Independent MP and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has issued a joint statement with former Labour MP Zarah Sultana announcing the launch of a new political party.
The announcement follows a recent statement from Zarah Sultana upon her departure from the Labour benches, when she said she and Corbyn would co-lead a new party to challenge established parties.
The new party, which is currently unnamed, is aimed at tackling economic inequality and holding the government accountable for its role in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Corbyn and Sultana contend that the British system is ‘rigged’, pointing to the 4.5 million children living in poverty, corporations making billions from increasing bills, and increased defence spending at the cost of welfare.
“We will only fix the crises in our society with a mass redistribution of wealth and power,” they said.
“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 pair also pointed out the government’s complicity in the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, stating that they will demand an end to all arms sales to Israel and support a path to peace that safeguards a free Palestine.
“The great dividers want you to think that the problems in our society are caused by migrants or refugees. They’re not,” Corbyn and Sultana said.
“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.”
They said this new political party would be rooted in community, social movements, and trade union movements, encompassing all religions and cultures.
“It’s time for a new kind of political party. One that belongs to you,” Corbyn and Sultana said.
The party is encouraging those interested to sign up on its registration page to be a part of the founding process.
After this, it will host an inaugural conference, where Corbyn and Sultana say those who registered will decide the party’s direction, its leadership, and its policies.
“That is how we build a democratic movement that can take on the rich and powerful – and win,” they said.
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