Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (centre left) joins protesters on Whitehall as they march towards Downing Street in London to demonstrate against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, fascism and the far right, March 18, 2023
LOCAL supporters of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have launched a petition to reverse his party’s ban on him standing again in Islington North.
The move is part of a groundswell of opposition to Sir Keir Starmer’s ban on his predecessor representing Labour at the next election, though he has represented the constituency since 1983 and last won it in 2019 with a huge 26,188 majority.
“The national Labour Party are attempting to strip the Islington North Labour Party of their democratic right to choose their candidate. This is not only an insult to Jeremy Corbyn but also to the local party and the thousands of residents who have repeatedly elected him,” the petition, organised by Islington Friends of Jeremy Corbyn, reads.
The group is formed of residents of Mr Corbyn’s constituency who say their democratic rights have been trampled on.
“Like our MP, we will not be intimidated into silence,” the group told the Morning Star today.
The intention of the petition, which will be presented to Mr Corbyn himself, is “to give people the opportunity to show they are unhappy with the NEC’s decision.
“We opted not to submit the petition to the Labour Party leadership because they have demonstrated an unwillingness to respect the rights of local Labour Party members, their own rules and any principles of natural justice,” the group explained.
Norman Thomas, producer of the documentary The Big Lie, detailing the way Mr Corbyn’s Labour leadership was undermined from within, said the ban on him standing had seen demand for screenings soar.
“Since Starmer barred Corbyn standing for Labour, the whole thing’s gone mad. Some people are getting their local cinemas to put it on, but others are organising screenings in meeting halls, churches, pubs, art galleries. It’s currently being shown in over 100 venues across the country, with more being added every day.
“Based on the response we’re getting I think if Jeremy stood in his old constituency as an independent he would be swept back to power. People all over the country would come running to support him.”
The petition can be signed at bit.ly/CorbynPetition1.
To see a trailer for The Big Lie, go to bit.ly/BigLieFilm and to find out about current screenings email norm6344@gmail.com.
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