Zarah Sultana, Member of Parliament, has stated that Jeremy Corbyn “capitulated” on the definition of antisemitism during his tenure as leader of the Labour Party.
Corbyn and Sultana, both former Labour MPs, recently launched a new political party with the stated aim of reshaping politics and challenging government policy regarding Gaza.
In an interview with the New Left Review, Sultana acknowledged the widespread appeal of Corbynism but argued that Corbyn “capitulated” to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, asserting that it “equates it with anti-Zionism.”
Following criticism from Jewish organizations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who deemed her remarks “a grave insult,” Sultana affirmed her anti-Zionist stance on social media.
When questioned about how the new party would adapt the radical political model established by Corbynism a decade prior, Sultana suggested that he had made “a serious mistake” by being overly conciliatory.
She stated: “We have to build on the strengths of Corbynism – its energy, mass appeal and bold policy platform – and we also have to recognise its limitations.”
“It capitulated to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which famously equates it with anti-Zionism, and which even its lead author Kenneth Stern has now publicly criticised.”
Sultana further commented that the movement was “frightened and far too conciliatory” in the face of attacks and should have recognized that the state and the media “are our class enemies” because, in her view, “you cannot give these people an inch.”
In 2018, Labour’s National Executive Committee, its governing body, voted to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism into its code of conduct following months of contention.
At the time, Jewish groups criticized an accompanying statement asserting that “this will not in any way undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians.”
The IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism is an internationally recognized standard, adopted by the government and the majority of British institutions.
The IHRA’s guidance on the definition’s application includes holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of Israel and comparing Israeli policies to those of the Nazis as examples of antisemitic acts.
Kenneth Stern, who was involved in drafting the definition, has since expressed concern over its use, particularly in the UK, to stifle free speech, arguing that “anti-Zionists have a right to free expression.”
However, Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Antisemitism, dismissed Sultana as an “extremist,” stating that her objection to the definition was “unsurprising given her history.”
“Without a proper definition, the unlawful harassment suffered by Jews could continue unabated, as it did during Corbyn’s tenure of the Labour Party,” Mr. Hearn stated.
“The three authors of the IHRA definition have stated that Kenneth Stern was not even an author, let alone ‘lead author’.
“Exaggerating his role is a tactic to give undue weight to his controversial views.”
Mr. Hearn expressed his hope that Sultana would “remain on the fringes of politics for the remainder of her career, which is where her extremist views belong.”
Andrew Gilber, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, stated that the definition is “supported by the overwhelming majority of British Jews as it is clear and measured in defining antisemitism.”
“Calling the recognition of the IHRA definition of antisemitism a ‘capitulation’ is a grave insult,” he stated.
“Labour’s real betrayal under Corbyn was unlawfully harassing and discriminating against Jews.
“Those who seek to delegitimise and mis-define the IHRA definition in this way prove themselves to be no friend to the Jewish community and also call into question their wider commitment to anti-racism, the wellbeing of the Jewish community and social cohesion.”
Responding to the criticism, Sultana posted on X rejecting “smears” and challenging journalists to report that she is “loudly and proudly… an anti-Zionist.”
In a second post she added: “Legacy media are not our allies. They are the mouthpiece of the ruling class.
“And how many of them have spoken out against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the direct targeting of Palestinian journalists?
“You cannot give these people an inch. Their smears won’t work this time.”
Corbyn’s rejection of the IHRA definition was a defining factor in his political downfall from the Labour Party, despite his popularity with many on the left of the party.
After stepping down as party leader following his second general election defeat in 2019, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) investigated the party’s handling of complaints under his leadership.
Corbyn rejected the human rights watchdog’s critical findings that there had been three breaches of the Equality Act during his tenure, claiming complaints had been “dramatically overstated” by political opponents.
His successor, Sir Keir Starmer, suspended him from the party, and Labour’s ruling NEC later barred him from standing for the party in the 2024 general election, leading to him standing as an independent MP.
A Labour source said: “The electorate has twice made their view clear about a Jeremy Corbyn-led party.
“Keir Starmer’s Labour Party rightly tore antisemitism out at its roots. Corbyn almost led the party to extinction. We’re not going back.”
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