Corbyn attends rally against renewal of Trident
- By Heiko Khoo
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 1, 2016
Although the British Labour Party under Tony Blair eagerly joined U.S.-led wars against the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq, the party membership has a long-standing tradition of opposition to nuclear weapons. Last September Jeremy Corbyn, a staunch campaigner for peace and disarmament, was elected party leader. So, when Corbyn rose to speak at the rally, a huge cheer filled the air.
Corbyn is extremely popular with the grassroots of the party, but most Labour MPs oppose his militancy, his anti-establishment ideas, and his style of leadership. From day one of his leadership, some of his MPs organized a campaign of sabotage, and wanted to remove him at the first opportunity.
And most of the media adopted a similar tone, engaging in petty sniping and a systematic campaign to distort his words and deeds – a wearisome process for Corbyn. However, I noticed a palpable sense of freedom and release on his face as he reached the podium to address the crowd. His people had waited for hours in freezing temperatures to hear him.
Corbyn explained he joined the CND when he was 16 and remains a member at 66. And he reiterated that he had openly declared his position on nuclear weapons during the party's leadership election, which he won with nearly 60 percent of the vote. In other words, those Labour MPs who want him to bend to their will are going to be defeated.
He argued that nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction, and that their use against Japan in 1945 still causes sickness and suffering today. He supports nuclear disarmament and seeks the extension of non-proliferation treaties. However, Corbyn wants to protect the jobs of workers in the arms industry through investment in modern civilian industries that can offer new employment opportunities to affected workers. After all NATO and its nuclear arsenal came into existence to oppose the former Soviet Union. Yet, when it was dissolved, NATO didn't follow suit.
Corbyn condemned the "grotesque" global increase in inequality and called on the people to get engaged in reshaping political life motivated by a vision of a more egalitarian and peaceful world.
If Corbyn's supporters in the Labour Party are able to put pressure on MPs to vote against Trident renewal, it will be a major boost for his ability to change Labour towards more socialist policies.
There is endless talk about how his policies can never win a majority in a general election. However, Corbyn has proven able to hold his own and increase his base of support inside the party, and could motivate party members to give their time and effort to win new supporters.
Being authentic, honest, true to your beliefs, and to have integrity – these are the Corbyn personality traits that appeal to people – and they will be able to transform the Labour Party and win the next general election.
Heiko Khoo is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/heikokhoo.htm
Opinion article reflected the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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