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The first local government level branch of The Independent Group was formed by two former Labour councillors on [[Brighton and Hove Council]] on 25 February.<ref>https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/politics/two-brighton-and-hove-councillors-join-the-independent-group-1-8823801</ref>
The first local government level branch of The Independent Group was formed by two former Labour councillors on [[Brighton and Hove Council]] on 25 February.<ref>https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/politics/two-brighton-and-hove-councillors-join-the-independent-group-1-8823801</ref>


On 25 February, the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] announced that it would back moves for a second EU referendum in the coming weeks. [[Jeremy Corbyn|Corbyn]] stated that that it was in order to prevent "a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on the country".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/25/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-seeks-breakthrough-irish-backstop/|title=Brexit latest news: Jeremy Corbyn backs second referendum to prevent 'a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on country'|last=Yorke|first=Harry|date=2019-02-25|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-02-25|last2=Mikhailova|first2=Anna|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|last3=Swinford|first3=Steven}}</ref> This comes after the Independent Group has existed for a week. TIG has been linked with this shift in Labour party policy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/25/labour-to-back-moves-for-second-brexit-referendum|title=Labour to back moves for second Brexit referendum|last=correspondent|first=Jessica Elgot Political|date=2019-02-25|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-25|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
On 25 February, the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] announced that it would back moves for a second EU referendum in the coming weeks. [[Jeremy Corbyn|Corbyn]] stated that that it was in order to prevent "a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on the country".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/25/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-seeks-breakthrough-irish-backstop/|title=Brexit latest news: Jeremy Corbyn backs second referendum to prevent 'a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on country'|last=Yorke|first=Harry|date=2019-02-25|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-02-25|last2=Mikhailova|first2=Anna|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|last3=Swinford|first3=Steven}}</ref> This comes after the Independent Group has existed for a week.


==Reactions==
==Reactions==

Revision as of 20:46, 25 February 2019

This article is about the group of UK MPs that left Labour and the Conservatives in 2019. For similarly-named groups, see Independent Group (disambiguation).

The Independent Group
ConvenerGavin Shuker[1]
Founders
Founded18 February 2019; 5 years ago (2019-02-18)
Split fromLabour Party
Co-operative Party
Conservative Party
Headquarters3rd Floor
1 Ashley Road
Altrincham
WA14 2DT
Political positionCentre[2]
House of Commons
11 / 650
Local government
2 / 20,712
Website
TheIndependent.group
Part of a series of articles on
UK membership
of the European Union
(1973–2020)
Accession
1975 referendum
Treaty amendments
Single European Act, 1986 (UK ratification)
Maastricht Treaty, 1992 (UK ratification)
Treaty of Amsterdam, 1997 (UK ratification)
Treaty of Nice, 2001 (UK ratification)
Treaty of Lisbon, 2007 (UK ratification)
MEPs for UK constituencies
Members 1973–1979 (elected by parliament)
Members 1979–1984 (1979 election)
Members 1984–1989 (1984 election)
Members 1989–1994 (1989 election)
Members 1994–1999 (1994 election)
Members 1999–2004 (1999 election)
Members 2004–2009 (2004 election)
Members 2009–2014 (2009 election)
Members 2014–2019 (2014 election)
Members 2019–2020 (2019 election)
Officials and bodies
Issues and events
Withdrawal

The Independent Group (TIG) is a British pro-EU political association of Members of Parliament (MPs) founded in February 2019. Its seven founding members resigned from the Labour Party, citing their dissatisfaction with the Labour leadership's approach to Brexit and its handling of allegations of antisemitism in the party. They have since been joined by another MP who resigned from Labour, citing similar reasons, and three MPs who resigned from the Conservative Party, citing their opposition to the party's handling of Brexit and what they see as a right-wing takeover of the Conservatives. All members of the group support a second EU referendum.

History

Formation

The group was founded by Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes, Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith and Chuka Umunna, who simultaneously announced their resignations from the Labour Party on 18 February 2019. These founding members have been referred to as the "Gang of Seven" by some British commentators, in reference to the Gang of Four who initiated the Social Democratic Party split from Labour in 1981.[3][4][5] They have also been called "The Magnificent Seven".[6] Four were Labour and Co-operative Party MPs: these exited both parties.[7] Announcing the resignations, Berger described Labour as having become "institutionally anti-Semitic", while Leslie said Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left" and Gapes said he was "furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit".[8][9]

Shuker, Smith and Leslie, as well as Joan Ryan who would join the following day, had recently lost votes of no confidence brought by their constituency parties,[10][11] while two motions of no confidence against Berger had been withdrawn.[10]

They have urged other MPs to join them.[12][13] Umunna said that there was no plans for a merger with the Liberal Democrats: the group wants to build "a new alternative".[8]

Early days

On the day of the group's launch, founding member Angela Smith appeared on the BBC's Politics Live programme, where she said, in a discussion about racism, that: "The recent history of the party I've just left suggested it's not just about being black or a funny tin... you know, a different... from the BAME community". The offending phrase was partially uttered, but was widely reported to be "funny tinge".[14][15] Smith apologised shortly afterwards, saying, "I'm very upset that I misspoke so badly."[14][15][16] Commentators noted an irony given that the party had been formed in response to racism.[17][18]

Joan Ryan became the first MP to join after the group's formation, announcing her departure from the Labour Party on 19 February.[19][20][21] On 20 February 2019, three Conservative MPs joined the group: Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen, and Anna Soubry, citing the handling of Brexit by the Prime Minister (including "red lines" which alienated most Remainers); the party's reliance on the European Research Group (a hard Brexit group) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in passing Brexit-related legislation; what they saw as the takeover of the Conservative party by 'right wing, ... hard-line anti-EU' MPs; and lack of concern from the Conservative party for the poor, as reasons for their departure.[22][23]

On 20 February, a YouGov opinion poll indicated that 14% of British voters would support the Independent Group in a general election if it were a political party (taking some voters from all major parties), and that its "main effect" was pushing a larger group of Labour voters into the "Don't Know" column; the poll was before the party was joined by any former Conservative MPs.[24] A Sky Data poll put support at 10 per cent and a Survation poll at 8 per cent.[25]

Labour councillors in over ten councils have also left the party and intend to align with the Independent Group.[26] The first local government level branch of The Independent Group was formed by two former Labour councillors on Brighton and Hove Council on 25 February.[27]

On 25 February, the Labour Party announced that it would back moves for a second EU referendum in the coming weeks. Corbyn stated that that it was in order to prevent "a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on the country".[28] This comes after the Independent Group has existed for a week.

Reactions

Labour Party

On 19 February 2019, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded: "I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election."[29] He called on the rebel MPs to step down and seek a fresh mandate from the voters in their constituencies.[30] Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell also said that they had a "responsibility" to resign and fight by-elections, as they had been elected as Labour MPs and should seek the approval of the electorate for their new platform.[8] Scottish Labour Party leader Richard Leonard said that those in the new group were letting the Conservatives "off the hook".[31] Others stressed reflection, with deputy leader Tom Watson imploring his party to change in order to stave off further defections.[32] Former Scottish leader Kezia Dugdale urged Labour Party leaders to show "tolerance and understanding".[31]

On 19 February, Labour MP Ruth George, who had been asked to comment on Facebook activity suggesting the group's funders were "Israelis", said that "Support from the State of Israel, which supports both Conservative and Labour ‘Friends of Israel’ of which Luciana was chair is possible and I would not condemn those who suggest it, especially when the group’s financial backers are not being revealed". After criticism of these remarks by Jewish groups and the Labour Party for invoking an antisemitic conspiracy theory, she withdrew her comments and apologised.[33][34][35]

On 20 February, Young Labour, the youth wing of the Labour Party, was accused of "hateful nonsense" in a tweet by journalist Jane Merrick, who writes for The Times and The Daily Telegraph and resigned from the Labour Party last year, following a tweet made after it was revealed that Joan Ryan, former chair of Labour Friends of Israel, had joined the new Independent Group. The tweet which read "Joan Ryan Gone – Palestine Lives", was subsequently deleted.[36][37][38] The group also tweeted "Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, We'll keep the red flag flying here", a line from the traditional Labour Party anthem "The Red Flag", referring to the departing MPs.[39]

On 22 February Ian Austin also left the Party, citing similar reasons and saying he had become "ashamed of the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn", but said he had no plans to join the Independent Group.[40][41]

Affiliated trade unions

On 19 February 2019, Len McCluskey, general secretary of the Labour-affiliated Unite union, said the seven breakaway MPs should call by-elections: "If they regard themselves as democrats, I wonder if they are going to stand down and create by-elections" and "give their constituents the opportunity to see if they want them elected."[14] Unison leader Dave Prentis said that the split was "terrible news", stating that "split parties don't win elections". His comments were endorsed by GMB leader Tim Roache.[8]

Conservative Party

On 20 February 2019, Prime Minister and Conservative leader Theresa May stated that she was "saddened" by the departure of Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen, but added that her party would "always offer... decent, moderate and patriotic politics."[23] Former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron wrote in a statement on Twitter that he respected but disagreed with the three MPs' decision, as the party needs "strong voices at every level of the party calling for the modern, compassionate Conservatism that saw the Conservative Party return to office."[42] He had earlier sent identical messages to the Tory defectors asking them whether it was "too late to persuade [them] to stay."[43] Pro-Brexit MP Michael Fabricant tweeted that he was "Sad to see them go but the Government must deliver the result of #EU #Referendum," while former education secretary Nicky Morgan wrote that she was "very sorry" to see her "principled and fearless friend" Anna Soubry resign.[44]

Liberal Democrats

On 18 February 2019 before the breakaway Vince Cable, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said that his party would "work with them in some form" but that his party would not be "subsumed" by them.[14][45] Following the breakaway, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie said: "This is a damning condemnation of what Labour has become and a compelling positive case for change."[31] On 19 February Cable later added that he has "offered a hand of friendship to the new Independent Group" and sees "the way forward as a collaborative arrangement, a confederation of groups who have a lot in common".[46] On 20 February Cable also suggested that the Liberal Democrats will not put up candidates against members of the Independent Group at future elections.[47] On 21 February former LibDem leader Tim Farron said in a radio interview that it was "entirely possible" that the two groups could merge to form a new centrist political party.[48]

On 23 February Cable contacted members of the Independent Group to seek support for his idea to propose a parliamentary motion for a second Brexit referendum.[49]

Structure and aims

The group is not a registered political party, but rather a group of independent MPs without a leader,[50] though Chuka Umunna and Anna Soubry have both been tipped as potential future leaders.[51] However, Soubry and Heidi Allen have expressed their support for Umunna, the latter stating that it was "obvious for all to see" that he should take over as he appeared most capable of getting "the best out of that group."[52] Umunna hopes that a new party will be formed by the end of 2019.[53]

The group, whose key message is: "Politics is broken. Let’s change it", has stated that it aims to pursue evidence-led policies, rather than those led by ideology, with the group being tolerant of differing opinions. Specific values include social market economy, freedom of press, environmentalism, devolution, subsidiarity,[54] and their opposition to Brexit.[50] All eleven MPs support a second referendum on the EU.[50] Through the group has not published a manifesto, its members follow a set of eleven "values", the most important of which is the belief that the government must do "whatever it takes" to protect national security, as Britain is "a "great country of which people are rightly proud."[51] Shuker has stated that "[we] back well-regulated business but in return we expect them to provide decent, secure and well-paid jobs" and Leslie has stressed that the group is pro-NATO.[50] Moreover, the group has stated it support a "diverse, mixed social market economy".[55]

Funding

The new party would not be entitled to parliamentary financial assistance for opposition parties (Short Money) as it is not available to political parties established in the middle of a parliament.[56] The group is supported in its aims by Gemini A Ltd, a non-trading company started by Shuker and registered in England and Wales.[57][58] Berger stated that the seven founders funded the launch themselves.[13][59] The group has received financial support from David Garrard, who was previously a major Labour Party donor.[60]

Chuka Umunna has stated that he expects the Independent Group to be held to the same standards as existing political parties in terms of funding and transparency despite not yet being a political party.[61] The Group has said it will disclose donations in line with law that governs donations for political parties, i.e. only accepting money from UK donors and naming individuals who give more than £7,500.[62] Shortly after its formation, the group held a meeting with the Electoral Commission to discuss reporting of political donations to the group and to individual MPs within the group.[63]

Members of Parliament

The MPs in the group
Name Constituency Previous party First elected Joined
Heidi Allen South Cambridgeshire style="background-color: Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Conservative 7 May 2015 20 February 2019 (2019-02-20)
Luciana Berger Liverpool Wavertree style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 6 May 2010 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Ann Coffey Stockport style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 9 April 1992 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Mike Gapes Ilford South style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 9 April 1992 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Chris Leslie Nottingham East style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 1 May 1997 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Joan Ryan Enfield North style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 1 May 1997 19 February 2019 (2019-02-19)
Gavin Shuker Luton South style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 6 May 2010 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Angela Smith Penistone and Stocksbridge style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 5 May 2005 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Anna Soubry Broxtowe style="background-color: Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Conservative 6 May 2010 20 February 2019 (2019-02-20)
Chuka Umunna Streatham style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 6 May 2010 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Sarah Wollaston Totnes style="background-color: Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Conservative 6 May 2010 20 February 2019 (2019-02-20)
Key:      Founding member

See also

Previous examples of party splits:

References

  1. ^ "Independent Group: Ex-Labour and Tory MPs elect Gavin Shuker as 'convener'". BBC News. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  2. ^ Helm, Toby (18 February 2019). "Rebel Labour MPs set to quit party and form centre group". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  6. ^ Peck, Tom (18 February 2019). "The Labour breakaway launch was a political version of The X Factor – in the best possible way". Independent. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  7. ^ Hadfield, Miles (18 February 2019). "Four Co-op Party MPs quit the Labour Party as part of breakaway group". Co-operative News. Co-operative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
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  27. ^ https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/politics/two-brighton-and-hove-councillors-join-the-independent-group-1-8823801
  28. ^ Yorke, Harry; Mikhailova, Anna; Swinford, Steven (25 February 2019). "Brexit latest news: Jeremy Corbyn backs second referendum to prevent 'a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on country'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
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  30. ^ Sandhu, Serina (21 February 2019). "Independent Group: will the Tory and Labour defector MPs face a by-election?". i. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
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  32. ^ Perraudin, Frances; O'Carroll, Lisa; Carrell, Severin (18 February 2019). "Tom Watson says Labour must change to avoid more MPs leaving – Politics live". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  33. ^ Sugarman, Daniel (19 February 2019). "MPs may be 'financially backed' by Israel". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  34. ^ Heffer, Greg (19 February 2019). "Ruth George MP sorry for 'conspiracy theory' that Labour quitters are backed by Israel". Sky News. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  35. ^ Mason, Rowena (19 February 2019). "Labour MP apologises for suggesting Israel funds Independent Group". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  36. ^ "Young Labour Accused Of 'Hateful Nonsense' Over Now-Deleted Tweet". HuffPost UK. 20 February 2019. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  37. ^ Doherty, Rosa (20 February 2019). "Young Labour chair: Jews are 'scared' to speak out about antisemitism". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
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  40. ^ Madeley, Pete (22 February 2019). "EXCLUSIVE: Ian Austin MP latest to quit 'broken' Labour Party". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. Retrieved 24 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  41. ^ Siddique, Haroon (22 February 2019). "Labour must move faster on antisemitism, says McDonnell, as Austin quits – politics live". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  42. ^ Simons, Ned (20 February 2019). "The Independent Group Defections: David Cameron Warns Tories To Stay 'Modern' And 'Compassionate'". HuffPost UK. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ Chaplain, Chloe (21 February 2019). "Independent Group: David Cameron 'texted rebel Tory MPs before split to try persuade them to stay'". i. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  44. ^ Brand, Paul (20 February 2019). "Theresa May 'saddened' as three Conservative MPs depart party to join newly-formed Independent Group". ITV News. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ Cowburn, Ashley (3 February 2019). "Vince Cable vows to 'work with' rebel MPs as he claims 'real chance' of Labour breakaway". The Independent. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ Cable, Vince (19 February 2019). "Cynics may decry the Independent Group, but here's why party splits are a blessing for British politics". The Independent. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  47. ^ "MPs debate anti-Semitism". BBC News. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  48. ^ King, Samantha (21 February 2019). "Tim Farron: Forming centrist party with Independent Group 'entirely possible'". Talkradio. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  49. ^ "Second Brexit referendum motion to be tabled in parliament next week". The Independent. 23 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  50. ^ a b c d Maguire, Patrick (18 February 2019). "Q&A: Who are the Independent Group and what do they stand for?". The New Statesman. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  51. ^ a b "The Independent Group: Who are they and what do they stand for?". BBC News. 21 February 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  52. ^ Asa Bennet; Harry Yorke (21 February 2019). "Chuka Umunna must be leader of The Independent Group, Tory defectors claim". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  53. ^ Elgot, Jessica (19 February 2019). "Chuka Umunna hopes new party will be created by end of year". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  55. ^ Bush, Stephen (18 February 2019). "Seven Labour MPs break from party to form Independent Group". The New Statesman. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ Gordon, Tom (19 February 2019). "Funding blow for breakaway MP group". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  57. ^ "GEMINI A LTD – Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk.
  58. ^ Singleton, David (18 February 2019). "Labour's gang of seven: what we know about their moves so far". Total Politics. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  59. ^ Guyoncourt, Sally (21 February 2019). "Who funds The Independent Group? Breakaway MPs pledge to reveal major donors as it receives small donations from thousands". i. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  60. ^ Savage, Michael (23 February 2019). "Corbyn told: change course before it's too late for Labour". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  61. ^ Guyoncourt, Sally (21 February 2019). "Who funds The Independent Group? Breakaway MPs pledge to reveal major donors as it receives small donations from thousands". i. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  62. ^ Pegg, David; Waterson, Jim (19 February 2019). "Independent Group criticised for not registering as political party". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  63. ^ Electoral Commission (United Kingdom) (21 February 2019). "We've had our first meeting with The Independent Group.pic.twitter.com/CSKTy6Uh9n". Retrieved 24 February 2019.
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