MP regains Labour whip after using contentious phrase

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald was suspended from the Labour Party in October 2023

The Labour Party has reinstated the whip to an MP who used a controversial phrase at a pro-Palestinian rally.

Andy McDonald, who represents Middlesbrough, was suspended from the party in October after he used the phrase "between the river and the sea".

Labour said its investigation found Mr McDonald had "not engaged in conduct that was against the party's rulebook".

Mr McDonald said he would not use the phrase again and he had not intended his words to "cause anyone distress or anguish".

In a speech at a demonstration in October, Mr McDonald, a former shadow minister under Jeremy Corbyn, said: "We will not rest until we have justice. Until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty."

The phrase "from the river to the sea" refers to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean. It has been used in a chant heard at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The use of the chant is seen by Israel and many Jewish groups as a call for the destruction of Israel.

Pro-Palestinian activists say most people using the chant are calling for an end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza.

'Abominations of antisemitism'

Mr McDonald said: "It was never my intention to use words that would cause anyone distress or anguish and I bitterly regret the pain and hurt caused. Accordingly, I will not use that phrasing again.

"I was disappointed that the reason for my suspension was misreported in some quarters and that this has caused reputational damage to myself and further pain and suffering to others.

"I will continue to denounce the abominations of antisemitism and Islamophobia wherever they raise their ugly heads.

"These are key reasons why I joined the Labour Party 45 years ago."

The chief whip, Sir Alan Campbell, has received assurances from Mr McDonald "about his future conduct" and that he understands the need to be mindful.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The chief whip has today restored the Labour whip to Andy McDonald MP.

"This follows a full investigation by the Labour Party into complaints received about public remarks that he made in October 2023.

"The investigation concluded that he had not engaged in conduct that was against the party’s rulebook but reminded him of the importance of elected representatives being mindful, not only of what they say in public, but how their words may be interpreted, especially in reference to controversial or emotive issues."