We’re backing Owen Smith to stamp out abuse, say hundreds of young members

Over 400 young people have put their name to an open letter in support of Owen Smith, ahead of the first debate of the Labour leadership contest tonight.

In the statement, which you can read exclusively on LabourList, they write that Smith’s plans “offer our generation real hope”, and that his candidacy offers the opportunity to build a movement that is more welcoming of young people.

The letter appears to put blame on Jeremy Corbyn for failing to clampdown on abuse in the Labour Party, and say that the culture “has become increasingly uncomradely” in the past year. Last month, the NEC suspended all constituency and local branch Labour Party meetings over concerns about the spread of abuse, harassment and bullying.

“Over the past year, the culture of the party has become increasingly uncomradely. It is not enough to talk about kinder politics if you don’t stand up to those who abuse, who bully and who make our movement unwelcoming,” the letter states. “Owen will ensure that our Party has a zero tolerance approach to abuse of any kind.”

Corbyn has continually condemned all abuse in the party amid growing fears that the situations is worsening. Labour’s General Secretary Iain McNicol last week issued a warning that anyone found to be engaging in abusive behaviour will not be able to vote in the leadership election.

Around 450 young members of the Labour Party from all over the country have signed the statement, which praises Owen Smith’s policies on enforcing the Living Wage for young people and investing billions on public services and infrastructure.