Pro-Corbyn Momentum group facing cash crisis
New video put out by the group , accused of having a 'problematic' relationship with the Jewish community, includes a desperate plea for funds as Momentum activist admits our “very future is at risk”.
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The pro-Jeremy Corbyn organisation Momentum has launched an urgent appeal for funds after admitting its“very future is at risk”.
A video posted on social media by Momentum included the admission:”As a membership organisation without big money donors, we’ve been hit hard by soaring inflation and Starmer’s attacks on the left.”
Another group member says:”“We can’t let everything we’ve built disappear.”
One Jewish Labour source told Jewish News: “Momentum has long past its sell-by date.
“Their brand of politics was utterly rejected by the British people in Labour’s worst general election result in a century.
“Their relationship with the Jewish community has, during much of Momentum’s history, been problematic, to say the least.”
Over the past seven years, we have built a powerful force for socialism in Britain
But now, Momentum needs your help.
Hit hard by soaring inflation and attacks on the Left, our future is at risk. Can you help #KeepUpMomentum for a socialist future? https://t.co/OIr3yMB9kb pic.twitter.com/EUqS09yL3R
— Momentum ???? (@PeoplesMomentum) November 22, 2022
The group, founded by Jewish left-wing Labour activist Jon Lansman, has repeatedly been at the centre of concerns in the community that it has downplayed or sought to deny claims of antisemitism in the party.
It had previously also played a leading role in organising at a local party level seeking to ensure that constituency Labour party (CLP) posts were filled with Momentum supporters, and had attempted to ensure pro-Corbyn candidates were in place to fight elections.
Since Starmer became leader in March 2020, Momentum’s power has been significantly reduced.
Some of its supporters have been expelled or quit the part.
Lansman quit as Momentum chair in 2020 saying the group “must not give up” on democratising the Labour party which it “didn’t succeed… while Jeremy was leader”.
But the Jewish socialist had earlier admitted Labour had a much larger number of members who hold “hardcore antisemitic opinions” than previously thought, after Luciana Berger quit as MP in disgust at the problem under Corbyn.
The new video urges Momentum members to increase their monthly subs to put the group “on a sustainable footing”.
The fundraiser is backed by MPs from the Socialist Campaign Group, including John McDonnell and Ian Lavery.
It also features Nadia Whittome, Zarah Sultana, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Apsana Begum.
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