A novel counter approach from Tory-run Westminster City, which passed a motion last night declaring “zionism is not racism.” To much gnashing of teeth from the left…
The joint Tory-Labour motion obviously responds to the Green one. The council now:
“1. affirm that Zionism is not racism and reject the Green Party’s position
2. reaffirm its support for Jewish residents and its commitment to the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, which it adopted in 2018
3. ask the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition to write to Westminster’s synagogues and the London Jewish Forum
4. ask the Standards Committee to review the council’s equality, diversity and community cohesion training and policies within six months”
Labour is split though – Guido hears Labour councillor Liza Begum has been trying to get the motion stopped by writing to colleagues. There were also protests that the council should first have carried out an equality impact assessment. It passed unanimously – three Labour councillors didn’t turn up…
Mail commentator Dan Hodges – who was kind to Burnham during the Makerfield campaign – now concludes: “The truth is Andy Burnham doesn’t have a 10 year plan. He’s barely got a 10 week plan.“