Owen Jones meets Jeremy Corbyn again | 'I am very optimistic' - full length interview

It's been a tumultuous year for Jeremy Corbyn. He surprised the political establishment by sweeping to a huge victory in the Labour leadership contest and hugely expanded the party's membership.
He has been met by an undeniably hostile media, facing the full gamut from the misleading to the outright lies but he has also been accused of running a shambolic media campaign, which focuses too much on his own social media bubble. And to cap it all, he's faced a coup by rebellious MPs and now is being forced to run again for the leadership.
Despite all that, he tells me he's very optimistic about his, the Labour party's and the country's future and believes he could win a general election if the Theresa May were to call one.
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[@whoislily]

im so passionately pro-corbyn, that mans gotten so many young people (like myself) inspired and engaged in politics and provides almost a beam of hope amidst a world of politicians seemingly doing almost all they can to muck up our future.

[@ab8893_]

you'll learn.

[@James-be2gj]

Oh this is gunna go so badly

[@GodIzDaLight]

This is one of the funniest things I've ever read

[@ab8893_]

Joe Mattock I used to be a hard left socialist when I was an 18 year old student too.

[@serjthereturn]

+U WOT, HUGH WATT your spirit got crushed then

[@Rhhdtjkudbn]

It is like Ben Kenobi and Luke Skywalker

[@robinhooduk8255]

more like worzel gummidge and aunt sally.

[@scubasausage]

More like The evil emperor and Darth Vader...

[@ERRATICCHEESE2]

The Death Star was built with slave labour, zero hour contracts and the upholding of immoral Endorian land rights. The Death Star is a right wing, pro-capitalist death machine.

[@scubasausage]

ERRATICCHEESE2 Rubbish. Corbyn and Jones are socialists. Which means they want to use force to bring (social) order to the country. The death star is government owned, was built by socialist work programmers. Technically it is closer to a socialist system than a capitalist, or are you suggesting that these guys acquired their power through wealth? The rebels just want to be free from the state and to own their own stuff, they want liberty. Something socialism is not compatible with.

[@Rhhdtjkudbn]

+RobinHoodUKIP aha quite

[@mjc01]

Please Owen, do a similar interview with Owen Smith. And if he declines, let us know.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

We are trying to get one and - like this one - we'll put up the whole thing if it happens.

[@elliotth7]

Ask him how he justifies lobbying for a private drug company making profit out of vital medicine while calling himself a socialist

[@EhAmes94]

Good question ellioth - especially when he can only (at best) call himself a social democrat, if he can even be said to be that? Not exactly too sure, but I know for certain it's just another case of socialist being misused. BTW this isn't me yelling no true scotman. It just seems to me the one thing most socialist can agree upon is at least the workers having control over the means of production. Also, strictly no one person at the top, and everyone has a say/stake in their company.

[@YaraelgerzawY]

yes! he should keep asking that question over and over, he can't 'politic talk' himself out of it!

[@nickUK88]

Geass

[@beatricehopkins1328]

You've got to love Obi Wan Kenobi

[@alexrobertssings]

You can't win Owen Smith. Strike me down and I shall become more powerful that you could possibly imagine.

[@josha5933]

+Alex Roberts well... or the labour party gets a competent leader...which is the more likely eventuality from corbyns departure

[@josha5933]

***** thanks for that I needed a bit of humour this morning :)

[@redman9pablo]

I agree with Dennis Skinner of describing all of the blairites back stabbing Jeremy as scabs and should join the conservative's.

[@loveulez]

They used to be Liberals until the Liberals lost influence. Then they hijacked Labour. Now they've nowhere left to run.

[@redman9pablo]

+Adam Watt we are living in a right wing neoliberalism controlled society and media now and anyone who challenges are crucified like corbyn has been.

[@gmatic5639]

agreed

[@AngelicusImmortus]

+gmi just as little added note - our MP was Libdem, he opposed the coalition and stepped away from the parliamentary party because of their u-turn on education fees etc. Our town was gutted when he lost to the Conservative MP, but the Conservatives invested a huge amount of money in 'stealing' the town away from him. Despite this he has kept up his involvement with our NHS campaign for our hospital, he still leads local events etc that he brought in (like The Sunshine Carnival) because the people running those events wanted him to stay on. He is seen at kinds of local events, even opening rebuilds he started as MP. By comparison very few people have even seen our "new" MP. So due to public support he said he will stand again at the next GE. He hasn't decided if he wants to stand as an independent or not as yet. However, there is a huge ground swell of support for him regardless. So, some LibDems did stick by what they said despite Cleggs moves

[@blaser80]

Okay I'll vote for the Tories from now on seeing as the Labour of Corbyn doesn't sit well with my working class upbringing. I'd never heard my father who been part of the unions for over 40 years say anything negative about labour till Corbyn was elected leader.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

Before someone asks, in the interest of fairness we will put the full length version of the Owen Smith interview up if and when it happens.

[@chrisle4075]

Have you been in contact with Smith?

[@OwenJonesTalks]

Yep. Hoping we can get it sorted soon.

[@stll2797]

What about Will Smith? Can you do him next :P

[@ticklehiphop]

facebook.com/Owen-Smiths-Dribbling-Face-Anus-162604680827072/?pnref=story

[@TazBuckfaster]

Why bother? You know he'll just regurgitate the best bits of this interview, with a bit of casual sexism thrown in.

[@Topbuzzr]

I would vote for him and I'm 35 and never voted in my life. He has the interest of me and not the rich

[@paulrichards8771]

Smith is better, and don't demonise the rich, a lot of them worked very hard to get to where the are now.

[@jplegend98]

+Paul Richards nope. most rich people inherit their money of mommy and daddys hard work. and then they pay people to run their busniessies while they dodge tax and shit.

[@Captain_Rhodes]

and lots of poor people worked equally hard and are underpaid and get fuck all for it. thats the point

[@UnKoolKevClay]

we shouldnt be demonizing the rich its true. Its the system that needs to change. No one wants to penalize success. but what we need is redistribution of wealth. the Gulf between CEO and lowest paid workers in real wages is where we start looking. I like the Idea of raising corporate tax and capping top earners at 20x maximum (20x the lowest wage) to cover the hike.

[@Captain_Rhodes]

UnKoolKev Clay I dont think making the rich pay their tax is demonising them. If we all had the same access to offshore banking the rich do, none of us would pay our taxes either and you can bet the government would do something about it. But we dont. I used to deal with a private bank in Mayfair (EFG) and the minimum account balance there was one million pounds. Its an exclusive club protected by the tories to maintain the status quo

[@JapanAlex01]

When you raise the minimum wage, consumers spend more which means an increased 'velocity of money'. The increased demand means employers hire more. Tax revenue also increases substantially. The Tories are doing the opposite: Keeping wages low which means employers hire less, tax revenue falls, and then they use it as an excuse to slash the state (i.e. society) to reduce the deficit they largely created. Corbyn is a Keynesian which means he will raise wages, increase investment, and create rapid growth in the economy. The Tories are neo-liberals which means that they do the opposite, so that they can redistribute wealth upwards.

[@mmlas8683]

+Lucky Seven unlimited number of migrants? I'm pretty sure I've never heard or read Corbyn discussing that.

[@JapanAlex01]

Actually, all of those things are possible simultaneously. You clearly don't understand economics. (I mean, I know you're a troll.) Immigration is a net benefit to the economy, so we don't need to reduce numbers (the only people calling for it are vile hatemongers), and most immigrants can't receive benefits for a long time post-arrival, anyway, so your point is farcically mute. Free education is a long-term net benefit to the economy, as you have a more highly skilled workforce.

[@JapanAlex01]

UKIP are a neo-fascist party no one should have any association with. Corbyn is a Keynesian socialist; he will do whatever he can to improve the lives of workers. If the studies were in, and concluded that immigration is a net detriment to the economy, he would likely reduce immigration, but the studies are in, and immigrants are an overwhelming net benefit for the economy. The reason you want to reduce immigration is likely because you are a hate-filled moron. ¯\(ツ)/¯

[@ZEEECHET]

Wow.....so many errors

[@JapanAlex01]

Whose fault is it that houses aren't being built? It's the fault of successive governments which have overwhelming been Tory. House prices have nothing to do with immigration. Seriously, you need to buy some economics books. Where is your evidence that young immigrants are taking more entry level jobs than young Brits bar a gut feeling, and rote learnt right-wing false narratives? Studies have shown time and time again that increasing or reducing corporation tax has a very small effect on long-term investment and growth. Investors care most about finding areas of high growth to invest in, as they are inherently anti-risk, and want to see a return on their investment. Low rates of tax are just the cherry on the cake for capitalists. Increasing corporate tax rates doesn't hurt investment, but it does hugely increase the amount of tax revenue collected by the state which shifts the burden of paying for society back onto capitalists (where it used to be) from the workers. The main issue isn't rates of corporate tax (which is still part of it); it's corporate tax avoidance and tax havens. If we collected the tax which was due to us in a year, we could easily turn the deficit into a surplus. If UK growth was much higher (which Corbyn could easily facilitate through Keynesian economics--history proves me correct), private sector investment would soar, as the UK economy would been seen as low-risk. You increase growth largely by increasing consumer spending and productivity through a raise in the minimum wage and other worker benefits, and by mitigating any shortfalls in private sector investment by increasing public sector investment. We, also, need to heavily invest in deficit regions like the North, and expand our manufacturing sector. This is what Corbyn plans to do, while the Tories and UKIP (because UKIP is almost entirely comprised of formerly disgraced Tory MPs) do the precise opposite: Privatise services at a loss, keep wages artificially low, keep prices and living costs artificially high, and remove worker benefits to keep productivity from increasing--all while hiding their money in tax havens to avoid paying for society. Then, they have the audacity to blame immigrants.

[@kingcfc1]

I'm a labour party member, I'm voting and campaigning for Jeremy, we need him as PM.

[@bobbyfox7562]

Like we need a hole in our heads

[@TheBitcoinArmy]

Thats your food hole

[@pitbullsami1741]

+bobby fox you ignorant nazi

[@kingcfc1]

Bruce Wayne well you're civil aren't you

[@alexmeechan15]

Well, you're not going to have him as PM

[@alexrobertssings]

If Bernie Sanders can close a gap of 40 points to Hillary Clinton in a few months then I think Jeremy can close the gap to the Tories in 3 years.

[@matthewblott]

Ha ha ha

[@synergyvid]

+Matthew Blott haha? yes easily. another few years of austerity?.. an easy goal

[@loveulez]

Idiots reply.

[@synergyvid]

+Adam Watt it posted my reply under wrong comment for some reason. I'm in agreement with OP

[@JDrakeify]

The two situations arent comparable. Bernie was facing an internal party election where he began with no name recognition, Corbyn was in a similar position last year when he first ran for leader but now he is one of the best known politicians in the country, and most people have made there mind up about him. There is no precedent for a leader of the opposition to come from 16 points down to win a General Election in our history.

[@ARandomUsernameForMe]

i love him so mucj

[@Duke-Broadway]

Best joke I have seen

[@adzarsenal39]

+Genuine UK as if anyone asked for your opinion tho

[@ARandomUsernameForMe]

Do people know what communism is? Fair enough if you disagree with him but why falsely label him. Its like when people call Trump fascist; it's simply untrue.

[@GeeLovesEmo]

Genuine question, what makes Trump not a fascist?

[@ARandomUsernameForMe]

+Gareth W Wilson so far, he has made no attempt to become an authoritarian dictator. He doesn't plan on making the government much more involved in people's personal lives. Also, compared to other world leaders who are considered fascist, he isn't that intolerant. I'm completely against him but I don't think labelling him something he isn't reflects well on his critics.

[@Currito]

I believe and I hope that his way of doing politics wins the populism current trend

[@leikfroakies]

+Razamataz Productions What exactly don't you like about Jeremy, policy wise

[@deesmith4800]

I will be voting for Labour if Corbyn remains leader. If he was a communist I would not be voting for him.

[@macgregorfb]

+Razamataz Productions if you think he's a communist, you really need to learn your political definitions. Communism is a revolutionary belief in, ultimately, eliminating democracy; Corbyn is a democratic socialist.

[@macgregorfb]

+Henry Dickinson from what I'm aware, the goal of communism is to prop up the working class to the point where democracy (namely an elected democracy in the form of the state) withers away and dies. Perhaps I should have been more specific. Regardless, I still stand by my point of Corbyn not being a communist.

[@DKTronics70]

You're a fucking idiot.

[@aidanrogers4438]

Who the hell doesn't like a man who looks like Obi-Wan?!

[@M2Mil7er]

Someone that looks like Palpatine (Rupert Murdoch) :P

[@0100awaydaze]

Mrs Obi-Wan .

[@aidanrogers4438]

+mysterywhiteboy72 Good. Goood.

[@siypic]

most of the UK

[@MrLongshot26]

Me

[@michaelculbert3748]

Keep fighting Mr Corbyn, you're what mainstream British politics should be like

[@archiebald4717]

You mean like anti-semitism and ignoring the result of the referendum? Or is it lying about attending a memorial to the murderers who slaughtered the Israeli athletes? Jezza has appalling judgement and is a ditherer.

[@chrislawuk]

One of my favourite videos you've done so far Owen lad. I still believe in Jeremy.

[@vegalyra1517]

Why? he is a dirty commie!

[@davidnoir188]

+Vega Lyra Jórmunrekur he's the dirtiest commie!

[@footballmint]

+Vega Lyra Jórmunrekur he looks like quite a clean commie to me

[@vegalyra1517]

JINGHAM A commie can never be clean, it's their nature!

[@vegalyra1517]

X Girl The right is always right.

[@Kayzef2003]

All Jeremy Corbyn's opponents describe him as a principled, very decent man. how can they then see him as a danger to the country? Maybe a danger to their profits? Time will give this type of politician a chance.

[@paulrichards8771]

I'm a smith supporter but I still believe Corbyn is a principled and honest man. I voted for him last year but I think if he doesn't have the support of even 20 percent of his parlamentary party then he wouldn't stand a chance. Also I am pro Trident.

[@matthew7386]

+Paul Richards You know the main reason voters are leaving Corbyn for? The same reason as you, the MPs don't support him. You know why the MPs don't support him? Because they say the voters won't support him. Do you see the circular logic here? The lack of a clear reason given by the Blairite MPs to the public, because they don't want to betray their true desires to the public as they are tories nothing more, corporate elites.

[@kxa1026]

Is Lisa Nandy a Blairite?

[@ganymede4563]

+Tom Burgess Corbyn is not a traitor. This is a foolish comment. He wants to scrap Trident. That is patriotic.

[@ILIKEWALLS]

his principles include support for the ira.

[@TheDharr]

Great interview. I'll never understand working people who vote Tory.

[@jacquesy2520]

It's a shame. It's probably the Tory machine in action.

[@jackpalmer-pinfold8358]

Because a lot of people believe that low tax and deregulation lead to further investment and growth from the private sector.

[@jackpalmer-pinfold8358]

I'm Hers Most mainstream news sources (if you discount newspapers) tend go more to the left than the right.

[@pastorrichardbeglin7372]

Because the conservatives are the party for everyone, there is a false stigma that the Conservatives are only for the middle and upper class.

[@suefew]

+Pastor Richard Beglin They are only for the 1% - not even for the middle class... Seen how their salaries have stagnated recently? We are on the same level as Greece, yet all other developed economies have seen wage and salary increases, just not the UK and Greece. We have been conned.

[@orla1757]

LOVE JEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fingersflynn]

It's all here.... the reasons I joined the party and why I'll be voting for Jeremy in the leadership contest. Owen Smith should do the decent thing and withdraw now and let the party get back to fighting the real enemy (the tories)

[@Dina6279]

Well said fingers!

[@benlap1977]

two congratulations. First to Owen Jones for asking pertinent questions and letting your guest talk. No question about personal life or Pokémon or ridiculous things like that. All about politics. Great. Congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn for giving honest and straightforward answers avoiding buzzwords a political talk. We can see that he has a clear vision and real conviction. Can't wait for The with Owen Smith.

[@anish7183]

lool who asked a question about pokemon

[@TheTonyMartinExperience]

I absolutely love this guy (Corbyn, sorry Owen lol the love is growing) I truly believe he is the future of British politics. I truly believe he could and will change the face of this country. It has been a long time coming to have someone like this with a bigger voice and the ability to project the views of the the working class and give everyone the chance to be on level pegging. Great interview Owen......well done fella 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JDrakeify]

Meanwhile, take a look at the polls. Sorry, but he will never be PM, we need someone competent to take his ideas forward, especially on the economy, but Labour are going nowhere but electoral oblivion under his leadership.

[@TheTonyMartinExperience]

+JDrakeify lol

[@TCampbell36]

JC is a brilliant man and he makes sense. I agree with all of his policies. He can easily become PM.

[@ZOD4]

If you think he has good ideas but doesn't have the support to follow them through - support him! How does rallying against him and splitting the party up improve the situation? Self fulfilling prophecy much? Or do you really think we need another Blair at this point?

[@JDrakeify]

ZOD4 I did support him- but the support of people like me wouldnt be enough. He needs to reach outside of the left wing comfort zone, and so far he has preferred to preach to the converted, and even if he wasnt his incompetency and rather extreme views on foreign policy prevent any kind of economic message from surfacing. Most voters arent even aware he is anti austerity. It is a fallacy to believe the choice is either Corbyn or Blair 2.0. We need someone with many of the left wing principles of Corbyn, but with the drive to get Labour into power to implement those ideas. The likes of Lisa Nandy or Clive Lewis would be ideal in my book, but under the circumstances, I'd settle for Owen Smith.

[@ma8983]

The fact that he didn't stand down, even though the majority of labour mps are against him, has immensely increased my respect for him He clearly stands for the people

[@tommyatkins2527]

depends hes not for all the people

[@penrar]

Thanks for doing this Owen. With respect, however, I wish that you would stop using the term "worry" - it's obvious that you're terrified by the current prospects beholding our country but please could you find your hope? Take some propranolol, some SSRI's and dig deep to find your positivity and hope as you're just another arm of the oppressive regime of fear in the way that you conduct your articles and interviews. It's disappointing to me. We need the positivity embedded within the realism as opposed to the pessimism, worry and fear that you are pushing on a daily basis. I value your input to politics as a whole and I wish you all the very best, but please, PLEASE start to spin things PROPERLY - without using fear as your main arm of leverage.

[@synergyvid]

here here

[@mraparkin]

I agree. Also, he uses lots of found phrases from general media discourse unquestioningly. Did he not do media studies?

[@melllv]

I disagree. We need to see and hear Jeremy dealing with every single attack on him, every single worry every single doubt. He did it and didn't he do well.

[@penrar]

Thanks for disagreeing (genuinely) - we all need genuine debate. However, given the recent details showing the bias against Corbyn, you need to ask yourself where this opinion comes from. Question it as the MSM have planted the seeds of doubt, against someone I consider to be very honourable, based off my own research and not what the papers and news shows say. Ultimately you make your own mind up of course, but encouragement is stronger than attack and is also positive as opposed to negative - we need an even balance of both imho :)

[@Nikolay061]

As it stands, Corbyn will not win a GE. But with a concentrated effort of campaigning for Labour candidates in the suburbs, towns, and villages of England and Wales, his message CAN be heard and there is a chance that some of those places could be won back, making a HUGE difference to a GE result. sign up!

[@obis6915]

True but we can certainly trim that Tory majority. if we do, we can create a coalition govt with other progressive parties

[@jeppsihh]

+Sam S If the election was held Right now we'd be handing the tories a majority of 100 mps

[@obis6915]

I didn't say right now did I?

[@jeppsihh]

Sam S do you think there's any serious chance of trimming a tory majority with corbyn in charge? We don't have to grow from last year we actually need to even get back to last year's level of support.

[@Ruskinlord]

+Jesper “Jeppishh” Nilsson hows that? Corbyn equalled highest level local council votes under miliband and won all by-elections and bristol mayoral etc. The improvement is under way. (i apologise for lazy writing)

[@ARandomUsernameForMe]

Coincidence that he has the same initials as Jesus? I think not

[@leopotato6932]

You've opened up a new world for me

[@josha5933]

unfortunately this JC is not willing to sacrifice anything for the greater good of the people he's supposed to lead

[@ERRATICCHEESE2]

Corbyn needs to go full on, Jesus style communism. He needs to open a can of woop ass on those money changers. Labour is indistinguishable from the Tories otherwise.

[@xHaniffax]

I said that to my dad! And he gave me the dirtiest look! #bloodyblairite

[@jordanblake1018]

+Josh A maybe that was jesus's problem. he lost and was murdered and look at the sinful world now. JC ain't gona offer up some great fair socialist policies and excuse capitalism and it's ruthless realities just to win some tory fuckwits. that's why he has a big following. because for the first time in a lonnnng time we can actually vote for a government we want to see.

[@Dantes38]

For as long as there are opportunities, I won't worry. A Labour government with Jeremy Corbyn as PM is without doubt, the biggest opportunity I've seen in my lifetime.

[@user-ne3yk3pc8s]

This didn’t age well

[@TheW00dcut]

Nice to see Jeremy Corbyn's defence lawyer interview him.

[@jongomm]

He is seriously clued-up on every issue and he has so many massive ideas for improving people's lives. Everyone who believes in equality for all, economic fairness, and decency and dignity in work and community, should support this movement. Don't let the media, the 1%, the Conservatives, and the fearful within his own party defeat you. We can do this, Britain.

[@martinslocombe2288]

You air head lefty faschists are losing your appeal with the milenials who are waking up to this marxist bollocks

[@mookrage]

Nope. You couldnt

[@danielholt1984]

Hahahahahahaha

[@10ksubswithnovideos48]

Jon Gomm knob

[@MichaelJones-wh9cy]

yeah lets rack up loads of debt by nationalising everything and take more money from the taxpayer

[@sichambers9011]

I like his policies, but I've hardly heard about them. I have a gut feeling that this is in part because of a media that will sideline him and refuse to give him airtime. It is an incredibly tough time at the moment. I still have this feeling that if you put Corbyn by the side of anyone promoting austerity he would win hands down. I think televised debates would swing g heavily in his favour- getting the debates would be the difficult thing. Voters are much more volatile now and polls are not as stable as they once were. Corbyn's problem is getting the message across. Maybe we need to come up with something. He should take a look at Sanders. Sanders had TYT maybe the left needs something comprable over here.

[@aaronmicalowe]

I've never heard such a lucid interview with a UK politition. I voted SNP for Scotland and was angry with the way Scottish Labour turned their backs on Scots but I'm beginning to think the only way forward with any dignity is a vote for Corbyn. logically it's hard for me to argue against anything he said.

[@daverobertson623]

How did that work out?

[@aaronmicalowe]

@@daverobertson623 The voting opportunity hasn't arose yet. 😂

[@isaaclucas6376]

I really want Jeremy to do well, but I just hope he can convince others to join him, not just the left, otherwise he's going to have a hard time. Pull the entire working class on board for a start?

[@KillZoneHart1]

Fuk 'im ees a baaastad. Shudd fukkin quit the baaastad. Fukkin powr hungree plebb

[@EA1980LR]

+pr999 It's more to do with him not being a Blairite. Does his pro-Palestine stance even feature? I'm a conservative (small c) and, despite myself, quite like him. Not for his policies, most of which I disagree with but because he isn't a Blairite.

[@JonB1995]

just look at the fake 'anti-semitism' scandals whipped up by the Labour right to silence criticism of Israel this year. Zionism and Blairism are closely aligned ('friends of Israel', etc.) and dissenters are not appreciated.

[@macgregorfb]

I met John McDonnell last night, in Oxford; I know I'm in the right place and party when the shadow Chancellor speaks about key policies I'm passionate about by pure coincidence. Here's hoping Corbyn wins the leadership so we can get back to facing the Tories.

[@joan98610]

He seems like a man who just wants to do what's right

[@EdwinJose84]

loool He is!

[@scubasausage]

Hes not. Hes a socialist....

[@EdwinJose84]

Scuba Sausage Liar! I bet you cant prove it. I never understand right wing morons like you, its obvious that even you know that he is not a socialist so when you knowingly lie about something like this, how can you live with yourself.

[@joan98610]

+Scuba Sausage did you mean socialdemocrat? It's quite different

[@scubasausage]

Edwin Jose Jeremy Corbyn IS a socialist. You're delusional if you think hes not...

[@alisonjdutfield]

Corbyn represents the true meaning of the labour party and the reason the party was created in the first place. If he wins I will also be joining the membership.

[@MulletMan3108]

This didn't age well

[@MightyDemocracy]

What a nice honest man... who will never be PM

[@totalwarking7839]

He will be prime minister,

[@AllThingsCubey]

+Totalwarking7 That's the best joke I've heard all year. Labour coudlnt win when we were united. You need to win the marginals who are usually central. Going further left in the 21st century will LOSE you votes at a general election. Corbyn has a lot of support from the hard left who have felt disenfranchised, but the moderates will vote Tory now if given the choice. All the moderate left voters like myself will be thinking hard about voting Liberal of Corbyn is on the ballot for Labour

[@pastorrichardbeglin7372]

+Totalwarking7 he'll never be prime minister

[@30071997kario]

People said brexit would never happen...

[@mrjoshua1414]

Thanks for doing this interview Owen. It was great to hear Corbyn speak for himself, rather than having everything filtered to us by the Ministry of Truth.

[@madmanoliver]

What it seems like to me is its Public (Pro-Corbyn) vs Party (Anti-Corbyn).

[@allotmentuk1303]

I have not seen or heard anything in this interview to which I disagree. Mike B

[@dcross8382]

SO casual... "We've recruited 300,000 people..."

[@martinslocombe2288]

How many have left ?

[@s.r.howell1297]

This is not the bumbling fool you've gotten to know via the supposedly left leaning Guardian and BBC.

[@IainClucas]

I bet not many MPs would know which London terminus gets you to Stockport.

[@martinsmith6049]

I totally agree! And not many 'Labour' people have filled a skip, driven a lorry or cut a piece of wood.

[@oddyseus99]

Great to hear an interview with JC were he is actually given time to answer the questions posed. Nice one Owen.

[@stephenroche5107]

He should be our Prime Minister.

[@Lankmonjo]

Why doesn't Jeremy talk to somebody who's actually gonna challenge his views? I respect you OwJo but you're on too good terms to actually hold his feet to the fire and get to the real substance.

[@JSauntAudio]

OwJo. Like it.

[@SoulRippster]

I agree with you, but it's difficult to talk with somebody "who's actually gonna challenge" Jeremy's views because everytime he goes the mainstream media, they want to discuss about everything except Jeremy's "views". Wonder why?

[@ahmedbelarouf5496]

I think its because He gets enough headache already from the press, from the house of common, from within labour. He wanted to be relaxed and not put in pressure for this interview

[@JonB1995]

if you're at all familiar with these videos, you'd know that they are not Paxman style bashings but an attempt to let people speak and discuss political ideas calmly.

[@MrJamesPaylor]

We need this man in power! Myself and my brother joined the labour party and became interested in politics because of him, we were there last year in a queue that lapped around the Leeds docks, incredibly inspiring speech and now I'm back again tomorrow defending his position as Leader of the labour party in the same place and no doubt this time with even more people! Best arrange a bigger venue.

[@husamali9345]

this guy is good. don't be dumb people and do what we did in America

[@dbooth345]

Well done Owen. A very good interview amazing how much professor Jeremy understands, first time I have seen him have a chance to deal with detailed questions. You moved the discussion along and kept my wife's attention and she was impressed, so you have a new fan and Jeremy Corbyn has got another vote in a general election.

[@commonman131]

He's the best PM we never had. The labour party starting to sound like Tories.

[@archiebald4717]

So Jezza and Jonesy, how did it all work out?

[@demonbarber19861]

J.C. is the brightest hope for a better U.K.

[@philipeaton3102]

a worst uk more like

[@demonbarber19861]

+Philip Eaton well a U.K. I would prefer to live in

[@philipeaton3102]

uk fine do not what them to fuck it up

[@demonbarber19861]

+Philip Eaton it is fucked up, that's why I want change. if you disagree just vote Tory.

[@kirkobayne9090]

Jesus Christ?

[@nbarrett100]

Will Owen Jones interview Owen Smith for 45 minutes?

[@mattsaunders9110]

I don't see why not. He's interviewed people across the spectrum - Carswell, Hitchens, Hannan...

[@loveulez]

Oh I do hope so, he only needs 45 seconds to embarrass himself 45 minutes would be a comedy gift.

[@nbarrett100]

Matt Saunders I asked him on Twitter. He says it's happening.

[@JDrakeify]

I gather he interviews all of them for that amount of time, but the videos are usually edited down. He only releases the full conversation if there is popular demand for it, like with Corbyn and with Peter Hitchens.

[@tams805]

I don't know if Owen Smith has enough to talk about to fill 45 minutes...

[@katebuffery9539]

Good all the way through but especially good in the last half of the interview as he relaxes - clear, honest, straightforward. And you hear so much more about policy than you ever do from anyone else. He's speaking about what he believes in - not learned soundbites.

[@marcusl8550]

Corbyn for prime minister! Shake up the establishment

[@robyourtime]

5:20 An increase from 3 sentences to 4 is a 33% increase, not 25%. How can this guy be left in charge of the economy with no grasp of basic mathematics?

[@Teghead]

He wouldn't be, the civil servants under John McDonnell his shadow chancellor and their advisory board of economists would be.

[@robyourtime]

The PM is the figurehead of the government. He'll need to make speeches, attend meetings and interact with other politicians. Analytical intelligence is necessary. He is not bright - he's only vaguely hopeful Teghead

[@Teghead]

Hey Danny, quick bit of maths tuition: a decrease from 4 to 3 is a 1 out of 4 decrease, 1/4=25%. However, an increase from 3 to 4 is a 1 out of 3 increase, 1/3=33.3% When using percentage changes, the starting value is the denominator. Rob is correct, because Jeremy was talking about a percentage increase [from "2-3"]. I thank Rob for pointing out some of the responsibilities of the PM... however I don't think that error in this interview is a death-knell at all. The PM's responsibilities don't involve doing quick (yes, very easy) arithmetic, and I get a very good impression of Jeremy on factors which are more important, namely that he will listen to his economic advisory board (whose members I would trust to give good advice on economic policy), that he will consider carefully the outcomes of policies for middle and working class people. That's the impression I get, despite his quick math fail.

[@MeTheRob]

Bring back Gordon Brown. He was good at sums.

[@mikeedwards1096]

petty and I mature to say the least

[@andydykes2661]

Thanks so much for providing this insight into JC! Will be sharing widely! Keep up the good work! 😃

[@pastorrichardbeglin7372]

As a conservative, I'm really hoping Jeremy wins. That way the conservatives will keep on winning.

[@barblessable]

empathy for the have nots, like your Christ had , not you obviously.

[@thesentry1999]

The Conservitives don't have to campaign with Jezza in charge of labour. Boris could be put against him and would still easily win

[@suefew]

I think not... I voted for Thatcher and now realise it was the biggest mistake of my life.

[@bobbyfox7562]

+suefew so because one prime minister wasn't good enough for you, you can ever vote for the party again. That's pretty stupid.

[@JoshimUddin-lg1jd]

but you're black. tories hate your type. it's like turkeys voting for Xmas.

[@keithstevens6865]

i think jeremy is such a nice man.i am taking so much more notice of wat is going on in politics since he ran for leadership.his ideas offer a REAL choice between the main parties.atleast he has real answers to the questions.wen on tv the interveiwers never give him a chance to give his answer,they interupt & u can tel they just looking for a headline.WEN he wins,i hope the rest of party gets behind him & do wat they are supposed to do.thanks jeremy.

[@wayneronnie7402]

Unfortunately a sustainable NHS, welfare system and jobs for all is completely incompatible with an open door to all and sundry from poorer European countries. You either have a country, a people and a border or you don't..

[@ericlovelace6502]

correct. but hey ho.

[@elkaotik6790]

Indeed, you cannot have a welfare state and open borders, it is social suicide

[@dantaylor7344]

I think they said that during Windrush, and after Idi Amin in Uganda, in fact that rhetoric has been spouted every time an influx of immigrants arrive in the UK. You believe in the Murdoch future for UK no place for that in Labour

[@iluvfilm1234]

my problem with this argument is that kicking out European migrants won't fix the NHS and welfare system. it's a simple black and white argument. I personally think that we should always have an open door (and share with other rich countries) those refugees who are fleeing persecution and bombs, who have no home. they shouldn't have to sit in a refugee camp in Turkey or Jordan, waiting indefinitely to try and rebuild their lives. As a country our ethos is to care for no. 1. when the NHS was formed the country post-war was united. where is that unity? particularly amongst working and middle classes. pubs and social clubs are in decline. if we want better services we need better community in order to fight for it. blaming the migrants helps the Tories and may result in less migrants but would it guarantee better services or just less budget for less people?

[@wayneronnie7402]

Hey dumb fuck who said anything about "kicking out" people?

[@guitari666]

What was the track at the beginning of the video?

[@london2128]

Every single answer that Jeremy gives is pure inspiration. Owen i wish you would have started with his policies, and maybe left the negativity till the end.

[@vinnyvasquez]

Totally unelectable. The sooner Labour get someone who has sufficient appeal and can actually at least threaten to win an election, the better. Otherwise we are stuck in a vacuum.

[@vinnyvasquez]

***** You are delusional. You fail to mention those were all inter-party votes which have no relation to the public who see him as a completely invisible puppet. I just don't understand why Labour supporters themselves don't see it, it's no good being the most popular figure within the party its everyone outside that counts in a (actual) election.

[@CommieCotch]

You''re still stuck in a New Labour mindset where style comes before substance and elections are basically their own prize. Jeremy is a principled, authentic man who actually wants to make a positive difference to all people in this country. And in case you hadn't noticed, Brown and Miliband hardly won in landslides.

[@vinnyvasquez]

CommieCotch I hated New Labour, i'm a floating voter who wants healthy opposition in parliament. I made my own mind up thanks. As soon as he became known and so unpopular he should have been ditched. Who cares how wide or narrow leaders won leadership contests, it has no bearing whether a country will vote him in as PM. He'll never ever win. Therefore it is a waste of time. The country isn't full of his far-left supporters.

[@Rose-hg8ls]

The problem is his supporters will accuse you of being a blarite and just wrong in your opinions. I am a conservative but this country does need a strong oppostion so government doesn't get complacent

[@CommieCotch]

***** You hate New Labour and yet you seem to sign up to all their precepts.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

Oh Jeremy. We miss you.

[@MZONE3D]

Great Interview.. Keywords... Distribution of Wealth, connection with the young people thru social media, Fairness and Optimism. I like Jerobi Wan Kenorbyn!

[@tomj210]

big up jeremy corbyn. its important for him to be labour leader, because he has already, and will continue to shift the conversation to the left. just look at donald trump in america, and how its become more acceptable to have beliefs as unacceptable as his. suddenly its become okay to say "ban all muslim people from entering the country"

[@caitlyncanavan1850]

Jeremy is a good man, and most would agree with his desire for a better society .... however, he falls in the same old Labour trap ... he talks about what he wants, with no plans to play for any of it. Again, Jeremy is a good man, and will probably win the leadership battle ... and will win many more elections for the Tories.

[@martinwhite7053]

He certainly is the dream candidate ~~~~ For the Tories.

[@chasm671]

Funny how the right wing press are so desperate to get rid of him, then. You'd think they'd keep quiet and let him get on with it. But they don't, and you know why? Because they, like you, are full of shit and running scared from the fact we actually have two different parties to choose from again.

[@martinwhite7053]

chasm671 I run from no one. I'm a Labour supporter and always have been despite coments to the contrary. I only wish they could find an *electable* candidate for PM. The way things are going I can see Labour coming third in a general election.

[@chasm671]

***** What's the point of having an electable candidate if it means selling out everything that makes winning an election worthwhile? Sometimes breathing some life back into politics and democracy is more important. History will not end with the next general election.

[@martinwhite7053]

I was reading this article "A letter to Charles Dickens" from the present day which moved me profoundly. www.theguardian.com/books/2012/feb/07/letter-charles-dickens-200th-birthday It's an excellent read and I was wondering when things are likely to change for the better. I know the workhouses are closed but the divide between rich and poor still exists. It's probably harder to get a home to live in now than it was then. Children are going to school hungry and the parents go to the food banks to see what's on offer. I'd rather hoped to see changes in my own lifetime (I am 71) Like most people we're scraping by in some modicum of style. At least I can pay my bills as they fall due but many cant. I live in an area of great wealth, surrounded by magnificent stately homes. The Duke of Devonshire is worth £500 million alone and Lord Bamford flys over my house every morning and again at night in his huge helicopter whilsts poor people are trying to arange a loan of as little as £50. To spend at Tesco or pay for an electricity bill. I've waited long enough. We need a champion who can win an election outright and make society fair and just. Jeremy it seems to me isn't the man. Time is short for me. It'd be nice to get social justice in *my lifetime* Please excuse my impatience....

[@andrewbiggins9404]

The answer to the first questions sums up neatly the difference between Corbyn and the vast majority of politicians: he doesn't believe politics is a means unto itself, he relates it to real life. The "pressure" that Jones claims he's been under is nothing compared to what 85% of the world population puts up with on a daily basis - starvation, poverty, homelessness, lack of clean water, environmental degradation, war, etc. And why does Jones insist that people don't understand what he stands for? The huge amount of people that have joined the party since he became leader (including me) understand fine. This is just a lie perpetrated by the political establishment who are petrified that Corbyn will get power and show them up to be the self-serving corporate sell-outs (and, in some instances, criminals) that they are.

[@andycoulthard8]

Owen, is there anyway this could be turned into a podcast? I love these interviews and would love to have them to listen to on the way to work. Keep up the good work!

[@PavelDGromnic]

We need to see more of Jeremy. As an intellect a leader, and human being. His antagonists within the party leadership I have no doubt are good people. But they need to join the Tories publicly, and stop trying to pass themselves as members of Labour. Get behind Jeremy as start to make history!

[@gen21617]

He's much more convincing without the auto cue or scripted PMQs.

[@chasm671]

I heard a brilliant analogy recently, that watching Tories debate is like watching pigeons play chess. You can be as clever as you like and make all the right moves, the pigeon will just knock over all the pieces, shit on the board and then strut around like it's won anyway. That's David Cameron to a T. XD

[@philipeaton3102]

labour are the tosspots

[@chasm671]

Philip Eaton Go back to reading the Sun, the grown-ups are talking.

[@aang6318]

This guy should be the next PM.

[@DRFitness1994]

What an honest, decent guy. Who would think you could watch a 45 minute interview with a politician and end up thinking that.

[@mikejandrews]

The music at the beginning was mixed a bit loud.

[@decgar07]

Corbyn's beard couldn't be any more on point.

[@pastorrichardbeglin7372]

He looks like a has-been librarian...

[@EdwinJose84]

loool I think it makes him look better!

[@wendewellspring]

When inadequate people can't frame a good response, they often resort to making irrelevant remarks about personal appearance. While you were looking at his beard, you were not taking note of what was being said. I guess that indicates a closed mind.

[@decgar07]

+Iris Rainbow or a sense of humour.

[@MuscledAK]

looooooove jeremy!!!!! the man of hope!!! im with you all the way sir!!!! if murdoch press are after you it means your doing something right

[@TezLivin]

Cohesive,coherent presentation of policies which will win the next election whenever it comes. The new politics is moving away from presidential style politics which the media can control. Collective cooperative structures are the way forward , which combined with community action are already impacting confidence of a fast growing membership.

[@Haz86]

I agree, all the Tory and UKIP voters in the country will all realise that radical socialism is the way forward when we tell them through social media

[@bull5955]

This interview has non scripted answers, its an open conversation about ideas. We know we have a great society in terms of how far we have come but there is still room for improvement. Agree or disagree with Jeremy corbyn you cannot deny he wants to have a discussion that benefits the people of this country, not carrying out any propaganda or false narratives.

[@premasru]

So refreshing listening to a calm and focused politician.

[@CyblokGaming]

Loved the interview and Mr Corbyn but at 5:35 he said a 25% increase but it would be a 33.3(recurring)% increase, sorry

[@EstZorion]

yeah i cringed so hard

[@saxfordhawkins]

the percentage is out of 100% so if he increases that percentage by 33.3% then we are left with 133.2%. Your maths are off, he means add another sentence making each one 25% of the total, Percentage is always out of 100, cent means 100. Find another bone to pick

[@cmdrstarlord6645]

Sometimes percentage CAN go over if you are using it to add to a number. Like 100 +120% = 220.

[@saxfordhawkins]

yes but adding 33.3% wouldn't make any sense in this context.

[@saxfordhawkins]

you can't expand a percentage based on 100% by 33% . what are you left with 133%? he meant expand the sentences by 1/4 e.g 25% so he added an extra sentence. it makes less sense if he were to expand it by 33.3%

[@youtubeaccount2302]

Thank you for this video, Owen. I honestly can't wait for your Owen Smith interview. Last time I voted for Corbyn, but this time I haven't decided. The communication I receive from the Party is so confused yet anodyne, at this rate I feel I'll be making the decision based on these interviews alone. And you're not wrong to worry.

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

The comparison to Germany when it comes to university is not that straight forward. Nobody lives on campus in germany, living costs are not covered, so in the end, students in germany pay pretty much the same while living further away from the school, not being able to get warm meals at all and being dependent on public transportation.

[@jakebingham4909]

27 grand median wage... have these guys ever been up north?

[@maggiewolf9284]

You may have missed the part where Corbyn challenged Jones on that very point?

[@lawofthepack]

[@eclecticmethod]

really like the music

[@valentinajosespanish]

Jeremy is an absolute legend. So strong and well-informed! Fantastic interview.

[@maxinehayes7721]

Go Jezza! I believe in you. Also like your chum, Clive.

[@MrVice101]

Maxine Hayes how about now Maxine?

[@hassanh9581]

I'm with Corbyn!!!!

[@martinsmith6049]

And how did that go?

[@gk1mpo]

I have never been to a rally before but I received a invite from the the Labour party to visit Liverpool to see Jeremy Corbyn speak. So I asked my wife to join me and she agreed to go. I have been watching events unfold since the referendum within the Labour party with much dismay at how undemocratic it seemed and I was finding the information in the media confusing so i wanted see the man for myself. I am now glad I did. Jeremy seems like a truly honest man, true to his convictions and going to hear him speak has made my mind up and I will be voting for him again. I saw people there who were young and old and from all walks in life. I felt very safe there, were no problems with rudeness, shouting of abuse or chanting. The weather was damp and cold but no one seemed bothered. I heard a young lady on the stand telling of her dismay and anguish at feeling like the austerity in the NHS had made her feel hopeless when having to decide which children should get treatment or not “it's wrong, I should not have to act like god" she cried, which upset me greatly. I listened to to counsellors and MPs of Liverpool and people who were locked away for striking years ago. It made me think of my mother and father, my mum is 60 this year and works as a district nurse in Manchester, she tells me that she is getting old and finds more and more work put on her as the budget gets smaller every year. When people leave through seeking better work they never get replaced. My father having had to work away from home all his life to get work that pays well. Sometimes I feel they will work till they die as they extend the retirement age. Finally Jeremy stood and spoke. As he appeared to the most amazing applause, almost like a rockstar appearing on stage, hearing people shouting his name as loud as they could. I heard him talk of housing, the NHS, universities and defeating the Conservatives 20 odd times and a feeling of hope and unity came over me. From that event I have so much more respect for the solidarity and determination of the people of Liverpool and for the Labour party. With Jeremy Corbyn I feel hope at the message he sends. This might not make him electable to some, but to me represents hope for the future for me and my children as I see the ladder of opportunity being lifted up before me and my family.

[@marktaylor6491]

Best interview since the one with Sir Ian McKellan. Perfect for those that are prepared to listen.

[@philg7889]

If I speak quietly, like a priest, people will trust me. Oops!

[@dpurcell5]

Two weird extremists kissing eachothers' arses. Not pleasant viewing for any normal person...

[@brettshirley]

Wow yh, maybe he can bring back socialism like that other time it worked when... um, when... oh right, my mistake, it never works...

[@ch-p2861]

The post war era

[@brettshirley]

+John John What about it? Ever since the war Labour governments have overspent until they're kicked out of power and the Tories have cleaned up the mess. The only time a labour government was needed, was when John Major was hellbent on destroying the country, and look at the state they left the country in. After every Labour government unemployment has been higher than when it started, bar once. It doesn't work. You only need to look at the majority of South American and African countries to see what good socialism does.

[@josephmcwatters3661]

what about scandinavia

[@RCRfilmstv]

There's a difference between democratic socialism and bloody communism...

[@joannacorless735]

Yeah, and Jeremy Corbyn supports the former

[@donalhughes9881]

Well done Owen - you asked the difficult questions to which we needed answers. Well done Jeremy - calmly, warmly, effectively, directly and without evasion providing full and convincing answers and not one single insulting or unpleasant remark about his tormentors. I did not just put in the 3 seconds Facebook requires to register a view - I watched all 46 minutes because I wanted to hear the answers and every minute of that was time well spent. Thanks.

[@trevorcharlesmorgan]

It gives me a lot of optimism that Jeremy Corbyn is around. I know not everyone thinks it was great that he supported the socialist movement in Venezuela but the Venezuelan's are not fat like capitalist Americans and that can't be all bad. The Venezuelan president can certainly afford a good burger so socialism certainly didn't cause him to go without food. As long a few Venezuelans are doing OK from socialism it must be fine. After all we need to fight for the few not the many, (I think that is Mr Corbyn's catch phrase?)

[@ltaylor9704]

Gets asked if he fears the terrible polls and what this would mean if there is a snap general election, ignores the questions and talks sunshine and rainbows. He would deny gravity if it suited his world view.

[@tombarnes155]

no it's the msm bias such as the fucking BBC not mentioning when he visits a local council because it's in the pocket of the blairites obviously

[@ticklehiphop]

it's almost as if he is a long standing MP who is used to using interviews to advance what he wants to say rather than what the interviewer is looking for. it's hardly new is it? politicians not answering the question just saying what they wanted to say anyway? he's just a labour MP he's not Trotsky or Chomsky or russel brand. :D

[@ltaylor9704]

+Tickle Person so much for his new honest style politics then.

[@elthamo]

He probably, as I do, thinks looking at polls at the current time is as much a waste of time as challenging Labour rules in the courts. There are far more important and relevant things to talk about. If there's one thing people should have learned over the last year it's not to put too much weight on polls!!!

[@ltaylor9704]

+elthamo more important than wining a general election? I think not.

[@idrexciya4090]

Respect to Corbyn, only MP I trust right now.

[@britnic5394]

thats a shame...

[@Bendoverstoke]

This all seems so long ago. Huge gains made in the GE and a party now united, amazing how much difference a year makes.

[@mackiwawa]

how do you achieve your flat soft video image look?

[@amancalledjim5382]

one middle class and upper class labour men acting like they understand the working class.

[@AndrewWilsonStooshie]

Owen Smith is probably middle class. Jeremy Corbyn is working class,the son of an electrician. I'm guessing you assumed he was middle class because he's educated or something?

[@amancalledjim5382]

+Andrew Wilson Corbyn minted mate...my comment was suppose to be ironic since the so called do good lefty Labour Party claim to understand the working class.. When in fact most of their support is from middle class hippies and feminine men like these two

[@amancalledjim5382]

+Andrew Wilson so it comes as no surprise town and cities like London and Brighton voted in favour of remain

[@amancalledjim5382]

xwize don't think so pal.. he's a mincer just like owen jones.

[@amancalledjim5382]

+xwize why was Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped on his head ?

[@laurencepayne5114]

Love the way Jeremy interviews. Transparency... And he clearly knows what he's talking about. Owen looks a little intimidated.

[@peterharris1672]

In a world regulated so unfairly by all types of media and the sense of image, it seems clear we need to present Jeremy as a strong determined personna so that people can believe that positive change lies in our own hands. We have to beat the Tories by beating them at their own game of presentation.

[@damoncoulter1]

That last bit, prophetic, JC called it and optimism is up up up :)