Full Breakdown
The Launch of Your Party: A New Left-Wing Movement in Britain
10/12/2025, 2:49:33 AM
Joint Appearance of Corbyn and Sultana at The World Transformed Festival
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, two Independent MPs, made a significant joint appearance at The World Transformed festival in Manchester, marking their first public engagement together since a period of tension surrounding the formation of their new political party, Your Party. This event, which is considered the largest annual left-wing political festival in the UK, gathered activists and political figures from various leftist organizations, including Belgium’s Workers’ Party and France Unbowed. The discussion centered on the vision and strategy for Your Party, which aims to provide a grassroots alternative to the current political landscape in Britain.
Background: Tensions and Diverging Strategies
The internal disagreements between Corbyn and Sultana primarily revolved around the timing and method of fundraising for the new party. Sultana advocated for an immediate grassroots fundraising campaign to establish independence from large donors, while Corbyn suggested waiting until the party's organizational framework was fully developed. Despite these procedural differences, both leaders emphasized their commitment to a shared ideological goal of building a mass political movement. Recent polling indicates that Your Party could potentially attract 10% of the vote in a general election.
The Festival's Broader Context
The World Transformed festival, which runs until Sunday, features over 120 sessions addressing critical issues such as Palestine, anti-imperialism, workers' rights, and economic sovereignty. This year, the festival operates independently from the Labour Party conference, allowing for more open discussions, particularly in light of growing criticism of Labour leader Keir Starmer's government regarding its stance on the Gaza conflict and restrictions on protests.
Criticism of the Current Political Landscape
Corbyn and Sultana's initiative comes amid a broader critique of the Labour Party's direction under Starmer, which some perceive as a departure from its traditional leftist roots. Critics argue that the party has become increasingly aligned with corporate interests, alienating its base. The establishment's resistance to socialist policies has led to calls for a new political force that prioritizes grassroots democracy and accountability.
Official Statements and Responses
In their remarks at the festival, both Corbyn and Sultana acknowledged past missteps and committed to avoiding public disputes in the future. They reiterated the importance of transparency and sustainable funding for Your Party, aiming to create a political alternative that genuinely represents working-class interests.
What's Next for Your Party?
As Your Party prepares for its founding conference, the leaders are focused on establishing a robust organizational structure that prioritizes member democracy. They aim to unite various leftist movements and advocate for policies that challenge the status quo, including calls for renationalization of public services and stronger workers' rights.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to fundamentally reshape society from the ground up.” — Zarah Sultana, Independent MP
- “Our agenda will bring us into direct conflict with the forces of capital and imperialism.” — Jeremy Corbyn, Independent MP
- “We stand at a historic crossroads: socialism or barbarism.” — Zarah Sultana, Independent MP
The emergence of Your Party represents a significant moment for the left in Britain, as it seeks to galvanize support and present a viable alternative to the current political establishment.
