanted to be clear with everyone and especially with Labour members and supporters,
that my Inquiry would be conducted, and any recommendations made, in the Party's best interests.
Mine has not been a public or judicial inquiry imposed on an institution or community from the
outside. Instead it was commissioned by the Leader of the Party and subsequently welcomed and
supported by its National Executive Committee (“NEC”). The Leadership is to be commended for taking
action in this way and for facilitating but never interfering with, or seeking to influence the outcome of
my task. Indeed, I can say that I have received a universal welcoming courtesy and cooperation within
the Party and relevant minority communities.
David Feldman, Professor of History and Director of the Pears Institute for the studies of Antisemitism
at Birkbeck College, University of London, was appointed as a Vice-Chair to my Inquiry and Janet
Royall, the Baroness Royall of Blaisdon PC, a former Cabinet Minister and Labour activist over multiple
decades, graciously accepted my invitation to join the Inquiry as my other Vice-Chair. I am incredibly
grateful to both of them for contributing their time, expertise and experience without reimbursement
for the good of Her Majesty's Opposition and thereby for British democracy itself. Deok Joo Rhee also
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