AT A RECENT pro-Palestine demonstration in Manchester — where a rally and march has been a weekly event since October 7 — the two Jewish Voice for Labour banners fluttering in the breeze had the words “for Labour” crossed out in thick black marker.

The affiliation with a party its members were once proud of, after former leader Jeremy Corbyn rebuilt its membership and mandate to reflect a genuine socialist manifesto, is now a source of embarrassment and even anger.

Intense discussions have been ongoing as to whether to change the name altogether, while somehow retaining the acronym. Jewish Voice for Liberation was one suggestion. Another was to use a lower case L, representing the labour movement instead of the party. For now, the name remains. But it’s an uncomfortable alliance.