Bridget Phillipson – 2023 Comments on Whether Jeremy Corbyn Should be Allowed to Be a Labour MP

The comments made by Bridget Phillipson, the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, on The News Agents podcast on 10 February 2023.

[Bridget Phillipson was asked by Jon Sobel if Jeremy Corbyn should be allowed to return to the Parliamentary Labour Party]

BRIDGET PHILLIPSON

I think for someone who has had ample time to reflect on what took place, under his leadership, not least the outcome of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s investigation into the actions of the party under his leadership, he shows a staggering lack of self reflection and has never apologised really for what took place under his leadership. You know, I think Jeremy Corbyn has known for a long time that there was a responsibility on him to apologise for what took place under his leadership.

[Jon Sobel mentioned that Corbyn has apologised for some things]

BRIDGET PHILLIPSON

Our party was absolutely scarred by the horrific instances of anti-semitism that took place and I don’t think Jeremy Corbyn has ever fully acknowledged what happened or his responsibilities. He isn’t reflecting on what took place. He again is looking to blame others or to make excuses and I don’t think that’s good enough. Over the period of time since Keir Starmer has been Labour leader we’ve rebuilt relationships with Jewish communities in our country and Keir Starmer set out his personal apology for what took place in the Labour Party. And that’s right. I just, I do not understand why Jeremy has not reflected on what took place and why he has still failed to offer an apology on that.