“This isn’t just unjust, it is absolutely nonsensical.”
John McDonnell MP
By Our Correspondent
Following Andy McDonald MP’s suspension from the Labour Whip on Monday (see his statement here), a number of leading labour movement figures and campaigns spoke out against what John McDonnell termed a “nonsensical” decision.
Fellow MP Mick Whitley argued that it was a “grotesque error of judgement on the part of my party’s leadership.”
Beth Winter meanwhile pointed out that Andy “has consistently called for a ceasefire and a just and peaceful solution for Palestinians and Israelis.”
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack called for the lifting of the suspension immediately.
The Labour Muslim Network issued the following strong statement.
Whilst the well-supported Labour & Palestine platform called it “a clear attempt to stop discussion of Palestinian rights” and the need for a ceasefire.
And Socialist Future in Young Labour & Labour Students called the move “authoritarian” and “callous,” pointing to Kevin Maguire’s message that Andy has been suspended “for what he didn’t say.”
Momentum also backed calls to “restore the whip.”
You can also see what Andy McDonald MP actually said in this video tweeted by the Stop the War Coalition.
- You can read Andy McDonald MP’s full statement on the suspension here.
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100% SOLIDARITY with Andy McDonald x