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Usdaw General Secretary calls on Labour to adopt in full the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism

Date: 11 August 2018 Shopworkers' trade union leader Paddy Lillis has called on Labour to adopt in full the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism.
Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary: "Usdaw has a proud history of opposing racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in all its forms. Our reps provide support for members who face racially motivated violence, threats and abuse and they will continue to organise and promote anti-racism campaigns in workplaces and wider society. In my 40 years of Labour membership and activism I have been proud to be a part of an anti-racist party and I am now shocked by the situation we find ourselves in today.
 
"Jeremy Corbyn has clearly stated that there is a problem with anti-Semitism in the Labour Party and he is right in his determination to tackle it. If we are to do that it is essential that the Party regains the trust of Jewish communities. As a first step we should immediately amend the Code of Conduct to adopt the full  International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism, including the examples.
 
"We need a Labour government for very many reasons. Our members are severely impacted by austerity, with many struggling with the cost of living. The retail sector is in crisis and the Conservatives have no strategy to support town centres or  save shopworkers' jobs. The Labour Party manifesto can deliver real and much needed change for this country and we must unite in delivering that.
 
"There is absolutely no place for antisemitism in the Labour Party. We need to show just as much strength in opposing anti-Semitism as we do in opposing all racism and other forms of hate."

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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