Starmer challenged on promise of ‘zero-tolerance’ on antisemitism and racism

In February, Starmer promised: ‘Under my leadership there will zero tolerance of antisemitism, of racism, of discrimination of any kind.’ Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

Keir Starmer has faced criticism for vowing to adopt a “zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism and racism” without having the transparent systems in place to tackle such issues.

Martin Forde KC, the senior lawyer who carried out an inquiry into the party’s culture, said he has become “irritated” by the phrase, which the Labour leader used last month after the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) lifted the party out of two years of special measures over its past failings on antisemitism.