The latest stage of the synthetic controversy about “Labour antisemitism” in Britain has now reached a provisional conclusion. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) caved under pressure and voted to accept constraints on what Labour members are permitted to say about Israel.

This decision will not draw a line under the controversy; it will simply embolden the party’s critics (as could be seen within a few hours of the vote). However, it does provide an opportunity to draw up a balance-sheet of the ludicrous affair that has dominated coverage of British politics for an entire summer. There are clear lessons to be drawn for any left-wing party that takes a principled stand in defense of Palestinian rights.