Speaking at the Wide Awake Festival, Mr Corbyn described the Prime Minister’s remarks as ‘nonsense’
Jeremy Corbyn has taken aim at Sir Keir Starmer’s recent immigration rhetoric, branding it “nonsense” during a speech at the Wide Awake Festival in Brockwell Park, south London. The independent MP and former Labour leader strongly objected to Starmer’s claim that the UK risked becoming an “island of strangers” without stronger integration policies.
Speaking to a lively crowd on Friday afternoon, Mr Corbyn challenged what he described as the dehumanising language creeping into political discourse. “Let’s hear no more of this nonsense spoken by some about this being a country of strangers,” he told festivalgoers. “Let’s hear no more of the repetition of what the wretched Enoch Powell said when I was a young person in the 1960s.”
Corbyn invoked Powell’s infamous “rivers of blood” speech from 1968, widely condemned for its overtly racist language, warning against the UK adopting similar narratives in modern times. “Our community, our strength, our joy, our lives, our hope is our diversity, is our different backgrounds,” he said, adding, “That’s what makes London a very special place.”
Sir Keir Starmer, who succeeded Corbyn as Labour leader, used the phrase “island of strangers” earlier this week in a policy announcement on immigration and social cohesion. He warned that unless integration was improved, the United Kingdom could become increasingly fragmented. However, his words have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, with some comparing the tone to Powell’s divisive statements on race and immigration.
Corbyn’s speech took place against the backdrop of the eclectic Wide Awake Festival, a gathering known for its progressive politics and cultural diversity. The former Labour leader used the occasion to call for further action on international issues, specifically condemning UK arms sales to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“This country, Britain, has supplied weapons and parts for the F-35 jets that are used to bomb Gaza,” Corbyn stated. “So when we have the demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people – please be there, raise your voice. It matters by giving inspiration to those people going through the most ghastly times of their lives.”
The Islington North MP also took the opportunity to criticise what he sees as the Labour Party’s economic complacency in addressing inequality. “You can’t achieve equality and justice if you extol the virtues of billionaires and do nothing about taking money off them to pay for the decent services for the many,” he said, in remarks that appeared aimed squarely at the Labour frontbench.
Elsewhere at the festival, controversy surrounded a performance by Irish rap group Kneecap, who took to the stage just days after one of their members was charged with a terror offence. Liam Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, was charged in connection with the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town last November, according to the Metropolitan Police.
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The Wide Awake Festival is one of several large-scale events scheduled in Brockwell Park over the coming weeks. While the festivals draw significant crowds and cultural buzz, they have not been universally welcomed by the local community.
Residents have expressed concerns over the environmental impact and the prolonged occupation of green space. A group of locals successfully challenged Lambeth Council in the High Court earlier this year, arguing the authority had sidestepped the proper planning process when permitting festival use of the park. The judge ruled that the council had acted “irrationally.” Nevertheless, events have gone ahead after Lambeth submitted a revised planning application.
The controversy surrounding the festival’s impact on the park has added another layer to a weekend filled with political debate, cultural performance, and public scrutiny. For many, Corbyn’s remarks have reignited questions over the direction of Labour policy under Starmer and the ongoing relevance of inclusive rhetoric in a deeply divided political climate.
