Momentum (organisation)

Momentum (organisation) is a British left-wing pressure group and political organisation affiliated with the Labour Party (UK). Founded in 2015 by Jon Lansman, Adam Klug, and Emma Rees, Momentum emerged in the aftermath of Jeremy Corbyn's election as Leader of the Labour Party (UK), with the aim of supporting Corbynism and promoting socialist and social democratic policies within the Labour Party (UK). Momentum's formation was also influenced by the Syria Civil War, the European migrant crisis, and the Greek government-debt crisis, which highlighted the need for a more radical and progressive political movement. Momentum's early supporters included Ken Loach, John McDonnell, and Diane Abbott, who were all involved in the Labour Party (UK) and shared similar political views with Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.

● History

Momentum's history is closely tied to the Labour Party (UK) and its leadership election in 2015, which saw Jeremy Corbyn emerge as the surprise winner. The organisation was founded by Jon Lansman, a British journalist and political activist, who had previously been involved in the Labour Party (UK) and had worked with Tony Benn and Ken Livingstone. Momentum's early days were marked by a series of protests and rallies, including the People's Assembly Against Austerity, which was supported by Unite the Union, Unison, and the GMB union. Momentum also drew inspiration from the Occupy movement, the Arab Spring, and the Indignados movement, which had all highlighted the need for a more radical and participatory democracy. Key figures in Momentum's history include Laura Parker, who served as the organisation's National Coordinator, and Christine Shawcroft, who was a member of the Labour Party (UK)'s National Executive Committee.

● Structure

Momentum's structure is based on a grassroots model, with a network of local groups and regional committees that operate across the United Kingdom. The organisation is led by a National Coordinating Group, which includes representatives from the Labour Party (UK) and other left-wing organisations, such as the Socialist Workers Party (UK) and the Alliance for Workers' Liberty. Momentum also has a number of sectoral groups, including a youth wing and a women's group, which focus on specific issues and campaigns, such as feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. Momentum's structure has been influenced by the Syndicalist and Anarchist traditions, which emphasize the importance of direct action and worker self-management. Key allies of Momentum include the Communication Workers Union, the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union, and the National Union of Teachers.

● Activities

Momentum's activities are focused on supporting Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party (UK) in their efforts to promote socialist and social democratic policies. The organisation has been involved in a number of campaigns and protests, including the Junior doctors' strike and the NHS crisis, which have highlighted the need for a more radical and progressive health policy. Momentum has also worked with other left-wing organisations, such as the People's Assembly Against Austerity and the Stop the War Coalition, to promote anti-austerity and anti-war policies. Momentum's activities have been influenced by the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, and the Cuban Revolution, which have all demonstrated the importance of grassroots organizing and community empowerment. Key events in Momentum's history include the 2016 Labour Party leadership election and the 2017 United Kingdom general election, which saw Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party (UK) make significant gains.

● Criticisms

Momentum has faced a number of criticisms, including allegations of entryism and sectarianism, which have been made by Labour Party (UK) moderates and right-wing commentators, such as Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson. Momentum has also been accused of promoting anti-Semitism and racism, although these allegations have been strongly denied by the organisation and its supporters, including Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott. Momentum's response to these criticisms has been influenced by the Black Lives Matter movement and the Feminist movement, which have highlighted the need for a more nuanced and intersectional approach to social justice. Key critics of Momentum include the Daily Mail, the The Sun, and the The Daily Telegraph, which have all published negative articles about the organisation.

● Influence

Momentum's influence on the Labour Party (UK) and British politics has been significant, with the organisation playing a key role in promoting Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and supporting the Labour Party (UK)'s 2017 general election campaign. Momentum's influence can also be seen in the Labour Party (UK)'s 2019 general election campaign, which included a number of radical and progressive policies, such as free broadband and a Green New Deal. Momentum's influence has been compared to that of the Militant tendency and the Socialist Workers Party (UK), which have both had a significant impact on British politics in the past. Key allies of Momentum include the Scottish National Party, the Plaid Cymru, and the Green Party of England and Wales, which have all shared similar political views and policy goals. Momentum's influence has also been felt in other countries, including Greece, where the Syriza party has been inspired by Momentum's grassroots approach and radical policies. Category:Politics of the United Kingdom