Jeremy Corbyn MP addressing a packed hall in Harrow at the launch of Arise
Victoria Hall in Harrow on the Wednesday evening of 27th August 2025 was packed. This was for the launch of Arise, a new political party for Harrow, formed by community campaigners and residents with a shared vision of “a fairer, more supportive community where everyone can thrive.” It aims to put forward candidates in the local council elections in May 2026. A star attraction was the presence of Jeremy Corbyn MP, former leader of the Labour Party but now one of six independent MPs in the House of Commons, and co-founder, with Zara Sultana MP, of a party provisionally known as ‘Your Party’.
Corbyn explained that there were many ongoing discussions at the grassroots level on the proposed policies of ‘Your Party’, but its central thrust will be to work for the elimination of poverty and discrimination. He noted that some of the worst exploitation was in the gig economy, where workers were “insecure, on low pay and often on dangerous tasks.” Britain also had the highest level of child poverty in Europe, exacerbated by the two-child benefit cap. It was unacceptable that the Government should cut £5 billion in PIP (Personal Independence Payments) at the expense of people with disabilities, yet increase defense expenditure. He noted that “Mr Farage might present himself as ‘Mr Nice Guy’, but there are some thugs in the background.” He also called for the water utilities to be brought back under public ownership. He was outspoken in condemning Britain’s increased supply of component parts of F-35 jets to Israel, deployed in the genocide in Gaza. He called for the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state.
Pamela Fitzpatrick, speaking for Arise, hoped that in the future it would “consider folding into ‘Your Party’.” Other speakers on the Arise platform – all appearing in a personal capacity – included Aghileh Djafari Marbini, founder of the Wealdstone Baby Bank, Dr Muhammad Asaria, NHS Emergency Medicine consultant, Jared Woods, London Transport Regional Organiser and Paul Crimmins (chair).
For the Arise website, click here.