When Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the British Labour Party, was kicked out of the party last year, his detractors thought that he could be consigned to the dustbin of history. He was denied the party ticket, forcing the Left-wing leader to contest the elections as an independent candidate. Tens of thousands volunteered to run his election campaign, helping him to make it to parliament. But this did not prompt the party leadership to reflect upon its policies. The leadership wanted to teach a tough lesson to the Left-wing elements within the party who would often criticise the pro-Israel policies of the government, besides targeting budget cuts for the welfare projects.
Many believed that the bunch of Leftist MPs and the former Labour leader are not in a position to challenge the status quo. Their attempts to dissuade London from throwing blanket support behind the genocidal government of Israel failed. The government of Keir Starmer also continued with its austerity policy, making a few changes here and there. Starmer’s government went an extra mile, banning the Palestinian Action Group, creating an impression that no political force could dare to challenge the government at least on its pro-Israel front.
But the recent surge in support for a new political party to be led by Corbyn has shattered this myth. According to Muslim MP Zarah Sultana, a co-leader of the new party, who left the Labour Party some time back, more than 500,000 people have signed up to join the new party. If that is true, then Corbyn’s party could emerge as the largest political party in the UK, even surpassing the membership of the ‘xenophobic’ Reform Party that has been thriving on its anti-immigrant agenda.
This phenomenal surge in Corbyn’s popularity was witnessed days after the far right thugs’ protests in different parts of the country, which indicates that mass majority of the British population is still concerned with the rising inflation, shortage of affordable housing, falling living standards, student loan, deteriorating condition of public infrastructure, lack of government’s will to impose wealth tax, environmental degradation, widening class differences, long waiting time for appointments at hospitals, attacks on welfare system and genocide in Gaza. It seems that the people were really waiting for a political leadership that gives priority to these issues rather than spitting venom against immigrants or targeting particular communities.
Apart from these issues, many believe that Corbyn’s personality is also one of the factors prompting people to join him. He is considered one of the most incorruptible politicians in the UK, whose impeccable character is even recognised by his opponents as well. Unlike many Labour leaders who turned out to be opportunists sacrificing principles for the sake of power, Corbyn seldom changed his principled stance on issues ranging from Palestine to war and austerity to trade unions’ rights.
However, many are of the view that, despite the popularity, Corbyn will not have smooth sailing. British politics has already been contaminated with the virus of hatred. While there has been a trend to think of a Leftist alternative, a significant section of the population also believes that the salvation of the UK lies in a Rightward tilt. The recent euphoria over American President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland suggests that Right-wing supporters are equally optimistic about their prospects in the country’s political arena.
They seem to have been emboldened by the victory of Trump and his xenophobic policies. Trump’s venom against Muslims and immigrants has attracted the attention of millions in the country. Like Trump, they are also pro-fossil fuel and want reindustrialisation of the country, ignoring environmental degradation that could be caused by the oil drilling contracts or the reopening of the polluted industries. Like the Republican leader, they are also nostalgic about the glorious days of Britain when the Sun of the British Empire would not set. They think that if Trump could be voted into power by resorting to the politics of hatred, they could also do the same.
The first challenge that the Corbyn-led party might face is the lethal propaganda of Far-Right groups, who are being used by rich British politicians, media tycoons or intellectuals who have been thriving on the politics of divisiveness. The Far Right is going to have a massive rally in September, and it is also mobilising public opinion against immigrants on social media. So, the first litmus test of the new party would be to counter this rally and offer an alternative to the people.
The Far Right is also very active on social media. Critics argue that most leftist parties prioritise cadre building, allocating less time to social media compared to far-right forces. Such an approach deprives people of an alternative view. For instance, consider 1000 posts on TikTok; one would notice that an overwhelming number of them are related to immigration. It is perhaps one of the reasons why the government’s immigration policy is considered the number one issue in the UK.
Critics think that if the new party fails to mount an effective attack on the lies of the Far Right on social media, it may not be able to get the overwhelming support of the British working classes, who have been venting their anger against immigrants and asylum seekers after being influenced by the far-right propaganda. Former British Labour MP George Galloway is the only prominent face of the left on social media. So, Corbyn’s party might have to form a dedicated team with the task of counteracting such propaganda and offering an alternative, besides making efforts to forge unity among the ranks of the working classes.
The new party should also be mindful of those who may resort to the politics of hate and anti-Semitism. While it is right to side with minorities, who have been under fascist attacks for years now, it must distance itself from those Muslim groups who spit venom against Jews as a race. Such groups are also rapidly anti-trans. If the new party does not distinguish between ordinary Muslims and fanatical elements, it will fail to attract the attention of vulnerable sections of society.
Sensing the Left-wing tilt in British politics, the Right might shun their differences, forcing the Reform and the Conservative to mount an effective defence of the reactionary forces by striking an alliance. In such a situation, the new party might have to think of allying with other like-minded parties. Many fear that the Corbyn-led party might end up dividing the working class’s vote, giving the Reform or the Conservatives a victory in the next election. The party might have to come up with a maverick plan to scupper the chances of their triumph.
Many people believe Corbyn and Zarah Sultana will have to keep the phenomenon of numerical strength in view, as it could leave profound impacts on public imagination. For instance, if the over 500000 people who have signed up for the new party show up at, let’s say, any pro-Palestinian rally in London organised by the new party, it will really prompt people to consider the Corbyn-led party as a strong political alternative force.
To muster public support, such massive rallies would also be needed over the issues of austerity, falling living standards, deteriorating public infrastructure and curbs on freedoms. It is to be seen how the new party deals with these issues and the challenges.
The writer is a freelance journalist who can be reached at: [email protected]
