After months of rumours about an impending split, seven Labour MPs have now officially resigned from the party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn’s approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism.
But a day after the seven left Labour to join the newly formed Independent Group, people are starting to question why the group still doesn’t have any policies.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s 'Today' programme, the group’s co-founder, Stretham MP Chuka Umunna, suggested that their lack of policies was down to the fact that the seven MPss had “only just left the Labour party”.
When presenter Nick Robinson asked what the group would be “left saying” if “Corbyn were to go and we were to leave the EU”, Umunna replied:
You’re talking to me like I’m part of a new political party.
We’ve only just left the Labour party and if we’re saying we need an alternative politics, and we’re not just going to do things in the usual way, going straight to setting up a brand new party and a political movement on day two wouldn’t be wise.
But some people argue that the group has been many weeks in the making, allowing the seven MPs plenty of time to come up with a set of policies.
The Independent Group reveals on their website that it is supported by the company Gemini A Ltd. And the Companies House listing for the company reveals that it was founded on 16 January by Gavin Shuker, the MP for Luton.
Many people on Twitter are asking why the Independent Group hasn't come up with any policies yet.
@TheIndGroup I have some questions: - why are you set up as a private company and not a party? - who is funding you… https://t.co/MOGKpyYyf7— Red Bus Book Lover (@Red Bus Book Lover) 1550578020
Umunna on 44 this morning: 'of course we don't have any policies yet, this splinter group just happened yesterday'… https://t.co/27gig9dU4f— James B (@James B) 1550565177
@ChukaUmunna tells #itvnews "we haven't even formed an organisation yet." But they registered themselves as a priva… https://t.co/7vxZi8rAkb— Briefcase Michael (@Briefcase Michael) 1550515356
Where are the policies? #LabourSplit— KT Gilbert (@KT Gilbert) 1550493974
It really is quite staggering that Chuka Umunna has been planning a so-called centrist party for 3 years, yet appea… https://t.co/Bbo8dHGX0p— Frank Owen's Legendary Paintbrush 🟨🟥🥀🇵🇸 (@Frank Owen's Legendary Paintbrush 🟨🟥🥀🇵🇸) 1550575475
So @TheIndGroup has a long list of grievances with @UKLabour and some nebulous values which aren’t really out of pl… https://t.co/FMeUemIhRo— Alpha Tenjin (@Alpha Tenjin) 1550487614
Others are mocking the group over its perceived lack of direction.
Here's their website. Presumably the list of their policies. #LabourSplit https://t.co/7d1OrSU28a— Owen Jones 🌹 (@Owen Jones 🌹) 1550484771
The ‘new’ politics of the Independent Group: ✅ A structure which means no party members ✅ A structure which mea… https://t.co/z9Uo78XLXm— Aaron Bastani (@Aaron Bastani) 1550575497
Although, there are some who are supportive of the group, despite their lack of policies.
Huge credit to the Independent seven for having the courage of their convictions. They have opened up a space for t… https://t.co/uTNOnBuvBH— Matthew d'Ancona (@Matthew d'Ancona) 1550489014
"But The Independent Group has no policies, bar not being a soviet-loving, terrorism apologist antisemite...and als… https://t.co/qJStUOJ4FI— Frances Weetman (@Frances Weetman) 1550575717
The Independent Group are not a political party. As yet, they do not have any policies. On day 1 they were accuse… https://t.co/3Nkit3CXBV— Zoë Paramour (@Zoë Paramour) 1550575858
But this person, who's mumbling commentary of the Labour split conference was picked up on a BBC microphone, didn't sound too convinced.
hot mic BBC moment during ex-Labour MPs' press conference 'not going to lie, between this and Brexit we're fucked… https://t.co/Nh7VZNEcxL— Matthew Champion (@Matthew Champion) 1550487289
More: Labour split: Seven MPs quit the party and the internet is divided
More: Quitting MPs prepared for questions on 'stodgy and mushy centrism', leaked sheet suggests
