DAMNING Truth About Labour Revealed By Martin Forde KC

After the leaked Labour report revealed damning truths about the behaviour of the party's Right, Keir Starmer commissioned leading barrister Martin Forde to conduct a report. Some - myself included - feared a whitewash: but the conclusions were damning, including on factionalism and perceptions of a hierarchy of racism. But Labour have almost entirely failed to engage with Forde over his report - and now he's broken his silence.
We speak to Richard Sanders - one of the makers of Al Jazeera's 'Labour Files' - and award winning investigative journalist Peter Oborne.
Please like, subscribe - and help us take on the establishment media here: / owenjones84

[@OwenJonesTalks]

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[@tiggero6690]

I seem to recall a BBC programme with Victoria Derbyshire where YOU were firmly on the side of the BBC's Panorama 'evidence'. Have to wonder why.

[@dzddteo4920]

1-How can the BBC get away with this 2- how do we only hear about this from Aljazeera ? British press in a dire state

[@uniteddreamer]

Because the BBC is run by Tories.

[@debbief9861]

There’s a lot that I only ever hear about on alJazeera.

[@urbanxhippie6645]

Imagine a competent black barrister being commissioned to investigate and write a report on racism and antisemitism within the Labour Party BY the leader of the Labour party only to be completely ignored and somewhat scrutinised once you've published it - what a time to be alive, ey!

[@annenunney9907]

You are right

[@martinodoni8943]

Yes. Sadly, Owen Jones has been part of that same deceit.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

I am so, so bored of Starmer cultists wailing about anyone who doesn't act like a press officer for the Labour party. I'm an independent political commentator. My job is to tell the truth as I see it. If you don't like it, tough, because I'm going to keep telling the truth however much it annoys you, so suck it up.

[@skyblazeeterno]

@James Arnold Yes Starmer fanboys are often seen in comments sections basically saying any criticism of Starmer is a vote for the Tories - its utter nonsense of course

[@user-SubvurzIV]

People are definitely scared to criticise Starmer because they want the Tories gone so badly and are looking at a general election as the only hope we have. I can understand it for sure, but the Labour Party needs to do some serious house cleaning and need to be willing to be held accountable, otherwise you're not going to get much for your vote except a temporary but very welcome fix to a systemic problem that's still wide open to abuse.

[@douglasmacari8707]

@@jamesarnold7253"But no evidence to say Starmer has anything like that", you say. But, of course there's "no evidence" either to validate the "that" of which you speak. A complete straw-man argument scraped out from the absolute bottom of the Starmer fan-boy barrel.

[@SuperGilly71]

@James Arnold maybe so… but the lesser of 2 evils is still evil.

[@chrisbarrow4234]

Truth is though. What choice do people have. You either vote Conservative or you vote Labour. It's a better of two evils senario. If I had my way I wouldn't vote for anyone. But I know not doing this keeps tax avoiding tories in.

[@Areflection4]

Yes, Labour has a hierarchy of racism with Black people at the bottom. The Labour Files were shocking and has definitely made me re-think my 40-year support for Labour.

[@bernarddodd9788]

Oborne is someone on the right, you could have a drink with, debate, disagree, have a laugh in it. Always appreciate his voice and am glad Owen that you invite him on.

[@annenunney9907]

Well he did his best to undermine Corbyn

[@caroleuktv]

@Peter Oborne "the media are not interested the truth any more" NEVER a truer word said than that.

[@cliffjamesmusic]

Labour is not winning in the polls; the Tories are losing. It’s not the same thing because the relationship is dynamic. Starmer is there merely as non-Corbyn, to tide the things over to the next election and ensure that anything remotely Socialist is marginalised or ignored.

[@time4change878]

Support the BBC. That is Bring Back Corbyn

[@jamescooke6032]

Yeah let's bring back the guy who had the worst election result for a generation. Let's bring back the guy who had votes of no confidence against him. Let's bring back guy the guy who's led Labour to be the only party to be investigated for racism aside from the bnp. You must love the torries mate.

[@johnstevenson5405]

You mean the man that lost to the worst Tory leader of all time. Sensible...very sensible!

[@Papillion-Man]

@@jamescooke6032 So you didn't watch the video🙄

[@jamescooke6032]

@@Papillion-Man I did. What did I say was inaccurate? Which of the following didn't happen under corbyn? Biggest tory majority since 87 Vote of no confidence from Labour mps lost 172-40 Labour Party in special measures by EHRC If you think that is the resume of a success.. You're wrong.

[@rogerward9684]

​@@jamescooke6032 Can't you see what actually happened? Because of Jeremy's view on Palestine there was a massive stitch up by the Israeli lobby.. The party is controlled from "Jerusalem" The whole antisemitism BS started to get J.C. booted from his position and party.40 years not one complaint against him. Why have Israel so much control of the party?? Can't you see it?

[@JB_inks]

Pretty sad that James O'Brien is still continuing on his pro Starmer anti Corbyn dialogue despite so much evidence that he's wrong

[@JohnSmith-bx8zb]

Might be that like many in the uk he wants the tories out!!!! Personally anyone that wants to discredit Starmer must by default helping the tories to another victory. Corbyn like Foot kept the Labour Party in opposition for years. Ask your self why is an Al Jazeera - a foreign owned media outlet - allowing one of its contractors to attack the Labour Party and Starmer? Have you forgot that what is published is only what the owner wants that helps the owner or their favoured elites.

[@nigeltrigger4499]

Ring him up and call him out then.....? No? Chicken?

[@JB_inks]

@@nigeltrigger4499 go away, boring boy

[@Booglarizemebaby]

Yes. I'm chicken. I couldn't say what I wanted against JOB. He's a gifted rhetoratician. I also find him rather belligerent and I've heard him unjustifiably shut down reasonable and insightful Corbyn supportes. I prefer Medhi Hasan.

[@BRMCaptChaos]

When is he right?

[@CharlottePetersRock]

Richard Sanders says, about the writers of the Leaked Report, "It will destroy their lives". But that is what Labour, especially under Starmer's heirarchy, seems to be intent on doing, to so many Members as well, Rica Bird being one. I view with horror the fact that during 2015-2019, we Members and CLPs, worked so hard and willingly, to get Labour into power, on the back of our magnificent and honest Manifesto, but all the time, as we now see, such people as the current leadership were working so underhandedly, against that hope and need - wrecking lives and democracy for the whole electorate of this country. Just shocking.

[@damianmoran1512]

The mask slipped

[@mrmr446]

Doubtless had the report supported Panorama etc. then it would have received widespread coverage.

[@cdean2789]

Martin Forde is a real Hero.

[@Sa-hi5nq]

Thank you for this conversation. Watched The Labour files, trust it more then BBC, wish I could get more people to watch it. Feel for Martin Forde KC, to try and have his reputation tarnished as well as the elderly ladies on Panorama.

[@carrroad]

I'm fed up of the mainstream media, they report what they want you to know, not what you should know.

[@julianshepherd2038]

That capitalism!

[@Andyreally]

Absolutely excellent discussion, thank you Owen.

[@basfinnis]

Owen might have to agree with Alexi Sayle after all then? Then again Starmer throws out people who don't agree with his ridiculous authoritarian rule!

[@skyblazeeterno]

Owen has never been much of a Starmer fan

[@theredjediknight]

Starmer takes his Master's lead..

[@AK-np4rp]

​@@skyblazeeterno He's just been very quick to throw Corbyn uber the bus...just like his Guardian mates

[@mariacrouch7109]

I think if Kier starmer won't do what's needed to change up this party then he needs to be removed to give labour a fighting chance

[@kieranclarges2514]

Mr Jones, Thank you for finally addressing this. I find it admirable when journalists are willing to report all news, Not just news that benefits their own narratives. I have updated my previous criticism. Thank you again.

[@tiggero6690]

I'd sooner trust Diane Abbott than Keir Starmer. She, at least, knows what Labour stands for.

[@lobintool]

A text book definition of how to conduct a reasoned philosophical debate. Well done!

[@yes-me6yg]

This was top notch

[@dansonthetube]

Brilliant stuff OJ 👏

[@spartacusforlife1508]

John ware actually interviewed Ella Rose for the panorama show.his lack of due diligence was astounding

[@WW-tg5pu]

Phenomenal discussion. Thank you Owen

[@Kazekou]

My man Sanders dropped an "Uncle Tom" and I'm like.... "He's not wrong"

[@alanmaddison5272]

Ed Miliband was often involved in complaint cases but Corbyn only did that only exceptionally to speed up decisions when complaints were coming in.

[@fidomusic]

At last Owen you are covering this thoroughly. I don't just mean the Forde Report, which you did a show about, but also the more general issues touched on by The Labour Files. Thank you.

[@theredjediknight]

Keith and his Centrist goons don't like their dirty tricks exposed.

[@bwright227]

Who is Keith?

[@Paul-eb4jp]

Even though he commisioned the report?

[@aidanjohnkelly]

He didn’t recognise its findings or acknowledge its existence. Unlike the EHRC report, which he amplified and absorbed every word.

[@falsum2701]

@@aidanjohnkelly He didn't REALLY absorb every word, since he has been actively, publicly, and unapologetically doing some of the same things that the report condemned Labour for. Notably by interfering politically in disciplinary cases.

[@M2Mil7er]

@@falsum2701 exactly. Additionally, the report said the findings should not be used to stifle free speech, and that Corbyn was legally protected to say what he did in response to it. Not only that, but of the 270 cases in the system, the 'most comprehensive investigation into racism in any political party in history', they selected 70 at random, and found only 2 cases which breached the Equalities Act. It made no criticism of JC, and in conclusion there was no mention of 'institutional AS'. The EHRC findings weren't as damning as the press made it out to be, and The Forde report exonerated JC to a large degree (hence the silence).

[@richm3072]

At a time when it appears absolutely necessary to rid ourselves of the current government, it saddens me that I won't be able to bring myself to vote Labour at the next election

[@GregQchi]

Excellent stuff, appreciated.

[@nathanbradley4092]

Thankyou for this!

[@stegemme]

vote Green, even if it's only for these local elections, also the unions need to consider just who represents their members. I thought the Stalinist comment was a fair reflection.

[@cyberkraut5139]

Are there only malicious politicians lacking of any integrity in England? On both sides of the isle. Is there any hope for the better?

[@1960Reem]

Amazing video thank you

[@ishents1]

Who was Head of BBC at the time?, and who appointed him. This is getting ridiculous.

[@ince55ant]

feels kinda wild to hear this explained like its breaking news when the report has been out for so long. (i understand why its resonable and probably required to be reported this way, but still wild nonetheless)

[@zoundsic]

Labour masochism approaching elections never fails to deliver something.

[@marktaylor6491]

The two ladies should sue.

[@rodmarker2071]

No matter who you vote for the Government always wins

[@nigeltrigger4499]

Your comment is baseless.

[@awol2602]

Interestingly we don't have B Westerman daring to speak in public in any attempt to back up his (ridiculous) insidious allegation

[@mariacrouch7109]

Why is this not being talked about and why is this QC not being listened too

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting

[@DemandBetterEntertainment]

Boosting for democracy

[@mariacrouch7109]

Well said

[@dave07drummer]

hate to say it but this means the labour party is now genuinely unelectable. unseat stammer now.

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Glad prople are starting to see the ight about labour and skarmer

[@tonymurphy2624]

@@tenniskinsella7768 Is the missing letter 'l' or 'r'? Either works.

[@briangingull9641]

They are more than electable.

[@tonymurphy2624]

@@briangingull9641 Indeed, since they're almost identical to the last lot that got elected.

[@dave07drummer]

@@briangingull9641 only if your not expecting any change......

[@danrudge5997]

"The world's alternative view of the history of the last four years" says a lot more when you scrutinise it.

[@chrisc990]

Owen, please hold your hand up to joining in with the AS smearing and marginalisation of those who were unjustifiably tarnished.

[@mickmerrifield6583]

Excellent vid, even if it has boiled my piss and cemented my disdain for Starmuk and his Tory lite cronies.

[@weejockpoopongmcplop]

The idea that it's OK to manipulate a quote because the wider content of the exchange supports the manipulated meaning doesn't really pass the smell test. If the context supports the conclusion they came to, the obvious thing to do would have been to lay out that context.

[@dannymactheatreoflife.1771]

Who the hell do we vote for 😤

[@mariacrouch7109]

This is important and this forde report by Martin forde QC should have Merritt

[@lizfuller400]

Thanks just when I am really feel depressed you are telling me that Labour has no chance. Really made me depressed.

[@moshemankoff7488]

Thanks!

[@corgansmate]

I really don't like starmer, he's the lesser of two evils. I think the election will be for the Tories to lose, not necessarily for labour to win. Just to be clear Tories out.

[@jake751]

I actually think starmer is just as bad as the tories and people are starting to wake up to his lies and empty promises.

[@puddyvalentine]

@@jake751 I have to agree with you....sigh

[@falsum2701]

What do you think Starmer will actually do to improve anything?

[@markwalker2627]

Not likely for the Tories to lose more like more content like this stops Labour getting in.

[@jimmyfaulkner5746]

Tribalism like this is the reason both parties get away with representing their donors not their constituents. Ffs open your thought process up past the one fed to you

[@katherinecollins4685]

Very informative

[@susanmaryjohnston1339]

Keep going All

[@hughcaskey9542]

At last someone tells the truth about labour

[@marktucker208]

And what about Starmer and his tax deal?

[@Antoniowebtube]

Interesting chat Owen. But for how long we are going to keep debating about the useless neoliberal Labor party? When people like you, Corbin and so many others have the courage to create a new alternative organization or party ? I think Momentum was a great idea and a lost opportunity to do that. Congratulations for your podcast.

[@mariacrouch7109]

NEC arnt fit for purpose and should be dismantled even the leader of this party should be replaced as this is all the ing very toxic indeed

[@htlein]

FACT the two party system ides this type of government behaviour. Still a school boy's playground and NOT a government and certainly NOT democratic. Best advice - make it law that only competent women may become MP's

[@mariacrouch7109]

WHY IS QC MARTAIN FORDES REPORT BEING IGNORED AND WHY IS THE EHRC NOT TAKEING THIS ON BOARD AND THE PARLIMENTRY COMMITEE NOT QUESTIONING ALL THOSE INVOLVED

[@cdean2789]

End Apartheid now

[@jascough]

"In the days that have followed Jeremy Corbyn’s offensive Facebook post coming to public attention, there has been outrage from what appear to be two distinct camps. Some Labour members are deeply troubled by the situation, while others argue ignorantly that the Labour leader has done nothing wrong." Michael Segalov on the mural.

[@AK-np4rp]

Red Herring. Nice try.

[@uniteddreamer]

The one that he commented on, not shared, but apologised nonetheless? That one?

[@cdean2789]

Starmer called BLM a 'moment'.

[@seewhatifound]

If it's damning on Starmer ...just imagine what it was under Corbyn

[@WarrenPeaceOG]

Labour is Tories now. Oligarch 'B' Team

[@M_Bamboozled]

"Oligarchs' B-team"...so true.

[@themasteryourdaddy.6307]

You mean Tory lite.

[@happinesstan]

Is that a Howard Hodgkin in the corner?

[@LLLewelyn]

Starmer is clearly Blair's proxy (didn't they both attended Davos this year) and Corbyn was a direct threat to Blair's influence that tragically remains strong to this day. I think the only way Labour will regain power is to u-turn Blair's action to absolve the socialist party status, based on his credule vision that actually has narrowed the political spectrum and dismissed traditional Labour working class voice.

[@stephenkerensky710]

What I don`t understand is why it`s considered racist to ask people about their family origins. The problem seems to be that what is central to any discussion about Israel & Palestine is political extremism, whether it affects Israelis or Palesitinians. This is precisely what no-one wants to talk about. It seems reasonable to ske people what their posdition is, in relation to the extremeists. There is a similar disjunction on statements about Russia in either the pre-or post-Soviet period but there appears to be no interest at all in objective discussion of facts or opinions of the issues involved.

[@AK-np4rp]

Agreed

[@fidomusic]

It's not about extremism, it's about settler/colonialism and apartheid.

[@guyforceuk]

I posted this before watching the whole video.

[@sonpacho]

Why would asking someone if they're from Israel be anti-semitic?

[@kaboomblueskies]

Asking somebody if they're Irish is also antisemitic. Asking anybody with a country whose name begins with an I is antisemitic. It is totally understandable that asking any questions about totally unrelated subjects is antisemitic. This is similar to carpet bombing highly populated targets in that it means you are always going to get someone with every bomb, just like you are going to get an antisemite sometime when you make that accusation.

[@scottb32a]

Owen , whats happened to your old mate Russell Brand ? Are the right blackmailing him ?

[@theo610]

Fantastic work

[@ahartify]

So Putin is okay then and should be let off?

[@cdean2789]

Forde D-notice

[@annenunney9907]

It might be inconvenient but it is the truth

[@aaronvalerio9253]

The Original Arts Hole Vs Plymouth city council and the broader support and education services -the culmination of a ten year legal Battle against one of the funniest little local authorities in the land Exhibition and workshop series of 2023 A fine example of why it's probably better to just have a functioning complaints and accountability procedure x

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😧 What the cluck?

[@alistair1888]

in our nation the choice is labour or conservative and after these years of tory govt. any change is needed

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Alistair but not labpur

[@julianshepherd2038]

All depends if you think racism and bullying are 1 not important 2 will remain hidden until after the next General Election

[@tonymurphy2624]

starmer doesn't represent change.

[@briangingull9641]

@@julianshepherd2038 You are copy and pasting this in reply to several comments and it's deliberately dishonest and manipulative, stop posting it Julian. It's pathetic.

[@skyblazeeterno]

Nation? surely you forget that Scotland has jettisoned both Tories AND Labour

[@worship568]

Something surprising ive fould out is that the singer Jessie Ware is John Wares daughter

[@paulgibbons2320]

Headless chicken.

[@shawnross7169]

Jewsy Smollet comes to mind. See what I did there? 😂

[@malcolmpalmer]

Oh for Tony Benn or Neil Kinnock!

[@franky4984]

Who's the guy that was making those claims in the Panorama program?

[@mlegion8558]

Which claims?

[@alshort752]

Hmmmmm........

[@JackieBergson]

♥

[@dalskiBo]

Why was a barrister commissioned to do a report? Is this not him hiring his mates? Surely there are better qualified people to carry out these kind of reports?

[@ashleywilson2072]

Get the socialists out of Labour. Keir needs Tory votes. Simple.

[@butterflyKiss604]

Relax Owen mate. Labours lead although large is still a mid-term lead and if inflation falls we may still get the Conservative Govt you want next election.

[@spartacusforlife1508]

Not so damning if BBC and other mainstream media are not covering it

[@skyblazeeterno]

Starmer is obviously the establishment shoe in for the next election

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

WTF

[@stevosd60]

It's all too late. That's the idea. Great your own truth and move on quick once you've effected the narrative.. Simples 🙃

[@dexbarry7715]

Well there’s nothing like giving the worst government in living memory some ammunition.

[@falsum2701]

Funnily enough the worst government in living memory was a Labour government. Just ask the average Iraqi.

[@bwright227]

​@@falsum2701 nothing funny about that

[@cheekyboy5000]

They're racist and so is the press. The people they're catering to are racist and unlikely to care about racism in the labour party.

[@rossmcatasney8209]

​@@bwright227 I don't think he was trying to be funny...

[@julianshepherd2038]

You think the Daily Mail don't have this on file? You think they won't use it when it is most effective, probably the next General Election? Are you cool with racism I the Labour Party? No wonder I vote Scottish Green now.

[@lesleylamy]

We need starter, calmer truthfull and straight forward. We won’t know any policies until nearer the time. The cons haven’t got any idea they pinch labour policies so they are not given anything away.

[@tonymurphy2624]

This is a spectacularly stupid comment. It doesn't matter what the policies are when campaigning, because they'll be thrown out the day after the election and the status quo resumed.

[@nigeltrigger4499]

@@tonymurphy2624 This is a spectacularly stupid comment because you are confusing the lying Tories, with Labour who we are always better off with as a country!

[@tonymurphy2624]

@@nigeltrigger4499 I'm not confusing anything. Starmer is a proven liar and about as establishment as you can get. The statement that we're always better off with Labour is a vacuous trope. In reality, we have no means to erect such a statement, not least because the current Labour party is unlike any Labour party we've had. Starmer is an authoritarian hack with a wholly fictitious reputation in human rights and is in the pocket of the US intelligence services. No politician in my lifetime has given me more of a predator vibe. Trust me, you haven't the logical chops or the cognitive nous to identify confusion in me. Go on, bloviate some more.

[@skyblazeeterno]

Let's get this right. Policies matter so why is it a problem Tories use left wing policies?

[@grateberk6435]

Starmer or Sunak? you decide. Also i think that the Labour party has some very worthy cabinet members

[@OwenJonesTalks]

"waa waa, anyone who doesn't act like a press officer for the Labour party is a Tory stooge waa waa". You lot are the most boring cult on earth

[@AK-np4rp]

No, Owen. Asking if someone from a political faction of the Labour party is from Israel is not an antisemitic trope. That's just nonsense. You might want to watch Al Jazeera's other film: The Lobby. You are being disingenuous if you deny that Israel meddles in US and UK politics.

[@AK-np4rp]

@Dean Clark Yes, I am well aware of that. However, Owen said that if they had asked if he was Israel it would be an antisemitic trope. Watch the video again.

[@marygarrapa3537]

Sorry Owen, I usually like your video, but this time I really could't get into it. The questions were not clear, allusions were made to things which were not explained. I found Obirne easier to understand but listening to your other guest, after the third subclause, negations of negations and hesitations, i had to pause the interview and think hard about what he was getting at.

[@rogerward9684]

What took you so long to report on this? Felt kinda sinister why you ignored for so long! There's not many left leaning commentators with a sizable Audience, hope you've come to your senses now

[@OwenJonesTalks]

I did a whole show on the Forde Report literally the day it came out?

[@fidomusic]

@@OwenJonesTalks But not The Labour Files

[@lizshephard2964]

And you ignored the leaked report!

[@david-no6xl]

First of all kudos to Starmer for choosing Martin Forde to do the report, he must have know Forde is not a yes man. Sad if Starmer has not fully engaged with Forde on this, but form the media that I've read is that Starmer is dealing with issue raised. As for Corbyn, nice person, great manifesto , hes not antisemitic but hes not a leader.either, i doubt if he has the strength of character to be leader. You need to understand also that Labour members that I know, and i am as well, absolutely disgusted by the way the Israeli government treat Palestinians, that in itself causes friction within the party. Before i get called an anti-Semite I firmly believe in the two state solution and that the international community should pressure both Israel and Palestinians to implement the agreement.

[@Booglarizemebaby]

He'd of stood a better chance of his party had got around him to support his transforative message. As it was they rejected him and in so doing held the membership and those in our country who would have benefitted from a Labour govnt in contempt.

[@Anon-xd3cf]

I read Martin's report as soon as it was available, I watched the Al Jazeera Labour files series twice... How is it that left leaning Corbyn supporting Owen Jones is ONLY NOW covering this?

[@OwenJonesTalks]

do your homework next time kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZjakKqAqqyCsKc

[@jonathancoulter6578]

and when will he next switch tack?