JEREMY Corbyn will today pledge to take urgent action on the climate emergency, protect and strengthen workers’ rights and face down the Far Right as he launches Labour’s European election campaign.
The party’s manifesto, “Transforming Britain and Europe: for the many not the few,” sets out plans to work across borders to “take on the tax dodgers, the polluters and the migrant baiters of the Far Right”.
Launching the campaign at the University of Kent, the Labour leader is due to say: “No one expected us to be holding these European elections but the Government’s complete failure on Brexit means they are going ahead.
“While the Government’s incompetence and division on Brexit has created this deadlock, the injustices in our society are deepening,” he will insist.
Mr Corbyn will argue that to transform Britain and tackle injustice, inequality and the climate crisis, the party needs to unite the overwhelming majority of people and take on the privileged and powerful.
“That's why we insist the real divide in our country is not how people voted in the EU referendum. The real divide is between the many and the few. Whether you’re from Tottenham or Mansfield, Stockwell or Stoke, here in Medway or in Manchester, so many of the problems you face are the same.
“Other parties appeal to just one side of the Brexit debate because they aren't really committed to taking on the tax dodgers, the big polluters, or the financial gamblers, who crashed our economy a decade ago. Labour is the only party with a plan to unite our country to make it work for the many not the few.”
The party leader will argue that Labour's alternative plan for Brexit, which would protect jobs, living standards and communities, would “end the chaos” caused by the Conservatives and let the party focus on the other big issues facing our country.
“But we can never accept the Government’s bad deal or a disastrous no deal. So if we can’t get a sensible deal, along the lines of our alternative plan, or a general election, Labour backs the option of a public vote,” Mr Corbyn will insist.
“Labour will address the inequalities that helped fuel the Brexit vote by investing in our communities and people, ending austerity, and creating a fairer society.
“So whether you voted leave or remain in 2016, I urge you to vote Labour, the party that is determined to bring the many together and take on the entrenched power of the few,” he will add.
Meanwhile, Tory HQ signalled the Conservatives would not have an official campaign launch because there would not be a formal manifesto.
A spokesman stressed that a full slate of candidates had been announced last month. Asked if there would be a campaign launch, he replied: "We are up and running. We sent out an election address last week."
Tonight, the Liberal Democrats are expected to launch their campaign for the Euro poll in London.
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