Labour’s North of Tyne mayor has become embroiled in a row over an event with film director Ken Loach that was branded “hugely upsetting” for the Jewish community.
Jamie Driscoll has been urged to apologise after appearing with the acclaimed ‘I, Daniel Blake’ filmmaker on stage at Newcastle’s Live Theatre last week. The criticism prompted Mr Loach to refute what he referred to as “old allegations, always rejected and re-heated from past disputes”.
Mr Loach was expelled from the Labour Party in 2021, claiming at the time that there was a “witch hunt” and saying he would “not disown those already expelled” amid reports of a purge of left-wing factions that backed former leader Jeremy Corbyn and were critical of Sir Keir Starmer's attempts to tackle antisemitism within Labour.
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He was also the subject of controversy at Labour’s party conference in 2017 when he said that “history is for us all to discuss” when asked in a BBC interview whether Holocaust denial was unacceptable. The 86-year-old director later said his comments had been “twisted to give a meaning contrary to that intended” and the Holocaust “is as real a historical event as World War II itself and not to be challenged”.
The Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) says that Mr Driscoll, who has been described as the "last Corbynista in power", should explain why he hosted the ‘In Conversation’ event, which the mayor said focused on Mr Loach's films and career. The mayor is hoping to become Labour’s candidate to stand in the North East mayoral election next year, potentially expanding his patch to an area that would include the large Jewish community in Gateshead.
A JLM spokesperson said: “Ken Loach decided it was more important to support people who consistently downplayed and denied the extent of antisemitism in Labour than support efforts to tackle it. That’s why he’s no longer a member of the party.”
They added: “Quite how anyone – let alone the most senior regional leader in the North East – can think that it’s okay to organise an event with someone with these views and track record is beyond us. There is no ignorance here, Mr Loach's views are known and therefore it is a choice.
"This will be hugely upsetting for Jewish party members and the Jewish community in the North East. Mayor Driscoll urgently needs to explain why he gave a platform to such a figure – and apologise.”
The 86-year-old film director has previously denied accusations of antisemitism made against him and was described by supporters at the time of his expulsion as “an outstanding socialist”.
Mr Driscoll told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I spoke with Ken Loach as part of the Live Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Mr Loach has chosen the North East as a location for his most recent film ‘The Old Oak’ as well as his previous films, ‘Sorry we missed you’ and ‘I, Daniel Blake’.
“During the event, we participated in a lively and engaging discussion about his critically acclaimed films, work and illustrious career.”
Mr Loach called the criticism “old allegations, always rejected and re-heated from past disputes” and said he was “always guided by the many Jewish people” who oppose the JLM’s view. He added: “They include respected lawyers and teachers, and senior academics at leading universities here and abroad.
"They have experienced antisemitism themselves, understand it and have fought it all their lives. And they have been vilified for standing by their principles. I am greatly strengthened by the unwavering support of these brave Jewish people. Which has been constant for many years.
“It was a great pleasure to take part in the 50th anniversary celebrations at the Live Theatre and to visit the North East again. Our last three films have been set here, we have many good friends in the area and the welcome is always warm and generous.”
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