“Hugely disappointing” Labour resignations “risking a Tory Government”

This morning’s resignations by seven Labour MPs has dealt a blow to Jeremy Corbyn’s hopes of entering 10 Downing Street. The split is seen as similar to the ‘gang of four’ who broke away to set up the SDP in the 80s.

The MPs who have left to sit as independents are –

• Chuka Umunna, MP for Streatham and former shadow business secretary.
• Luciana Berger, MP for Liverpool Wavertree and former shadow minister for mental health.
• Gavin Shuker, MP for Luton South and former shadow international development minister.
• Angela Smith, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge and former shadow deputy leader of the House of Commons.
• Chris Leslie, MP Nottingham East and former shadow chancellor.
• Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South and former chair of the foreign affairs select committee.
• Ann Coffey, MP for Stockport and former parliamentary private secretary to Alistair Darling when he was chancellor of the exchequer.

Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said:“It’s hugely disappointing that a handful of MPs chose to attack policies that would change the lives of millions of people as they exit stage right. 

“A new party for tinkering around the edges is categorically not what people in the U.K. need. 

“Of course anti-semitism must be tackled, GMB Union has been very clear on that, but it’s obvious from the contributions made today that for those leaving it’s about far more than that – they fundamentally disagree with policies that GMB Union believes would change lives. 

“I gritted my teeth through the Blair era, when I disagreed with the Labour Government on a host of issues. But I stayed in the party because Labour in power is always better than the alternative. 

“It would be unforgivable now for those who have resigned to stand against good Labour candidates, risking a Tory Government.”

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/corbyn-calls-for-labour-defectors-to-submit-themselves-to-by-elections/18/02/