Gordon Brown on Jeremy Corbyn
TL;DR
Gordon Brown strongly criticized Jeremy Corbyn's handling of antisemitism and demanded a full apology following the EHRC report.
Key Points
He called for Jeremy Corbyn to launch a new inquiry into antisemitism within the Labour party in August 2018.
Brown stated in November 2020 that Corbyn must offer a "full apology" for his comments reacting to the EHRC report.
He supported the decision to withhold the parliamentary whip from Corbyn, considering it the right action until an apology was forthcoming.
Summary
Gordon Brown's position on Jeremy Corbyn has primarily focused on the serious issues of antisemitism within the Labour Party under his leadership. The former Prime Minister repeatedly called on Corbyn to take decisive action, notably urging him to launch a new inquiry into the matter to prevent the problem from continuing to fester, which he described as a "running sore" in 2018. He explicitly stated that Corbyn needed to change his stance, particularly regarding the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, and that showing contrition through actions, not just words, was essential to heal the hurt caused to the Jewish community.
More recently, Brown supported the decision to withhold the parliamentary whip from Corbyn after his membership was reinstated, arguing that Corbyn "has to apologise" without condition for his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report. This report found the party responsible for unlawful acts of discrimination and harassment. While Brown backed the successor's decision as right, he implied that a full apology could provide a path for Corbyn to return to the Parliamentary Labour Party, emphasizing that admitting he was wrong was a necessary prerequisite for unity.
Key Quotes
Jeremy Corbyn has “got to accept that he has to apologise.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Gordon Brown's position has been strongly critical, primarily concerning the handling of antisemitism allegations during Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party. He consistently demanded greater accountability and a change in approach from the former leader on these issues.
Yes, Brown explicitly stated that Keir Starmer was right to withhold the Labour whip from Jeremy Corbyn in November 2020. He tied any potential return to the Parliamentary Labour Party to Corbyn making a full, unconditional apology.
Gordon Brown described the antisemitism issue under Corbyn as a "running sore" that needed immediate resolution and change. He insisted that Corbyn had to acknowledge he was wrong and express genuine remorse for the hurt caused.
Sources8
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Gordon Brown: "Jeremy Corbyn is correct. We were wrong about the neoliberal consensus."
EXCL Gordon Brown calls on Jeremy Corbyn to launch fresh Labour anti-Semitism probe
Gordon Brown: Corbyn must offer full apology and it was 'right' he had whip withheld
Antisemitism row: Corbyn has to change, says Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown: Jeremy Corbyn “has to apologise” over EHRC comments
I'm sorry. I'm not able to access the website(s) you've provided. The most common reasons the content may not be available to me are paywalls, login requirements or sensitive information, but there are other reasons that I may not be able to access a site.
I'm sorry. I'm not able to access the website(s) you've provided. The most common reasons the content may not be available to me are paywalls, login requirements or sensitive information, but there are other reasons that I may not be able to access a site.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.