How the far right is manipulating the public | Jeremy Corbyn

Quick Overview

Jeremy Corbyn asserts that the far-right gains support primarily due to de-industrialization, lack of state investment in forgotten towns, and the subsequent misleading appeal by the far-right blaming immigration, while lamenting that mainstream social democratic forces have moved rightward, creating a vacuum filled by right-wing populism.

Key Points: Corbyn attributes the rise of far-right parties to de-industrialization across Europe, leading to high unemployment and a loss of status in former industrial towns without replacement high-quality jobs. He claims the far-right cleverly links poverty resulting from state neglect to immigration, describing this correlation as "utter nonsense" but "very clever smart populism." Corbyn criticized the current Labour leadership under Keir Starmer, stating Starmer used the same rhetoric as Enoch Powell in 1968 regarding strangers in the country, causing widespread alarm among long-time members. During his leadership, Corbyn experienced extreme media hostility, noting that 92% of the media were hostile, citing an instance where he was falsely accused of stealing food from military veterans after receiving a free coffee and cake. Corbyn faced significant internal opposition within the Parliamentary Labour Party hierarchy, noting appointees attacked him via social media during Shadow Cabinet meetings, leading to rebellions and leadership challenges. He emphasizes that sticking to core principles like peace, justice, and inclusion is essential in politics, otherwise, a politician becomes disconnected from their electorate like an Edmund Burke figure. Corbyn revealed his removal from the Labour Party membership in July via a "two-line email" and a subsequent note suggesting contacting the Samaritans after 55 years in the party.

Context: The transcript captures an interview with former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn discussing his political principles, his difficult tenure as leader, and his analysis of the rising support for far-right political parties across Europe. The conversation addresses the challenges of maintaining principle against political pressure, the internal dynamics of the Labour Party during his leadership, and the societal roots of right-wing populism, contrasting these issues with the current direction of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer.