The inherent flaws in the UK’s political system are becoming ever clearer. Since the Tories took power in 2010, life has become increasingly miserable for the general population. Living standards have plummeted, and austerity has become the policy tool of choice. Essential services, from nursing homes to schools, trains to water utilities, falter daily due to relentless privatisation. To add insult to injury, the public faces higher taxes, with the Conservatives overseeing the largest tax increases since WWII, while the wealthy – like Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer – enjoy tax rates of less than 25 percent.

This misery is set to continue, regardless of whether the next Prime Minister is from Labour or the Conservatives. Labour, under Starmer, supports privatisation, opposes labour organising, advocates increased military spending, and fails to defend the rights of refugees. They oppose new corporate taxes and abandon policies on green energy and environmental protection.

Worst of all, amidst the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, both Tories and Labour continue their unwavering support for Israel. Under Starmer, Labour has been suppressing criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights even before October 7, hiring an ex-Israeli intelligence officer to surveil party members, leading to expulsions for dissent.

Alternatives exist

The exposure of corrupt leaders, the false promises of Brexit and the mental gymnastics by establishment parties to justify support to Israel have re-energized political life in the UK. 

DiEM25 members from across Europe and beyond have voted overwhelmingly to support principled candidates in the upcoming elections, including Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, and Faiza Shaheen. Crucially, our members back Andrew Feinstein, former African National Congress MP, who is challenging Keir Starmer’s seat.

Our endorsement extends to those supporting the Peace and Justice project’s five demands, including: Dave Nellist, Shanell Johnson, Fiona Lali, Anne San, Jabu Nala-Hartley, Sean Halsall, Claudia Webbe, Tanushka Marah, Tahir Mirza, Leanne Mohamad, Pamela Fitzpatrick, Kamel Hawwash, Sam Gorst, Ammar Waraich, Mohammad Hafeez, Jo Bird, and many more as listed by the Collective.

In other constituencies, our members back the Greens, Sinn Féin, Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party, and other progressive forces to break the false dichotomy between Labour and the Conservatives.

These candidates challenge the power structures that have led to the climate crisis, oligarchic control, militarism, and undemocratic actions impacting lives at local, regional and international levels.

Let us raise the standard for democracy, solidarity, and freedom of expression. Let us end the impoverishment of people in the UK and beyond, cease military support for Israel, and join the 145 nations recognizing Palestine. Let us turn out in our millions to break the stranglehold on life and free the 20 million people living below the minimum income standard.

Refer here for the full result of the vote

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