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This article is about the group of UK MPs that left Labour and the Conservatives in 2019. For similarly-named groups, see Independent Group (disambiguation).

The Independent Group
Founders
Founded18 February 2019; 5 years ago (2019-02-18)
Split fromLabour Party
Co-operative Party
Conservative Party
Headquarters3rd Floor
1 Ashley Road
Altrincham
WA14 2DT
IdeologyPro-Europeanism
Political positionCentre[1]
House of Commons
11 / 650
Website
theindependent.group
Part of a series of articles on
UK membership
of the European Union
(1973–2020)
Accession
1975 referendum
Treaty amendments
Single European Act, 1986 (UK ratification)
Maastricht Treaty, 1992 (UK ratification)
Treaty of Amsterdam, 1997 (UK ratification)
Treaty of Nice, 2001 (UK ratification)
Treaty of Lisbon, 2007 (UK ratification)
MEPs for UK constituencies
Members 1973–1979 (elected by parliament)
Members 1979–1984 (1979 election)
Members 1984–1989 (1984 election)
Members 1989–1994 (1989 election)
Members 1994–1999 (1994 election)
Members 1999–2004 (1999 election)
Members 2004–2009 (2004 election)
Members 2009–2014 (2009 election)
Members 2014–2019 (2014 election)
Members 2019–2020 (2019 election)
Officials and bodies
Issues and events
Withdrawal

The Independent Group (sometimes referred to as TIG[2]) is a British centrist and pro-EU political grouping of Members of Parliament (MPs), formed in February 2019. Its seven founding members resigned from the Labour Party, citing their dissatisfaction with the Labour leadership's approach to Brexit and its dealing with allegations of antisemitism in the party.[3] It has since been joined by another MP who resigned from the Labour Party, citing similar reasons, and three MPs who resigned from the Conservative Party, citing their opposition to their former party's handling of Brexit. All members of the group support a second EU referendum to reverse Brexit.

History

Formation

The group was founded by Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes, Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith and Chuka Umunna, who simultaneously announced their resignations from the Labour Party on 18 February 2019. These founding members have been referred to as the "Gang of Seven" by some British media outlets, in reference to the Gang of Four who initiated the Social Democratic Party split from Labour in 1981.[4][5][6] Four were Labour and Co-operative Party MPs: these exited both parties.[7] Announcing the resignations, Berger accused Labour of having become "institutionally anti-Semitic", while Leslie said Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left" and Gapes said he was "furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit".[8][9]

Shuker, Smith and Leslie, as well as Joan Ryan who would join the following day, had recently lost votes of no confidence brought by their constituency parties,[10][11] while two motions of no confidence against Berger had been withdrawn.[10]

They have urged people in other parties to join them.[12][13] Umunna also said that there was "no merger" with the Liberal Democrats planned: the group wants to build "a new alternative".[8]

After the group's launch, founding member Angela Smith appeared on the BBC's Politics Live programme, where she said in a discussion about racism: "The recent history of the party I've just left suggested it's not just about being black or a funny tin... you know, a different... from the BAME community". The offending phrase was partially uttered, but was widely reported to be "funny tinge".[14][15] Smith apologised shortly afterwards, saying, "I'm very upset that I misspoke so badly."[14][15][16] Commentators noted an irony given that the party had been formed in response to racism.[17][18][19]

Expansion

Joan Ryan became the first MP to join after the group's formation, announcing her departure from the Labour Party on 19 February.[20][21][22] On 20 February 2019, three Conservative MPs joined the group: Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen, and Anna Soubry, all of who stated they would honour the result of the referendum, citing the handling of Brexit by the Prime Minister (including "red lines" which alienated most Remainers) and the party's reliance on the European Research Group (a hard Brexit group) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in passing Brexit-related legislation as reasons for their departure.[23][24]

Reactions

Labour Party

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded: "I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election."[25] Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said that they had a "responsibility" to resign and fight by-elections as they had been elected as Labour MPs and should seek the approval of the electorate on their new platform.[8] Scottish Labour Party leader Richard Leonard said that those in the new group were letting the Conservatives "off the hook".[26] Others stressed reflection, with deputy leader Tom Watson imploring his party to change in order to stave off further defections.[27] Labour MP Ian Austin warned Corbyn that there could be more defections from Labour. Former Scottish leader Kezia Dugdale urged Labour Party leaders to show "tolerance and understanding".[26]

Labour MP Ruth George, who had been asked to comment on Facebook activity suggesting the group's funders were "Israelis", said that "Support from the State of Israel is possible and I would not condemn those who suggest it, especially when the group’s financial backers are not being revealed". After widespread criticism of these remarks for invoking an antisemitic conspiracy theory, she withdrew her comments and apologised.[28][29][30]

Young Labour, the youth wing of the Labour Party, was accused of "hateful nonsense" following a tweet made after it was revealed that Joan Ryan, former chair of Labour Friends of Israel, had joined the new Independent Group. The tweet which read "Joan Ryan Gone – Palestine Lives", was subsequently deleted.[31][32][33] The group also referred to the resigning members as "cowards" and "traitors", borrowing words from the traditional Labour Party anthem "The Red Flag".[34]

Affiliated trade unions

Len McCluskey, general secretary of the Labour-affiliated Unite union, said the seven breakaway MPs should call by-elections: "If they regard themselves as democrats, I wonder if they are going to stand down and create by-elections" and "give their constituents the opportunity to see if they want them elected."[14] Unison leader Dave Prentis said that the split was "terrible news", stating that "split parties don't win elections". His comments were endorsed by GMB leader Tim Roache.[8]

Conservative Party

Conservative leader and Prime Minister Theresa May stated that she was "saddened" by the departure of Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen, but added that her party would "always offer... decent, moderate and patriotic politics."[24] Former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron wrote in a statement on Twitter that he respected but disagreed with the three MPs' decision, as the party needs "strong voices at every level of the party calling for the modern, compassionate Conservatism that saw the Conservative Party return to office."[35] He had earlier sent identical messages to the Tory defectors asking them whether it was "too late to persuade [them] to stay."[36]

Liberal Democrats

Ahead of the breakaway, Vince Cable, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said that his party would "work with them in some form" but that his party would not be "subsumed" by them.[14][37] Following the breakaway, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie said: "This is a damning condemnation of what Labour has become and a compelling positive case for change."[26] Cable later added that he has "offered a hand of friendship to the new Independent Group" and sees "the way forward as a collaborative arrangement, a confederation of groups who have a lot in common".[38] He also suggested that the Liberal Democrats will not put up candidates against members of the Independent Group at future elections.[39] Former leader Tim Farron said in a radio interview that it was "entirely possible" that the two groups could merge to form a new centrist political party.[40]

Brexit Party

The Brexit Party MEP and former UKIP leader Nigel Farage said that the split was the start of realignment in British politics.[8]

Structure and aims

The group is not a registered political party, but rather a group of independent MPs without a leader.[41] The group is supported in its aims by Gemini A Ltd, a private company started by Shuker.[42] It has been reported that the seven founders funded the launch themselves.[13][43] The Group has said they will disclose donations in line with law that governs donations for political parties, i.e. only accepting money from UK donors and naming individuals who give more than £7,500.[44]

The group, whose key message is: "Politics is broken. Let’s change it", has stated that it aims to pursue evidence-led policies, rather than those led by ideology, with the group being tolerant of differing opinions. Specific values include social market economy, freedom of press, environmentalism, devolution, subsidiarity,[45] and their opposition to Brexit.[41] All eleven MPs support a second referendum on the EU.[41]

Shuker has stated that "[we] back well-regulated business but in return we expect them to provide decent, secure and well-paid jobs" and Leslie has stressed the group is pro-NATO.[41] Moreover, the group have stated they support a "diverse, mixed social market economy".[46] The group also oppose antisemitism and racism, with Berger and Smith accusing the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn of being institutionally anti-Semitic.[47]

Umunna hopes that by the end of 2019 a new party will be formed.[48] The new party would not be entitled to parliamentary financial assistance for opposition parties (Short Money) as it is not available to political parties established in the middle of a parliament.[49]

Members of Parliament

The MPs in the group
Name Constituency Previous party First elected Joined
Heidi Allen South Cambridgeshire style="background-color: Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Conservative 7 May 2015 20 February 2019 (2019-02-20)
Luciana Berger Liverpool Wavertree style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 6 May 2010 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Ann Coffey Stockport style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 9 April 1992 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Mike Gapes Ilford South style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 9 April 1992 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Chris Leslie Nottingham East style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 1 May 1997 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Joan Ryan Enfield North style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 1 May 1997 19 February 2019 (2019-02-19)
Gavin Shuker Luton South style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour Co-op 6 May 2010 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Angela Smith Penistone and Stocksbridge style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 5 May 2005 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Anna Soubry Broxtowe style="background-color: Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Conservative 6 May 2010 20 February 2019 (2019-02-20)
Chuka Umunna Streatham style="background-color: Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Labour 6 May 2010 18 February 2019 (2019-02-18)
Sarah Wollaston Totnes style="background-color: Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color; padding: 2px"| Conservative 6 May 2010 20 February 2019 (2019-02-20)
Key:      Founding member

See also

Previous examples of party splits:

References

  1. ^ Helm, Toby (18 February 2019). "Rebel Labour MPs set to quit party and form centre group". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Payne, Adam; Colson, Thomas (21 February 2019). "What does the Independent Group mean for Labour, Tories, and Brexit?". Business Insider. Retrieved 21 February 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ "'Splitting headache': what the papers say about Labour party's turmoil". The Guardian. 19 February 2019. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  4. ^ Howse, Christopher (26 January 2006). "Can anyone explain? The Gang of Four". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  5. ^ Maidment, Jack (18 February 2019). "Labour backlash begins as 'Gang of Seven' MPs branded 'traitors' and told by John McDonnell to trigger by-elections". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  6. ^ Nandy, Lisa; Foster, Dawn; Moore, Suzanne; Harker, Joseph; Sodha, Sonia; Balls, Katy (18 February 2019). "Are the gang of seven right to split from Labour? Our panel responds". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  7. ^ Hadfield, Miles (18 February 2019). "Four Co-op Party MPs quit the Labour Party as part of breakaway group". Co-operative News. Co-operative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Seven MPs leave Labour Party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership". BBC News. 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  9. ^ Serhan, Yasmeen (20 February 2019). "About a Dozen Lawmakers Just Made Brexit More Complicated". The Atlantic. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  10. ^ a b Taylor, Rebecca (20 February 2019). "Who are the Tory and Labour MPs now sitting as independents?". Sky News. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  11. ^ "LFI chair Joan Ryan loses local no confidence vote by 94 votes to 92". Jewish News. 6 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  12. ^ Matilda Long, 'Three Conservative MPs quit over May's 'disastrous handling of Brexit' (20/02/19) Yahoo! News UK
  13. ^ a b Channel 4 News, Channel 4, 18 February 2019[need quotation to verify][full citation needed]
  14. ^ a b c d "Labour split: seven MPs resign from the party – Politics live". The Guardian. 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  15. ^ a b Simons, Ned (18 February 2019). "Labour Split MP Appears To Describe BAME People As Having A 'Funny Tinge'". HuffPost UK. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  16. ^ Evans, Albert (18 February 2019). "Independent Group MP Angela Smith apologises after seeming to describe BAME people as 'funny tinged'". i. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  17. ^ Angelo Irving, 'Angela Smith's "funny tinge" comment showed she was right about institutional racism' (19/02/19) on Media Diversified
  18. ^ Adam Smith, 'New ‘funny tinge’ jokes continue to ridicule Angela Smith’s racism gaffe' (19/02/19) on Metro
  19. ^ F. Jordan, 'Nigel Farage slams 'APPALLING' Angela Smith race apology - 'Looks like a HOSTAGE VIDEO!'' (19/02/19) on Daily Express
  20. ^ "Eighth MP quits Labour for Independent Group". BBC News. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  21. ^ Joan Ryan MP (19 February 2019). "After 4 decades, I have made the terribly difficult decision to resign from the Labour Party. It is the greatest honour of my life to represent the people of #EnfieldNorth. I will continue to represent and speak up for them as a member of the @TheIndGroup of MPs #ChangePoliticspic.twitter.com/BroRRoVSGk". @joanryanenfield. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  22. ^ Kirby, Will (19 February 2019). "Joan Ryan: Labour MP resigns from party to join Independent Group, accusing Jeremy Corbyn of 'playing games with Brexit'". The Independent. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  23. ^ "Three Conservative MPs to defect to Independent Group". The Guardian. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  24. ^ a b "Three Tory MPs join Labour breakaway group". BBC News. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  25. ^ Watts, Joe; Buchan, Lizzie (18 February 2019). "Labour MPs quit party in disgust at antisemitism, Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and Brexit stance". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ a b c Gordon, Tom (18 February 2019). "Cracks appear in Scottish Labour as MPs quit". The Herald. Glasgow. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Perraudin, Frances; O'Carroll, Lisa; Carrell, Severin (18 February 2019). "Tom Watson says Labour must change to avoid more MPs leaving – Politics live". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  28. ^ Sugarman, Daniel (19 February 2019). "MPs may be 'financially backed' by Israel". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  29. ^ Heffer, Greg (19 February 2019). "Ruth George MP sorry for 'conspiracy theory' that Labour quitters are backed by Israel". Sky News. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  30. ^ Mason, Rowena (19 February 2019). "Labour MP apologises for suggesting Israel funds Independent Group". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  31. ^ "Young Labour Accused Of 'Hateful Nonsense' Over Now-Deleted Tweet". HuffPost UK. 20 February 2019. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  32. ^ Doherty, Rosa (20 February 2019). "Young Labour chair: Jews are 'scared' to speak out about antisemitism". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  33. ^ "Young Labour chair condemns 'offensive' tweets as 270 activists sign open letter". Jewish News. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  34. ^ Chaplain, Chloe (20 February 2019). "Young Labour criticised for 'Palestine lives' tweet after MP Joan Ryan resigns citing anti-Semitism". i. London. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  35. ^ Simons, Ned (20 February 2019). "The Independent Group Defections: David Cameron Warns Tories To Stay 'Modern' And 'Compassionate'". HuffPost UK. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ Chaplain, Chloe (21 February 2019). "Independent Group: David Cameron 'texted rebel Tory MPs before split to try persuade them to stay'". i. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ Cowburn, Ashley (3 February 2019). "Vince Cable vows to 'work with' rebel MPs as he claims 'real chance' of Labour breakaway". The Independent. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ Cable, Vince (19 February 2019). "Cynics may decry the Independent Group, but here's why party splits are a blessing for British politics". The Independent. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  39. ^ "MPs debate anti-Semitism". BBC News. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  40. ^ King, Samantha (21 February 2019). "Tim Farron: Forming centrist party with Independent Group 'entirely possible'". Talkradio. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  41. ^ a b c d Maguire, Patrick (18 February 2019). "Q&A: Who are the Independent Group and what do they stand for?". The New Statesman. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ Singleton, David (18 February 2019). "Labour's gang of seven: what we know about their moves so far". Total Politics. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  43. ^ Guyoncourt, Sally (21 February 2019). "Who funds The Independent Group? Breakaway MPs pledge to reveal major donors as it receives small donations from thousands". i. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  44. ^ "Independent Group criticised for not registering as political party". The Guardian. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)
  45. ^ "Statement of Independence". The Independent Group. 18 February 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ Bush, Stephen (18 February 2019). "Seven Labour MPs break from party to form Independent Group". The New Statesman. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ Murphy, Joe; Cecil, Nicholas; Proctor, Kate (18 February 2019). "The Independent Group: Seven Labour MPs quit party over Jeremy Corbyn's handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ Elgot, Jessica (19 February 2019). "Chuka Umunna hopes new party will be created by end of year". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ Gordon, Tom (19 February 2019). "Funding blow for breakaway MP group". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
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