Owen Jones on why he's left the Labour Party | The News Agents

Influential left-wing commentator Owen Jones is in News Agents HQ a day after he quit the Labour Party - despite being a member since he was 15 - on account of what he perceived to be Keir Starmer's fundamental 'dishonesty'. We ask him why he thinks that, whether Labour have lost his vote forever, and if he wants to become the left-wing's Nigel Farage.
#news #labour #politics #keirstarmer #leftwing #nigelfarage #uk #NewsAgents #EmilyMaitlis #JonSopel #LewisGoodall
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Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall - three of the UK’s top journalists - host a brand-new daily news podcast: The News Agents.
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news - and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed!
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon.
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast and a Persephonica production.

[@harrysorrell9528]

I love how Keir Starmer reunites his party by getting rid of half of them

[@CalRoberts-gx3jt]

This is centerist tyranny!!!

[@MrBigSeanno]

To be fair, and I say this as someone who is on the left, Owen Jones might be representative of half of the party membership (maybe, probably a bit less though.) But he's nowhere near representative of Labour voters, he's very much in a small minority in that respect.

[@gazwalton]

​@@MrBigSeanno I honestly could not agree with you more here.

[@mikemhindu4225]

Could commenters here please clarify how stating demonstrable facts is personal? If you steal you are a thief. If you knowing make falsehoods, you are a liar. Why is this in doubt?

[@50ismjazz]

I am not Owen's greatest fan but his reasons for leaving labour are similar to mine. Member for 40yrs. I left after Iraq and rejoined in 2015. Both of the 2 main parties scare me.

[@bereal6590]

There is NOTHING scary about starmer. If you're labour you're labour anything less in fptp gives a vote to the tories

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Totally agree.

[@thegoat11111]

I'm 58 years old and I've always been better off under Labour and worse off under the Tories. But even living under Thatcher was like a warm breeze on a sunny day in comparison to living through these last fourteen years. I have never been worse off never!

[@khar12d8]

If you're 58 there's only ever one Labour govt you've lived under as an adult which is New Labour, and they were in power at a very lucky time for a govt (until the financial crisis, of course). I'm not saying that to defend the Tories or attack Labour, but Labour in power after 97 were living in the boom times. The next Labour govt (similar to Labour back in the 1970s) might face much tougher times.

[@soviet9366]

​@@khar12d8 fair point, though we are doing considerably worse than our peers, in large part due to weird tory ideology

[@matthewhenwood1009]

The way Lewis is suggesting that MPs might feel bad about supporting Isreal but are going along with it for political gain and suggesting there is no problem with that is shocking.

[@pallettowngangster9297]

Not sure that’s quite what he’s saying. After all, where is the political gain? There isn’t really massive pro-Israel constituency amongst British voters. If anything, there would be more to gain politically by condemning Israel. Labour are trying to fall in line with the US. They clearly see something in that relationship. It’s a bit of risky strategy all the while Trump is lurking; but it’s a strategy all the same.

[@flabby_armz8900]

💯

[@sylviawillmot4365]

I totally agree with Owen.

[@corndoggydogdog]

Very grateful to the News Agents for giving Owen a chance to speak.

[@paulandhisguitars]

Speak, but not finish a sentence before hes interrupted.

[@dolmen6613]

he's never off the BBC

[@paulandhisguitars]

@dolmen6613 I've watched several BBC programs in the last few days, not seen him once.

[@dolmen6613]

@@paulandhisguitars -Lucky you -every time i watch a political discussion it's either him or his comrade in arms Ash Sarkar whinging on

[@corndoggydogdog]

@@dolmen6613 You clearly don't watch much political discussion on TV then.

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Owen Jones is eloquently reasoned and principled - totally agree with him.

[@denzel270]

and very far left.

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

@@denzel270 believe it or not I used to vote conservative a long while ago then I voted labour now I realise that neither are in favour of humanitarian principles and are simply beholden to the lobby.

[@MrSchoudhury2]

Thanks very much Owen. I am muslim and have also left the labour party. Vote Green.

[@SamOliverYT]

Enjoy the next 5 years of Tory government then if enough people follow you. You can obviously afford it, some people can't!

[@paulandhisguitars]

That was a pretty poor interview. The time to push back or counterargument the points owen makes is after he finishes a sentence, not 3 words into a sentence. Do your job properly.

[@kennethmarshall306]

Yes. It struck me that he just couldn’t bear to hear what Owen was saying.

[@paulandhisguitars]

@kennethmarshall306 hard to hear what he was saying for all of Lewis's interruptions. Thankfully owens put out his own stuff on youtube so we can at least hear his side of why he's done that. The downside of that is wedont get professionally asked pushbacks with those videos, but we never got that here either.

[@richardbyrnes8398]

Lewis's job is to dismiss Owen Jones, not give a fair interview.

[@circusscribble]

How come there are so many comments on this video just slating him and his character? The fella is making his points... you don't have to agree with them, you don't have to like him, but the personal insults and such like lead me to think that there's a lot watching this that probably just can't keep up. so insecure. He doesn't say much in this that's controversial

[@henghistbluetooth7882]

Either that or everyone can keep up but he isn;t making an argument - just making declarations. And the solution is apparently to go off in a huff and not try to change anything.

[@modenadue7690]

Given the main reason why he's finally left the party, there are a LOT of people on here just trying to pass off as "joe public", but who are actively creating diversions from the Gaza elephant in the room...

[@michaelkenny8540]

@@henghistbluetooth7882 That is the problem when you 'know' you, and you alone, are right. Any opposition must be down to stupidity.

[@NoJusticeMTG]

They can't attack him on facts because he's right, and they know it. They are happy to vote a man who endorses war crimes into the highest office because they want to get rid of the tories, and he is telling them hard truths they don't want to hear.

[@digitalflame3498]

100% Agree! The man is correct about everything in this interview but all i'm seeing is people complaining that they don't like him personally! Pathetic!

[@user-st7kx2rk8p]

Well said Owen 👍

[@markwyman6758]

Well done Owen......Labour have become the old Tory party.

[@hamza1947]

Owen is absolutely right. Starmer has no principles. He just wants to be PM

[@user-hl1ex6py8l]

And more importantly he is going to be the first Labour leader to win a general election since Tony Blair. I would take that over anything the Tories can offer us.

[@tommynocash2419]

Well done Owen, you represented the moral arguments clearly and the Labour leadership shoukd have the screams and images keep them awake at night and it is both morally right and strategically sound to further the interest of humanity aboard and the working class here to pressure the labour party from the left and not vote for these ghouls

[@onenation9510]

Brilliant Owen!...You fought pugnaciously the moral high ground!!

[@user-hl1ex6py8l]

Its activists that always believe they have the moral high ground but the real world is far more morally ambiguous. I would rather Labour be in power than a party of eternal opposition. Its only when they are in government that they have the power to change things sometimes that requires compromise.

[@michaelrch]

Nice try Lewis. Owen ran rings around your vacuous defences of Starmer and the right of Labour.

[@JYCrazy1]

I completely agree with Owen. I also won’t be voting Labour this time, given the options

[@user-hl1ex6py8l]

So you would rather the Tories in power? Vote tactically to get them out even if it does mean holding your nose and voting Labour in your constituency. If you do anything else you are a fool.

[@carolynwestlake7670]

The Tories will be pleased. Vote Labour, get the Tories out and then fight for changing the voting system

[@WildOwlFilms]

The journalist is trying to gaslight Owen over examples of Starmers clear dishonesty in TV interviews. Astonishing.

[@rosekk9101]

My respect for Owen Jones grows more every day ❤

[@teflonmac1719]

Owen is one of the very few journalists in this country to have a backbone and moral integrity. Class act.

[@chriselliott726]

As you can see from the comments, yours is not a widely held view.

[@modenadue7690]

Which is an indicator of how far the media has been able to shape public opinion, @@chriselliott726 , and for the benefit of whom?

[@DellaWilliams-vo3ez]

If you've time, read Owen's archived articles. He's flip-flipped more than anyone I know. He does anything to take a contrary view, he's irrelevant otherwise. His neurodivergence has made him focus on one or two comments Starmer made ages ago but has since clarified his position. Especially re Gaza.

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

@@DellaWilliams-vo3ez "Especially re Gaza" - "I am a Zionist without qualification" ie no limits even at the expense of British democracy.

[@keithparker1346]

​@@DellaWilliams-vo3eznot true at all. When Starmer first became leader of Labour Jones wrote a supportive article

[@joncroweucl]

I don't understand all this hostility to Owen Jones. He makes excellent points. I'm honestly shocked by Lewis Goodall's performance in this debate. Multiple logical fallacies in a barefaced attempt to defend Labour at any cost even in the face of support for war crimes. Just spouting "Different Era!" is not a counter argument.

[@patcampton7163]

Rather aggressive interviewer. Well done to Owen for keeping calm.and dealing with him. Thornbury is a big disappointment. She has been throughly Starmered and is notvthe brave mp she used to be.

[@davespiller684]

A lot of the comments about him carry hints of homophobia and sometimes bigotry towards Northerners as well.

[@sarat1325]

@@patcampton7163 She disgusts me. The epitome of a “career” politician. Sold her soul for a directorship. The whole system is rancid and needs tearing down wholesale.

[@asphaltpilgrim]

I think he was very adversarial - but he did concede some points and allowed Owen to speak (mostly). Not so bad, but irritating at times.

[@sarat1325]

Owen Jones. If I ever doubted you, forgive me. You are a Titan and I salute you. Every word. Every fking word!

[@nickwright9064]

Talking across the interviewee with lengthy opinions, not letting him answer. I'm not aligned politically with Mr Jones but ... this is a terrible interview.

[@End-Result]

I think you mean "aligned"

[@nickwright9064]

@@End-Result Thanks - phone autocorrect.

[@shytuncer]

I felt that too. Lewis seemed to patronise him at times with the paranoia comment. But I think I know what Lewis is doing. He's doing his job and creating tension. So, that the show can appeal to a wide audience. He's playing devils advocate but actually he's probably the most lefty presenter bbc has ever had if you have watched his segmants on Newsnights

[@Shsjier]

Just because you're a little snowflake doesnt mean it's a terrible interview

[@paulandhisguitars]

@shytuncer hecan still play devil's advocate and let the interviewee finish a sentence.

[@Gph0367]

We need to change the voting system from FPTP to PR!

[@tonydiamond1875]

that will take at least three days.

[@geoforamorio]

And noone has ever gave a clear answer how this is gonna happen, if you give a Majority to Blue or Red Torries. This only gonna happen with a Hung Parliament!

[@ianmcconnachie4636]

​@seang2700 maybe if Labour have to form a minority government they can be forced to change the electoral system. That is our only hope. That they have listen to the Greens, Lib Dems,.SNP and Plaid Cymru plus assorted independents

[@Denise1create]

All the people saying, " He loves the sound of his own voice, he's a child, etc etc", don't seem to have any rebuttals to his actual arguments, just Ad Hominems. I think he can be a bit absolutist at times, but I do agree with him. Please try to argue his actual points and not whether his personality offends your fee-fees.

[@ne-ht4zx]

He doesn't have any particularly strong supporting arguments - he uses very narrow examples to support his fairly extreme views, then shouts over rebuttals. I'd encourage you to try and make more sensible points without resorting to immature comments like "fee-fees".

[@Denise1create]

@@ne-ht4zx Which points aren't strong and why? And which views does he hold that are extreme?

[@calumday-lewis4465]

Lewis Goodall revealing his journalistic credentials have gone down the pan

[@stormsprite]

I have long looked forward to voting Labour in order to get rid of the Conservatives. I listened many times to the interview where on LBC Starmer refused to acknowledge that Israel should allow water and food to Palestinian people in Gaza, hoping that he didn't really mean that and that I had misunderstood what he was saying. It became obvious to me that he did mean it was OK for Israel to deprive of Gazans the essentials for life. At that point I too decided that the man isn't fit for the Office of Prime Minister and that I couldn't vote for him.

[@lkyuvsad]

…and yet he somehow manages to be more fit to be PM than the alternative. I absolutely hate this. The sooner we get to some form of proportional representation the better.

[@Jay_Johnson]

Well unless you live in Holborn and st Pancras you can't. Focus on your local MP

[@sarat1325]

Who could vote for him? Really. He is as dishonest, duplicitous and as in thrall to the elite and corporate power as that malignant clown Johnson. Evil in a red rosette is still evil.

[@edmundwalker1597]

omg owen jones is starting to make sense to me. what kind of world do we live in now?

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

A world in which main stream politics lost any moral compass, Owen simply kept his intact.

[@captainwilts2244]

A world where someone with unpopular opinions was right all along, in other words earth

[@meldwebb]

Having spent over 40 years supporting and canvassing for labour, no more. All I've ever wanted is a decent, caring, tolerant socialist party. Labour under Sir Kier Starmer is clearly not that. Tory lite ? not for me.

[@bereal6590]

You're mad if you think Britain will be purely socialist! Let's not forget what crushed out economy the most and that was Corbyns failure over Brexit

[@BuzzTemple]

The criticisms of Jones on this thread appear to amount to 'he's noisy and annoying' rather than anything substantive. He may be a bit of a ranter, but he's dead right here, and generally is.

[@sirtoby4939]

They know he's right. And they hate him for it.

[@patcampton7163]

Truth hurts, I guess.

[@Minorheadlines]

Jones - "something happend last week" Goodall "oh different era, different era. Things have changed"

[@RichardChapman-tx6jk]

I don't necessarily disagree with the concerns Owen Jones raises about the current Labout party. But I most certainly feel a right of centre Labour party is hands down a better option than an extremely right leaning party Tory party. Unfortunately for us we have the choice between Labour and the Tories because of the flawed FPTP system we have. Labour infighting and people behaving like Owen just helps the Tories which in the long term damages the country far further than Labour being in power. His points are valid but unless we end up with a PR voting system he just ends up being a Tory enabler.

[@DeniseWilliams-jr5xo]

I'm sorry but the Labour party have moved too far to the right in my view. I'll be completely frank I really don't like Starmer at all. I feel his beliefs are totally alien to mine. I'm staying with the party because because I won't be forced out by Starmer. Besides I prefer to fight from within.

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Exactly - expresses my feelings as well.

[@blazzz13]

@@DeniseWilliams-jr5xo I empathise- but care to remind us how many elections Corbyn won? This is the problem. To implement social changes- you need to be in power first. And under FPTP you need the centre ground or as the Tories figured when they were running out of road, Brexit. Win power and you can argue about policies. Else you are just a professional protest institution masquerading as a political party.

[@jamesrowland2038]

Exactly right

[@fabioq6916]

Agreed. But on principle, nothing he says is untrue or incorrect. Sadly, people with unbending principles do not win elections as leader of a major party. The job requires too many compromises and too many no win situations where the best policy is still a bad one.

[@DivinaDeCampoTV]

It would be great to allow guests to fully answer a question before speaking. The greatest interviews are ones where the guest does the majority of the talking and is able to properly explain their positions.

[@georgemcneill6408]

An interview with constant interruption is a worthless thing...I stopped watching

[@Namix666]

the comment section should be saved so we can look at it 2 years into the next labour government :)

[@gailhill5734]

It's depressingly impossible to disagree with Owen. BUT if people do abandon Labour our voting system will not reflect this and only give Tories more chance to retain more seats

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Labour under Kid Starver is an anathema,

[@M2Mil7er]

Don't worry, a lot of Tories will vote for Starmer now, and they're counting on it.

[@stalyirmangin6249]

They've got reform to worry about The Greens are standing candidates in every constituency in England and Wales for the first time in electoral history. There is another way. Jones has done what needed to be done by anyone left, on the left in that party. I'm thanking my lucky stars for the SNP, but I'd hate to see England succumb to the New Tories. I was a Member of Labour for a long long time, stood for Council and Scot Election, booted by Starmer because I wouldn't get on board with Blairism.

[@michaelrch]

Owen's thesis (and I think he's right) is that the Tories are dead and buried already. They are so hated, even by their own traditional voters, that they are no longer a meaningful thread at the next election. So it's better now to vote for real progressives. Like the Greens or independents, or Labour if you happen to have one of the increasingly rare progressives in your constituency.

[@nedbushcrafter7185]

Vote labour your having a laugh ill never vote centrist tory Labour, not a chance

[@patcampton7163]

Starmer set himself up as a moral person and has turned out not to be. He made it personal. Starmer makes excuses and Owen is right, Starmer is dishonest. We who are engaged can all see it. In some respects, he is more dishonest than Johnson.

[@weeFILM]

Why the cut at 25:05?

[@jesusaaj]

Right horrible editing,he obviously doesn't want us listening to the guy hold him accountable

[@hamnaahmad3579]

Yes that annoyed me. Owen was explaining why the comparison to Ukraine is valid and he gets just cut off. Typical.

[@goldenhourg]

Lewis Goodall is so funny 21:25 CLEARLY most politicians do not care AT ALL about Palestinian life.

[@modenadue7690]

The comments section is an "ad hominem" field day, while only a small percentage of those having a go actually address the main and present reason why he left the party; Gaza.

[@jessiewellington9377]

yeah, he is leaving the party not in power for 14 years therefore supporting the party opposite, i.e. tories or reform because of our electoral system, who plainly would do anything bad labour would or wouldnt do much worse, and he wants to f 'our' country , where 'our' kids have to grow up country because of that, DELULU, CUCKOO CUCKOO, ATTENTION SEEKER, DELUSIONAL, completely deranged

[@digitalflame3498]

THANK YOU! The Owen Jones derangement syndrome is real. They can't contest his arguments.

[@bereal6590]

@@digitalflame3498 oh yes we can. I followed Jones until I got wise to his whining and political inability. He backs dead ducks and helped land us in the position we are in now. Nothing the UK does will change Hamas or Israel. Simplistic thinking by a man child who is only raising antisemitism in this country. He is an activist, not a political guru!

[@keithparker1346]

​@@digitalflame3498they are low information voters, perfect Labour voters

[@keithparker1346]

I will point out that there have been other issues before Gaza but I think Jones realised Labour ain't going to change internally and it was the final straw. He explained his reasoning in a Novara Media video

[@englandcalling9721]

The Labour Party has held office for 18 of the last 50 years, of which 13, in Owen’s life, under Blair/Brown, were the antithesis of 'his' Labour. Every Labour leader, he approved of, was defeated, leaving us with an unmoored and unchecked Conservative Party who rarely, feared defeat...until now. And why Owen has left.

[@Shsjier]

He literally explained why he's left but you prefer to try read his mind and utterly fail. You people are embarrassing. I haven't heard one reasonable argument yet as to why he's wrong

[@englandcalling9721]

@@Shsjier Every Labour leader, he admired or championed, failed to gain power, and is in part why the Conservative Party is like it is. Foot, Kinnock, Corbyn, all of them losers. Owen, dreams of a Party that will 'never' win power, and like a petulant child gets upset when he doesn't get his way.

[@col.hertford9855]

@@Shsjierhe is wrong because he lives in a world, not inhabited by the rest of us. He lacks any basic realism.

[@Shsjier]

@@col.hertford9855 that's not an argument either. Thanks for proving the point again

[@worship568]

Owen voted for Tony Blair

[@mikez2779]

Guy has an ideology, ilĺ give him that. But he's utterly delusional.

[@Mekchanoid]

Is he delusional about the possibility of a ceasefire? Because the UN has just voted for that...

[@mikez2779]

@@Mekchanoid there is very little reason to think such a ceasefire would happen just because UK parliament, not to even say just an opposition leader, would call for it. By now a heck of a lot of countries called for it - did Israel listen?

[@weswheel4834]

@@MekchanoidPretty much everyone wants a ceasefire.

[@fabioq6916]

​@@weswheel4834nope. Lots of politicians, even now, object to it and no one called for one in the early days. Owen did.

[@weswheel4834]

@@fabioq6916 He should patent the idea then, it sounds brilliant. :S

[@goldenhourg]

Love Owen ❤

[@giovannipanzeri6431]

Very interesting cut at 25.18

[@standupsaf]

It was weird that the interviewer was so keen to aggressively defend Israel and then move on so Owen couldn't reply to that. The cut come just as Owen is about to criticise the media for this exact sort of thing.

[@chriswatson3464]

25:18

[@stanstreatfield3485]

Not totally with Owen Jones but this interviewer is a totally dishonest actor.

[@TheYopogo]

Some people know they can't argue against any of Owen's points, and they REALLY don't like it being pointed out that they're wrong. So they have to find any excuse to not listen, to dismiss, to mock. Anything other than even *consider* the arguments Owen makes on their merits. Because they know he's right.

[@oktfg]

Owen is to arguments what Brian Blessed is to bellowing.

[@Shsjier]

Not an argument

[@ChrisSena]

What, exceptionally talented at it?

[@keithparker1346]

Not sure if that's a compliment

[@leedavis6000]

Great vid guys really enjoyed it.

[@nickyd922]

Labour want the centre ground and will govern thus

[@AH-te5gs]

Tory light.

[@tisFrancesfault]

@@AH-te5gs even if that were the case, better Tory light than the Tory Right.

[@dylanharrison7458]

The real reson why we can't vote Labour out is because most people who vote is middle aged white men who are stubborn an have been conditioned to vote for the same lies an we all want change but we're not in the same page everyone will just vote for someone else when we need to vote together but we have no 1 to get behind we have no Donald trump only joe bidens I'll be voting REFORM UK hopefully we can all make a sensible decision an choose wisely #free palastine an stop global wars for elites who don't give 2 s**ts about us 🇬🇧🇵🇸✊🏿

[@upendasana7857]

Do you have a problem with people expressing opinions and having knowledge about things you don't,does it make you feel insecure to see someone with a conscience and well thought out and evidenced opinions.Yous hould try it sometime...you might like it rather than just blindly going with whatever you think you're supposed to think

[@michaelrch]

Labour are not in the centre. They are now Cameron/Osborne centre-right neoliberal austerians. To the point that Osborne has literally endorsed Rachel Reeves to be chancellor.

[@ricesnot]

I advise everyone to watch this one at 0.75x speed

[@zaedenuk]

Ahh,'normal' speed for owen jones, lol 😂

[@timbartellselsdon]

I too come from a family of Labour voters I have been a member of the party for 55 years, I too have left, this must be the case in many cases.

[@haaaaaay]

Me too

[@MrTeaTwoSugars]

And me

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

I'm part of the me2 party.

[@theclown888]

Some people just need to be more aware of how they come across to others.

[@DannyMercer1993]

Owen speaks over every single sentence Lewis makes. He slides into personal so quick. I find it very hard to feel comfortable around such … behaviour.

[@digitalflame3498]

Bu are you listening to the words that he is saying? Tell me what you disagree with? He is speaking the total truth isn't he? Surely that is more important than your comfort with his delivery?

[@HuttonMaplankaFlanior]

Forget about behaviour, how about substance?

[@kalebdaark100]

But then he's talking to Lewis, who also has a tendency to talk over people. I think Lewis is the perfect choice to for this interview, between the two of them, Owens passionate point of view is clarified. You might not agree with him or like the way he comes across, but by the end of the interview you know the point he's making and why he's making it.

[@uksharif]

Lewis and him both constantly spoke over each other. LG speaks over him and then says "but let's move on" to tey and have the last word, Owen then speaks over him and drags him back into it to do the same. The question is (an open question): when you ignore that, who spoke with substance?

[@firewalkwithmecooper]

OJ the typa guy to make even people who agree with 90% of his points utterly despise and repudiate him.

[@TheValeyard92]

Absolutely perfect summary of that squit.

[@the55squad]

literally me

[@Shsjier]

Any of you care to make an argument?

[@gavleopardi70]

Think that says more about you than him if you look at your words honestly

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Not me - I appreciate passion about morality and truth especially with the state of mainstream politics and media.

[@sharonjames2041]

😢I'm wid u Owen 😢I didn't vote for Blair and I won't vote for Starmer ❤

[@bereal6590]

Well done Sharon for gifting sunak your vote

[@MrTzimisces]

I love how angry centrist dads are over this

[@Notalloldpeople]

He can’t cope with Labour being so far ahead in the polls without adhering strictly to his world view.

[@Jesus420.69]

Yes, he’s left them now they’re miles ahead in the polls heading toward government.. grifters gonna grift.

[@DeniseWilliams-jr5xo]

He's left because he cannot support the party's stance on the troubles in Gaza. I'm a Labour party member but I've been very angry with Starmer's blind support for Israel no matter what. I cannot nor will not forgive him for supporting Israel cutting of water to the Palestinian people.

[@juliewake4585]

Yes I’m sure that’s true. You believe it if you want but it’s important to stick to your principles.

[@juliewake4585]

@@Jesus420.69I’d love to know why you consider him to be a grifter. Or is that what you consider sticking to your principles to be?

[@56Model30]

I don’t think you understand what Owen is saying. It has nothing to do with ‘adhering strictly to his worldview’.

[@patrickcrosby6219]

The utter state of this comment section

[@CarlosBacardi]

Agreed. There’s no vision in it. OJ has proven - to the disappointment of many on the more extreme left - that he’ll campaign for Labour even on a fairly moderate left of centre programme. In the short term, people like him leaving won’t impact Labour, but when things become difficult, the problems with Labour’s absolute lack of radicalism will lead to a terminal decline. The party should be broad enough to allow socialists to have a role, and the blasé attitude expressed here towards people like him leaving is so short sighted.

[@jessiewellington9377]

keir starmer is a socialist, he (owen)* is just an attention seeker@@CarlosBacardi

[@DellaWilliams-vo3ez]

​@@CarlosBacardiLabour is a democratic party, unlike the others. There are still plenty of lefty MPs. It is vital Labour win the next GE. Lives literally depend on it.

[@keithparker1346]

​@@DellaWilliams-vo3ezwho's left wing of the prominent Labour MPs?

[@DellaWilliams-vo3ez]

@@keithparker1346 You're obviously not a Labour member, nor do you follow and listen to MPs, why should I do your research for you.

[@petershutak5573]

It's hypocritical to denounce the misery on the Palestinians while opposing David Cameron's 2013 failed vote to take action against Assad in Syria. That failure led to half a million deaths.

[@Muzikman127]

Dissappointing cut at 25:05. I would have liked to see that line of argument completed. It seems to me that the interviewer here was very keen not to have his own sense of objectivity/neutrality questioned, but if you're going to give an overtly political and heavily contested characterisation of events, then you open yourself up to contestation of it. It seems somewhat cowardly to give your own ideological characterisation of the conflict in a matter/of-fact tone, and then move on so that no counterargument can be presented (and cut out the counterarguments that were made from the upload). I get that as an interviewer you want to be above the fray and all that, but I think that's cheating

[@kennethmarshall306]

That’s what I was thinking. I would like to have an explanation as to why it was cut.

[@GHall89]

So smug. He loves the sound of his own voice. I don't mind listening to people take a moral stance, but my word, he doesn't half think he's above everyone.

[@Mekchanoid]

Could say the same about you, coming on here without a single constructive thing to say.

[@Shsjier]

You said absolutely nothing 😅

[@thelaurels13]

I am 45 and have supported Labour my whole adult life, my family has too. Not any more. We will vote green this GE!

[@fordprefect1925]

He should stand & would be a valuable voice. Definitely right on gaza. This is coming from member of the so called ‘centrist dad’ contingent who despises tories and libertarians by the way.

[@jolyonlovell3554]

I'm only surprised it took Owen Jones so long to work this out.

[@nickkowal6537]

Owen Jones on why he needs to be the centre of attention

[@stephenholmes1036]

Spot on

[@Petersworld77]

Imagine having to have dinner with him. What an opinionated bore.

[@nickkowal6537]

@@Petersworld77 🤢

[@Shsjier]

No arguments to be found

[@gavleopardi70]

Yet you’re watching a video where he is literally the subject of an interview and therefore the centre of attention… bit slow on the uptake aren’t you?

[@CalRoberts-gx3jt]

Something else Owen should talk about is how Starmer wants to abandon Brexit A democratic vote they said theyd accept & obvousily havent

[@Sean006]

The world according to Owen Jones. He is right about Gaza but he has to take people with him. Obviously has a HUGE chip on his shoulder about the way his hero Jeremy was treated.

[@fabioq6916]

He is right on Gaza. That is the most important issue discussed

[@gen_x_dad]

Owen Jones shows that he is a man of utmost integrity. It's easy being principled when there isn't a cost to it. He stayed when his hero was disgraced. He's leaving on the eve of what is expected to be Labour's greatest election. Probably the rarest act I've ever seen in politics.

[@fabioq6916]

@@gen_x_dad i disagree with him on a lot of issues, mainly to do with pragmatic politics. I cannot, however, criticise his honesty, integrity and morality.

[@Shsjier]

@@gen_x_dad if we cant criticize labour when they're going to win a landslide? When can we criticise them?

[@gen_x_dad]

@@Shsjier criticising the bandwagon, while riding on it, isn't hard. Saying you don't want any part of it, because you feel they've abandoned their principles, is an entirely different matter. That requires immense character and integrity.

[@christapp4877]

He could have an argument in an empty room

[@NickRothman1980]

No doubt I will join many people who are more shocked that until recently he was still IN the Labour party! Thought he'd done one years ago........

[@worship568]

Owen actually recorded video last year explaining why it's still better for the left to support Labour.

[@DellaWilliams-vo3ez]

​@@worship568I know. I strongly believe he's thinking he'll become irrelevant unless he takes a contrary position. Why would he do this now, with Labour leading so much in the polls? I used to follow him on all his platforms, but stopped ages ago.

[@keithparker1346]

​@@DellaWilliams-vo3ezif you watch videos he explains that's the reason.If it was a remotely tight race he'd not do it. But Starmer fanboys want total power

[@SideQ-rr6my]

​@DellaWilliams-vo3ez it is precisely because they have such a strong lead in the polls. Owen thinks that giving this iteration of Labour a huge majority then there will be very little opportunity for change from within. He is 100% correct

[@DellaWilliams-vo3ez]

@@keithparker1346 I actually don't care, people will vote how they want and that's democracy. If Labour don't win, and I hope they do, then we'll 'get the govt we deserve' as the saying goes. Doesn't affect me much, I'm retired, but I do care about everyone else who isn't ok and is struggling. I care, so am voting Labour.

[@gordonwilson1631]

Journalists and politicians talking about Macroeconomics don’t know about Macroeconomics. The starting point is The Bank of England Q1 2014 Bulletin and knowledge that new money must be created. The mechanism is the argument. The starting point is not “there’s not enough money.” That deliberately closes the discussion. Money creation and what it’s used for are purely political choices.

[@pappaxray2]

Oh weird I was wondering if you were going to cover this and here he is!

[@stuartmckay7350]

Goodbye 👋

[@bigtastyforlife9367]

Owen Jones leaving the Labour Party isn't news or of importance. But trust Owen not to let that get in the way.

[@Mekchanoid]

Owen did not book himself on the News Agents. And his leaving the Labour mess isn't of importance, you're right, which is why every interview he reiterates that he did it because Starmer is as lost on Gaza as Corbin was on Brexit and Blair was on Iraq.

[@modenadue7690]

The problem with Brexit has always been from the very start, how the Maastricht Treaty, and the rest of bureaucratic binds around the very idea of the EU, were WAY more complex than the "IN or OUT" that David "Greensill" Cameron had dumbed it down to, @@Mekchanoid ; so arrogant in his risking such a thing in order to remain party leader. There were prospective Labour policies back then, in favour of the regeneration of certain areas of the country, or certain sectors of the economy, which would anyway have fallen foul of EU regulations; so to try and compare Corbyn's dilemma of then against Gaza and Iraq is a bit of a stretch actually. I think his bigger weakness was/is his lack of political cunning, and what was perceived as naïveté on the Skripal affair. He would have needed a ruthless foreign secretary, who would be able to smell a trap or an ambush at a hundred yards. On domestic socioeconomic issues though, his sense of humanity and empathy was as sharp as that of his human rights stance in general.

[@mzo.7333]

Is Lewis on Starmers payroll?

[@ddraigairhead4187]

Him and Starmer are getting from the same pocket

[@TheYopogo]

Whatever you think of Owen, his arguments here are irrefutable. It's a slam dunk. And the extreme childishness and arrogance with which labour and the media have responded to this obviously deeply considered and thoughtful case tells you everything you need to know about them.

[@midnightwolfee2128]

Owen feels a little unhinged here to me. Gaza has broken him. Such absolute moral judgment and certainty about others character..others btw who have no responsibility for, or meaningful ability to affect, what's happening in Gaza.

[@bdenbhurrito]

This comment says everything about you and nothing about Owen Jones. Shame.

[@tobylerone4285]

@@bdenbhurritoratioed

[@bdenbhurrito]

@@tobylerone4285an embarrassing reply

[@EveHenleySpread]

He’s always been as nutty as a fruitcake

[@modenadue7690]

"others btw who have no responsibility for, or meaningful ability to affect, what's happening in Gaza", while acting on behalf of the lobby that they're receiving money from? That statement doesn't really stick, does it? Nice try... but no thanks.

[@JohnEboy73]

Owen Jones would pay money to have an argument with himself...

[@EthanZoid]

Hahhahaha

[@Robin.2226]

100% respect to Owen Jones👏👏 The voice of truth

[@betperrins7528]

So he’s left. Who cares.

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Not me. I am considerably older than Owen and have no patience with him.

[@rosekk9101]

Sad for him 😂😂​@@buzzukfiftythree

[@paulstubbs4184]

labour about to actually win something, better leave immediately

[@buzzukfiftythree]

I have no patience with Owen Jones I’m afraid.

[@circusscribble]

Don't be afraid. Patience is a virtue

[@upendasana7857]

ahh poor you,its so nice of you to share your generous irrelvant opinion with no substance or valid reasons whatsoever.....it must be lovely sharing such inconsequential opinions which mean absolutely nothing to anyone

[@popgoesaweasle920]

You may as well have said I don't like too much rain.

[@goingoutotheparty1]

The Farage of the Left

[@patcampton7163]

We might be in a different macroeconomic climate, but we know where the money has gone and its time to claw some back.

[@TomMAF4]

Owen’s so right!

[@user-hl1ex6py8l]

No he is so left that he no longer is relevant in 2024.

[@TomMAF4]

I'm sure that's what you wish is the case@@user-hl1ex6py8l

[@PeppermintPatties]

100 percent agree, Owen. 👍

[@roger4437]

Owen Jones uses extreme language. He makes exaggerated, overblown statements that sometimes have some truth but can turn off the viewer due to how harsh he can be. ​He has never been able to work out the difference between politics and party politics. He needs to remember that a dream without a plan is just a dream, the same as a political idea without a realistic plan for implementing it or bringing people with you is a waste of time.

[@Shsjier]

Give an example

[@gavleopardi70]

Again care to qualify your drivel…

[@worship568]

What part of what Owen said is untrue?

[@roger4437]

@@worship568 I said sometimes have some truth....

[@roger4437]

@Shsjier Hi, the figures regarding the number of deaths are clearly an estimate. I think the estimates are low the actual deaths are higher. It's important to make these things clear. talking about estimates as facts are mislead. This is why language is important.

[@sugarfoot1956]

Glad that Owen has finally seen the light. I’ve always voted Labour, even Blair. But there is no way I’ll be voting Labour this time around. My hope is for some sort of progressive coalition come the GE.

[@SilverHalsen]

Because he's a tory enabler. Done.

[@freshwaterspaceman7194]

Rishi Sunak's helpful idiot!

[@deirdremccormack87]

I think Owen is right. Well done a great interview and I agree most people are horrified about Gaza and feel helpless.

[@myneighbourjohnturturro]

Owen spoke powerfully here, I can’t help but agree with him on pretty much every point made.

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Isn't it amazing how many people posting find somebody wanting truth and morality, disturbing.

[@patcampton7163]

Terrible interviwer.

[@Trax777]

He's just salty Corbyn didnt win, legit domt care!

[@trinityb712]

Completely agree with Owen. Think it’s a bit ridiculous that Lewis and others have tried to make him feel “paranoid” or too radical. Gaza is a basic moral issue regardless of people’s views on Israel and we should not be begging people to have basic humanity. The media are not holding our politicians accountable

[@yogihaughton]

Nobody represents the people I care about.

[@user-kk7by1mc5l]

I think that Green Party is very underrated. Caroline Lucas is one of the finest MPs to have ever graced the Commons and it is a shame that she will no longer. The Left wing of the youth gives me faith that one day there will be a party that actually represents the left.

[@onawhim9079]

He's crazy these days, totally lost the plot!

[@bdenbhurrito]

Why are you pro-starvation of 2 million people?

[@56Model30]

What does Owen say that is crazy?

[@juliewake4585]

I’m sure you think that standing up for the oppressed is losing the plot.

[@sarat1325]

Because he wants an end to the mass slaughter of civilians, a third of whom are children? Tell me again who is the “crazy” one?

[@TrickyDickyDiver]

This guy loves the sound of his own voice and could have an argument in an empty room.

[@Jonny-yh2nl]

And he regularly does

[@Shsjier]

Why is he wrong? Cua he likes his voice? You people are a joke 😅

[@upendasana7857]

Must be terrible for a person like you to see someone with clear well thought out educated ideas and opinions..I can see why that might be a trigger for you when you literally have nothing to say but vacious comments like this

[@TrickyDickyDiver]

@@upendasana7857 Some friendly advice for you - before insulting someone and their intelligence, maybe check your spelling first :)

[@thomasarcher9178]

We need many more voices like Owens in the media

[@chriselliott726]

We really don't.

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

I agree whole-heartedly.

[@ianhouston4424]

For those who are criticising Jones, can you refute any of his reasons for leaving?

[@bdenbhurrito]

They can’t, so they don’t even try and instead insult him

[@jonathanfell688]

Yes, and from the Left.

[@Sean006]

There are a lot of Labour supporters who aren't happy with Keir Starmers stance on Gaza and other things. But they keep silent because they hope Labour will provide some much needed leadership after they win a GE. Owen sees his future outside the Labour tent. It is about Owen. He can probably see the Left being in the wilderness for years/decades.....probably still hasnt recovered from the fall from grace of his hero Corbyn. So near but yet so far.

[@chriselliott726]

He has left so he can get back into the spotlight, where he loves to be.

[@Shsjier]

@@chriselliott726 so the only rebuttal you can offer is mind reading? Thanks for proving the point

[@dazzwsmith]

Entitled contrarian who likes the sound of his "owen" voice.

[@juliewake4585]

Like every journalist methinks.

[@jessiewellington9377]

thats funny af

[@tribalmattersmtg5532]

It just needs Ava or Ed Campbell in the room and it’s basically all the KZbin political commentary combined in to one.