New Times,
New Thinking.

Labour is being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. What next?

The EHRC has a variety of powers and inquiries can take some time. 

By Stephen Bush

The Equality and Human Rights Commission will launch an investigation into whether the Labour party’s handling of antisemitism within its ranks complies with equalities law. The move comes following complaints to the equalities watchdog from the Campaign Against Antisemitism and the Jewish Labour Movement, the party’s Jewish affiliate.

The EHRC has launched multiple investigations into the behaviour of various organisations since its creation in 2006, seeking a number of changes from the relevant bodies in the process. It has investigated just one political party – the BNP – before, forcing the party to shelve its whites-only membership policy.

The commission has launched just one full-blown investigation since its creation in 2006. That investigation, into the treatment of women and minorities in Metropolitan Police, started in September 2014 and reported back in September 2016, so it could take some time before the EHRC’s report into the Labour party is complete. Even preliminary investigations of the kind the commission has embarked on in this instance can take several months.

If the EHRC does find Labour has a case to answer, then the commission has a variety of powers, including requiring that the party creates an action plan to address the problem, with which it can sanction the party.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
Can green energy solutions deliver for nature and people?
"Why wouldn't you?" Joining the charge towards net zero
The road to clean power 2030