Labour split: Seven MPs quit the party and the internet is divided | indy100 | indy100

Seven Labour MPs have announced that they are leaving the Labour Party to form a new, independent group within parliament.

The group is comprised of MPs Luciana Berger, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey, Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker and Angela Smith.

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The group's new website states:

There is a different way.
To change our broken politics, we need a different culture. The Independent Group aims to reach across outdated divides and tackle Britain’s problems together.
We all have the right to be heard. We can all make a difference. Sign up today to find out how you can join this movement for change and bring hope back to the country.

Conservative blog Guido Fawkes reports that Shuker registered the company in January 2019.

What we know about this new Independent Group: ✅ They’re independents, but not yet a party, hoping to develop over… https://t.co/vGYO6QZu3X
— Paul Brand (@Paul Brand) 1550487236

Jewish MP Luciana Berger opened preceedings with a damning indictment of her former party's leadership. She said that Labour had "failed" to address antisemitism and that she was leaving behind a culture of "bullying, bigotry and intimidation".

I have been embarrassed to remain in the Labour Party.

.@lucianaberger announces seven Labour MPs have resigned from the Labour Party to form a new independent group, say… https://t.co/C0vRnUrT0t
— BBC Politics (@BBC Politics) 1550485132

Other MPs, such as Umunna, criticised Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit. Smith even stated that the Labour party had been "hijacked by extremists" and that they'll "never get the party back" to what it used to be. Gapes said the Labour Party is now a "racist" party. Across speeches by all seven members, Corbyn's refusal to listen to Labour members on Brexit or address antisemitism were the two most frequently cited concerns.

Corbyn responded to the split on Twitter.

I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspire… https://t.co/t6QsNBFw8W
— Jeremy Corbyn (@Jeremy Corbyn) 1550486974

Former leader Ed Miliband took a different tone, though he stated that he was staying in the party.

I deeply regret the decision of my former colleagues to leave Labour. Labour's values are still my values and a Lab… https://t.co/l85vILNUc2
— Ed Miliband (@Ed Miliband) 1550488220

This sentiment was echoed by Keir Starmer and London mayor Sadiq Khan.

I'm deeply saddened to see colleagues leave the Labour Party. We must remain united in the fight for our party's va… https://t.co/rJUuhzc3TX
— Keir Starmer (@Keir Starmer) 1550489000

My response to this desperately sad news: https://t.co/RsOJqFPPtn https://t.co/TywPKdBBFj
— Sadiq Khan (@Sadiq Khan) 1550488910

Lisa Nandy said this marks an "awful" day for the Labour Party.

This is an awful day for the Labour Party and everyone who needs us
— Lisa Nandy (@Lisa Nandy) 1550486127

Though MPs Lucy Powell and Jonathan Ashworth took a less favourable approach.

Very sad and disappointed that some of our colleagues have resigned from the Party. I think it’s the wrong decision… https://t.co/JKqRW46I3G
— Lucy Powell MP (@Lucy Powell MP) 1550485403

Sit as independents, vote as independents, fight elections as independents and then independently help the Tories stay in power
— Jonathan Ashworth (@Jonathan Ashworth) 1550484706

Though former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale criticised those who've urged people to quit the party.

If your response to people leaving the Labour Party this morning is “good riddance” - then you’re part of the probl… https://t.co/54rJqiJKZq
— Kezia Dugdale (@Kezia Dugdale) 1550479948

While David Lammy called for a moment of "reflection".

I am very saddened that seven MPs have felt the need to leave Labour. As I have warned for months, I am concerned t… https://t.co/zNa4HDRg08
— David Lammy (@David Lammy) 1550488845

Others declared that the split mean the "beginning of the end" for Corbyn.

I hated the SDP when they split but at the next election they took 26% of the vote to Labour’s 28%. Foot quit. Mili… https://t.co/hFgDWwYJfz
— Julie Owen Moylan (@Julie Owen Moylan) 1550479882

Though others weren't convinced that a new centrist party is really what Britain needs.

The #LabourSplit MPs are right about one thing - the UK's political landscape is broken, with both main parties dee… https://t.co/RCUfU8F1z5
— Patrick Harvie 🇪🇺🌈 (@Patrick Harvie 🇪🇺🌈) 1550488416

So, to summarise, no one agrees on anything, which, at this point, seems like politics as usual.

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