After weeks of criticism, Theresa May’s EU “Withdrawal Agreement” was wholeheartedly rejected by the U.K. parliament on Tuesday evening. With 432 MPs voting to reject the deal, this was the largest defeat for a sitting British government in history.
At this point, it is clear that a no-deal withdrawal is the only remaining viable option that will deliver the promise of Brexit. Those who advocate for a “softer Brexit”, the complete cancellation of Brexit, or a so-called “People’s Vote” are doing nothing but disrespecting the voice of the British public and the fundamental sanctity of democracy.
However, with tension rising as Britain marches towards its departure date from the E.U. on March 29th, Theresa May must be wary of a far greater threat — the danger posed by the leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn.
Despite facing a defeat of historic proportions, Theresa May has not resigned. Sensing blood in the water, Jeremy Corbyn condemned May’s continued failure, and tabled a vote of no confidence in the government. The Labour motion was narrowly defeated by a 19-vote margin on Wednesday evening, meaning that Theresa May survived as Prime Minister — for now.
While Brexit may seem confusing — or even boring — the continued failure of Theresa May could have a disastrous outcome. By remaining in power, it is unlikely that confidence in her as Prime Minister will improve, meaning that further votes of no confidence, or an eventual General Election, could mean that Jeremy Corbyn becomes the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. A Prime Minister who would signal the return of mainstream anti-Semitism to Britain.
Many conservatives in the United States are understandably concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism within the Left. While it is deeply troubling that the Left continually fails to condemn anti-Semitic rhetoric from Democrats such as Linda Sarsour, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Keith Ellison, Louis Farrakhan, Al Sharpton, or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, their bigotry pales in comparison to that of Jeremy Corbyn.
Corbyn embodies the worst elements of 21st-century “contemporary” anti-Semitism, hiding behind the thin veil of “anti-Zionism”. Under Corbyn’s leadership, anti-Semitism has spread like a virus within his Party, with Labour M.P. Frank Field stating that Labour leadership had become “a force for anti-Semitism in British politics”.
The Labour Party caused outrage in 2018 when they removed anti-Israel clauses from their code of conduct on anti-Semitism. In 2013, when describing British Zionist Jews, Corbyn stated that “having lived in this country for a very long time, probably all their lives, they don’t understand English irony”. As a result of growing and unhindered anti-Semitism, many Jewish and non-Jewish members of the Labour Party have resigned, turning their back on a party that used to represent their values.
Corbyn has called terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah his “friends”. He even laid a wreath at the “Cemetery of the Martyrs of Palestine” during an event commemorating members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September, the group responsible for the murder and mutilation of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
The fact that Jeremy Corbyn could become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom should fill those who detest bigotry and racism with absolute terror. Despite clear evidence of anti-Semitism, support for Corbyn hasn’t wavered, with many even rejecting accusations as Zionist or Jewish smears.
Europe, including the United Kingdom, has a dark history when it comes to anti-Semitism. Theresa May must do everything she can to stop Corbyn from confirming the return of mainstream anti-Semitism to British shores. She has failed to deliver Brexit, and has ruined the reputation of the Conservative Party. If she does not resign, she is simply holding the door open for Jeremy Corbyn. A door which needs to remain firmly closed.