A long-awaited report on Labour anti-Semitism moved a step closer tonight as a full draft was formally sent to the party.
The breakthrough means the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has now concluded most of its inquiry into Labour after 14 months.
But it is still expected to be at least a month before the final report is published, as Labour has 28 days to provide a response to the watchdog.
Labour staff were warned by general secretary David Evans not to discuss the report on social media until the final version is released by the EHRC.
He wrote in an e-mail to staff: “Anti-Semitism has been a stain on our party in recent years.
“It has caused unacceptable and unimaginable levels of grief and distress for many in the Jewish community, as well as members of staff.”
It is thought Labour has a 28-day period to make representations to the watchdog on allegations made about the party.
The EHRC launched a probe last May into whether Labour “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”.
Hailed as the first EHRC probe of its kind since one into the far-right BNP, it examined claims that allies of Jeremy Corbyn interfered with complaints against members accused of anti-Semitism.
Under Mr Corbyn’s leadership, Labour denied the unfair handling of complaints and said the EHRC had been “undermined” by budget cuts.
Last month Mr Corbyn claimed the EHRC was deliberately underfunded by Tory ministers “to take away its independent status and make it part of the government machine”.
(Image: PA)
It has been reported Keir Starmer will use the EHRC report to make major changes to party structures.
An EHRC spokeswoman said: “The draft document has been shared with the Labour Party as part of a formal legal process.
“We will not be commenting any further as the investigation is ongoing.”
A statement from Labour confirmed: “The Equality and Human Rights Commission has provided the Labour Party with a draft of its report into allegations of antisemitism.
“The draft report has been shared with the Labour Party as part of a process afforded to us prior to the report’s publication. It is sent in confidence by the EHRC, so until that process is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment on any of the contents of the draft report – and we will not do so.
“Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are committed to tackling antisemitism within the Labour Party. Antisemitism has been a stain on the Labour Party in recent years. It has caused unacceptable and unimaginable levels of grief and distress for many in the Jewish community, as well as members of staff.
“Tackling antisemitism within the Labour Party is a priority and we are determined to take the further action necessary to begin restoring trust with the Jewish community.
“We are committed to cooperating fully with the Commission’s investigation and implementing its recommendations when the final report is published. We will be making no further comment.”
