UK

Corbyn urges end to people ‘living on margins’ in Glastonbury speech

Labour leader’s speech focuses on issues of social justice and equality at Somerset festival

A headline act of a different kind, UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gets a reception worthy of a rock star as he speaks on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury festival. Video: Reuters
Sat Jun 24 2017 - 18:45

Jeremy Corbyn spoke of his hopes for an end to people living on "the margins of society, euphemistically known as the Fourth World" in a speech focused on issues of social justice and equality delivered on-stage at the Glastonbury festival in England.

After a rapturous welcome at the music and performing arts festival, the British Labour leader said on the Pyramid stage: "Here in Glastonbury we are doing things differently, we are doing things better... let us be together and recognise another world is possible if we come together."

The crowd exploded into a chant of "Oh, Jeremy Corbyn" when he left the stage arm in arm with festival founder Michael Eavis.

‘Inspiring words’

Performers Run The Jewels then took the stage and thanked Mr Corbyn for his “inspiring words”.

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Festival-goers spoke of their support for the Labour leader.

Claire Herbert (32), from Llanelli, South Wales, said: "I think more politicians should do things like this.

“It is a very good idea, they need to communicate for the people who will be voting for them.

Alastair Monty (29), from London, said: "I'll be interested to see what all the fuss is about.

“I wouldn’t call myself a fan but he has done good things. He’s got young people out to vote.”

Holly Maddick (19), from Buckinghamshire, said: "I think he's a really cool guy.It is not great the circumstances with the current government."

Michael Vale (28), from London, said: "I'm not sure they'd get Theresa to do this.

“I wore a Corbyn T-shirt last year, I think he’s a wonderful man and I think it’s great that he is getting in touch with young voters.”

But Darren Garrett (39), Gillingham, Dorset, was not as impressed by Mr Corbyn. "Quite honestly I don't know why he's even bothering to come here because the festival has nothing to do with politics," he said.

‘I voted Conservative’

"As for the guy himself I'm not his biggest fan. I voted Conservative. I really like Theresa May, I think she has more balls than he will ever have."

An Irish volunteer was who was served a beer by Mr Corbyn at Glastonbury said it is the “best pint she’s ever had”.

Trade union worker Hazel Nolan (30), was working at the music festival's Solstice bar when Mr Corbyn surprised them with a visit.

She told Press Association: “He just arrived through the back of the bar and walked over. He walked the length of the bar and a huge crowd started gathering - they all started raising their cups. He got a pint and then ‘cheersed’ everyone.”

The Solstice bar is run by the Workers Beer Company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016 and runs bars at events in the UK and Ireland, including Glastonbury Festival.

All the server staff are volunteers, coming from trade union branches, grassroots organisations, community groups, charities and the Labour movement.

Money is donated to the organisations they support for every hour they work.

PA