LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – After the youth wing accused the leader of “backing Nato aggression” over the crisis in Ukraine, Keir Starmer suspended funding for Young Labour and cancelled its annual conference.
The sudden crackdown is the latest spat between the leader and the left-wing activists, and comes after the Twitter account of the Young Labour was blocked “until further notice” by the bosses.
Activists administering the Young Labour account, which is for members aged 26 and under, were “actively damaging to the party’s main objectives: to promote Labour candidates and policies, and to win elections,” according to posts.
It comes after a series of public spats, the most recent of which saw Labour’s youth wing criticise the defensive alliance Nato following Russia’s launch of a brutal attack by sea, air and land in Ukraine, and “offer solidarity with those organising against this, including members of Stop the War” (Labour’s official policy is pro-Nato).
Young Labour is meant to be a place to get away from factional rubbish for younger members, a Labour source told the Mirror.
They added that it appears that not everyone understood that unfortunately. Those who aren’t focused on winning the next election will no longer be tolerated by Labour.”
On Thursday, the leader threatened to revoke the whip from 11 Labour MPs, including John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Diane Abbott- for supporting The War Letter.
NATO’s legitimacy was questioned, and the defence alliance was accused of “eastward expansion,” according to the statement.
It further stated that the British government has “no recommendations for a diplomatic solution to the problem,” and that “Britain needs to modify its strategy and start working for peace, not confrontation.”
Following communication with Labour’s senior whip, Sir Alan Campbell, all 11 MPs later withdrew their support for the letter.
Later, Young Labour slammed Sir Keir, pledging support for Stop The War “and other pro-peace activists.”
The chair of Young Labour has been asked for comment by the Mirror.
Meanwhile, Momentum, which was founded to support Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, has condemned the Young Labour Twitter account’s “silencing.”
A spokesman of Momentum stated that they strongly condemn this and anti-democratic and shameful attack on young members within Labour.
This is a transparently factional measure aimed at silencing critics of Labour’s orientation under Starmer, taking advantage of the current global crisis.
It’s also a recipe for disaster, since Starmer is certain to further alienate the party’s core constituency, which is made up primarily of young people. Unfortunately, the Labour leadership looks to be so vengeful that it is willing to chop off its nose to spite its face.
