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Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn launching new left-wing party

Jeremy Corbyn Announces Launch of New Left-Wing Party in Bid to Reshape UK Politics

London, UK – In a move that could significantly disrupt the British political landscape, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has announced the formation of a new left-wing political party. The announcement, made during a press conference in central London on July 24, 2025, comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the current Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer and reflects Corbyn's long-standing commitment to progressive, socialist policies. The new party, tentatively named the "People's Progressive Alliance" (PPA), aims to champion causes such as wealth redistribution, anti-austerity measures, environmental justice, and a more robust stance on international issues like Palestine and anti-imperialism.

Corbyn, who served as Labour leader from 2015 to 2020, has been a polarizing figure in UK politics. His tenure was marked by a surge in party membership and enthusiasm among younger voters, but also by internal divisions, controversies over antisemitism allegations, and electoral defeats in 2017 and 2019. Expelled from the Labour Party in 2020 after refusing to fully accept the findings of an inquiry into antisemitism, Corbyn has since sat as an independent MP for Islington North. His decision to launch a new party is seen by supporters as a natural progression of his grassroots activism, while critics argue it risks splintering the left-wing vote and benefiting conservative forces.

During the launch event, Corbyn addressed a crowd of several hundred supporters, including trade unionists, environmental activists, and representatives from various social justice organizations. "For too long, the voices of the working class, the marginalized, and those fighting for a fairer world have been sidelined by establishment politics," Corbyn declared. "The People's Progressive Alliance will be a party of the people, by the people, and for the people. We will fight for an economy that works for all, not just the billionaires; for peace and justice globally; and for urgent action on the climate crisis." He outlined key policy pillars, including nationalizing key industries like railways and utilities, implementing a wealth tax on the super-rich, increasing funding for the National Health Service (NHS), and advocating for a foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy over military intervention.

The formation of the PPA is not entirely unexpected. Since his expulsion from Labour, Corbyn has been involved in various initiatives, such as the Peace and Justice Project, which has mobilized support for causes like Palestinian rights and opposition to arms sales. Insiders suggest that discussions about a new party have been underway for months, accelerated by Labour's recent policy shifts under Starmer. The current government has faced criticism from the left for what some see as a dilution of socialist principles, including continued austerity in public spending, a cautious approach to workers' rights, and a foreign policy aligned closely with the US on issues like Ukraine and Gaza. Corbyn's move taps into this discontent, particularly among younger voters and ethnic minorities who felt represented during his Labour leadership.

Reactions to the announcement have been swift and varied. Within Labour, senior figures dismissed the new party as a fringe effort unlikely to gain traction. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer commented, "While we respect Mr. Corbyn's right to form a new party, the Labour government is focused on delivering real change for working people across the UK. Splinter groups have historically weakened the progressive cause." However, some left-leaning Labour MPs, who have been critical of Starmer's direction, expressed private sympathy, with one anonymous backbencher telling reporters that "this could force Labour to rediscover its radical roots."

On the opposition side, Conservative Party leaders welcomed the development, viewing it as an opportunity to exploit divisions on the left. Tory MP and former minister Jacob Rees-Mogg quipped, "Corbyn's new venture is a gift to the Conservatives. It will siphon votes from Labour in key constituencies, ensuring the left remains divided and unelectable." The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, positioned themselves as a centrist alternative, with leader Ed Davey stating, "Voters seeking change don't need another extreme option; they need pragmatic liberalism."

Support for the PPA appears strongest among grassroots movements. Trade unions like Unite and the RMT have shown interest, with some officials attending the launch. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, praised Corbyn's initiative: "Jeremy has always stood with workers. This party could be a vehicle for real industrial action and economic justice." Environmental groups, including Extinction Rebellion, have also endorsed the move, citing Corbyn's strong record on climate issues. A spokesperson for Friends of the Earth noted, "The PPA's commitment to a Green New Deal aligns with our vision for a sustainable future, something mainstream parties have failed to deliver."

Analysts are debating the potential impact of the new party. Political commentator Owen Jones, a long-time Corbyn ally, wrote in a column that "this could be the start of a realignment on the left, similar to how the Greens or SNP have carved out spaces in the political ecosystem." However, skeptics point to historical precedents like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 1980s, which split from Labour but ultimately faded. Electoral experts predict that the PPA might struggle under the UK's first-past-the-post system, potentially winning a handful of seats in urban areas with strong left-wing bases, such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Corbyn himself is expected to stand as a PPA candidate in Islington North, where he has a loyal following.

The party's platform extends beyond domestic issues. On foreign policy, Corbyn emphasized ending UK arms exports to conflict zones, supporting Palestinian statehood, and pursuing multilateralism through the United Nations. He criticized the current government's support for Israel's actions in Gaza, calling it "a moral failing that history will judge harshly." This stance is likely to resonate with pro-Palestine activists but could alienate moderate voters concerned about national security.

Funding and organization will be crucial for the PPA's success. Corbyn announced that the party would rely on small donations and membership fees, eschewing big corporate backers to maintain its independence. Initial membership drives are already underway, with online sign-ups reportedly surging in the hours following the announcement. The party plans to hold its first conference in the autumn, where members will vote on a full manifesto.

Critics, including some former Corbyn supporters, worry about the party's viability. Journalist Paul Mason argued that "while the enthusiasm is real, building a national party from scratch in today's media landscape is daunting. Corbyn's personal brand is strong, but translating that into electoral success requires more than rallies." Others highlight the risk of internal divisions, given the diverse coalition of socialists, greens, and anti-war activists the PPA aims to unite.

Despite these challenges, Corbyn remains optimistic. In a closing statement at the launch, he invoked historical figures like Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party, saying, "Just as Labour was born out of the trade union movement to challenge the status quo, so too will the People's Progressive Alliance rise to meet the crises of our time. This is not the end of the left; it's a new beginning."

As the UK heads toward potential by-elections and the next general election, the PPA's emergence adds a layer of intrigue to an already volatile political scene. Whether it becomes a transformative force or a footnote in history will depend on its ability to mobilize voters disillusioned with the mainstream. For now, Jeremy Corbyn's bold step signals that the battle for the soul of the British left is far from over.

(This summary draws extensively from the details reported in the original Al Jazeera article, expanding on the key announcements, reactions, and implications to provide a comprehensive overview of this significant political development.)

Read the Full Al Jazeera English Article at:
[ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/24/former-uk-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-launching-new-left-wing-party ]