Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn vowed to fight Islamophobia at a black and ethnic minority rally in London yesterday.
Speaking to hundreds of supporters in Highbury, Mr Corbyn said: “In Britain, hate crime is rising. More than half of all young black people are unemployed. Black people are a shocking 37 times more likely to be stop and searched. Labour must be a party that fights for black, Asian and ethnic minority communities – and a diverse and united Britain.
“Words matter. We must never pander to elements of the rightwing press, which sow division in our society and demonise Muslim communities. We must stand against antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism, wherever they exist.
“But it also means going further – and addressing the systematic disadvantage that so many people face. To build a society that works for everyone, we will end austerity and invest £500bn in jobs, infrastructure and public services as part of our plan to rebuild and transform Britain so that no one and no community is left behind.”
Mr Corbyn’s stance is very different to that of his contender who at the last leadership hustings said he would pump more money into improving the hugely controversial, and widely ineffective, government counter-terrorism programme PREVENT, which many say is creating more Islamophobia.
Last night it was revealed Jeremy Corbyn has won the support of 285 constituency Labour parties compared to a just 53 for his rival.
The leadership election result will be announced on 24 September 2016.
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