‘That is not the Labour Party I know and love

A few weeks ago, I – along with everyone else – was deeply saddened by the loss of Jo Cox MP. I only knew Jo in passing, as part of the 2015 cohort of prospective MPs, but an MP being murdered doing her job within the context of an ugly referendum campaign ended up representing a much broader message about the state of our politics. And for many of my friends in the Commons and indeed City Hall, it presented a deep concern about their safety and whether the sacrifice of public service continued to be worth it at all.

Then the referendum result. I respect the outcome, but remain firmly pro-European. Not only was the Leave campaign ugly but it was largely driven by lies. Expert views disregarded. Sensible, considered arguments ignored. Soundbites and scapegoats for much deeper problems in our country prevailed. Regardless of the outcome, the quality of our democratic process was undermined. And the sad truth is that, for many that voted Leave in order to improve their incomes, or access to public services or housing, the realisation of the fallacy of the entire Leave campaign will only leave them even more distrusting of our political system.

We then saw the Prime Minister resign and the Labour Party disintegrate. For the Conservatives, it’s clear that their direction of travel is further to the right. An end to austerity economics, the legal basis of our human rights, and hard fought for environmental protections are all at risk. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if former UKIP politicians re-surface as Conservative politicians under this new regime. The prospect fills me with dread. For Labour, we are now impotent in Parliament. The Government has free reign. If a General Election is called, the power of the right will increase as Labour is further decimated across the country. It breaks my heart. Now more than ever, Labour needs strong leadership that connects with the British people. Strong leadership that shows what Labour in Government can achieve. Strong leadership that shows what the future of Britain can be: as an open, progressive, welcoming and prosperous nation.

The checkmate in Parliament needs to be resolved, not just for the sake of Parliament but because of the toxicity it’s not spreading outside of the Westminster bubble. I’ve just been hearing about the recent Labour Party AGM in Bristol West. I’m told that bullying and intimidation greyed the atmosphere, driven largely by members of Momentum calling for the resignation of Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire, following her own resignation as a junior minister in the Culture, Media and Sports team. I’m all for different ideas and democratic debate (and boy do we need them at the moment), but in order for that to work we have to be respectful of others and accountable for our actions. Members of Bristol West have since reported that they felt threatened and questioned whether to continue to be involved in the Labour Party at all. That is not the Labour Party I know and love. Members that decide to act in this unacceptable way need to be disciplined and expelled from the Party immediately. Their behaviour is intolerable and isn’t welcome.

And on a personal level, the party and its public servants to one side, Thangam might be a dear friend of mine but she’s also a fantastic MP. As we campaigned together in the 2015 General Election, I saw first-hand how she put everything on the line to win. She then continued to work during her treatment for cancer when she was told not to, and she’s been working her socks off ever since. If you’re one of those members who intimated others last night: how dare you. How dare you come to a meeting and act in that way when you’ve probably never knocked on a door or delivered a leaflet. How dare you speak like that to people who serve our movement so that we can be in positions of power to change our country for the better for those that so need it. How dare you tarnish others who share your views, but act in an appropriate and respectful way. How dare you.

We in the Labour Party – at every level, right across the country – have a job to do. The future prosperity of our country is at risk. The type of country we want to be is at stake. Increasing numbers of people are turned off by our democratic process, and vast numbers of people are starting to see party politics as a dysfunctional relic that’s failing to deliver. I’m committed to the Labour Party but, given the mess we’re in, I’ve questioned my own involvement recently – is it really worth it? What does it actually achieve? Neil Kinnock reminded me why I’m not going anywhere: “There will be no split. There will be no retreat. Damn it. This is our party. I’m not leaving it to anybody.”

Darren Jones was Labour’s prospective Member of Parliament for Bristol North West at the 2015 General Election and was Chaired Marvin Rees’ Mayoral Campaign. He tweets at @darrenpjones.