Jeremy Corbyn Quotes & Sayings

Tony Benn and I were very close, very close friends for 30, 40 years. We talked to each other a great deal, and we were great friends. And I was with him shortly before he died, talking about prospects of the world and prospects for peace. And I'm very sad that he's gone. — Jeremy Corbyn

Diversity in media is something that is intrinsic to a democratic society. We do not want the whole media owned by one person. — Jeremy Corbyn

Of course I want to be [prime minister]. — Jeremy Corbyn

We are developing a media policy which would be about breaking up single ownership of too many sources of information so that we have a multiplicity of sources. — Jeremy Corbyn

Local authorities face huge housing issues with demands outstripping supply many times over; the only way those in housing need can be housed is in the private sector. — Jeremy Corbyn

Sure, I've met with people I don't agree with. — Jeremy Corbyn

The Zocalo is a magnificent space, at least four times the size of Trafalagar Square, with the National Palace on one side, the huge cathedral on the other, and in one corner part of the old Aztec City so brutally destroyed by Hernan Cortez and the Conquistadores. — Jeremy Corbyn

I think in English history a very interesting character is John Lilburne. Very interesting character because of the way he managed to develop the whole debate about the English civil war into something very different. — Jeremy Corbyn

There is a democratic process in the party, and that can be operated at any time. But am I going to resign? No. Of course not. No. No. I will carry on. — Jeremy Corbyn

We are one of the richest countries in the world, and there is absolutely no reason why anyone should have to live in poverty. — Jeremy Corbyn

Quite simply, I maintained contact with Sinn Fein and believed that there had to be a political, not a military, solution to the situation in Northern Ireland. — Jeremy Corbyn

The Parliamentary Labour Party is a crucial and very important part of the Labour party, but it is not the entirety of the Labour Party. — Jeremy Corbyn

I do think the public want to see politicians acting in a different way. What's brought young people into our campaign is that they were written off by political parties but they had never written off politics, and what we have is a huge number of young people, very enthusiastic and brimming with ideas. Those ideas have got to be heard. — Jeremy Corbyn

We can create a new kind of politics: kinder, more respectful, but courageous, too. — Jeremy Corbyn

We oppose the benefit cap. We oppose social cleansing. We will bring the welfare bill down by controlling rents and boosting wages, not by impoverishing families and socially cleansing our communities. — Jeremy Corbyn

Everybody aspires to an affordable home, a secure job, better living standards, reliable healthcare and a decent pension. My generation took those things for granted, and so should future generations. — Jeremy Corbyn

We live in a very unequal society. — Jeremy Corbyn

It is important that politicians defend their ability to act without fear or favour, and it is in the public interest that they hold ministers and public servants to account. — Jeremy Corbyn

In my own constituency, the benefit cap has had the effect of social cleansing: of people receiving benefit, but the benefit is capped; therefore, they can't meet the rent levels charged and are forced to move. It's devastating for children, devastating for the family and very bad for the community as a whole. — Jeremy Corbyn

Life is life. Some of the wisest people you meet are sweeping our streets. — Jeremy Corbyn

I'm interested in the idea that we have a more inclusive, clearer set of objectives. I would want us to have a set of objectives which does include public ownership of some necessary things such as rail. — Jeremy Corbyn

I have always had a very busy life. The difference is that a lot more people are helping advise me what to do, and a lot more people are observing what I do. But in terms of time and working schedule, it is not that different from my normal working week. — Jeremy Corbyn

Cycling is good for people in all ways: their health, their well-being, and it does no damage to the environment. It can, however, be dangerous, and this has to be addressed. — Jeremy Corbyn

Letting agencies are unregulated. They charge a search fee, which in some cases can run into several hundred pounds, but the search consists of no more than checking through a computer database to see whether they have any properties for that person. — Jeremy Corbyn

What I remain opposed to is the idea that David Cameron could go around and give up workers' rights, give up environmental protection, give up a whole load of things that are very important. — Jeremy Corbyn

There is nothing wrong with my heart except for wanting a peaceful world. — Jeremy Corbyn

We see constituents who are manifestly incapable of undertaking any normal work ... Those whose applications for benefits are subsequently rejected go through a period of incredible stress, and some, sadly, take their lives during that time. Applicants who appeal usually win. — Jeremy Corbyn

I was democratically elected leader of our party for a new kind of politics by 60% of Labour members and supporters, and I will not betray them by resigning. Today's vote on Brexit has no constitutional legitimacy. — Jeremy Corbyn

Politically active people felt more and more disenfranchised, particularly during the ultra-New Labour years. — Jeremy Corbyn

I'm not somebody with over-weening ambition. — Jeremy Corbyn

Some colleagues have said they would not be very keen on working with me, but I am sure these things were said in the heat of the moment. — Jeremy Corbyn

We are all in the Labour party because we want the Labour party to be a vehicle for social change. There is a thirst for debate in the party, and all those who have joined haven't joined without a purpose. — Jeremy Corbyn

For the absolute avoidance of doubt, my leadership will be about unity, drawing on all the talents - with women representing half of the shadow cabinet - and working together at every level of the party. — Jeremy Corbyn

I still have the Triumph Palm Beach I was given for Christmas when I was 11. By today's standards, it is heavy and slow, but was my pride and joy at the time. — Jeremy Corbyn

I'm very proud of the fact that I voted against the Iraq war. And proud that I voted strongly not for students to be saddled with thousands and thousands of pounds worth of debt. — Jeremy Corbyn

I understand the principles of dissent in parliament. — Jeremy Corbyn

Margaret [Hodge] is obviously entitled to do what she wishes to do. I would ask her to think for a moment, a Tory prime minister resigned, Britain's voted to leave the European Union, there are massive political issues to be addressed, is it really a good idea to start a big debate in the Labour Party when I was elected less than a year ago with a very large mandate not from MPs, I fully concede and understand that, but from the party members as a whole. — Jeremy Corbyn

I think we should all be accountable to our parties, but I also think that accountability should be a process of engagement: that MPs do engage with their constituency parties, do engage with their constituents, and MPs do change their minds on things because of local opinion. — Jeremy Corbyn

Loyalty is about the party and the movement ... if you want a better and more effective party, we've got to open ourselves up much more to our membership and our supporters. — Jeremy Corbyn

You pay more in wages, get more in in tax, you get people living a higher standard, you get more money. It's a kind of circle. — Jeremy Corbyn

It is a ludicrous statistic plucked out of the air and used to justify a quite appalling attack on many of the poorest people in this country. — Jeremy Corbyn

I believe in public ownership, but I have never favoured the remote nationalised model of the postwar era. — Jeremy Corbyn

I think we can spend too much time worrying about polls. — Jeremy Corbyn

I want to see a more collective style in how our party operates, in politics as a whole. — Jeremy Corbyn

Parliament is supposed to be serious. It's not a place for jingoistic cheering. — Jeremy Corbyn

There are some people who have had no pay rises for a very long time, and, working in highly skilled and highly responsible roles and in the health services and education, they deserve to be properly remunerated. — Jeremy Corbyn

A national investment bank can invest to provide us with the foundations of shared and ecologically sustainable growth: renewing the U.K.'s energy, digital and transport infrastructure which lags woefully behind other major economies. — Jeremy Corbyn

Lopez Obrador invokes the appeal of national unity, the revolution of 1910, and the progressive constitution of 1917. — Jeremy Corbyn

Labour voters are crying out for effective leadership.I'm afraid I don't think Jeremy [Corbyn]can provide it. — Jeremy Corbyn

I am a proud trade unionist. — Jeremy Corbyn

Every penny paid to a PFI company is money withdrawn from those waiting for an operation, money removed from the training of clinicians, and money denied for life-saving treatments. — Jeremy Corbyn

Why are we putting people who are already in a vulnerable position through this dreadful, appalling stress? — Jeremy Corbyn

I want everyone to put their views forward, every union branch, every party branch, so we develop organically the strengths we all have, the imagination we all have. — Jeremy Corbyn

I have always worked long hours and very hard. It is the way I am. Same as always. Up about seven and get to bed about 12 to 1, something like that. — Jeremy Corbyn

After only two or three weeks in office, we discovered we had a backlog of 100,000 emails sent to me. We had a backlog of a thousand invitations to speak at places all over the country - and all over the world, for that matter. — Jeremy Corbyn

Legal aid ... is fundamental to giving everybody in this country access to justice. — Jeremy Corbyn

I'm quite concerned that if I spend time in the office, someone will always find something for you to do. There's always a crisis that needs your urgent attention. — Jeremy Corbyn

To give everyone a house and garden is very difficult in urban areas. — Jeremy Corbyn

I'm not joining in personal attacks ... I don't do personal attacks. — Jeremy Corbyn

A lot of people didn't feel attracted to Labour, so they voted in desperation for other things. — Jeremy Corbyn

I haven't had vast amounts of ministerial experience - in fact, none at all. But I do have a lot of experience of people. — Jeremy Corbyn

Basically, on the question of Europe, I want to see a social Europe, a cohesive Europe, a coherent Europe, not a free market Europe. — Jeremy Corbyn

I make mistakes like anybody else, I will make mistakes. And you have to reflect on it, and you have to listen to people. That is the key. — Jeremy Corbyn

I've been proud to be the chair of the Stop the War coalition, proud to be associated with the Stop the War coalition. — Jeremy Corbyn

If there is 'right to buy' for council tenants and housing association properties, then why shouldn't that apply to all tenants? Some landlords are decent, very caring people, but some of them are truly appalling. — Jeremy Corbyn

What I find appalling is the intrusive nature towards my extended family. — Jeremy Corbyn

Labour Party members must all be free to criticise and oppose injustice and abuse wherever we find it. — Jeremy Corbyn

The idea that somehow or other you can deal with all the problems in the world by banning a particular religious group from entering the U.S.A. is offensive and absurd. — Jeremy Corbyn

Inequality is a terrible waste of time, a waste of people's resources. — Jeremy Corbyn

I've been in Parliament since 1983, and I've been involved in many issues over the time. — Jeremy Corbyn

You grow your way to prosperity; you don't cut your way to it. — Jeremy Corbyn

I'm carrying on. I'm making the case for unity, I'm making the case of what Labour can offer to Britain, of decent housing for people, of good secure jobs for people, of trade with Europe and of course with other parts of the world. Because if we don't get the trade issue right we've got a real problem in this country. — Jeremy Corbyn

I've got lots of stamina; don't worry about that. I cycle every day - it's OK. — Jeremy Corbyn

My view is the questions in Parliament should be the questions that people out there want asked. — Jeremy Corbyn

I find if you are in an office, the crisis finds you. If you're not in the office, the crisis finds somebody else. — Jeremy Corbyn

People apply for a job, are asked to work for three or four weeks on probation and are then told to go and are replaced by colleagues. There are shops even in the West End [of London] using large numbers of totally unpaid staff on a permanent basis. — Jeremy Corbyn

Of course I want to lead [Tory] party. Of course I want to lead this party in order to put forward an alternative and lead this party to win the election as soon as it comes. — Jeremy Corbyn

I think we should talk about what the objectives of the party are, whether that's restoring the Clause Four as it was originally written or it's a different one, but I think we shouldn't shy away from public participation, public investment in industry, and public control of the railways. — Jeremy Corbyn

Other human rights atrocities from African slavery to the killing fields of Cambodia, the Armenian and Rwandan Genocides are all of course to be remembered, but diluting their particularity or comparing degrees of evil does no good. — Jeremy Corbyn

I am just an ordinary person trying to do an ordinary job. — Jeremy Corbyn

We are not doing celebrity, personality, abusive politics - we are doing ideas. This is about hope. — Jeremy Corbyn

Labour has the responsibility to give a lead where the government will not. We need to bring people together, hold the government to account, oppose austerity and set out a path to exit that will protect jobs and incomes. — Jeremy Corbyn

I think NATO is a Cold War product. I think NATO historically should have shut up shop in 1990 along with the Warsaw Pact; unfortunately, it didn't. — Jeremy Corbyn

We've got to stand up for what we believe in as a labour movement. And that means the party's membership needs to be even bigger so it becomes a genuinely mass organisation. — Jeremy Corbyn

Our problem in the 2015 general election was that for all the good stuff that was in the Labour manifesto, we were still going to be freezing public sector wages, cutting council expenditure, laying off civil servants. We were offering 'austerity light' instead of a real alternative. — Jeremy Corbyn

Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu Government than our Muslim friends are for those of various self-styled Islamic states or organisations. — Jeremy Corbyn

Trade unions are a force for good - a force for a more equal society. — Jeremy Corbyn

Mum and Dad met campaigning on the Spanish civil war. Both were active peace campaigners. They died in 1986 and '87. — Jeremy Corbyn

It is the right of a democratically elected parliament to act in defence of our traditional liberties, and everything should be done to keep it that way. — Jeremy Corbyn

I think the issue will come up after the election of the new Tory leader. They may well decide to call an election. What the British people need now is stability. Stability to retain their jobs, stability to protect those working conditions, and we need a plan from this government now on how they're going to approach the negotiations for leaving the European Union before they invoke Article 50. — Jeremy Corbyn

United we stand, divided we fall is one of the oldest and truest slogans of the Labour movement. — Jeremy Corbyn

It is time we recognised the huge contribution that migration has made to the economic growth of this country. — Jeremy Corbyn

I do not own a car, and my main form of travel to Westminster and in my constituency is by bicycle. I also take my bike on trains to meetings in other parts of the country, which enables me to see other cities and the other parts of the country. — Jeremy Corbyn

What kind of city are we living in, if we encourage the development or ownership of large, expensive properties for investment and land banking ... while people are sleeping on the streets? — Jeremy Corbyn

Russia has gone way beyond its legal powers to use bases in the Crimea. — Jeremy Corbyn

I will continue - as Labour Leader - to pursue the causes of peace and justice in Israel-Palestine, the wider Middle East and all over the world. But those who claim to do so with hateful or inflammatory language do no service to anyone, especially dispossessed and oppressed people in need of better advocacy. — Jeremy Corbyn

Because I've never had any higher education of any sort, I've never held in awe those who have had it or have a sense of superiority over those who don't. — Jeremy Corbyn

Of course we as Labour Party members must all be free to criticise and oppose injustice and abuse wherever we find it. But as today's Report recommends, can we please leave [Adolf] Hitler and Nazi metaphors alone (especially in the context of Israel). Why? Because the Shoah is still in people's family experience. — Jeremy Corbyn

The Spanish Civil War, Britain was not involved in it. Going back a bit, there was the naval blockade to stop the slave trade in the 19th century; that was morally just. Shame they didn't bother to abolish slavery at the same time. — Jeremy Corbyn

Taken slightly historically, the turning point in the E.U. was actually the Single European Act, the Thatcher/Maastricht-era stuff, which was turning the E.U. into very much a market system. — Jeremy Corbyn