SUSPENDED Labour members are hopeful for justice after the party was defeated in a legal challenge brought by a group of members accused of anti-semitism.

Six members of campaign group Labour Activists For Justice (LA4J) are bringing legal action against the party in order to “bring fairness and justice to the Labour Party’s disciplinary process.”

Similar action has also been brought by a further two campaigners, and all eight want to have the cases dealt with at the same time.

The Labour Party wanted a separate hearing for the newcomers, which would have meant a long delay in the procedure.

The High Court ruled on Wednesday that they will be heard together, with a starting date of June 8.

The process has so far cost Labour £75,000, the claimants said.

Diana Neslen, an 81-year-old party member and member of an orthodox synagogue, is one of the original claimants.

“I think it’s a pity and a shame that the party should waste members’ money defending the indefensible,” she said.

Palestinian journalist Sameh Habeeb, who is also a claimant and being represented by Left Legal Fighting Fund, said: “I joined the Labour Party after I came to the UK as a refugee from Gaza.

“I never wanted to take my own party to court, but there was no other way to get justice.”

Alma Yaniv, who was suspended from the party two years ago and also supported by the Left Legal Fighting Fund, said: “Labour has treated pro-Palestine members with contempt. 

“At last, with this court process, we have a chance of achieving justice.”