Ms Berger, originally from Wembley in north-west London and an MP for Liverpool Wavertree for almost a decade, left Labor in the spring of 2019, becoming one of several disillusioned MPs fleeing mainstream parties to form The Independent Group .
He cited a “sea of cases” of anti-Semitism within the Labor Party, accusing its top brass of choosing to “sweep under the rug” any grievances.
I am delighted that Luciana has accepted my invitation to rejoin the Labor Party.
My test for change was whether those who were rightly dismayed at how far we had sunk believe that this is their party again.
I know we have more to do but we are unrecognizable from the party that forced her out. pic.twitter.com/MmmoyYk2HE
—Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 25, 2023
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he is “delighted” that Berger has accepted his invitation to rejoin the party.
He wrote on Twitter: “My test for change was whether those who were appalled at how low we had sunk believe this is their party again.
“I know we have more things to do, but we are unrecognizable from the party that forced her out.”
Ms Berger tweeted: “The Labor Party has taken a major turn under Keir’s leadership. I am pleased to return to my political home.”
The Labor Party has taken a major turn under Keir’s leadership. I am pleased to return to my political home. @UKLabour https://t.co/U3mSHol2PX
— Luciana Berger 🇺🇦 (@lucianaberger) February 25, 2023
Sir Keir posted images of letters exchanged with Ms Berger in which she writes: “I am looking forward to rejoining the party and working with you to continue what you have started.
“It is time to replace this reckless and divisive government and ultimately make the difference our country desperately deserves.”
In his letter he said it was a “bleak ride” from 2015 to 2019 “during which the party fell to the depths of the abyss under the reign of Jeremy Corbyn.”
He said it was “agony” to be in a position where he had no choice but to leave his “political home”.
She said: “I never expected to witness the volume and toxicity of anti-Jewish racism espoused by people allowed to join the Labor Party, and to experience leadership that treated anti-Semitism within party ranks differently than anyone else. kind of racism. – And that by refusing to condemn him, she encouraged him.
“But that’s exactly what happened.”
Sir Keir said in his letter to Ms Berger that she left the party because she was “forced out by intimidation, bullying and racism”, adding: “Yours was a courageous and principled move.
“But it was one you should never have been forced to take. That day will forever be a stain on Labor history.”
He wrote: “Before he was forced out of the party, he was a leading member of Parliament.”
He said the party and British politics are “poorer places” without her, apologizing to her for the “intolerable and unacceptable” experience she had.
“The abuse you suffered was disgusting. You were isolated and exposed. Shamefully, those who should have stood up for you stood by.
“The Labor Party, our party, has always prided itself on being a party of equality, collectivism, solidarity and anti-racism.
“But during those dark days we were none of that,” wrote Sir Keir.
The human rights watchdog found that the party violated the equality law in its handling of anti-Semitism complaints.
A damning report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in 2020 found that the party was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination.
Corbyn dismissed some of the report’s findings, stating that its critics had “dramatically exaggerated the issue for political reasons”.
His comments led to the Labor Party headquarters suspending him from the party.
Sir Keir called the EHRC inquiry findings “difficult to read”, adding that it was “a shameful day for the Labor Party”.
Meanwhile, in another push for Labour, Lord Sainsbury has confirmed his return and a donation, which is understood to be £2 million.
In a statement published by The Observer newspaper, he said: “I believe Keir Starmer has the leadership skills and ability to deal with the economic difficulties we are currently facing.
“He also wants to rally the country around an agenda of economic growth and social justice, which is something I strongly support.
“I am therefore helping Labor financially, as I don’t think democratic elections should be decided by which party can raise the most money, and because I want to see Keir Starmer become Prime Minister as soon as possible. ”
A Labor Party spokesperson said: “Donors are turning to the Labor Party because they can see that we are a changed party that is serious about going into government and building a fairer, greener and more dynamic Britain.
“We are very grateful for all the support, big or small, as we prepare to fight in the upcoming general election.
“Thanks to the leadership of Keir Starmer, Labor is in a strong and positive financial position, having experienced significant revenue growth throughout 2022, leaving us debt and deficit free.”