To win elections and to govern the country effectively Labour must be a broad church. This is how it won and governed in 1945, 1964 in 1997. At this critical election juncture, the suspension of candidates on the most dubious grounds is not only wrong, it is counter productive. It makes the party seem inward-looking and controlling. It feels far from the tolerant and open politics the country needs and wants and it will alienate many voters just when we need them most.  

If Labour is to win the election and then govern in all the complexities of the 21st Century it will require both agility and pluralism. A better future can only be negotiated not imposed. This is not just about Labour - it’s about putting country before party. It’s about the future of progressive politics and our democratic culture.

As progressives of all stripes, we call on Keir Starmer to show leadership and bring an immediate end to these factional moves. He must unite the party around the project to both beat the Tories and govern the country for progressive ends.

Signed by:

Baroness Ruth Lister

Clare Short, former Labour Secretary of State

Frances Foley, Compass

Melissa Benn, author and education activist

Will MCallum/Areeba Hamid, Greenpeace

John Austin, Labour MP (1992-2010)

Andrew Fisher, Ex Labour Head of Policy

Mark Perryman, author The Corbyn Effect

Jon Lansman

Eunice Goes, Renewal

Ruth Hayes, Vice Chair of the Labour Party Women's Committee

Jeremy Gilbert, author and activist

Sara Apps, Labour Councillor Wandsworth

Henry Tinsley, Chair, Left Foot Forward

Dr. Will Stronge, The Autonomy Institute

Luke Hilyard, The High Pay Centre

Neal Lawson, Compass

Isky Gordon, Professor Paediatric Imaging UCl

Manda Scott, author Any Human Power

Ivor Gaber, Professor of Political Journalism, University of Sussex

John Jackson, campaign strategist

Tom Schuller, author of The Paula Principle

Ben Stewart, Led by Donkeys