The Brexit rift; Another Labour Party MP quits

An MP has quit the Labour Party, Ian Austin has parted ways with the party, in a furious attack on Jeremy Cobyn for presiding over “a culture of extremism, anti-Semitism and intolerance”.

Ian Austin, a serial critic of the Labour leader, became the 9th centrist MP this week to rip up their membership cards and walk away.

But unlike the other eight, he ISN’T joining the new Independent Group of MPs who are against Theresa May’s deal while he is in favour.

Confirming his exit today after 35 years, he a local UK news paper; “I have become ashamed of the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn.”The MP for Dudley North since 2005 added: “I am appalled at the offence and distress Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party have caused to Jewish people.

“It is terrible that a culture of extremism, anti-Semitism and intolerance is driving out good MPs and decent people who have committed their life to mainstream politics.”

A Labour spokesman said: “We regret that Ian Austin has left the Labour Party.”He was elected as a Labour MP and so the democratic thing is to resign his seat and let the people of Dudley decide who should represent them.”

It comes hours after John McDonnell urged anyone considering resignation to stay in Labour and help “hold the family together”.

The Shadow chancellor insisted the Labour leadership is ready to address the ‘valid’ issues which led eight of the party’s MPs to switch to the new Independent Group in Parliament.

He said Labour had not been “severe enough” in dealing with complaints of anti-Semitism and he wanted to see tougher sanctions, including a lifetime ban from membership.

He added there would be an “appropriate sanction” if complaints were upheld against former Militant leader Derek Hatton, who was suspended from the party two days after being readmitted following a 33-year exclusion.

Following the first resignations on Monday, Mr McDonnell promised a “mammoth listening exercise” to address criticisms.

But party chair Ian Lavery prompted anger among Jeremy Corbyn’s critics when he addressed a heated meeting of Labour MPs on Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Austin said: “If that’s the response from the leadership, it will make the situation much worse. I think you could see more people considering taking the same course of action.

“I think a lot of people will be reflecting”.

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