News / Politics
‘I’m saddened to see colleagues leave the Labour Party’
The MP for Bristol East has called for Labour to listen and unite following the dramatic split of seven colleagues from the party.
The announcement that Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Chris Leslie, Anne Coffey and Angela Smith have decided to quit and form an independent group knocked Brexit from the top political news slot of the day on Monday.
They cited Jeremy Corbyn’s approach to Brexit and “institutional anti-Semitism” as reasons for the dramatic decision, which has rocked the party and prompted a storm of reaction, ranging from vitriolic anger to glee.
is needed now More than ever
Kerry McCarthy said she is sorry and saddened by the split
Giving a measured response, Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, said: “I’m sorry and saddened to see these seven colleagues leave the Labour Party, and to hear the reasons they have given.
“Luciana in particular has had a really hard time, I do not agree with their move, but I respect them as individuals, and I think Labour as a party needs to reflect seriously on why they felt compelled to act in this way.
“I hope the leadership will now respond with a message of unity – which means listening to those loyal Labour supporters who are currently not happy with the way things are.
“Labour has always been a broad church, united by a desire to see a Labour government that will challenge inequality and fight for social justice. We should remain so.”
Her colleague Darren Jones, who was seized a surprise victory in Bristol North West in 2017, echoed her sentiment.
In a Tweet, he said: “I’m so sad to see colleagues and friends leave the Labour Party today. It’s vital the party now listens, understands their rightful complaints and responds appropriately. We must for the future of our party.”
Jones added his support to a statement made by the deputy leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson who called it a “sad day for all of us”.
Speaking in a Facebook video, Watson said: “This is a moment for regret and reflection not for a mood of anger or tone of triumph.
“This is certainly a wakeup call for the Labour Party.”
Bristol Live has reported on rumours that Jones and Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire could be on a list of Labour MPs that might face deselection.
Debbonaire – who regained her seat with one of the biggest majorities in the country in 2017 – has faced animosity from members of her own party in her constituency in the past and Jones has rebelled against the whip on Brexit on a number of occasions.
Some commentators argue this is about more than the Labour Party and testament to our broken political system.
Commenting on Twitter, South West MEP Molly Scott Cato called for a “modern, multi-party democracy”.
But Marley Bennett, chair of Bristol Young Labour, raised concerns the split will only see the Tories remain in power longer.
“We are saddened that a small group of MPs have left the Labour Party,” he said.
“Young people desperately need a Labour government to bring an end to a decade of cuts and ensure that young people have security and opportunity in their futures.
“A new party will only increase the likelihood of the Conservatives maintaining power. Bristol Young Labour remains committed to Labour values of social justice and equality for all. We are actively opposed to all forms of racism, including antisemitism.”
Read more: Labour win clean sweep of Bristol seats
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