Watch Jeremy Corbyn converse out on Gaza from London’s Extensive Awake pageant
Jeremy Corbyn made an look on the primary stage at London’s Extensive Awake pageant, calling for help for “individuals in a determined state of affairs in Gaza”.
The pageant, which is going down at Brockwell Park in the present day (Might 23), is headlined by Kneecap and likewise options units from CMAT, English Instructor, Daniel Avery, Model Pussy, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and Nadine Shah – who Corbyn launched to stage.
Corbyn took the Extensive Awake stage to handle the group and listing the causes that he desires to rally help for.
“We’re right here in the present day to get help for individuals in a determined state of affairs in Gaza and the West Financial institution,” he began, earlier than being cheered by the group. “We’re right here additionally to rejoice music, rejoice music venues, and rejoice the enjoyment that music brings to tens of millions.”
The previous Labour chief additionally introduced that he has tabled a invoice in Parliament calling for an inquiry into the British navy’s function in Israeli operations in Gaza. Elsewhere within the speech, he addresses the blockade of aid and food to Gaza – “they’re being intentionally starved to demise,” he stated.
“I’m sorry to say, however for a really very long time this nation…has equipped weapons and equipped elements for the F-35 jets which can be used to bomb Gaza,” he stated to the group. “So when we now have the demonstrations in help for the Palestinian individuals, please be there and lift your voice.”
Talking in regards to the significance of defending music venues, he stated: “If we don’t defend these venues, the place are the musicians of tomorrow going to return from?”
He continued: “In my opinion music is one thing that brings us collectively, permits us to know one another, and provides younger individuals the true alternative to precise their creativity and and pleasure of life. So let’s defend festivals, defend music venues…study music at college and luxuriate in what comes with it…music evokes individuals throughout adversity.”
Watch Corbyn’s full speech at Extensive Awake in a fan-captured video under.
Corbyn’s speech simply now to the Extensive Awake Competition in south London pic.twitter.com/ooCG3x54nn
— Stephen Smith (@SteveNickSmith) May 23, 2025
Corbyn has been a long-standing pro-Palestinian advocate, beforehand talking out about points in Gaza and the West Financial institution.
The lead-up to this yr’s version of Extensive Awake pageant has been bumpy, after native resident Rebekah Shaman, a member of the Defend Brockwell Park group, took authorized motion towards Lambeth Council, arguing that organisers Brockwell Dwell (the organisers behind Extensive Awake, Area Day, the Mighty Hoopla) didn’t have the proper planning permission for the occasions. Final week (Might 16), a choose dominated in her favour.
The ruling brought on concern for the plight of the numerous festivals that have been as a result of be held on the location this summer time, with the Evening Time Industries Affiliation (NTIA) warning of the potential for a “devastating blow” to London tradition in consequence. Nevertheless, organisers Brockwell Dwell confirmed on Monday (Might 19) that “no occasion might be cancelled because of the Excessive Courtroom’s resolution”.
At present (Might 23), the pageant introduced a last-minute lowered ticket scheme as a result of rising authorized prices.
Moreover, the pageant comes amid a interval of controversy for Kneecap, who’re set to headline the pageant in the present day. On Wednesday (Might 21) Mo Chara obtained a terror offence cost, which the band have slammed as a “carnival of distraction”.
The Irish rap trio have in the present day (Might 23) launched a politically-charged new single, ‘The Recap’, that includes Mozey.
The relentless and blistering new observe ‘The Recap’ begins with a “breaking information” bulletin about counter terrorism police investigating Kneecap. In a breakdown of the team-up with drum and bass artist Mozey, the trio rap about Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch’s try at “fooling everyone“.