Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has declared it time for a ‘new kind of political party’ as he set out a plan to launch a new movement with MP Zarah Sultana
Jeremy Corbyn has declared it time for a “new kind of political party” as he set out a plan to launch a democratic movement to “take on the rich and powerful”.
The former Labour leader released a joint statement with MP Zarah Sultana, who quit Labour earlier this month, saying “real change is coming”.
Their party for now will be known as “Your Party” but people are encouraged to sign up to be part of the founding process, to confirm the name, the model of leadership and the policies at an inaugural conference soon. Ms Sultana was quick to clarify “Your Party” is not the official name on social media after many were confused over their statement.
Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana said the current political system is “rigged”. They called for a “mass redistribution of wealth and power”, which would include taxing the richest in society, investing in a massive council-house building programme and bringing energy, water, rail and mail into public ownership.
The pair also spoke about Palestine in their statement, describing Israel’s offensive as a “genocide”. “Millions of people are horrified by the government’s complicity in crimes against humanity,” they said.
“Now, more than ever, we must defend the right to protest against genocide. We believe in the radical idea that all human life has equal value. That is why we will keep demanding an end to all arms sales to Israel, and for the only path to peace: a free and independent Palestine.”
Their statement continued: “The system is rigged when 4.5 million children live in poverty in the sixth richest country in the world. The system is rigged when giant corporations make a fortune from rising bills. The system is rigged when this government says there is no money for the poor, but billions for war.
“We cannot accept these injustices – and neither should you. We will only fix the crises in our society with a mass redistribution of wealth and power. That means taxing the very richest in our society. That means an NHS free from privatisation and bringing energy, water, rail and mail into public ownership. That means investing in a massive council-house building programme. That means standing up to fossil fuel giants putting their profits before our planet.”
The two politicians said “the great dividers” of society want the public to think that the problems in society “are caused by migrants or refugees”. They continued: “They’re not. They are caused by an economic system that protects the interests of corporations and billionaires. It is ordinary people who create the wealth – and it is ordinary people who have the power to put it back where it belongs.
“It’s time for a new kind of political party. One that is rooted in our communities, trade unions and social movements. One that builds power in all regions and nations. One that belongs to you.”
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