It has been reported that in recent weeks over 50 volunteer Labour Party activists - role holders in Constituency and Branch Labour Parties who give up their valuable time to support Party activities and engage their local members - have been suspended from party membership, apparently because of motions being brought forward in their local party meetings which are alleged to fall foul of the General Secretary's attempt to impose restrictions on discussion. A previous letter to the party about these restrictions, signed by over 280 CLP Chairs and Secretaries so far, has gone unanswered.

We have seen broad support for suspended activists from party members, including Labour MPs, who are shocked to see hardworking and well-liked volunteers they have worked closely with so unfairly treated. In several cases constituency parties have been mothballed, decimating the local capability to campaign for Labour candidates at upcoming elections.

As well as the impact on the mental health of role holders, this abuse of the party's disciplinary process undermines the party's ability to deal with serious cases of abuse, discrimination and bullying. According to reports, these volunteers have not been charged with any of those, but their cases add to the party's large backlog and make a mockery of the system.

The text of the petition is below. Please sign to show that we stand united against this abuse of power.