Dear Luciana,
As someone who spent many years as an activist in the Labour and trade union movement I follow developments in your current party closely. From what I can see you are being constantly hounded by people who currently have control of the Labour machine.
You are being attacked both for your policy positions and your Jewish heritage. The recent attempt to put a motion of no confidence in you is as I am sure you realise is a vehicle to ensure that you cannot stand as the partys’ candidate at the next General Election.
I am afraid to say this kind of behaviour is not unusual in the world of the comrades.
In my time as part of that world I regularly experienced bullying and intimidation simply for holding a different point of view to the ‘majority’. Eventually I reached the conclusion that a kind of stalinism was widespread throught the Labour and trade union movement. Democracy when it was practised was deeply flawed.
In the trade unions in particular, internal elections were manipulated to ensure favoured candidates were elected. Those same unions that enjoy a very big say in Labour party policy. Under Corbyn things have got worse not least because he appers comfortable with a supporter base that includes left wing union bosses and Momentum activists many who don’t even believe in parliamentary democracy.
This situation is not likely to change.
I left Labour but I didn’t leave politics. I chose to switch my allegiance to a progressive party that values freedom of speech and tolerates minority opinions within its ranks.
That party is the Liberal Democrats.
Under the leadership of Sir Vince Cable, one of the most principled and decent people in UK politics we are offering strong opposition to Theresa Mays’ cruel Tory government. For me being in this party has been a truly liberating experience. I invite you to join me and the many others who have come to us from Labour.
I am confident that you would be very welcome.
Yours sincerely
David Warren
* David is a member of Horsham and Crawley Liberal Democrats