A group of former Labour MPs have formed a new party called The Independence Group.
Former shadow cabinet ministers Chuka Umunna and Chris Leslie revealed that they will resign the whip, alongside Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger and Gavin Shuker to form the new group.
What is The Independence Group?
The Independence Group is a breakaway party formed by former Labour MPs.
A statement on The Independence Group's website says:"Our primary duty as Members of Parliament is to put the best interests of our constituents and our country first. Yet like so many others, we believe that none of today’s political parties are fit to provide the leadership and direction needed by our country."
Read more: Revealed: Labour MPs to split party amid Brexit tensions
It adds: "Our aim is to pursue policies that are evidence-based, not led by ideology, taking a long-term perspective to the challenges of the 21st century in the national interest, rather than locked in the old politics of the 20th century in the party’s interests.
"As an Independent Group we aim to recognise the value of healthy debate, show tolerance towards different opinions and seek to reach across outdated divides and build consensus to tackle Britain’s problems."
Why did former Labour MPs resign?
Seven Labour MPs resigned the whip over tensions in the Labour party after weeks of speculation surrounding a party split.
Simmering tensions within Labour ranks over Mr Corbyn's approach to leaving the European Union and the party leadership's handling of anti-Semitism allegations had been expected to result in a schism.
Who are the Labour MPs who quit?
- Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham
- Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East
- Ann Coffey MP for Stockport
- Angela Smith MP for Stocksbridge
- Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South
- Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree
- Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South
How are The Independence Group funded?
The newly formed group have taken to crowd sourcing to try and fund their new political ambition.
They have set up a fundraising page and issued a statement of intent.
It read: "You can help us build the alternative.
"Too many people in modern Britain face barriers to fulfilling their dreams and potential. Others simply do not get the support they need. It doesn’t have to be this way but fundamental change is needed.
"The last few years have shown that the established parties are simply not up to this challenge. They are failing to provide the leadership and clear direction which the UK desperately needs.
"There are those who say there is no alternative. That we are doomed to be saddled with the same old politics. That we have to settle for voting for the ‘least worst’ option, or simply to make sure the other lot don’t get in.
"Let’s reject this. When our democracy has failed in the past, the British people have overcome the hurdles to build a better future. Now we must change our politics again.
"If you are tired of broken politics and believe that there must be another way, please donate today. Your contribution will help us build our team, take the conversation to the country, and bring hope back for the future."
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel