Chakrabarti Inquiry: Difference between revisions

Chakrabarti Inquiry
Date	Inquiry, 29 April 2016;; Report, 30 June 2016
Location	London, England
Theme	Racism in the Labour Party
Cause	Suspension of Labour Party members amid allegations of antisemitism
Organised by	Labour Party
Participants	Shami Chakrabarti
Outcome	Publication of Chakrabarti Report

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The Chakrabarti Inquiry was a 2016 investigation into allegations of antisemitism and other forms of racism in the United Kingdom's Labour Party. Chaired by barrister Shami Chakrabarti, the inquiry was launched following comments made by two prominent Labour figures, Naz Shah and Ken Livingstone, that some asserted were antisemitic in nature; Shah, a Member of parliament, and Livingstone, the former mayor of London, were subsequently suspended from the party pending an investigation.

The inquiry presented its findings on 30 June 2016, stating that although antisemitism and other types of racism were not endemic within the Labour Party, there was an "occasionally toxic atmosphere".

Background

The inquiry was established by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on 29 April 2016, following the suspension of Naz Shah, the Labour MP for Bradford West, and Ken Livingstone, the former mayor of London. The suspensions came after media reports revealed that Shah had shared a graphic on Twitter in 2014 suggesting that Israel should be relocated to the United States. Livingstone defended Shah during a radio interview, stating, "When Hitler won his election in 1932 his policy then was that Jews should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews." Both were suspended pending an investigation into their conduct.^[1]^[2]

Announcing the inquiry, Corbyn emphasized Labour’s commitment to combating racism, stating, "Labour is an anti-racist party to its core and has a long and proud history of standing against racism, including antisemitism." He appointed Shami Chakrabarti, former head of Liberty, to chair the investigation. The inquiry's mandate was to provide recommendations on addressing racism within the party, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. Chakrabarti engaged with affected communities and aimed to deliver guidelines on acceptable behavior and language within two months.^[1]

On 16 May 2016, Chakrabarti announced she had joined the Labour Party to build trust and confidence among its members, while maintaining that her independence would not be compromised.^[3]^[4] The inquiry had two deputy chairs: Jan Royall, who was at the time holding an investigation into antisemitism at Oxford University Labour Club, and director of the Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism David Feldman.^[5]

The controversy unfolded at a critical time for Labour, as the party was preparing for the May 2016 local elections and facing internal divisions over Corbyn's leadership.^[1]

Findings and recommendations

The inquiry's findings were published at a Labour Party event on 30 June 2016. The report included 20 recommendations for addressing racism within the party, including:

Abusive language targeting individuals or groups based on physical characteristics, racial or religious tropes, or stereotypes should be excluded from Labour Party discourse. This includes terms such as "Zio" and "Paki."^[6]
Members should avoid the use of Hitler, Nazi, and Holocaust metaphors, distortions, and comparisons, particularly in discussions about Israel and Palestine.
Procedural rule changes should be implemented to enhance the party's disciplinary process, including the adoption and publication of a formal complaints procedure.
A general counsel should be appointed to advise on disciplinary matters and manage external legal counsel.
The party should work to increase the ethnic diversity of its staff.^[2]

The report rejected the idea of a lifetime ban for members using racist language and advised against retrospective action for comments made prior to the inquiry.^[7] It concluded that the Labour Party "is not overrun by anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of racism" but acknowledged an "occasionally toxic atmosphere" and "too much clear evidence [of] ignorant attitudes."^[2]

Reactions to the report included calls for its full implementation. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis urged a "full and unhesitating implementation of [its] findings".^[8] Writing in The Guardian, Keith Kahn-Harris suggested Chakrabarti had "delivered a report that, while not the last word on the subject, does at least deserve to be discussed seriously and calmly".^[7] David Feldmanstated "This is an important document at a time, when more than ever, we need to stand firm against all forms of racism and intolerance. The report marks a positive step towards ensuring that the Labour Party is a welcoming place for all minority groups. It recommends steps to ensure that members act in a spirit of tolerance and respect, while maintaining principles of free speech and open debate. The recommendations are constructive and provide a sound basis on which the Party can move forward."^[9]

Launch

Smeeth-Wadsworth controversy

The launch of the Chakrabarti Report was overshadowed by an incident involving Labour MP Ruth Smeeth, who is Jewish. During the event, audience member Marc Wadsworth, representing a group called Momentum Black Connexions, accused Smeeth of working "hand-in-hand" with The Daily Telegraph and with right-wing media in general after observing her talking to the paper’s reporter, Kate McCann, and exchanging his press release. The press release called for the deselection of Labour "traitors."^[10]^[11]^[12]^[13]

Smeeth criticized Jeremy Corbyn for not defending her during the incident, stating: "It is beyond belief that someone could come to the launch of a report on antisemitism in the Labour Party and espouse such vile conspiracy theories about Jewish people, which were ironically highlighted as such in Ms Chakrabarti's report, while the leader of my own party stood by and did absolutely nothing... a Labour Party under his stewardship cannot be a safe space for British Jews."^[14]^[15]

Smeeth wrote to the Labour Party’s general secretary and the chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party to file a formal complaint about the incident.^[14] Chakrabarti later stated that she had admonished Wadsworth for his comments, an action she said Corbyn had supported. She also apologized to Smeeth.^[16]

Wadsworth denied knowing that Smeeth was Jewish.^[17] He was subsequently expelled from the Labour Party.^[18]

Corbyn comments

At the launch of the Chakrabarti Inquiry findings, Jeremy Corbyn expressed his support for the "immediate implementation" of the report's recommendations.^[2] While discussing the report, Corbyn stated, "Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu government than our Muslim friends are for those various self-styled Islamic states or organisations."^[2]

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the comments as "offensive" and suggested they would likely increase concerns within the Jewish community.^[8] A spokesperson for Corbyn later clarified that he "was explicitly stating that people should not be held responsible for the actions of states or organisations around the world on the basis of religion or ethnicity."^[14]

Shami Chakrabarti defended Corbyn, explaining to LBC that she had reviewed his speech before the event and believed it accurately reflected the findings of her report. She noted, "His point was: when you have Jewish neighbours or friends, or Muslim neighbours or friends and something bad happens in the world, don't ask them to be the first to explain or defend or condemn."^[19]

Aftermath

Jeremy Corbyn appointed Chakrabarti to the House of Lords in July 2016. In October 2016, she was appointed to the Shadow Cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn as Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales. Following her appointment, Labour MPs Tom Watson and Wes Streeting along with some Jewish groups, questioned the credibility of the Chakrabarti Inquiry’s findings.^[20] A spokesperson for Corbyn described Chakrabarti as "an ideal appointment to the Lords."^[21]

Later that year, a cross-party Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into antisemitism in the UK later that year invited Corbyn, Chakrabati and Livingstone, amongst others, to provide evidence in a broader investigation into antisemitism. The Select Committee’s report criticized the Chakrabarti Inquiry as "ultimately compromised" by Chakrabarti’s subsequent acceptance of a peerage and Shadow Cabinet position. The Committee further stated that Chakrabarti had been "insufficiently open" in her responses regarding when she was offered the peerage.^[22]

Corbyn defended Chakrabarti, arguing that the criticism of her independence was unfair. He stated that her appointments were made after the inquiry's completion and based on her legal and campaigning expertise. Corbyn also accused the Select Committee of "political framing" and placing undue emphasis on the Labour Party in its investigation.^[22]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Stewart, Heather; Asthana, Anushka (29 April 2016). "Jeremy Corbyn sets up inquiry into Labour antisemitism claims". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Chakrabarti inquiry: Labour not overrun by anti-Semitism". BBC News. 30 June 2016. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ "Anti-Semitism inquiry leader Shami Chakrabarti joins Labour". BBC News. BBC. 16 May 2016. Archived from the original on 22 May 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
^ Dysch, Marcus (16 May 2016). "Head of inquiry into Labour antisemitism Shami Chakrabarti reveals she has joined the party". The Jewish Chronicle. Kessler Foundation. Archived from the original on 19 May 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ Asthana, Anushka (16 May 2016). "Labour antisemitism inquiry will not seek evidence from Ken Livingstone". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
^ Samuels, Ben. "How Chicago Dyke March Used 'Zio' — David Duke's Favorite Anti-Semitic Prefix." Archived 2017-07-17 at the Wayback Machine The Forward. 17 July 2017. 17 July 2017.
^ ^a ^b Kahn-Harris, Keith (30 June 2016). "This antisemitism report deserves Labour's calm, close attention. No chance". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
^ ^a ^b "Corbyn under fire for 'offensive' comments at anti-Semitism event". Belfast Telegraph. Independent News and Media. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ "The Shami Chakrabarti Inquiry – Report Published". Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism. 30 June 2016. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
^ Burnett, Tom (30 June 2016). "Ruth Smeeth calls on Jeremy Corbyn to resign after being abused at inquiry". Stoke Sentinel. Local World. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
^ Dearden, Lizzie (30 June 2016). "Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth leaves antisemitism event in tears after being accused of 'colluding' with media". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ Marshall, Tom (30 June 2016). "Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears'". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
^ Simons, Ned (30 June 2016). "Jeremy Corbyn Accused Of Comparing Israel To Isis, Labour MP Leaves Anti-Semitism Event". The Huffington Post. Verizon. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016. I saw the Telegraph handed a copy of a press release to Ruth Smeeth MP, you can see who is working hand-in-hand
^ ^a ^b ^c Marshall, Tom (30 June 2016). "Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears'". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
^ Chakelian, Anoosh (30 June 2016). "Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth was reduced to tears at Labour's anti-Semitism inquiry press conference". New Statesman. Progressive Media International. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ Davis, Barney (1 July 2016). "Marc Wadsworth who left MP Ruth Smeeth in tears over 'anti-Semitism' refuses to apologise". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 2 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
^ McSmith, Andy (30 June 2016). "Labour activist who berated MP Ruth Smeeth says he did not know she was Jewish and denies Momentum links". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
^ Elgot, Jessica (27 April 2018). "Labour activist Marc Wadsworth expelled from party over antisemitism row". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
^ Maguire, Patrick (30 June 2016). "Chakrabarti defends Corbyn amid anti-Semitism row". Jewish News. Archived from the original on 3 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
^ "Corbyn's offer of peerage to Shami Chakrabarti causes Labour tensions".
^ Dysch, Marcus (4 August 2016). "Anger as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hands Shami Chakrabarti a peerage". The Jewish Chronicle. Kessler Foundation. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
^ ^a ^b "Jeremy Corbyn accused of incompetence by MPs over antisemitic abuse". Observer. 16 October 2016. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2017.

External links

"The Shami Chakrabarti Report" (PDF). Labour.org.uk.

[Guardian-2016-04-29-1] Stewart, Heather; Asthana, Anushka (29 April 2016). "Jeremy Corbyn sets up inquiry into Labour antisemitism claims". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[BBC-2016-06-30-2] "Chakrabarti inquiry: Labour not overrun by anti-Semitism". BBC News. 30 June 2016. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[3] "Anti-Semitism inquiry leader Shami Chakrabarti joins Labour". BBC News. BBC. 16 May 2016. Archived from the original on 22 May 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2016.

[4] Dysch, Marcus (16 May 2016). "Head of inquiry into Labour antisemitism Shami Chakrabarti reveals she has joined the party". The Jewish Chronicle. Kessler Foundation. Archived from the original on 19 May 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[5] Asthana, Anushka (16 May 2016). "Labour antisemitism inquiry will not seek evidence from Ken Livingstone". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 November 2017.

[6] Samuels, Ben. "How Chicago Dyke March Used 'Zio' — David Duke's Favorite Anti-Semitic Prefix." Archived 2017-07-17 at the Wayback Machine The Forward. 17 July 2017. 17 July 2017.

[Guardian-Harris-7] Kahn-Harris, Keith (30 June 2016). "This antisemitism report deserves Labour's calm, close attention. No chance". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.

[BT-2016-06-30-8] "Corbyn under fire for 'offensive' comments at anti-Semitism event". Belfast Telegraph. Independent News and Media. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[9] "The Shami Chakrabarti Inquiry – Report Published". Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism. 30 June 2016. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.

[10] Burnett, Tom (30 June 2016). "Ruth Smeeth calls on Jeremy Corbyn to resign after being abused at inquiry". Stoke Sentinel. Local World. Retrieved 2 July 2016.

[11] Dearden, Lizzie (30 June 2016). "Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth leaves antisemitism event in tears after being accused of 'colluding' with media". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[12] Marshall, Tom (30 June 2016). "Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears'". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.

[13] Simons, Ned (30 June 2016). "Jeremy Corbyn Accused Of Comparing Israel To Isis, Labour MP Leaves Anti-Semitism Event". The Huffington Post. Verizon. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016. I saw the Telegraph handed a copy of a press release to Ruth Smeeth MP, you can see who is working hand-in-hand

[Standard-2016-06-30-14] Marshall, Tom (30 June 2016). "Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears'". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.

[15] Chakelian, Anoosh (30 June 2016). "Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth was reduced to tears at Labour's anti-Semitism inquiry press conference". New Statesman. Progressive Media International. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[16] Davis, Barney (1 July 2016). "Marc Wadsworth who left MP Ruth Smeeth in tears over 'anti-Semitism' refuses to apologise". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 2 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.

[17] McSmith, Andy (30 June 2016). "Labour activist who berated MP Ruth Smeeth says he did not know she was Jewish and denies Momentum links". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

[18] Elgot, Jessica (27 April 2018). "Labour activist Marc Wadsworth expelled from party over antisemitism row". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 April 2018.

[19] Maguire, Patrick (30 June 2016). "Chakrabarti defends Corbyn amid anti-Semitism row". Jewish News. Archived from the original on 3 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.

[20] "Corbyn's offer of peerage to Shami Chakrabarti causes Labour tensions".

[21] Dysch, Marcus (4 August 2016). "Anger as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hands Shami Chakrabarti a peerage". The Jewish Chronicle. Kessler Foundation. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2016.

[selcom-22] "Jeremy Corbyn accused of incompetence by MPs over antisemitic abuse". Observer. 16 October 2016. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2017.

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-The '''Chakrabarti Inquiry''' was a 2016 investigation into allegations of [[antisemitism]] and other forms of [[racism]] in the United Kingdom's [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]]. Chaired by barrister [[Shami Chakrabarti]], the inquiry was launched following comments made by two high-profile Labour figures, [[Naz Shah]] and [[Ken Livingstone]], that some asserted were antisemitic in nature; Shah, a [[Member of parliament]], and Livingstone, the former [[mayor of London]], were subsequently suspended from the party pending an investigation. The inquiry presented its findings on 30 June 2016, stating that although antisemitism and other types of racism were not endemic within Labour, there was an "occasionally toxic atmosphere".
+The '''Chakrabarti Inquiry''' was a 2016 investigation into allegations of [[antisemitism]] and other forms of [[racism]] in the United Kingdom's [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]]. Chaired by barrister [[Shami Chakrabarti]], the inquiry was launched following comments made by two prominent Labour figures, [[Naz Shah]] and [[Ken Livingstone]], that some asserted were antisemitic in nature; Shah, a [[Member of parliament]], and Livingstone, the former [[mayor of London]], were subsequently suspended from the party pending an investigation.
+The inquiry presented its findings on 30 June 2016, stating that although antisemitism and other types of racism were not endemic within the Labour Party, there was an "occasionally toxic atmosphere".
 ==Background==
-The inquiry was established by Labour Party leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]] on 29 April 2016, following the suspension of Naz Shah, the Labour MP for [[Bradford West]], and Ken Livingstone, the former mayor of London, after media reports had emerged that Shah had reposted a graphic on [[Twitter]] during 2014 suggesting that Israel should be relocated to the United States, after which Livingstone defended her during a radio interview, adding that "When Hitler won his election in 1932 his policy then was that [[Jews]] should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews." Both were subsequently suspended from the party pending an investigation into their conduct.<ref name=Guardian-2016-04-29>{{cite news |first1=Heather |last1=Stewart |first2=Anushka |last2=Asthana |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/apr/29/jeremy-corbyn-sets-up-inquiry-into-labour-antisemitism-claims |title=Jeremy Corbyn sets up inquiry into Labour antisemitism claims |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 April 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706220534/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/apr/29/jeremy-corbyn-sets-up-inquiry-into-labour-antisemitism-claims |archive-date=6 July 2016}}</ref><ref name=BBC-2016-06-30>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36672022 |title=Chakrabarti inquiry: Labour not overrun by anti-Semitism |work=BBC News |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630121456/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36672022 |archive-date=30 June 2016}}</ref>
+The inquiry was established by Labour Party leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]] on 29 April 2016, following the suspension of Naz Shah, the Labour MP for [[Bradford West]], and Ken Livingstone, the former mayor of London. The suspensions came after media reports revealed that Shah had shared a graphic on [[Twitter]] in 2014 suggesting that Israel should be relocated to the United States. Livingstone defended Shah during a radio interview, stating, "When Hitler won his election in 1932 his policy then was that [[Jews]] should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews." Both were suspended pending an investigation into their conduct.<ref name=Guardian-2016-04-29>{{cite news |first1=Heather |last1=Stewart |first2=Anushka |last2=Asthana |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/apr/29/jeremy-corbyn-sets-up-inquiry-into-labour-antisemitism-claims |title=Jeremy Corbyn sets up inquiry into Labour antisemitism claims |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 April 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706220534/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/apr/29/jeremy-corbyn-sets-up-inquiry-into-labour-antisemitism-claims |archive-date=6 July 2016}}</ref><ref name=BBC-2016-06-30>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36672022 |title=Chakrabarti inquiry: Labour not overrun by anti-Semitism |work=BBC News |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630121456/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36672022 |archive-date=30 June 2016}}</ref>
-Announcing the inquiry, Corbyn told ''[[The Guardian]]'' newspaper that he was determined to expunge racism from the party: "Labour is an anti-racist party to its core and has a long and proud history of standing against racism, including antisemitism." He appointed Shami Chakrabarti, the former head of the human rights advocacy group [[Liberty (advocacy group)|Liberty]], to chair the investigation. The inquiry's remit would be to recommend how Labour could best tackle instances of racism, including cases of antisemitism and [[Islamophobia]], with Chakrabarti speaking to various groups affected by such issues, such as the Jewish community. She would then report back to party officials within two months, and set out guidelines on acceptable behaviour and language.<ref name=Guardian-2016-04-29/>
+Announcing the inquiry, Corbyn emphasized Labour’s commitment to combating racism, stating, "Labour is an anti-racist party to its core and has a long and proud history of standing against racism, including antisemitism." He appointed Shami Chakrabarti, former head of [[Liberty (advocacy group)|Liberty]], to chair the investigation. The inquiry's mandate was to provide recommendations on addressing racism within the party, including antisemitism and [[Islamophobia]]. Chakrabarti engaged with affected communities and aimed to deliver guidelines on acceptable behavior and language within two months.<ref name=Guardian-2016-04-29/>
-On 16 May 2016, Chakrabarti announced that she had joined the Labour Party in order to gain members' trust and confidence, but expressed confidence that this would not compromise her independence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-Semitism inquiry leader Shami Chakrabarti joins Labour|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36304722|access-date=16 June 2016|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=16 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522061241/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36304722|archive-date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dysch|first1=Marcus|title=Head of inquiry into Labour antisemitism Shami Chakrabarti reveals she has joined the party|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/158247/head-inquiry-labour-antisemitism-shami-chakrabarti-reveals-she-has-joined-party|access-date=30 June 2016|newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle|publisher=Kessler Foundation|date=16 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519000958/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/158247/head-inquiry-labour-antisemitism-shami-chakrabarti-reveals-she-has-joined-party|archive-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> The inquiry had two deputy chairs: [[Jan Royall]], who was at the time holding an investigation into antisemitism at [[Oxford University Labour Club]], and director of the [[Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism]] [[David Feldman (historian)|David Feldman]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Asthana |first=Anushka |title=Labour antisemitism inquiry will not seek evidence from Ken Livingstone |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/16/labour-antisemitism-inquiry-shami-chakrabarti-not-seek-evidence-from-ken-livingstone |access-date=30 November 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=16 May 2016 }}</ref>
+On 16 May 2016, Chakrabarti announced she had joined the Labour Party to build trust and confidence among its members, while maintaining that her independence would not be compromised.<ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-Semitism inquiry leader Shami Chakrabarti joins Labour|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36304722|access-date=16 June 2016|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=16 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522061241/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36304722|archive-date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dysch|first1=Marcus|title=Head of inquiry into Labour antisemitism Shami Chakrabarti reveals she has joined the party|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/158247/head-inquiry-labour-antisemitism-shami-chakrabarti-reveals-she-has-joined-party|access-date=30 June 2016|newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle|publisher=Kessler Foundation|date=16 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519000958/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/158247/head-inquiry-labour-antisemitism-shami-chakrabarti-reveals-she-has-joined-party|archive-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> The inquiry had two deputy chairs: [[Jan Royall]], who was at the time holding an investigation into antisemitism at [[Oxford University Labour Club]], and director of the [[Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism]] [[David Feldman (historian)|David Feldman]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Asthana |first=Anushka |title=Labour antisemitism inquiry will not seek evidence from Ken Livingstone |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/16/labour-antisemitism-inquiry-shami-chakrabarti-not-seek-evidence-from-ken-livingstone |access-date=30 November 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=16 May 2016 }}</ref>
-The controversy occurred at a critical time for Labour, as the party prepared to contest the [[2016 United Kingdom local elections|May 2016 local elections]], and amid mounting concerns from some Labour figures about Corbyn's leadership.<ref name=Guardian-2016-04-29/>
+The controversy unfolded at a critical time for Labour, as the party was preparing for the [[2016 United Kingdom local elections|May 2016 local elections]] and facing internal divisions over Corbyn's leadership.<ref name=Guardian-2016-04-29/>
 ==Findings and recommendations==
-The inquiry's findings were published at a Labour Party event on 30 June. Chakrabarti's report made twenty recommendations on tackling instances of racism, including the following:
+The inquiry's findings were published at a Labour Party event on 30 June 2016. The report included 20 recommendations for addressing racism within the party, including:
-*Abusive references to any particular person or group based on actual or perceived physical characteristics and racial or religious tropes and stereotypes, should have no place in Labour Party discourse.  These epithets includes terms such as "Zio" and "Paki."<ref>Samuels, Ben.  [http://forward.com/news/377160/how-chicago-dyke-march-stumbled-onto-zio-david-dukes-favorite-anti-semitic/ "How Chicago Dyke March Used 'Zio' — David Duke's Favorite Anti-Semitic Prefix."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717140407/http://forward.com/news/377160/how-chicago-dyke-march-stumbled-onto-zio-david-dukes-favorite-anti-semitic/ |date=2017-07-17 }} ''The Forward''.  17 July 2017.  17 July 2017.</ref>
+*Abusive language targeting individuals or groups based on physical characteristics, racial or religious tropes, or stereotypes should be excluded from Labour Party discourse. This includes terms such as "[[Zionism|Zio]]" and "[[Pakistanis|Paki]]."<ref>Samuels, Ben.  [http://forward.com/news/377160/how-chicago-dyke-march-stumbled-onto-zio-david-dukes-favorite-anti-semitic/ "How Chicago Dyke March Used 'Zio' — David Duke's Favorite Anti-Semitic Prefix."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717140407/http://forward.com/news/377160/how-chicago-dyke-march-stumbled-onto-zio-david-dukes-favorite-anti-semitic/ |date=2017-07-17 }} ''The Forward''.  17 July 2017.  17 July 2017.</ref>
-*Labour members should resist the use of Hitler, Nazi and Holocaust metaphors, distortions and comparisons in debates about Israel-Palestine in particular.
+*Members should avoid the use of Hitler, Nazi, and Holocaust metaphors, distortions, and comparisons, particularly in discussions about Israel and [[State of Palestine|Palestine]].
-*There should be procedural rule changes to improve the party's disciplinary process and the adoption and publication of a complaints procedure.
+*Procedural rule changes should be implemented to enhance the party's disciplinary process, including the adoption and publication of a formal complaints procedure.
-*The appointment of a general counsel to the Labour Party to give advice on issues including disciplinary matters and to take responsibility for instructing external lawyers.
+*A general counsel should be appointed to advise on disciplinary matters and manage external legal counsel.
-*The party should increase the ethnic diversity of its staff.<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30/>
+*The party should work to increase the ethnic diversity of its staff.<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30/>
-*The report rejects the idea of a lifetime membership ban from the party for anyone deemed to have used racist language, and suggests no retrospective action i.e. against comments made prior to the inquiry.<ref name=Guardian-Harris/>
+The report rejected the idea of a lifetime ban for members using racist language and advised against retrospective action for comments made prior to the inquiry.<ref name="Guardian-Harris" /> It concluded that the Labour Party "is not overrun by anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of racism" but acknowledged an "occasionally toxic atmosphere" and "too much clear evidence [of] ignorant attitudes."<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30/>
-The report concluded that the party "is not overrun by anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of racism," but has suffered from an "occasionally toxic atmosphere" and "too much clear evidence [of] ignorant attitudes".<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30/>
-Responding to the report, Chief Rabbi [[Ephraim Mirvis]] urged a "full and unhesitating implementation of [its] findings".<ref name=BT-2016-06-30>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/corbyn-under-fire-for-offensive-comments-at-antisemitism-event-34846331.html |title=Corbyn under fire for 'offensive' comments at anti-Semitism event |publisher=Independent News and Media |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> Writing for ''The Guardian'', the academic [[Keith Kahn-Harris]] suggested Chakrabarti had "delivered a report that, while not the last word on the subject, does at least deserve to be discussed seriously and calmly".<ref name=Guardian-Harris>{{cite news |first=Keith |last=Kahn-Harris |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/30/labour-antisemitism-report-shami-chakrabarti-jeremy-corbyn |title=This antisemitism report deserves Labour's calm, close attention. No chance |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630155206/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/30/labour-antisemitism-report-shami-chakrabarti-jeremy-corbyn |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref> Professor [[David Feldman (historian)|David Feldman]], the director of the [[Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism]], stated "This is an important document at a time, when more than ever, we need to stand firm against all forms of racism and intolerance. The report marks a positive step towards ensuring that the Labour Party is a welcoming place for all minority groups. It recommends steps to ensure that members act in a spirit of tolerance and respect, while maintaining principles of free speech and open debate. The recommendations are constructive and provide a sound basis on which the Party can move forward."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Shami Chakrabarti Inquiry – Report Published|url=http://www.pearsinstitute.bbk.ac.uk/home/chakrabarti-inquiry-report-published/|publisher=Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism|access-date=13 November 2017|date=30 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016173001/http://www.pearsinstitute.bbk.ac.uk/home/chakrabarti-inquiry-report-published/|archive-date=16 October 2017}}</ref>
+Reactions to the report included calls for its full implementation. Chief Rabbi [[Ephraim Mirvis]] urged a "full and unhesitating implementation of [its] findings".<ref name=BT-2016-06-30>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/corbyn-under-fire-for-offensive-comments-at-antisemitism-event-34846331.html |title=Corbyn under fire for 'offensive' comments at anti-Semitism event |publisher=Independent News and Media |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> Writing in ''The Guardian'', [[Keith Kahn-Harris]] suggested Chakrabarti had "delivered a report that, while not the last word on the subject, does at least deserve to be discussed seriously and calmly".<ref name=Guardian-Harris>{{cite news |first=Keith |last=Kahn-Harris |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/30/labour-antisemitism-report-shami-chakrabarti-jeremy-corbyn |title=This antisemitism report deserves Labour's calm, close attention. No chance |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630155206/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/30/labour-antisemitism-report-shami-chakrabarti-jeremy-corbyn |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref> [[David Feldman (historian)|David Feldman]]<nowiki/>stated "This is an important document at a time, when more than ever, we need to stand firm against all forms of racism and intolerance. The report marks a positive step towards ensuring that the Labour Party is a welcoming place for all minority groups. It recommends steps to ensure that members act in a spirit of tolerance and respect, while maintaining principles of free speech and open debate. The recommendations are constructive and provide a sound basis on which the Party can move forward."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Shami Chakrabarti Inquiry – Report Published|url=http://www.pearsinstitute.bbk.ac.uk/home/chakrabarti-inquiry-report-published/|publisher=Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism|access-date=13 November 2017|date=30 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016173001/http://www.pearsinstitute.bbk.ac.uk/home/chakrabarti-inquiry-report-published/|archive-date=16 October 2017}}</ref>
 ==Launch==
-===Marc Wadsworth comments===
+===Smeeth-Wadsworth controversy===
-However, the report's launch was quickly overshadowed when Labour MP [[Ruth Smeeth]], who is Jewish, was accused by audience member [[Marc Wadsworth]], an activist from the pro-Corbyn Momentum, of working "hand-in-hand" with ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' (whose reporter, Kate McCann was present at the time), when he saw them talking together and exchanging his press release, and with right-wing media in general.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Burnett |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/ruth-smeeth-calls-on-jeremy-corbyn-to-resign-after-being-abused-at-inquiry/story-29462494-detail/story.html |title=Ruth Smeeth calls on Jeremy Corbyn to resign after being abused at inquiry |publisher=Local World |newspaper=Stoke Sentinel |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Lizzie |last=Dearden |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-antisemitism-jeremy-corbyn-ruth-smeeth-jewish-mp-accused-of-colluding-with-media-a7111061.html |title=Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth leaves antisemitism event in tears after being accused of 'colluding' with media |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630121355/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-antisemitism-jeremy-corbyn-ruth-smeeth-jewish-mp-accused-of-colluding-with-media-a7111061.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Marshall |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |title=Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears' |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630163035/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Ned |last=Simons |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-accused-of-comparing-israel-to-isis-labour-mp-leaves-anti-semitism-event-in-tears_uk_5775013be4b08b8610d78da0 |title=Jeremy Corbyn Accused Of Comparing Israel To Isis, Labour MP Leaves Anti-Semitism Event |publisher=Verizon |work=The Huffington Post |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |quote=I saw the Telegraph handed a copy of a press release to Ruth Smeeth MP, you can see who is working hand-in-hand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701142326/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-accused-of-comparing-israel-to-isis-labour-mp-leaves-anti-semitism-event-in-tears_uk_5775013be4b08b8610d78da0 |archive-date=1 July 2016 }}</ref>
+The launch of the Chakrabarti Report was overshadowed by an incident involving Labour MP [[Ruth Smeeth]], who is Jewish. During the event, audience member [[Marc Wadsworth]], representing a group called Momentum Black Connexions, accused Smeeth of working "hand-in-hand" with ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' and with right-wing media in general after observing her talking to the paper’s reporter, Kate McCann, and exchanging his press release. The press release called for the deselection of Labour "traitors."<ref>{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Burnett |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/ruth-smeeth-calls-on-jeremy-corbyn-to-resign-after-being-abused-at-inquiry/story-29462494-detail/story.html |title=Ruth Smeeth calls on Jeremy Corbyn to resign after being abused at inquiry |publisher=Local World |newspaper=Stoke Sentinel |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Lizzie |last=Dearden |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-antisemitism-jeremy-corbyn-ruth-smeeth-jewish-mp-accused-of-colluding-with-media-a7111061.html |title=Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth leaves antisemitism event in tears after being accused of 'colluding' with media |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630121355/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-antisemitism-jeremy-corbyn-ruth-smeeth-jewish-mp-accused-of-colluding-with-media-a7111061.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Marshall |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |title=Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears' |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630163035/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Ned |last=Simons |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-accused-of-comparing-israel-to-isis-labour-mp-leaves-anti-semitism-event-in-tears_uk_5775013be4b08b8610d78da0 |title=Jeremy Corbyn Accused Of Comparing Israel To Isis, Labour MP Leaves Anti-Semitism Event |publisher=Verizon |work=The Huffington Post |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |quote=I saw the Telegraph handed a copy of a press release to Ruth Smeeth MP, you can see who is working hand-in-hand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701142326/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-accused-of-comparing-israel-to-isis-labour-mp-leaves-anti-semitism-event-in-tears_uk_5775013be4b08b8610d78da0 |archive-date=1 July 2016 }}</ref>
-Smeeth criticised Corbyn for not speaking out in her defence following the allegation levelled against her by Wadsworth: "It is beyond belief that someone could come to the launch of a report on antisemitism in the Labour Party and espouse such vile conspiracy theories about Jewish people, which were ironically highlighted as such in Ms Chakrabarti's report, while the leader of my own party stood by and did absolutely nothing...a Labour Party under his stewardship cannot be a safe space for British Jews."<ref name=Standard-2016-06-30>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Marshall |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |title=Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears' |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=3 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630163035/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chakelian |first=Anoosh |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/06/jewish-labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-was-reduced-tears-labour-s-anti-semitism |title=Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth was reduced to tears at Labour's anti-Semitism inquiry press conference |publisher=Progressive Media International |work=New Statesman |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701140514/http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/06/jewish-labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-was-reduced-tears-labour-s-anti-semitism |archive-date=1 July 2016 }}</ref> Smeeth also said that she had written to the general secretary of the Labour Party and chair of the [[Parliamentary Labour Party]] to make a formal complaint about the incident.<ref name=Standard-2016-06-30/> Chakrabarti subsequently said that she had admonished Wadsworth for his remarks, an action with which she said Corbyn had "concurred"; she also apologised to Smeeth.<ref>{{cite news |first=Barney |last=Davis |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/activist-who-left-mp-ruth-smeeth-in-tears-over-antisemitism-refuses-to-apologise-a3285471.html |title=Marc Wadsworth who left MP Ruth Smeeth in tears over 'anti-Semitism' refuses to apologise |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=1 July 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702151118/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/activist-who-left-mp-ruth-smeeth-in-tears-over-antisemitism-refuses-to-apologise-a3285471.html |archive-date=2 July 2016 }}</ref> Wadsworth said he was unaware that Smeeth is Jewish.<ref>{{cite news |first=Andy |last=McSmith |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-activist-who-berated-mp-ruth-smeeth-says-he-did-not-know-she-was-jewish-and-denies-momentum-a7111366.html |title=Labour activist who berated MP Ruth Smeeth says he did not know she was Jewish and denies Momentum links |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630150140/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-activist-who-berated-mp-ruth-smeeth-says-he-did-not-know-she-was-jewish-and-denies-momentum-a7111366.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref> Wadsworth was subsequently expelled from the Labour Party for bringing the party into disrepute.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/apr/27/labour-activist-marc-wadsworth-expelled-from-party-over-antisemitism-row|title=Labour activist Marc Wadsworth expelled from party over antisemitism row|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=27 April 2018|access-date=27 April 2018}}</ref>
+Smeeth criticized Jeremy Corbyn for not defending her during the incident, stating: "It is beyond belief that someone could come to the launch of a report on antisemitism in the Labour Party and espouse such vile conspiracy theories about Jewish people, which were ironically highlighted as such in Ms Chakrabarti's report, while the leader of my own party stood by and did absolutely nothing... a Labour Party under his stewardship cannot be a safe space for British Jews."<ref name=Standard-2016-06-30>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Marshall |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |title=Labour MP Ruth Smeeth storms out of anti-Semitism report launch 'in tears' |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=3 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630163035/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-storms-out-of-antisemitism-report-launch-a3285106.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chakelian |first=Anoosh |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/06/jewish-labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-was-reduced-tears-labour-s-anti-semitism |title=Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth was reduced to tears at Labour's anti-Semitism inquiry press conference |publisher=Progressive Media International |work=New Statesman |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701140514/http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/06/jewish-labour-mp-ruth-smeeth-was-reduced-tears-labour-s-anti-semitism |archive-date=1 July 2016 }}</ref>
+Smeeth wrote to the Labour Party’s general secretary and the chair of the [[Parliamentary Labour Party]] to file a formal complaint about the incident.<ref name="Standard-2016-06-30" /> Chakrabarti later stated that she had admonished Wadsworth for his comments, an action she said Corbyn had supported. She also apologized to Smeeth.<ref>{{cite news |first=Barney |last=Davis |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/activist-who-left-mp-ruth-smeeth-in-tears-over-antisemitism-refuses-to-apologise-a3285471.html |title=Marc Wadsworth who left MP Ruth Smeeth in tears over 'anti-Semitism' refuses to apologise |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=1 July 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702151118/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/activist-who-left-mp-ruth-smeeth-in-tears-over-antisemitism-refuses-to-apologise-a3285471.html |archive-date=2 July 2016 }}</ref>
+Wadsworth denied knowing that Smeeth was Jewish.<ref>{{cite news |first=Andy |last=McSmith |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-activist-who-berated-mp-ruth-smeeth-says-he-did-not-know-she-was-jewish-and-denies-momentum-a7111366.html |title=Labour activist who berated MP Ruth Smeeth says he did not know she was Jewish and denies Momentum links |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=30 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630150140/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-activist-who-berated-mp-ruth-smeeth-says-he-did-not-know-she-was-jewish-and-denies-momentum-a7111366.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref> He was subsequently expelled from the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/apr/27/labour-activist-marc-wadsworth-expelled-from-party-over-antisemitism-row|title=Labour activist Marc Wadsworth expelled from party over antisemitism row|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=27 April 2018|access-date=27 April 2018}}</ref>
 ===Corbyn comments===
-Speaking at the launch of the inquiry findings, Corbyn said that he would put his weight behind an "immediate implementation" of the report's recommendations.<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30 /> He faced criticism when he was accused of comparing Israel's actions to those of [[ISIS]].<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30 /> He made his comments as he was discussing the report's contents, telling activists that "our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu government than our Muslim friends are for those various self-styled Islamic states or organisations."<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30 /> Mirvis described the remarks as "offensive", and said that "rather than rebuilding trust among the Jewish community, are likely to cause even greater concern".<ref name=BT-2016-06-30 /> A spokesman for Corbyn sought later to clarify the remarks, saying that Corbyn "was explicitly stating that people should not be held responsible for the actions of states or organisations around the world on the basis of religion or ethnicity."<ref name=Standard-2016-06-30 /> Chakrabarti also defended Corbyn, telling [[LBC]] radio that she had read Corbyn's speech just before the event: "I read the leader's speech five minutes before we went into the main room. ... I listened very carefully to what he said. He reflected my report. ... His point was: when you have Jewish neighbours or friends, or Muslim neighbours or friends and something bad happens in the world, don't ask them to be the first to explain or defend or condemn."<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=Maguire |url=http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/chakrabarti-defends-corbyn-amid-anti-semitism-row/ |title=Chakrabarti defends Corbyn amid anti-Semitism row |newspaper=Jewish News |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703033846/http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/chakrabarti-defends-corbyn-amid-anti-semitism-row/ |archive-date=3 July 2016}}</ref>
+At the launch of the Chakrabarti Inquiry findings, Jeremy Corbyn expressed his support for the "immediate implementation" of the report's recommendations.<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30 /> While discussing the report, Corbyn stated, "Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu government than our Muslim friends are for those various self-styled Islamic states or organisations."<ref name=BBC-2016-06-30 />
+Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the comments as "offensive" and suggested they would likely increase concerns within the Jewish community.<ref name="BT-2016-06-30" /> A spokesperson for Corbyn later clarified that he "was explicitly stating that people should not be held responsible for the actions of states or organisations around the world on the basis of religion or ethnicity."<ref name="Standard-2016-06-30" />
+Shami Chakrabarti defended Corbyn, explaining to [[LBC]] that she had reviewed his speech before the event and believed it accurately reflected the findings of her report. She noted, "His point was: when you have Jewish neighbours or friends, or Muslim neighbours or friends and something bad happens in the world, don't ask them to be the first to explain or defend or condemn."<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=Maguire |url=http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/chakrabarti-defends-corbyn-amid-anti-semitism-row/ |title=Chakrabarti defends Corbyn amid anti-Semitism row |newspaper=Jewish News |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703033846/http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/chakrabarti-defends-corbyn-amid-anti-semitism-row/ |archive-date=3 July 2016}}</ref>
+==Aftermath==
+[[Jeremy Corbyn]] appointed Chakrabarti to the House of Lords in July 2016. In October 2016, she was appointed to the [[Shadow Cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn]] as [[Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales]]. Following her appointment, Labour MPs [[Tom Watson, Baron Watson of Wyre Forest|Tom Watson]] and [[Wes Streeting]] along with some Jewish groups, questioned the credibility of the Chakrabarti Inquiry’s findings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/04/shami-chakrabarti-peerage-labour-tensions-corbyn |title=Corbyn's offer of peerage to Shami Chakrabarti causes Labour tensions}}</ref> A spokesperson for Corbyn described Chakrabarti as "an ideal appointment to the Lords."<ref>{{cite news |first=Marcus |last=Dysch |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/161570/anger-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-hands-shami-chakrabarti-a-peerage |title=Anger as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hands Shami Chakrabarti a peerage |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |publisher=Kessler Foundation |date=4 August 2016 |access-date=13 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807195706/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/161570/anger-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-hands-shami-chakrabarti-a-peerage |archive-date=7 August 2016 }}</ref>
+Later that year, a cross-party [[Antisemitism in the United Kingdom#Inquiries|Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into antisemitism in the UK]] later that year invited Corbyn, Chakrabati and Livingstone, amongst others, to provide evidence in a broader investigation into antisemitism. The Select Committee’s report criticized the Chakrabarti Inquiry as "ultimately compromised" by Chakrabarti’s subsequent acceptance of a peerage and Shadow Cabinet position. The Committee further stated that Chakrabarti had been "insufficiently open" in her responses regarding when she was offered the peerage.<ref name="selcom">{{cite news |date=16 October 2016 |title=Jeremy Corbyn accused of incompetence by MPs over antisemitic abuse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/16/jeremy-corbyn-antisemitism-chakrabarti-inquiry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803045140/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/16/jeremy-corbyn-antisemitism-chakrabarti-inquiry |archive-date=3 August 2017 |access-date=9 July 2017 |publisher=Observer}}</ref>
-==Peerage and shadow cabinet role==
-[[Jeremy Corbyn]] announced Chakrabarti as the only Labour appointment to the House of Lords in July 2016. In October 2016, she was appointed to the [[Shadow Cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn]] as [[Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales]]. Following her appointment, Labour MPs [[Tom Watson, Baron Watson of Wyre Forest|Tom Watson]] and [[Wes Streeting]] and some Jewish groups questioned the credibility of the inquiry's findings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/04/shami-chakrabarti-peerage-labour-tensions-corbyn |title=Corbyn's offer of peerage to Shami Chakrabarti causes Labour tensions}}</ref> A spokesman for Corbyn said that Chakrabarti was "an ideal appointment to the Lords".<ref>{{cite news |first=Marcus |last=Dysch |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/161570/anger-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-hands-shami-chakrabarti-a-peerage |title=Anger as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hands Shami Chakrabarti a peerage |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |publisher=Kessler Foundation |date=4 August 2016 |access-date=13 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807195706/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/161570/anger-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-hands-shami-chakrabarti-a-peerage |archive-date=7 August 2016 }}</ref>
+Corbyn defended Chakrabarti, arguing that the criticism of her independence was unfair. He stated that her appointments were made after the inquiry's completion and based on her legal and campaigning expertise. Corbyn also accused the Select Committee of "political framing" and placing undue emphasis on the Labour Party in its investigation.<ref name="selcom" />
-A cross-party [[Antisemitism in the United Kingdom#Inquiries|Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into antisemitism in the UK]] later that year invited Corbyn, Chakrabati and Livingstone, amongst others, to give evidence in a separate, wider investigation of antisemitism. The Select Committee's report described the Chakrabati Inquiry as "ultimately compromised" by Chakrabarti's later acceptance of a peerage and position in the Shadow Cabinet.<ref name="selcom">{{cite news|title=Jeremy Corbyn accused of incompetence by MPs over antisemitic abuse|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/16/jeremy-corbyn-antisemitism-chakrabarti-inquiry|access-date=9 July 2017|publisher=Observer|date=16 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803045140/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/16/jeremy-corbyn-antisemitism-chakrabarti-inquiry|archive-date=3 August 2017}}</ref> The Committee said that Chakrabati had been "insufficiently open" in her answers to them over when she was offered her peerage.<ref name="selcom" /> Corbyn said that the criticism of Chakrabati's independence was unfair, saying he had appointed her after the completion of the report, based on her legal and campaigning experience and accused the Select Committee of "political framing" and undue emphasis on the Labour party.<ref name="selcom" />
 ==References==