Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
A right Balls-up as Ed draws the line on anti-semitism hypocrisy
The suspension of Labour MP Graham Jones over his mild rebuke of Israel has proved a bridge too far, even for those supporting the Starmer path to power — what on Earth is going on here, asks ANDREW MURRAY

ED BALLS emerged from the political history books last week to let the cat out of the bag.

Criticising the suspension of ex-MP Graham Jones as Labour candidate for Hyndburn by the party’s high command after he had been caught cursing out Israel on a secret recording, the former shadow chancellor said of Jones: “He is not a Corbynite, not hard left. Absolutely not anti-Israel  …  he is not anti-semitic.”

The immediate point is not whether Jones is anti-semitic — we will get to that in a moment. Rather it is the brazen implication of Balls’s remarks — that had he been a “Corbynite,” on the left or critical of Israel then he would have been guilty as charged and merited his punishment.

Russian regrets on ‘Carlson meets Putin’? Not enough gay-bashing!

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
NOT GIVING UP HOPE: MK Ofer Cassif at a protest in 2021. Pic: Shay Kendler/Creative Commons
Features / 7 October 2025
7 October 2025

ASSAF TALGAM talks to an Israeli Communist lawmaker about the need to use every tool of democratic and non-violent struggle; how Israeli society has changed since October 7 2023; and the persecution of the left in the parliamentary arena

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivers a speech at the government's first Civil Society Summit in London, which aims to bring together leaders from charities, expert groups, communities, and government, July 17, 2025
Britain / 17 July 2025
17 July 2025

Starmer doubles down on witch hunt by suspending the whip from Diane Abbott

Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a rally at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council headquarters in New York, July 2, 2025
Features / 15 July 2025
15 July 2025

The New York mayoral candidate has electrified the US public with policies of social justice and his refusal to be cowed. We can follow his example here, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE