Shopworkers' trade union leader Paddy Lillis has called on Labour
to adopt in full the International Holocaust Remembrance
Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism.
He said: "Usdaw has a proud history of
opposing racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in all its
forms. Our reps provide support for members who face racially
motivated violence, threats and abuse and they will continue to
organise and promote anti-racism campaigns in workplaces and
wider society. In my 40 years of Labour membership and activism
I have been proud to be a part of an anti-racist party and I am
now shocked by the situation we find ourselves in today.
"Jeremy Corbyn has clearly stated that there is a problem with
anti-Semitism in the and he is right in his
determination to tackle it. If we are to do that it is
essential that the Party regains the trust of Jewish
communities. As a first step we should immediately amend the
Code of Conduct to adopt the full International Holocaust
Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism, including the
examples.
"We need a Labour government for very many reasons. Our members
are severely impacted by austerity, with many struggling with
the cost of living. The retail sector is in crisis and the
Conservatives have no strategy to support town centres or
save shopworkers' jobs. The manifesto can deliver real
and much needed change for this country and we must unite in
delivering that.
"There is absolutely no place for antisemitism in the . We need to show just as
much strength in opposing anti-Semitism as we do in opposing
all racism and other forms of hate."
