Corbyn says his new political party is committed to ‘absolute opposition to Zionism’
Former Labour leader moves closer to stance expressed by Zarah Sultana
Jeremy Corbyn has declared his new political party’s commitment to “absolute opposition to Zionism,” signalling a shift toward the hardline anti-Israel stance backed by Zarah Sultana.
Corbyn’s comments came during a Your Party meeting in Wandsworth, south-west London, as questions continued about the party’s direction and leadership.
Corbyn and Sultana, both prominent left-wing MPs, have often clashed over the leadership and ideological direction of Your Party.
Sultana, MP for Coventry South, has consistently advocated for a staunchly anti-Zionist platform, while Corbyn had previously been less explicit about his stance.
At Sunday’s meeting, Corbyn stated: “The whole Zionist project was about expanding Israel forevermore, which is exactly what Netanyahu is doing with the Greater Israel project. So, yes—absolute opposition to Zionism, and absolute solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
He continued, “Zionism was a creation… I was reading about the imperial history of Zionism—actually, it first reared its head in the late 19th century, with US Zionism in 1840, influenced by British policy in the Middle East.”
His response was welcomed by the female activist who had asked for clarity on Your Party’s position on Zionism.
Corbyn also mentioned he is writing “a very long article at the moment on things to do with Palestine that I’ve been involved with over the past 40 years,” adding that the situation had become even more “horrific.”
He added, “And now we have the genocide, and it is a genocide in Gaza. We in Your Party are absolutely in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and will be guided by them on the policies we develop and the direction we take going forward.”
In August, Sultana—who had initially attempted to cast herself as co-leader of Your Party—accused Corbyn of having “capitulated to the IHRA definition of antisemitism” as Labour leader.
She has repeatedly stated, “I say it loudly and proudly: I’m an anti-Zionist.” Challenged later that month over his views, Corbyn was unable to confirm he was an anti-Zionist.
But Corbyn’s latest admission of “absolute opposition” to Zionism suggests he has now opted to clarify his stance, after facing criticism from far-left and Islamist activists over his earlier failure to support a one-state solution that excludes Israel.
Further tensions have emerged at the top of the party over £800,000 in donations, currently held by Sultana via MoU Operations Ltd, while Your Party awaits formal registration.
Senior members have accused Sultana of withholding the funds, though her spokesperson states she is “in the process of transferring all funds and data” after completing due diligence.
Insiders warn the delay may jeopardise the party’s founding conference later this month.
Disagreements also persist over the party’s name, with Sultana favouring “The Left Party” and Corbyn suggesting “Your Party” could remain.
Members will vote on the official name at the founding conference in Liverpool on 29 November, with delegate selection handled through a process called “sortition” to ensure broad participation.
Corbyn contrasted with what he said was Your Party’s socialist vision with that of the Green Party, whose popularity has increased under Zack Polanski.
“Yes, I do link up and talk to the Greens, Corbyn said, “I don’t always agree with them on international strategy. I don’t think all of them are socialists.”
While open to collaboration, Corbyn emphasised that Your Party would maintain a distinct socialist identity.
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