Momentum (organisation)
{{Short description|A left-wing campaigning organisation based in Great Britain}}
{{distinguish|Momentum Movement|Momentum Party}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{use British English|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox organisation
| name = Momentum
| image = Momentum logo (2017).png
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| formation = {{start date and age|2015|10|08|df=y}}
| founder = Jon Lansman
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| location = Finsbury Park, London, England
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| region = Great Britain
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| membership_year = 2021
| leader_title = Co-chairs
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| affiliations = {{hlist | Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance | Campaign for Socialism | Welsh Labour Grassroots}}
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Momentum is a British left-wing political organisation which has been described as a grassroots movement supportive of the Labour Party; since January 2017, all Momentum members must be (or become) members of the party. It was founded in 2015 by Jon Lansman, Adam Klug, Emma Rees and James Schneider after Jeremy Corbyn's successful campaign to become Labour Party leader and it was reported to have between 20,000 and 30,000 members in 2021.
The organisation has polarised Labour politicians and journalists since it was founded. Although Momentum has been compared to the Labour Party's Militant tendency by those on the right of the party, its grassroots engagement and effective, low-budget informational videos (such as those used in the 2017 general-election campaign) have been praised. The organisation originally set up – and maintains close ties with – The World Transformed.
Stated aims and principles
Since its inception, Momentum has stated its core objective as "to create a mass movement for real progressive change". In their 2021 strategy document "Socialist Organising in a New Era", published on their website, Momentum has three strategic priorities:{{cite web |title=Socialist Organising in a New Era |url=https://peoplesmomentum.com/updates/socialist-organising-in-a-new-era/ |website=Peoplesmomentum |access-date=3 September 2021 |date=9 March 2021}}
- Elect socialists and win the radical policies the current moment demands
- Support struggles in our communities and workplaces
- Scale up political education in our movement and across the country
Momentum has campaigned for the Labour Party to adopt certain pledges in its party manifesto. In 2019 it campaigned for the inclusion of a green new deal and a four-day workweek.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/16/momentum-urges-labour-to-adopt-radical-pledges-in-next-manifesto |title= Momentum urges Labour to adopt 'radical' pledges in next manifesto |author= Heather Stewart |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 16 May 2019 |access-date= 16 May 2019}}
Structure
Momentum is not a member-controlled unincorporated association — like the Labour Party, for exampleAathelstane Aamodt, [https://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/governance/314-governance-a-risk-articles/27090-unincorporated-associations-and-elections "Unincorporated associations and elections"], Local Government Lawyer, 17 September 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2014. — but a private company. According to Companies House, the current officers of Momentum Campaign (Services) Ltd are{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/09654873/officers|title=Momentum Campaign (Services) Ltd|publisher=Companies House|access-date=8 January 2020}} solicitor Anthony Kearns (since 2019){{cite web|url=https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/person/295168/anthony-paul-kearns|title=Anthony Paul Kearns|publisher=Law Society|access-date=8 January 2020}} and co-chairs Andrew Scattergood and Gaya Sriskanthan (since 2021). Momentum originally had a delegate system for an executive board, known as the steering committee. In late October 2016, the steering committee voted to adopt one member, one vote (OMOV) for a digital instead of the delegate system; the decision, however, was controversial and did not survive a general vote.{{cite news|last=Gilligan|first=Andrew|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/12156177/momentum-activists-jeremy-corbyn-labour-purge.html|title=Revealed: The radical hard-Left Momentum activists mounting a ruthless purge of Labour|work=The Sunday Telegraph|date=13 February 2016|access-date=8 March 2017}}{{cite news|last=Bush|first=Stephen|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/12/jeremy-corbyn-urged-intervene-momentums-feud|title=Jeremy Corbyn urged to intervene in Momentum's feud|work=New Statesman|date=6 December 2016|access-date=8 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Syal|first=Rajeev|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/08/corbyn-ally-vows-fight-control-momentum-labour|title=Jon Lansman vows stay in Momentum|work=The Guardian|date=8 December 2016|access-date=8 March 2017}}{{cite news|last=Lobel|first=Mark|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38258143|title=Is Momentum at war with itself?|work=BBC News|date=9 December 2016|access-date=8 March 2017}} A new constitution, including OMOV, was announced on 11 January 2017. New Momentum members were required to be members of the Labour Party, with existing Momentum members required to join the party by July of that year.{{cite news|last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-affiliated-labour-party-jeremy-corbyn-members-must-join-a7520626.html|title=Momentum pushes activists to join Labour party to retain membership under new constitution|work=The Independent|date=11 January 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}} Lansman initiated changes via email. After persuading the steering committee, he replaced the national committee with a Labour-only national coordinating group (NCG).{{cite news|last1=Stewart|first1=Heather|last2=Syal|first2=Rajeev|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/10/momentum-shakeup-will-force-members-to-join-labour|title=Momentum shakeup will force members to join Labour|work=The Guardian|date=10 January 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}}{{cite news|last=Silvera|first=Ian|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/jon-lansman-accused-coup-momentum-unveils-new-rules-plan-join-labour-1600356|title=Jon Lansman accused of 'coup' as Momentum unveils new rules and plan to join Labour|work=International Business Times|date=11 January 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}} A new online model of organisation without a regional structure was created to prevent far-left entryists dominating delegate meetings.{{cite news|last=Pettitt|first=Robin|url=http://www.democraticaudit.com/2017/03/07/losing-momentum-the-power-struggles-that-are-hobbling-the-corbyn-movement/|title=Losing Momentum? The power struggles that are hobbling the Corbyn movement|work=Democratic Audit UK|date=7 March 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}}
After a January 2017 Momentum survey with a response rate of over 40 per cent, the organisation's steering committee voted to introduce a new constitution. Lansman resigned as a director on 12 January 2017 (replaced by Christine Shawcroft) to stand for election to the steering committee.{{cite news|last=Gartside|first=Ben|url=http://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2017/01/12/jon-lansman-s-resignation-won-t-be-his-last-role-of-the-dice|title=Jon Lansman's resignation won't be his last role of the dice at Momentum|work=Politics|date=12 February 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Casalicchio|first1=Emilio |last2=Schofield|first2=Kevin|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/labour-party/jeremy-corbyn/news/82279/blow-jon-lansman-his-own-momentum|title=Blow for Jon Lansman as his own Momentum branch votes against his 'coup'|work=Politics Home|date=12 January 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}} Momentum introduced its new constitutional structure in early March; the new NCG met on 11 March and a conference was held on 25 March, both in Birmingham.{{cite news|last1=MacAskill|first1=Ewen|last2=Hacillo|first2=Alex|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/mar/04/momentum-relaunch-factionalism-jon-lansman-labour|title=Momentum plans relaunch to end factional infighting|work=The Observer|date=4 March 2017|access-date=8 March 2017}} In 2020, the newly elected NCG began a process of "refounding Momentum". This was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the process of members re-writing the constitution was begun in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Momentum aims to rebuild itself "from the ground up" with new constitution |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/06/momentum-aims-to-rebuild-itself-from-the-ground-up-with-new-constitution/ |access-date=8 July 2021 |work=LabourList}}
= Membership =
{{Bar graph
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| data1 = 21,000
| data2 = 31,000
| data3 = 42,000
| data4 = 40,000
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In 2015{{snd}}the year it was founded{{snd}}Momentum had 60,000 supporters (who paid no fees) and 50 local groups.{{cite news|url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34609114|title= What is Momentum, and why is it worrying Labour MPs?|author= Norman Smith |work= BBC News |date= 24 October 2015 |access-date= 29 March 2019}} By September 2017, it had 31,000 members in 170 local groups and a staff of 15.{{cite news |last=Farrell|first=Jeff|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/momentum-membership-jeremy-corbyn-labour-party-leader-supporters-a7988656.html|title=Momentum membership soars above 30,000 as Corbyn-supporting Labour group's influence grows|newspaper=The Independent|date=8 October 2017|access-date=10 October 2017}} In January 2018, the group had 35,000 members.{{cite news |last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-members-growth-labour-party-jeremy-corbyn-ukip-green-conservative-membership-numbers-tory-a8166031.html/|title=Momentum surges past 35,000 members with 'more than 1,000 members joining every month'|newspaper=The Independent|date=18 January 2018|access-date=19 January 2018}} By April of that year, Momentum had 40,000 members. According to the organisation, 95 per cent of its funding comes from membership fees and small donations; the average fee is £3 per year.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-membership-jeremy-corbyn-green-party-40000-labour-nec-jon-lansman-a8286706.html|title=Momentum: Corbyn-backing organisation now has 40,000 paying members, overtaking Green Party|last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|date=4 April 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=4 April 2018|location=London}} In July 2018, it was reported that Momentum had 42,000 members: 92 per cent (38,700) in England, four per cent (2,000) in Wales, and three per cent (1,300) in Scotland.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/26/momentum-heads-glasgow-first-scottish-training-event |title= Momentum heads to Glasgow to hold first Scottish training event |author= Libby Brooks |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 26 July 2018 |access-date= 9 November 2018}} Its membership base has been seen as falling into two types: young activists who joined the Labour Party during (and after) Corbyn's first leadership election in 2015, and older, left-wing veterans of the Labour Party and the far left.
In 2021, it was reported by the i paper that Momentum had between 20,000 and 30,000 members and remains the largest campaign group connected to the Labour Party.{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Nigel |title=Momentum presses for the Labour Party to adopt a radical agenda |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/momentum-presses-for-labour-to-adopt-radical-agenda-as-left-wingers-condemn-keir-starmers-policy-direction-930388 |access-date=16 November 2021 |work=i news |date=25 March 2021 |language=en}}
= {{anchor|Relationship with other organisations}}Relationship with other UK organisations =
Momentum maintains close ties with the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance, a coalition of left-wing groups in the Labour Party who nominate joint candidates for the National Executive Committee and other internal elected positions.{{cite web | last=Nutt | first=Kathleen | title=Jim Murphy allegedly blocks nomination of only Jewish candidate in Labour NEC election | website=The National | date=1 June 2016 | url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/14903296.jim-murphy-allegedly-blocks-nomination-of-only-jewish-candidate-in-labour-nec-election/ | access-date=10 August 2022}}{{cite web | title=Momentum NEC 'Slate' Pushes 'New Generation' | website=HuffPost UK | date=9 February 2018 | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/momentum-slate-for-labours-national-executive-committee-nec-axes-veteran-ann-black-christine-shawcroft-not-standing-jon-lansman_uk_5a7d8a2ae4b0c6726e123624 | access-date=10 August 2022}}{{cite web | last=Chappell | first=Elliot | title=Left groups release candidate slates for upcoming Labour NEC elections – LabourList | website=LabourList | date=9 December 2021 | url=https://labourlist.org/2022/02/labour-left-groups-release-candidate-slates-for-labour-nec-elections/ | access-date=10 August 2022}} In 2016, the Scottish left-wing Campaign for Socialism (CfS) formed a partnership with Momentum; although they remain separate organisations, they share membership and resources. CfS membership increased from 400 in 2015 to 1,418 by 2019.{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Corbynsceptics celebrate as Pam Duncan-Glancy is reselected in Glasgow North |url=https://labourlist.org/2018/05/corbynsceptics-celebrate-as-pam-duncan-glancy-is-reselected-in-glasgow-north/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |work=LabourList}}{{cite news |last1=Courea |first1=Eleni |title="Momentum needs to reflect the different regions": Meet the Scottish Corbynites |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2019/05/momentum-needs-reflect-different-regions-meet-scottish-corbynites |access-date=10 December 2019 |work=New Statesman |language=en}}
The left-wing Welsh Labour Grassroots has similar links to Momentum.{{cite news |date= 13 April 2020 |title= Coronavirus: Labour group calls for distinct Welsh response |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-52272918 |work= BBC News |access-date= 15 April 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Williamson |first1=David |title=Mark Drakeford tipped to be next Welsh Labour leader |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/mark-drakeford-tipped-next-welsh-14498381 |access-date=23 April 2020 |work=walesonline |publisher=Reach plc |date=6 April 2018}}
A few trade unions which are affiliated to the Labour Party have also affiliated to Momentum, providing some financial support. This includes the Communication Workers Union, Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union and the Fire Brigades Union.{{cite news |last1=TobinTuesday |first1=Sam |title=CWU members overwhelmingly back call to affiliate to Momentum|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/cwu%20members%20overwhelmingly%20back%20affiliation%20with%20momentum |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Morning Star |date=23 April 2018 |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Wrack |first1=Matt |title=Matt Wrack: Why I'm backing the Forward Momentum candidates |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/06/matt-wrack-why-im-backing-the-forward-momentum-candidates/ |website=LabourList |access-date=3 September 2021}} There has been regular speculation in the media that Unite the Union would affiliate to Momentum also, but the idea has been rejected by the union-{{cite news |title=Labour: Tom Watson attacks Momentum-Unite 'secret plan' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39325559 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=BBC News |date=20 March 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Waugh |first1=Paul |title=Keir Starmer Brushes Off Unite Union £150,000 A Year Cut In Funding To Labour |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/starmer-unite-funding-cut-labour_uk_5f7dfa1ac5b63de65f0909f1 |access-date=3 September 2021 |date=7 October 2020}} they have however collaborated strategically.{{cite news |last1=Courea |first1=Eleni |title=Unite and Momentum candidates dominate Labour's selection races |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/05/unite-momentum-dominate-labour-selections-candidates-key-marginals |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=5 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Helm |first1=Toby |title=Secret tape reveals Momentum plot to seize control of Labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/mar/18/secret-tape-reveals-momentum-plot-to-link-with-unite-seize-control-of-labour |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Observer |date=18 March 2017}}
= National Coordinating Group =
In the first election (in 2018), eight Members' Representatives were elected: four for London and the South East; two for the Midlands, the East, the West and Wales; two for the North, Scotland and International; and four public-office holders.{{cite news |last=Rodgers|first=Sienna|url=https://www.labourlist.org/2018/04/women-and-minorities-triumph-in-latest-momentum-election/|title=Women and minorities triumph in latest Momentum election|location=London|publisher=Labour List|date=17 April 2018|access-date=19 April 2018}} Thirty-four per cent of the membership (7,500) voted. Additional elections were held in April of that year for four positions in each of the four regional coordinating offices, and over 13,000 votes (35 per cent of the eligible membership) were cast.{{cite web|url= https://peoplesmomentum.com/wp-content/uploads/Footer_Pages/Downloads/180417_NCG_Final_Results.pdf |title= National Coordinating Group Elections 2018 |publisher= Momentum |date= 17 April 2018 |access-date= 2 March 2019}}
For the second NCG election, in 2020, Momentum's represented geographic regions expanded from four to five. Two slates were nominated for all the positions: Momentum Renewal and Forward Momentum. Both were endorsed by left-wing figures, journalists and politicians, and their ideology had some overlap.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Micheal |title=The Future of Momentum |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFmIEGCn4hg |website=YouTube |publisher=Novara Media}} Sam Bright of Byline Times wrote, "Both want to reform the democratic structures of the organisation; both want to see more devolution of powers to local groups; both want to defend the radical policies of the Corbyn era".{{cite news |last1=Bright |first1=Sam |title=The Remaking of Momentum |url=https://bylinetimes.com/2020/06/15/the-remaking-of-momentum/ |access-date=18 June 2020 |work=Byline Times |date=15 June 2020}} The Momentum Renewal slate emphasised community trade-union organisation.{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Elliot |title=Voting opens for internal Momentum elections |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/06/voting-opens-for-internal-momentum-elections/ |access-date=18 June 2020 |work=LabourList |date=16 June 2020}} Forward Momentum intended to further democratise Momentum, advocating greater democracy in the Labour Party and the use of open primaries for internal elections. Forward Momentum candidates won in all regions except for public-office holders.{{cite web |title=National Coordinating Group elections 2020 Summary of results |url=https://peoplesmomentum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-07-01_Report_20NCGResults.pdf |publisher= Momentum |access-date=1 July 2020 |date=1 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Maguire |first1=Patrick |title=Continuity Corbynites fail to win control of Momentum in Labour's civil war |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/starmer-opponents-fail-to-seize-control-of-momentum-9s395j523 |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=The Times |date=1 July 2020 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Momentum replaces Lansman with firefighter and climate activist co-chairs |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/07/momentum-replaces-lansman-with-firefighter-and-climate-activist-co-chairs/ |access-date=5 July 2020 |work=LabourList |date=5 July 2020}}
In 2022, the third election took place. Two slates of candidates have emerged from this election "Your Momentum" and "Momentum Organisers".{{cite news |last1=Jarvis |first1=Chris |title=Second faction launched within Momentum to contest National Coordinating Group elections |url=https://bright-green.org/2022/06/03/second-faction-launched-within-momentum-to-contest-national-coordinating-group-elections/ |access-date=12 June 2022 |work=Bright Green |date=3 June 2022}} The outcome of the election was that the Momentum Organisers slate won 15 seats, whilst Your Momentum won 14 seats. 3,380 votes were cast.{{cite news |last1=Neame |first1=Katie |title=Exclusive: Momentum Organisers slate wins majority on group's executive |url=https://labourlist.org/2022/07/exclusive-momentum-organisers-slate-wins-majority-on-groups-executive/ |access-date=20 July 2022 |work=LabourList |date=7 July 2022}}
The group's present composition is:{{cite web |title=NCG Elections 2022 - Momentum |url=https://peoplesmomentum.com/ncg/ncg-elections-2022/ |publisher=Peoples Momentum |access-date=18 July 2022}}
class="wikitable" style="width:95%;" cellpadding="5" |
style="width=50%" | London and East
! style="width=50%" | Northern |
---|
valign="top" |
{{Collapsible list | Sonali Bhattacharyya | Martin Abrams | Sasha Das Gupta | Izella Drake | Imogen Tranchell | Lorcan Whitehead }} | valign="top" | {{Collapsible list | Thirza Asanga-Rae | Kate Dove | Andrew Hedges | Kathryn Manley | Mohammad Suhail }} |
style="width=50%" | South East
! style="width=50%" | South West |
valign="top" |
{{Collapsible list | Leila Erin-Jenkins | Nekisa Gholami-Babaahmandy | Hilary Schan }} | valign="top" | {{Collapsible list | Lillian Chasteau | Kieran Glasssmith | Ruth Day }} |
style="width=50%" | Midlands
! style="width=50%" | Scotland and Wales |
valign="top" |
{{Collapsible list | Mish Rahman | Maya Patel | Sarah Shepherd | Domanic Smith-Jones }} | valign="top" | {{Collapsible list | Coll McCail (Scotland) | Cathy Augustine (Wales) }} |
style="width=50%" | Yorkshire, North Ireland and International
! style="width=50%" | Public Office Holders' section |
valign="top" |
{{Collapsible list | Samayya Afzal | Aleem Bashir | Chantel Waring }} | valign="top" | {{Collapsible list | Rochelle Charlton-Laine | Nyla Ibrahim | Samuel Sweek }} |
style="width=100%" | Affiliated organisations{{refn|group=n|name=affiliates|Due to recent reorganisation, the affiliate positions on the National Coordinating Group are currently vacant.}} |
valign="top" |
{{Collapsible list | - (Communication Workers Union 1st seat) | - (Communication Workers Union 2nd seat) | - (Fire Brigades Union) | - (Transport Salaried Staffs' Association) | - (Campaign for Socialism) | - (Socialist Campaign Group) | - (Welsh Labour Grassroots) }} |
Background
File:Rally for Corbyn- Canterbury 1.jpg on 16 July 2016]]
Momentum was founded in 2015 by Jon Lansman and fellow national organisers Adam Klug, Emma Rees and James Schneider, four weeks after Jeremy Corbyn's successful campaign for the Labour Party leadership.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/oct/08/jeremy-corbyn-leadership-campaign-new-social-movement-momentum|title=Jeremy Corbyn leadership campaign gives rise to new social movement|author=Patrick Wintour|date=8 October 2015|newspaper=The Guardian}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2015/10/labour-mps-are-worried-about-momentum-should-they-be|title=Labour MPs are worried about Momentum. Should they be?|magazine=New Statesman|date= 23 October 2015|author=Stephen Bush}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.redpepper.org.uk/how-momentum-came-together/|title=How Momentum came together|last=Ghadiali|first=Ashish|date=16 January 2018|work=Red Pepper}} Local groups formed to support Corbyn's leadership, uniting several factions of the left across Britain. Lansman was active in Tony Benn's 1981 deputy leadership bid and, after volunteering for Corbyn's leadership bid, had become the director of Jeremy Corbyn Campaign 2015 (Supporters) Ltd, which held the data collected during the campaign.{{cite news|last1=Hawkins|first1=Ross|title=Corbyn campaign supporter in Kendall 'Tory spoof' picture|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33652205|accessdate=8 November 2021|publisher=BBC News|date=24 July 2015}} In addition to their support of Corbyn, Momentum has three primary goals: to win elections for Labour, to create a socialist Labour government, and to help build a broader social movement. Corbyn was positive about Momentum after it was formed, saying in 2016: "I see Momentum as a social movement. A movement that will campaign on all of these issues. But above all, excite and unite people to come together, to come together to challenge injustice, inequality and social exclusion. Bring people together to achieve things together. That is what is makes us [Labour] so different from every other political party in this country."{{cite news|last=Simons|first=Ned|title=Jeremy Corbyn tells Momentum to unite amid internal rift as aides plot leadership relaunch|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-tells-momentum-disunity-is-our-enemy-amid-internal-rift_uk_5853261ae4b0acb6e4b7d4f1|work=HuffPost|date=16 December 2016|access-date=8 March 2017}}
When it was formed, Momentum wanted to focus on local and Labour Party issues.{{cite news|last1=Stone|first1=Jon|title=Jeremy Corbyn's leadership campaign sets up new local activist network called 'Momentum'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyns-leadership-campaign-sets-up-new-local-activist-network-called-momentum-a6686191.html|access-date=23 November 2015|work=The Independent|date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011181318/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyns-leadership-campaign-sets-up-new-local-activist-network-called-momentum-a6686191.html|archive-date=11 October 2015|url-status=live}} It was inspired by Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain, both of which used pragmatic, grassroots organising to counter the effects of fiscal austerity.{{cite news |last=Bulman|first=May|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/14/momentum-grassroots-democracy-labour-unstoppable|title=Labour Party membership soars by 35,000 since general election|newspaper=The Independent|date=13 June 2017|access-date=17 June 2017}} The movement has also benefited from ideas by other campaigns operating on a left-wing or progressive platform, such as Bernie Sanders' campaigns to become a presidential candidate for the Democratic party in 2016 and 2020 and Beto O'Rourke's campaign to become a Democratic Senator in Texas.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/07/momentum-to-examine-texas-us-senate-race-for-tips-for-labour-campaigns |title= Momentum to examine US Senate race for tips for Labour campaigns |author= Dan Sabbagh |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 7 November 2018 |access-date= 28 February 2019}}
= International relationships =
Momentum has formed ties with other political organisations across North America and Europe. They have collaborated with the Canadian Leap movement, the Young Socialists in the Social Democratic Party of Germany,{{cite news |title=SPD activists seek help of Momentum to dash German coalition deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/24/germany-spd-social-democratic-party-coalition-deal-momentum-cdu |newspaper=The Guardian |author= Philip Oltermann |date= 24 January 2018 |access-date= 28 July 2018}} the Democratic Socialists of America in the United States{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/26/momentum-plan-tap-into-new-us-socialism-labour-conference |title= How Momentum is tapping into the new US socialism |author= Jessica Elgot |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 26 September 2018 |access-date= 9 November 2018}} and similar organisations in Greece. In 2018, Rees and Klug made a ten-week lecture tour of the United States to educate progressive activists and members of the National Nurses United union on political campaigning techniques and to advise Real Justice.{{cite web |title=Exclusive: Momentum founders turn their sights on Donald Trump |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/momentum-founders-turn-their-sights-on-donald-trump/ |publisher=i |author= Nigel Morris |date= 27 July 2018 |access-date= 28 July 2018}}
= Early infiltration from the far left =
Members of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) had raised concerns that parties on the far left of British politics, including the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, Left Unity, the Socialist Workers Party (SWP), the Socialist Party and the Alliance for Workers' Liberty (AWL), might join Momentum to influence the Labour Party.{{cite news|last1 = Wintour|first1 = Patrick|title = Unite challenges expulsion of alleged Trotskyists from Labour party|url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/oct/23/unite-challenges-expulsion-of-alleged-trotskyists-from-labour-party|access-date = 25 October 2015|work = The Guardian|date = 24 October 2015}} Momentum was indeed mired by members of these groups and the disruption they caused in its organisation.{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Lucy|last2=Savage|first2=Michael|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/hard-left-corbynites-dismissed-as-softies-rbbhsqdqt|title=Hard-left Corbynites dismissed as softies|work=The Times|date=21 October 2016|access-date=8 March 2017}} {{subscription required}} An example was Jill Mountford, a longtime member of AWL who was accused of bullying with Momentum.{{cite news |last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-affiliated-labour-party-jeremy-corbyn-members-must-join-a7520626.html|title=Momentum pushes activists to join Labour party to retain membership under new constitution|work=The Independent|date=11 January 2017|access-date=18 March 2017}} The groups considered disbanding and supporting Momentum; in 2015, Left Unity members unsuccessfully proposed a merge with the organisation several times.{{cite web|title = Left Unity party to consider joining Labour|url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/19/left-unity-party-ken-loach-to-consider-joining-labour-jeremy-corbyn|website = The Guardian|access-date = 6 December 2015|first = Patrick |last = Wintour |author-link=Patrick Wintour |date = 19 November 2015}}
The movement has been compared to the Militant tendency, a Trotskyist group which was expelled by Labour under Neil Kinnock during the 1980s. Labour MP Owen Smith accused Momentum of using Militant-tendency tactics such as threatening to deselect Labour MPs,{{cite web|url=http://labourlist.org/2016/09/owen-smith-evokes-1980s-struggle-as-he-brands-momentum-a-party-within-a-party/|title=Owen Smith evokes 1980s struggle as he brands Momentum "a party within a party" |work= Labour List |date=16 September 2016}} a concern echoed by former deputy Labour leader Roy Hattersley.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/02/labour-faces-subversion-momentum-far-left-roy-hattersley-watford-byelection |title= Labour faces subversion by Momentum and far left, says Roy Hattersley |author= Toby Helm and Michael Savage |work= The Observer |publisher= The Guardian |date= 2 December 2017 |access-date= 20 March 2019}} Oliver Kamm of The Times wrote in October 2015, "Like the Trotskyists of a generation ago Momentum is an entrist organisation that's parasitic on the Labour host. This time, though, the far left has managed to gain control of the party structures and is intent on making life tough for Labour MPs".{{cite news |last=Kamm |first=Oliver |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/the-real-labour-party-must-refuse-to-work-with-corbyn-sq7r90tvrlb |title=The real Labour party must refuse to work with Corbyn |work=The Times|location=London|date=13 October 2015|access-date=26 July 2016}} {{subscription required}} A Labour councillor in Liverpool in 2019 said about Momentum's presence in the city, "I think Momentum in Liverpool is a mask for Militant. There are decent Momentum people and then there are the others who have their own agenda".{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/feb/23/liverpool-wavertree-labour-constituency-antisemitism-luciana-berger-derek-hatton |title= Anger, denial and prejudice fester on the streets of Liverpool Wavertree |author= Andrew Anthony |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 23 February 2019 |access-date= 28 February 2019}}
Momentum and a number of political commentators characterise their supposed relationship with other groups as unfair,{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/is-momentum-a-return-to-the-old-days-of-labour-s-militant-tendency-a6782621.html|title=Is Momentum a return to the old days of Labour's militant tendency?|date=22 December 2015}} and in October 2015 the organisation said that it would resist such entryism.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2015/10/pro-corbyn-group-momentum-vows-resist-swp-infiltration|title=Pro-Corbyn group Momentum vows to resist SWP "infiltration"|date=16 October 2015|author=George Eaton|author-link=George Eaton (journalist)|magazine=New Statesman}}{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/10/20/momentum-labour-jeremy-corbyn-deselection_n_8337282.html |title=Momentum Is Not A 'Shadowy' Group With A 'Hit List' Of Labour MPs, Says Leading Organiser |date=20 October 2015 |publisher=Huffington Post |access-date= 9 April 2020}} Author and journalist Michael Crick criticises the comparison to Militant, saying that "the rise of Jeremy Corbyn can be attributed more to the phenomenon of 'Corbynmania' than to hard-left entrism".{{cite book|last1=Crick|first1=Michael|title=Militant|date=10 March 2016|publisher=Biteback Publishing Ltd|isbn=978-1-78590-029-7}} (back cover) Former Labour MP Peter Kilfoyle, the Merseyside Labour-leadership enforcer against Militant during the 1980s as the party's north-west regional organiser, also rejected the comparison and describing Momentum as filling the role on the left of the party as Progress did on the right.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/membership/2016/aug/05/peter-kilfoyle-liverpool-labour-momentum-jeremy-corbyn |title=Peter Kilfoyle: 'Something is going wrong in Liverpool' |last=MacAskill |first=Ewen|author-link=Ewen MacAskill |date=5 August 2016 |website=theguardian.com|access-date=28 July 2018}} In December 2015, Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said on the Today programme: "They look like a bit of a rabble to me, but I don't think they are a problem for the Labour Party".{{cite news|last=Watt|first=Nicholas|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/dec/04/labour-split-exposed-tom-watson-momentum-rabble-livingstone|title=Labour split exposed as Tom Watson describes Momentum as a 'rabble'|work=The Guardian|date=4 December 2015|access-date=27 August 2017}} James Schneider said in response to the accusation, "The purpose of Momentum is not to have internal factional battles, it's to look outside".{{cite news|last1=Gilligan|first1=Andrew|title=The Corbyn hardcore plotting to deselect Labour moderates|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/11981745/The-Corbyn-hardcore-plotting-to-deselect-Labour-moderates.html|access-date=23 November 2015|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|date=8 November 2015}}
{{anchor|Campaigning history}}Campaign history
= {{anchor|Early formation (2015–2017)}}Early years (2015–2017) =
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}}Momentum began a campaign known as Democracy SOS to address the Conservative-Liberal Democratic government's change to an Individual Electoral Registration system; the Electoral Commission had recommended that the program be implemented a year later than it was. The commission believed, based on 2015 records, that eight million people were eligible to vote but were not registered. 1.9 million registered voters were also removed by the change. Momentum utilized their network to campaign in towns and on university campuses to encourage voter registration.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyns-momentum-activist-network-announces-mass-voter-registration-campaign-a6698691.html |title=Jeremy Corbyn's Momentum activist network announces mass voter registration campaign|author=Jon Stone|date=19 October 2015|work=The Independent}}{{cite web|url=http://democracy-sos.peoplesmomentum.com/|title=Democracy SOS – Momentum|publisher=Democracy SOS}}{{cite web|url= https://www.opendemocracy.net/uk/alison-whyte/democracy-sos-stop-electoral-register-cull |title= Democracy SOS - stop the electoral register cull |author= Alison Whyte |publisher= Open Democracy |date= 23 October 2015 |access-date= 17 March 2019}}
In 2016, former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell praised Momentum for their work in the local elections that May. The organisation coordinated activists from Brighton and London to areas such as Hastings, Crawley and Harlow; activists in the North West were directed to West Lancashire.{{cite news |last= Stone |first= Jon |date= 10 May 2016 |title= John McDonnell says Momentum activists helped drive Labour's better-than-expected election result |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/john-mcdonnell-says-left-wing-momentum-activists-drove-labour-s-better-than-expected-election-result-a7022816.html |work= The Independent |access-date= 11 January 2020}}
Prior to the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum Momentum declared its support for the UK remaining in the European Union (EU).{{cite news |last= Mason |first= Rowena |date= 24 May 2016 |title= Pro-Corbyn group Momentum backs remain campaign |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/24/pro-corbyn-group-momentum-backs-remain-campaign |work= The Guardian |access-date= 24 June 2022}}
After the 2017 Stoke-on-Trent Central and Copeland by-elections were called, Momentum mobilised its activist base to campaign for both. They introduced two technological applications: a phone-banking web application called Grassroots Now (used in Corbyn's 2015 and 2016 Labour-leadership election campaigns), and a carpooling web application to help out-of-town activists travel to campaign events.{{cite web|url=http://www.peoplesmomentum.com/by_elections|title=By-elections}}{{cite web|url=http://labourlist.org/2017/02/momentum-carpool-brings-activists-to-crucial-by-election-campaigns|title=Momentum carpool brings activists to crucial by-election campaigns - LabourList|date=10 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://labourlist.org/2017/01/momentum-seeks-to-move-on-from-internal-fueds-and-help-deliver-by-election-victories|title=Momentum seeks to move on from feuds and help deliver by-election victories - LabourList|date=26 January 2017}} Stoke-on-Trent Labour Party candidate Gareth Snell won, and Labour candidate Gillian Troughton lost to her Conservative opponent in the traditional Labour stronghold of Copeland.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39064149|title=Tories in historic by-election Copeland win|work=BBC News|date=24 February 2017}}
= 2017 general election campaign and aftermath =
{{main|2017 United Kingdom general election}}
File:Momentum at the Stop Trump Rally (32638700770).jpg
File:Momentum activist meeting in Birmingham - 25 March 2017.jpg]]
In the run-up to the 8 June 2017 general election, Momentum worked to mobilise voters and encourage volunteers to canvass on behalf of Labour. Their campaign strategy was to target marginal seats (rather than defend safe ones); their MyNearestMarginal.com website enabled voters to search for campaign events in marginal constituencies closest to them, and voters could promise to volunteer on election day at ElectionDayPledge.com. Momentum worked with organisers from Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign to hold training sessions for volunteers which included persuasive-conversation training.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/30/the-us-sanders-campaigners-lending-corybn-hand-bernie-momentum|title=The US Bernie Sanders campaigners lending Jeremy Corbyn a hand|last=Khomami|first=Nadia|date=20 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=30 May 2017|issn=0261-3077}} Senior figures from Sanders' campaign included Erika Uyterhoeven (former national director for outer-state organising),{{cite news |last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-what-happens-jeremy-corbyn-post-general-election-2017-labour-defeat-hard-left-wing-a7777506.html|title=Momentum: What happens to the Jeremy Corbyn-backing organisation after the general election?|newspaper=The Independent|date=7 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017}} Grayson Lookner, Jeremy Parkin and Kim McMurray.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/general-election-2017/85501/how-momentum-helped-sway-the-general-election|title=How Momentum helped sway the general election|magazine=The Week|date=12 June 2017|access-date=5 July 2017}}
Momentum had an effective social-media presence, and a number of their low-budget videos went viral. One example was "Daddy, do you hate me?", which was watched by 12.7 million Facebook users (more than one in three of the UK's Facebook users). By the end of the election campaign, Momentum videos had a total of 51 million views.{{cite web |title=Momentum Submission to the Labour Together Review of the 2019 General Election |url=https://peoplesmomentum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Momentums-Labour-Together-Submission.pdf |publisher=Momentum |access-date=23 April 2020}}
Membership in the organisation increased by 1,500 within four days of the general election, and by another 3,000 within two months of the election.{{cite magazine |last1=Murugesu|first1=Jason|last2=Varghese|first2=Sanjana|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/2017/08/how-momentum-activists-are-learning-win-over-tory-voters|title=How Momentum activists are learning to win over Tory voters|magazine=New Statesman|date=15 August 2017|access-date=15 August 2017}} Momentum's Facebook page had 23.7 million views, and its videos were watched by 12.7 million users. The organisation spent less than £2,000 on Facebook advertisements. In May 2017, Noam Chomsky said that the Labour Party's future of the party lay with the left and Momentum: "The constituency of the Labour Party, the new participants, the Momentum group and so on, [...] if there is to be a serious future for the Labour Party that is where it is in my opinion".{{cite news |last=Asthana|first=Anushka|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/10/labour-partys-future-lies-with-momentum-says-noam-chomsky|title=Labour party's future lies with Momentum, says Noam Chomsky|newspaper=The Guardian|date=10 May 2017|access-date=8 June 2017}} On polling day, 10,000 Momentum activists knocked on an estimated 1.2 million doors in the UK.
Although Labour lost five seats to the Conservatives in the general election, the party gained 28 seats from the Tories, six from the Scottish National Party and two from the Lib Dems. Almost every constituency targeted by Momentum was won by Labour. Former Conservative Party director of communications Giles Kenningham said in July 2017, "Labour have used Momentum to devastating effect".{{cite news |last=Bond|first=David|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d1c854f0-4cea-11e7-a3f4-c742b9791d43|title=Labour's slick online campaign outguns Tory press|newspaper=Financial Times|date=9 June 2017|access-date=1 August 2017}} Later that month, Conservative MP Michael Gove said: "The Conservative Party can learn a lot from Momentum".{{cite news |last=Landin|first=Conrad|url=https://www.inews.co.uk/essentials/news/politics/michael-gove-conservatives-can-learn-lot-momentum/|title=Labour's slick online campaign outguns Tory press|publisher=i|date=25 June 2017|access-date=1 August 2017}} In August, it was announced that the Communication Workers Union would affiliate with Momentum after its executive committee voted unanimously to join the organisation.{{cite magazine|last=Bush|first=Stephen|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2017/08/britains-largest-communications-union-affiliate-momentum|title=Britain's largest communications union to affiliate to Momentum|magazine=New Statesman|date=23 August 2017|access-date=28 August 2017}} John McTernan, a former critic of the Labour left and Corbyn, joined Momentum that summer.{{cite news|last=Mairs|first=Nicholas|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/labour-party/news/88199/watch-arch-blairite-john-mcternan-joins-momentum|title=WATCH: Arch-Blairite John McTernan joins Momentum|publisher=Politics Home|date=13 August 2017|access-date=20 October 2017}} Adam Klug resigned as Momentum national co-ordinator that summer after the snap general election, and national co-ordinator and co-founder Emma Rees resigned in October. Laura Parker, who resigned as Jeremy Corbyn's political secretary before the national conference, replaced Rees as national co-ordinator.{{cite news |last=Edwards|first=Peter|url=https://www.labourlist.org/2017/10/exclusive-new-shake-up-at-momentum-as-two-top-organisers-resign/|title=New shake-up at Momentum as two top organisers resign|publisher=Labour List|date=24 October 2017|access-date=24 October 2017}}
The Electoral Commission (EC) announced in March 2019 that Momentum had been fined £16,700 for multiple breaches of electoral law, including failing to accurately report donations during the general-election period.{{cite web |date=6 March 2019 |title=Momentum fined by Electoral Commission for multiple breaches of electoral law |url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/journalist/electoral-commission-media-centre/party-and-election-finance-to-keep/momentum-fined-by-electoral-commission-for-multiple-breaches-of-electoral-law |website=electoralcommission.org.uk |access-date=2 April 2019}} The fine for not submitting an accurate spending return was the largest imposed on a non-party campaign.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47468571|title=Momentum fined over election spending|work=BBC News|date=6 March 2019|access-date=6 March 2019|language=en-GB}} Although the organisation was initially investigated by the EC for overspending, the commission found that this was not the case.{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-fined-electoral-commission-law-corbyn-labour-a8809666.html |title= Momentum fined more than £16,000 for multiple breaches of electoral law during 2017 election |author= Ashley Cowburn |newspaper= The Independent |date= 6 March 2019 |access-date= 14 March 2019}}{{failed verification|date=April 2019}} Momentum national treasurer Puru Miah, a councilor in Tower Hamlets, said that "we have put in place comprehensive systems so we can fully adhere to regulations".{{cite web|url= https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/politics/cllr-puru-miah-admits-momentum-s-election-offences-1-5927212 |title= Tower Hamlets councilor holds his hands up to Momentum's election offences over cash payments as its treasurer |author= Mike Brooke |publisher= East London Advertiser |date= 8 March 2019 |access-date= 20 March 2019}} An April 2020 Momentum report analysed their performance in the 2017 and 2019 general elections, saying that constituencies such as Broxtowe, Hendon, Morley and Outwood, Southampton Itchen, Pudsey, Thurrock and Harrow East could have been won with the enhanced ground support they had by 2019.
= {{anchor|The Unseat! campaign and expansion into local government (2017–2019)}}Unseat campaign and expansion into local government (2017–2019) =
Momentum began their Unseat campaign after the 2017 general election with partners like Owen Jones, targeting constituencies where prominent Conservative MPs had a small majority and were susceptible to a Labour win at the next general election. Thousands of people attended Unseat events for seats held by Education Secretary Justine Greening (Putney), Department for Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green) and Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Uxbridge and South Ruislip).{{cite web|url= https://labourlist.org/2018/05/owen-jones-momentum-campaigning-was-crucial-to-labours-local-election-gains/ |title= Owen Jones: Momentum campaigning was crucial to Labour's local election gains |author= Owen Jones |publisher= Labour List |date= 8 May 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2019}}{{cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/03/unseatboris-momentum-sets-training-camps-get-rid-foreign-secretary/ |title= #UnseatBoris: Momentum sets up training camps to get rid of the Foreign Secretary |author= Helena Horton |newspaper= The Telegraph |date= 3 August 2017 |access-date= 25 February 2019}}{{cite web|url= https://leftfootforward.org/2017/08/revealed-the-eight-tories-momentum-are-now-gearing-up-to-unseat/ |title= Revealed: The eight Tories Momentum are now gearing up to unseat |author= Josiah Mortimer |publisher= Left Foot Forward |date= 16 August 2017 |access-date= 25 February 2019}}{{cite magazine|url= https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2018/08/chingford-corbynite-faiza-shaheen-her-mission-oust-iain-duncan-smith |title= The Chingford Corbynite: Faiza Shaheen on her mission to oust Iain Duncan Smith |author= George Eaton|author-link=George Eaton (journalist)|magazine= New Statesman |date= 8 August 2018 |access-date= 27 February 2019}}{{cite news|url= https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/labour-and-momentum-rally-to-target-paul-maynard-s-marginal-seat-1-9282395 |title= Labour and Momentum rally to target Paul Maynard's marginal seat |author= James Graves|newspaper= Blackpool Gazette |date= 2 August 2018 |access-date= 27 February 2019}}{{cite web|url= https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/16161361.activists-aim-to-unseat-the-tories-in-may/ |title= Owen Jones and Momentum descend on Swindon to 'unseat Tory council' |author= Thomas Haworth |work= Swindon Advisor |date= 16 April 2018 |access-date= 27 February 2019}} The campaign motivated Duncan Smith to contact local Conservative associations to organise activists to conduct counter-campaigns.{{cite web|url= https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexspence/these-leaked-whatsapp-chats-show-iain-duncan-smiths-pleas |title= These Leaked WhatsApp Chats Show Iain Duncan Smith's Pleas For Help After His Seat Was Targeted By Momentum |author= Alex Spence |work= Buzzfeed News |date= 20 March 2018 |access-date= 27 February 2019}}
Because the Labour Party believed that another snap general election was likely, the party conducted its selection procedure to have a slate of parliamentary candidates in place for the 96 marginal constituencies; Momentum backed several of those candidates.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/mar/19/momentum-backed-labour-candidates-to-contest-most-marginal-seats |title= Momentum-backed Labour candidates to contest most-marginal seats |author= Jessica Elgot |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 19 March 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2019 }} By January 2019, over half of Momentum's 67 selections had become candidates.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/05/unite-momentum-dominate-labour-selections-candidates-key-marginals |title= Unite and Momentum candidates dominate Labour's selection races |author= Eleni Courea |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 5 January 2019 |access-date= 25 February 2019 }} Momentum wanted the Labour manifesto to propose a four-day work week and a Green New Deal: mass state investment to address climate change.
File:Momentum Fight the far right 2018.jpg
Momentum established a candidate network providing support for new councillors and encouraging women to stand, giving them opportunities to discuss policy and training in successful Labour-controlled councils such as Salford and Preston.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/feb/06/momentum-network-trains-councillors-to-fight-local-elections |title= Momentum sets up councillor network to target local elections |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 6 February 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2019}} Momentum-backed selections in the 2018 local elections included Rokhsana Fiaz for Mayor of Newham, who was elected with an increased majority. The Trafford Labour Party leader cited Momentum as a key reason for Labour's gain of seats in the borough.{{cite web|url= https://leftfootforward.org/2018/05/no-momentum-didnt-cost-labour-victory-last-night/ |title= No, Momentum didn't cost Labour a victory in the local elections |author= Josiah Mortimer |publisher= Left Foot Forward |date= 4 May 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2019}} Momentum-supported councillor Joseph Ejiofor became leader of Haringey London Borough Council after the elections in London.{{cite news|url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/momentum-leader-takes-over-haringey-labour-council-despite-party-vote-a3834431.html |title= Momentum leader takes over Haringey Labour council despite party vote |author= Kate Proctor |newspaper= London Evening Standard |date= 9 May 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2019}}
In February 2019, after the resignation of nine Labour members of parliament (eight becoming members of the centrist Independent Group with former Conservatives),{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/02/rebel-labour-mps-set-to-quit-party-and-form-centre-group|title=Rebel Labour MPs set to quit party and form centre group|last=Helm|first=Toby|date=18 February 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218134948/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/02/rebel-labour-mps-set-to-quit-party-and-form-centre-group|archive-date=18 February 2019|url-status=live}} Momentum began to organise resources and activists to campaign for those seats, wanting public pressure from constituents to trigger by-elections. The organisation raised £15,000 in the hours after the split to fund the campaign.{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-split-momentum-campaign-resignations-corbyn-independent-group-a8790121.html |title= Momentum launches campaigning drive against ex-Labour MPs who have joined Independent Group|author= Ashley Cowburn |newspaper= The Independent |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 25 February 2019}} Momentum organized 100 activists on 19 March in Streatham (Chuka Umunna's constituency), with Owen Jones, Diane Abbott and Ash Sarkar speaking to activists at a rally.{{cite magazine|url= https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2019/03/momentum-has-begun-campaigning-unseat-tig-mps |title= Momentum has begun campaigning to unseat TIG MPs |author= Eleni Courea |magazine= New Statesman |date= 19 March 2019 |access-date= 20 March 2019}}
In March 2019, Momentum began Bankrupt Climate Change: a protest campaign outside Barclays banks by 40 local groups. The campaign's objective was to raise awareness of Barclays' investments in fossil-fuel companies;{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/30/john-mcdonnell-backs-momentum-on-barclays-protest |title= John McDonnell backs Momentum on Barclays protest |author= Damien Gayle |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 30 March 2019 |access-date= 30 March 2019}}{{cite web|url= https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/17530689.bradford-momentum-branch-to-stage-city-centre-climate-change-protest/ |title= Bradford Momentum branch to stage city centre climate change protest |author= Felicity Macnamara |publisher= Telegraph and Argus |date= 28 March 2019 |access-date= 30 March 2019}} the bank is reportedly Europe's largest financier (and the world's sixth-largest) of such companies.{{cite web|url= http://bright-green.org/2019/03/21/momentum-members-joins-fight-against-barclays-fossil-fuel-funding/ |title= Momentum members join fight against Barclays' fossil fuel funding |author= Chris Saltmarsh |publisher= Bright Green |date= 21 March 2019 |access-date= 30 March 2019}}
During the 2019 local elections, Jamie Driscoll was selected as Labour candidate for the inaugural first North of Tyne mayoral election as a notable Momentum-backed choice.{{cite web|url= https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/jamie-driscoll-north-tyne-mayor-15860074 |title= Who is Jamie Driscoll? Labour's left-wing North of Tyne mayoral candidate |author= Sean Seddon |work= The Chronicle and the Journal |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 25 February 2019}} Driscoll won the election, with 56.1 per cent of the second-round vote. Brighton and Hove City Council, where Momentum backed 12 Labour candidates,{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/mar/19/brighton-well-organised-momentum-group-shifts-focus-to-local-elections |title= Brighton: well-organised Momentum group shifts focus to local elections |author= Dan Sabbagh |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 19 March 2018 |access-date= 25 February 2019}} and Sandwell Council were focal points for the organisation.{{cite news |last1=Madeley |first1=Pete |title='Completely anti-democratic': Tom Watson slams 'hard-left takeover' of Sandwell Council |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/politics/2019/04/02/tom-watson-hits-out-at-hard-left-takeover-of-sandwell-councils-labour-group/ |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=The Express and Star |date=2 April 2019 |language=en}}
=2019 general election campaign=
{{main|2019 United Kingdom general election}}
Following the announcement of the 12 December 2019 snap general election, Momentum called for a large mobilisation of Momentum and Labour members.{{cite web |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Momentum hosts "largest mobilising call in UK political history" with Corbyn |url=https://labourlist.org/2019/10/momentum-hosts-largest-mobilising-call-in-uk-political-history-with-corbyn/ |website=LabourList |access-date=4 November 2019 |date=30 October 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Eaton |first1=George |author-link1=George Eaton (journalist) |title=Inside Momentum: "We're going to be here long after Jeremy Corbyn and I are dead" |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/12/inside-momentum-we-re-going-be-here-long-after-jeremy-corbyn-and-i-are-dead |access-date=4 December 2019 |work=New Statesman |date=4 December 2019 |language=en}} The group increased their number of paid staff from 13 to 56 for the election campaign period. The group set a funding target of £50,000 in 48 hours, however exceeded this and raised £100,000 in 12 hours.{{cite news |last1=Peat |first1=Jack |title=Momentum raises £100,000 in 12 hours as it gears up for snap election |url=https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/momentum-raises-100000-in-12-hours-as-it-gears-up-for-snap-election/30/10/ |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=The London Economic |date=30 October 2019}} Within six days of this funding drive Momentum have raised £255,000 from 10,000 individual donations, averaging at £26 per donation which came close to beating the amount raised during the entirety of the 2017 General election campaign.{{cite news |last1=Proctor |first1=Kate |title=Momentum seeks 'Labour legends' to take a week off to campaign |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/04/labours-momentum-raises-250000-in-six-days-to-fight-election |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=4 November 2019}} Within 10 days, the group reached over £300,000 from 11,000 donations. Parker commented on these funds saying the organisation will be able to "scale up every aspect of our operation from the get-go, which will allow us to deliver a campaign like nothing this country has ever seen before.”{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Nigel |title=Momentum raises £300,000 for election campaign, dwarfing funds last time round |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/general-election-2019-momentum-jeremy-corbyn-labour-party-919594 |access-date=12 November 2019 |work=i |language=en}}
Momentum created different tools and initiatives to help activists to organise. Prior to the campaign in September Momentum created a website "Univotes" to help students strategically plan which constituency is better for them to vote in; as students can register at both their home address and student address. The student vote been cited by Momentum as why Labour won in Canterbury, Warwick and Leamington, Portsmouth South, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Lincoln in 2017.{{cite news |last1=Lo |first1=Joe |title=Vote at home or at uni? Momentum launches tool for students to decide |url=https://leftfootforward.org/2019/09/vote-at-home-or-at-uni-momentum-launches-tool-for-students-to-decide/ |access-date=12 November 2019 |work=Left Foot Forward |date=17 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Proctor |first1=Kate |title=Momentum launches digital tool to help students register to vote |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/13/momentum-launches-digital-tool-to-help-students-register-to-vote |access-date=12 November 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=12 September 2019}} They created a website "mycampaignmap.com"- as a successor to the 'My Nearest Marginal' website used for the 2017 election- which helps activists to coordinate their efforts in areas they are most needed. My Campaign Map was used to organise over 21,000 events for the election period,{{cite magazine |last1=Clarke |first1=Laurie |title=Inside Momentum's data-driven march to put Corbyn in Number 10 |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/momentum-labour-party-my-campaign-map |magazine=Wired UK |access-date=4 December 2019 |date=30 November 2019}} and had over 170,000 unique visitors.
Momentum created a new type of volunteers called "Labour Legends", who took time off from work and commit at least a full week of campaigning in their area, or to volunteer in other constituencies. In 10 days this initiative acquired over 1,000 people have signed up, providing 40,000 volunteer hours,{{cite news |last1=Proctor |first1=Kate |title=Momentum scales up for 'once-in-a-generation chance' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/19/momentum-scales-up-for-once-in-a-generation-chance |access-date=25 November 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=19 November 2019}}{{cite news |title=Inside Momentum, Labour's Secret Weapon |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/momentum-corbyn-labour-election-2019/ |access-date=25 November 2019 |author= Ruby Lott-Lavigna |work=Vice |date=18 November 2019 |language=en}} and eventually rising to over 1,400 people getting involved, 500 of which were allocated to marginal seats. Momentum additionally encourages Labour party members abroad in Europe, The United States and Australia to register British expats to vote and to participate in phone banking from where they live.{{cite web |last1=Proctor |first1=Kate |title=Labour gets support from Bernie Sanders campaigners in US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/26/labour-gets-support-from-bernie-sanders-campaigners-in-us |work=The Guardian |access-date=4 December 2019 |date=26 November 2019}} Momentum also created an online forum for the election, the Volunteer Slack, in which volunteers were able to assist with researching issues around the election, phonebanking, texting voters, or helping with video clips. The forum continued after the election and now exists as the "Momentum Community", with over 5,000 members as of August 2021.{{cite web |title=Momentum Community Sign Up |url=https://volunteer.peoplesmomentum.com/ |website=Join Momentum Community, Our Online Discussion Space |publisher=Peoples Momentum |access-date=9 August 2021}}
The group developed their campaign strategy with three principles in mind, according to Emma Rees: people power, the targeting of marginal seats, and the idea of getting everybody to step up. This was done by following a decentralised model in which activists have both a clear understanding of the aims and taking on organisational roles.{{cite news |last1=Doherty |first1=Alex |title=Momentum Activists Are Trying to Make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister |url=https://jacobinmag.com/2019/11/momentum-labour-party-emma-rees-election |date=13 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019 |work=Jacobin}} Momentum has created several opportunities for activists to get involved in other ways of promotion- these include “Let’s Go” teams who communicate on do phone banking using WhatsApp, volunteers who watch through interviews of Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians to be used for videos and also people creating videos of themselves explaining why they are voting labour and posting them on social media to help engage with voters on all available platforms.
Momentum used social media advertising to encourage people to register to vote for the election. One of their adverts targeted Urdu speakers.{{cite news |last1=Volpicelli |first1=Gian |title=The Facebook election fight is now between the Tories and Momentum |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/facebook-adverts-general-election-momentum |access-date=4 December 2019 |magazine=Wired UK |date=29 November 2019}} The organising group controversially made a video for Twitter based on a Coca-Cola Christmas advert that circulates every year. They were asked to cease and desist by the Coca-Cola company and the advertisement was taken down.{{cite news |last1=Tidy |first1=Joe |title=Row over Labour group's use of famous Coca-Cola ad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2019-50520783 |access-date=25 November 2019 |work=BBC News |date=22 November 2019}} By the end of the election, their videos had a combined viewing of 106 million, double that of the last election.
In 2020, Momentum submitted a report to the Labour party's "Labour Together Review", which was a cross-factional analysis of the party's performance and strategy, making several recommendations on the tools and approach for future elections.{{cite news |date= 23 December 2019 |title= Ed Miliband to join review of Labour's election failure |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50888060 |work= BBC News |access-date= 11 January 2020}}
= {{anchor|Labour leadership elections and 'Socialist Organising in a New Era' (2020-present)}}Labour leadership elections and socialist organising (2020–present) =
Following their defeat in the 2019 general election, in which Labour lost 60 seats, Jeremy Corbyn and Momentum national coordinator Laura Parker resigned.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/22/insults-infighting-battle-lines-drawn-future-labour-party|title= Labour: anger, recrimination and bitterness mark fresh battle for party's soul |last= Helm|first= Tom |work= The Guardian |date= 22 December 2019 |access-date= 12 January 2020}} The election loss led Corbyn to call a leadership election, coupled with the deputy leadership election, with the results of both elections announced in April 2020.{{cite news |title=Who will be Labour's next leader? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50781341 |access-date=16 December 2019 |work=BBC News |date=15 December 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Rowena |last2=Pidd |first2=Helen |title=Labour leadership race begins as senior figures back Rebecca Long-Bailey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/15/labour-leadership-race-begins-as-senior-figures-back-rebecca-long-bailey |access-date=16 December 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=15 December 2019}} On 14 January 2020, Momentum ran a two-day online consultation with their members about endorsing Rebecca Long-Bailey for leader and Angela Rayner for deputy leader. The consultation's closed format was controversial.{{cite web |last1=Cowburn |first1=Ashley |title=Momentum faces backlash over 'ludicrous' Labour leadership ballot of members |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-leadership-momentum-member-ballot-deputy-candidates-a9283826.html |work=The Independent |language=en |date=14 January 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Bartlett |first1=Nicola |title=Momentum slammed for only giving members one option on Labour leadership ballot |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/backlash-after-momentum-sends-members-21283993 |access-date=16 January 2020 |work=Daily Mirror |date=15 January 2020 |language=en}} Of the 7,395 members participating, 70 per cent supported Long-Bailey and 52 per cent supported Rayner.{{cite web |last1=Chappell |first1=Elliot |title=Momentum back Long-Bailey and Rayner after member ballot |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/01/momentum-backs-long-bailey-and-rayner-after-members-ballot/ |publisher=LabourList |access-date=17 January 2020 |date=16 January 2020}} Momentum planned hundreds of phone-banking events to support Long-Bailey.{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Rowena |title=Labour must stir up democratic revolution to win power, says Long-Bailey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/16/labour-must-stir-up-democratic-revolution-to-win-power-says-long-bailey |access-date=17 January 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=16 January 2020}} Keir Starmer won the election in the first round (with Long-Bailey receiving 28 per cent of the vote), and Momentum failed to win any of the National Executive Committee by-elections.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-52164589|title=Keir Starmer elected as new Labour leader|date=4 April 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=6 April 2020|language=en-GB}}{{Cite news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/apr/04/labour-leadership-election-winner-keir-starmer-long-bailey-nandy-and-jeremy-corbyns-successor-to-be-announced-at-1045am-live-news|title=Keir Starmer elected Labour leader with 56% of vote on first round — as it happened|date=4 April 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 April 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} Momentum congratulated Starmer on his victory, and positioned themselves to work with the new leadership for "transformational policies".{{cite news |last1=Schofield |first1=Kevin |title=Momentum vows to 'hold Keir Starmer to account' after Labour left suffers heavy defeats |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/momentum-vows-to-hold-keir-starmer-to-account-after-labour-left-suffers-heavy-defeats |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=PoliticsHome |date=4 April 2020}} In May 2020, Momentum founder Jon Lansman announced that he would step down as chairman the following month.{{cite news |date= 16 May 2020 |title= Momentum founder Jon Lansman quits as chairman |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52694053 |work= BBC News |access-date= 17 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Busby |first1=Mattha |title=Lansman to step down as Momentum chair but remain on Labour NEC |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/16/lansman-to-step-down-as-momentum-chair-but-remain-on-labour-nec |access-date=18 May 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=16 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Cowburn |first1=Ashley |title=What next for Momentum in the post-Corbyn era? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-jon-lansman-labour-corbyn-ncg-keir-starmer-green-new-deal-socialism-a9600556.html |access-date=6 July 2020 |work=The Independent |date=4 July 2020 |language=en}}
Momentum has focused more on grassroots campaigning,{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |title=Keir Starmer tells Labour conference: we deserved to lose election |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/sep/22/keir-starmer-tells-labour-conference-we-deserved-to-lose-election |access-date=1 October 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=22 September 2020}} since Starmer's election. In the face of a recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Momentum organised with ACORN and the London Renters' Union to organise renters to fight eviction and educate them about their tenancy rights.{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Andrew |title=Momentum is focusing on community campaigns - it's where it is most powerful |url=https://inews.co.uk/opinion/momentum-is-shifting-to-community-campaigns-its-where-it-is-most-powerful-655022 |work=inews.co.uk |date=22 September 2020 |language=en}} During the lockdown, it was believed that 220,000 private renters fell into arrears and an estimated 60,000 eviction notices were served.{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |title=Momentum to focus on resisting evictions during Covid-19 crisis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/sep/21/momentum-to-focus-on-resisting-evictions-during-covid-19-crisis |access-date=23 September 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=21 September 2020 |language=en}} Momentum began encouraging their London members and supporters to join the London Renters' Union in May 2020,{{cite news |title=Activists step up call for tenants to pay no rent at all |url=https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2020/5/activists-step-up-call-for-tenants-to-pay-no-rent-at-all |access-date=23 September 2020 |work=Letting Agent Today |language=en}} and the campaign was in full swing by September. To facilitate coordination, Momentum revamped their mycampaignmap website to display local groups, training and events.{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Nigel |date=22 September 2020 |title=Labour activists plan 'peaceful resistance' when bailiffs attempt evictions |url=https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/labour-activists-plan-peaceful-resistance-when-bailiffs-attempt-evictions/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022202141/https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/labour-activists-plan-peaceful-resistance-when-bailiffs-attempt-evictions/ |archive-date=22 October 2020 |access-date=1 October 2020 |work=LandlordZONE}}
In the run-up to the 2021 local elections, the London Labour Party changed its selection process for assembly members so party members select new candidates; four assembly members were not standing for re-election. This was believed to be an opportunity for Momentum, who gained influence in the regional party in the 2018 regional-conference elections{{cite web|url= https://labourlist.org/2019/03/labour-left-sweeps-the-london-regional-board/ |title= Labour left sweeps the London regional board |author= Sienna Rodgers |publisher= LabourList |date= 3 March 2019 |access-date= 19 March 2019}} to nominate candidates who would push Sadiq Khan's election manifesto to the left.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/05/labour-london-aembly-members-face-reselection-fight |title= Labour London assembly members face reselection fight |author= Jessica Elgot |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 5 November 2018 |access-date= 5 February 2019}}{{cite news|url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/momentum-bids-to-push-sadiq-khan-manifesto-to-left-a4092731.html |title= Momentum bids to push Sadiq Khan manifesto to Left |author= Sophia Sleigh |newspaper= London Evening Standard |date= 16 March 2019 |access-date= 17 March 2019}} In the member selections, only one Momentum-backed constituency candidate was chosen and the top four London-wide candidates were all from Momentum's slate.{{cite news |last1=Mathewson |first1=Jessie |title=Corbyn-sceptics dominate in Labour London Assembly candidate selections |url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/18253420.labour-announces-new-candidates-london-assembly/ |access-date=11 January 2022 |work=East London and West Essex Guardian Series |publisher=News Quest |date=22 February 2020 |language=en}} Subsequently, only Elly Baker and Sakina Sheikh were elected at the election in May 2021.
In March 2021, the organisation published their 2021–2024 strategy: "Socialist Organising in a New Era".{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Elliot |title=Momentum unveils strategy to push 2024 Labour platform leftwards |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/03/strategy-unveiled-to-push-labour-to-fight-2024-election-on-socialist-platform/ |access-date=10 March 2021 |work=LabourList |date=9 March 2021}}{{cite news |title=Socialists launch new plan on organising the labour movement |url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/socialists-launch-new-plan-organising-labour-movement |access-date=10 March 2021 |work=Morning Star |date=9 March 2021 |language=en}} Due to the expulsions of left-wing Labour Party members, Momentum provided legal support to those deemed unjust.
Organising within the Labour Party
= Reselection of MPs =
Critics of Corbyn in the Parliamentary Labour Party have raised concerns that Momentum might encourage the deselection of MPs and councillors who disagree with the organisation, in a process known as reselection.{{cite news|last1=Wintour|first1=Patrick|title=Activists to harness Corbyn campaign energy with Momentum |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/oct/08/activists-to-harness-corbyn-campaign-energy-with-momentum|access-date=25 October 2015|work=The Guardian|date=8 October 2015}}{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/len-mcluskey-jeremy-corbyn-labour-party-leadership-contest-len-mccluskey-unite-deselect-mps-clive-a7315636.html |title= Union boss hints disloyal Labour MPs could be deselected after leadership election |author= Caroline Mortimer|newspaper= The Independent |date= 19 September 2016 |access-date= 15 July 2019}} The concern was amplified by prominent left-wing voices unaffiliated with Momentum.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34609114|title=What is Momentum, and why is it worrying Labour MPs?|work=BBC News|date=24 October 2015|author=Norman Smith}} Momentum denied the accusation in 2015, saying: "We will not campaign for the deselection of any MP and will not permit any local Momentum groups to do so. The selection of candidates is entirely a matter for local party members and rightly so".{{cite news|title = The 66 Labour MPs who voted for Syria air strikes face threats of deselection and branded 'warmongers'|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-mps-who-backed-syria-air-strikes-hit-back-after-jeremy-corbyn-supporters-threaten-deselection-a6758656.html|website = The Independent |date = 3 December 2015}} The organization is supportive of open selections, however, in which all members (not just socialist societies and trade unions) have an equal influence on the selection process and are democratically accountable.
In July 2018, Momentum national coordinator Laura Parker said that four Labour MPs who voted against an opposition amendment to the EU withdrawal bill should be deselected. At the Labour Party Conference that year, the organisation's reselection reforms were supported by Corbyn.{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-labour-mp-deselection-momentum-nec-vote-conference-a8521141.html |title= Jeremy Corbyn backs Momentum calls for 'changes' that could make it easier to deselect Labour MPs |author= Benjamin Kentish |newspaper= The Independent |date= 3 September 2018 |access-date= 30 March 2019}} In July 2019, Momentum announced they would support Labour and Momentum members who wanted to challenge sitting Labour MPs to encourage a younger, more working class and ethnically diverse pool of party representatives.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jul/12/momentum-drive-labour-members-deselect-mps |title= Momentum announces drive to help Labour members deselect MPs |author= Jessica Elgot |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 12 July 2019 |access-date= 15 July 2019}} Research indicates that candidates selected during this period were more likely to be aligned to the party's 'progressive' faction.{{cite journal |last1=Cowburn |first1=Mike |last2=Kerr |first2=Rebecca |title=Inclusivity and Decentralisation of Candidate Selectorates: Factional Consequences for Centre-Left Parties in England, Germany, and the United States |journal=Political Research Quarterly |date=March 2023 |volume=76 |issue=1 |pages=292–307 |doi=10.1177/10659129221081213 |s2cid=248288611 |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10659129221081213|doi-access=free }}
= {{anchor|Labour Party Democracy Review}}Labour Party democracy review (2017) =
In 2017, the Labour Party began a democracy review which would give its membership greater voting capabilities. Momentum has advocated greater membership involvement in party decision-making and "bolder reforms",{{cite news|url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45562446 |title= Labour's democracy review - how democratic is it? |author= Iain Watson |work= BBC News |date= 18 September 2018 |access-date= 29 March 2019}} such as Labour members having a larger role in policy development. Momentum has pushed for lowering of the nomination threshold for Labour leadership candidates, so a left-wing successor to Corbyn could more easily contest a future election.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/18/corbyns-proposals-to-transform-labour-party-parked-for-a-year |title= Corbyn's proposals to transform Labour party parked for a year |author= Heather Stewart and Jessica Elgot |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 18 September 2018 |access-date= 20 March 2019}} Jon Lansman, however, called the proposed Labour reforms "tinkering around the edges".{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/momentum-labour-party-reforms-jon-lansman-jeremy-corbyn-nec-plp-mp-a8420806.html |title= Momentum chief dismisses Labour reform proposals as 'tinkering around the edges' |author= Joe Watts |newspaper= The Independent |date= 28 June 2018 |access-date= 30 March 2019}}
Momentum tabled plans to update the selection of BAME Labour representatives, in which a one member, one vote election would replace a small-group decision. Under the Momentum plan, all Black or other-minority party members would automatically become part of BAME Labour and have a one-member, one-vote right to elect their NEC representative. BAME Labour would be an independent organisation, with its committee having direct access to its membership list and centrally-funded finances and the ability to independently organise its own campaigns and events.{{cite news |last=Waugh|first=Paul|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/keith-vaz-facing-defeat-as-momentum-submits-plan-for-omov-bame-labour-reform-young-labour-autonomy-too_uk_5a58b7d0e4b02cebbfdb09ac|title=Keith Vaz Facing Loss Of Labour NEC Seat As Momentum Urges More Voting Power For Minority Ethnic Members|work=The Huffington Post|date=8 January 2018|access-date=4 April 2018}}
Crucial votes about the democracy review took place during the 2017 Labour Party Conference in Brighton. Momentum launched M.app, a smartphone app to alert delegates to key votes on the conference floor and send real-time information about events and rallies.{{cite news |last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/21/momentum-to-launch-app-to-get-its-voters-out-at-labour-conference|title=Momentum to launch app to get its voters out at Labour conference|newspaper=The Guardian|date=21 September 2017|access-date=23 September 2017}} Although a compromise motion lowering the threshold for local party and union branches to express dissatisfaction with an MP's performance from 50 to 33 per cent passed,{{cite news | last1 = Elgot | first1 = Jessica | last2 = Syal | first2 = Rajeev |title= Labour members in open revolt at union-backed party rule changes |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/23/labour-members-in-open-revolt-at-union-backed-party-reforms |work= The Guardian |date= 23 September 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018}} it was announced that the democracy review was being shelved.
= {{anchor|Elections to Labour's Executive Committees}}Internal elections in the Labour Party=
In the 2016 elections for the National Executive Committee, it emerged that Momentum, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and other leftist groups had formed a joint slate under the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance (CLGA),{{cite web|last1=Pope|first1=Conor|title=Left slate in poll position for NEC race after late spate of nominations|url=http://labourlist.org/2016/07/left-slate-in-poll-position-for-nec-race-after-late-spate-of-nominations/|website=LabourList|access-date=16 July 2016|date=16 July 2016}} and were backing six representatives for the NEC: Rhea Wolfson, former chair of the Oxford University Jewish Society who replaced Ken Livingstone;{{cite news|last1=Doherty|first1=Rosa|title=Former Jewish Society chair backed to replace Ken Livingstone on Labour executive|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/former-jewish-society-chair-backed-to-replace-ken-livingstone-on-labour-executive-1.56763|access-date=8 January 2022|work=Jewish Chronicle|date=10 May 2016}} Christine Shawcroft, a senior Momentum figure who had been an NEC member for fifteen years and was briefly suspended from the party after defending Lutfur Rahman{{cite news|last1=Syal|first1=Rajeev|title=Labour veteran suspended from party for supporting Lutfur Rahman|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/11/labour-christine-shawcroft-suspended-lutfur-rahman-tower-hamlets|access-date=16 July 2016|work=The Guardian|date=11 May 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Charlie|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-momentum-national-executive-committee-elections-labour-party-a6930871.html|title=Jeremy Corbyn supporters urged to use Labour NEC elections to cement his hold on party|work=The Independent|date=14 March 2016|access-date=30 May 2017}} (gaining media attention for jocular comments about dialogue with ISIS instead of air strikes);{{cite news|last1=Riley-Smith|first1=Ben|title=British soldiers should have 'cups of tea' with Islamic State terrorists, says Jeremy Corbyn ally|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/12199570/British-soldiers-should-have-cups-of-tea-with-Islamic-State-terrorists-says-Jeremy-Corbyn-ally.html|access-date=16 July 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 March 2016}} Peter Willsman; Claudia Webbe; Ann Black, and Darren Williams. All six candidates were elected.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/momentum-backed-candidates-sweep-labour-8590476|title=Momentum-backed candidates sweep Labour ruling NEC elections in boost for Corbyn|first=Mikey|last=Smith|website=Daily Mirror|date=8 August 2016}}
In 2017, Momentum and the Campaign for Socialism (their Scottish sister organisation) won five of the eight seats on the Scottish Labour executive committee.{{cite news |last1=Jamieson |first1=David |title=Momentum activists hail shift to more "radical" Scottish Labour with victories on executive |url=https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/10253/momentum-activists-hail-shift-more-radical-scottish-labour-victories-executive |access-date=10 December 2019 |work=CommonSpace |date=3 February 2017 |language=en}} At that year's Labour conference, it was announced that the party would add three more member-elected positions on the NEC in response to a significant rise in membership. During the balloting period, Peter Willsman was removed from Momentum's list of recommended candidates after an allegation of antisemitism; Willsman had been recorded as describing some Jewish critics of Labour as "Trump fanatics".{{cite news | last = Heffer | first = Greg | title = Jeremy Corbyn told to 'expel' ally Peter Willsman over anti-Semitism rant | url = https://news.sky.com/story/jeremy-corbyn-told-to-expel-ally-peter-willsman-over-anti-semitism-rant-11455287 | work = Sky News | date = 1 August 2018 | access-date = 2 August 2018}}{{cite news |last1= Crerar |first1= Pippa |last2= Marsh |first2= Sarah |title= Antisemitism row: Momentum drops Peter Willsman from NEC re-election list |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/01/antisemitism-row-momentum-drops-peter-willsman-from-nec-re-election-list |work= The Guardian |date= 1 August 2018 |access-date= 2 August 2018}} Three other Momentum-backed candidates were elected to the NEC: Jon Lansman, Yasmine Dar and Rachel Garnham.{{cite news|last1=Goodall|first1=Lewis|title=Crucial National Executive Committee vote transforms Labour's future|url=https://news.sky.com/story/crucial-national-executive-committee-vote-transforms-labours-future-11209060|access-date=17 January 2018|work=Sky News|date=15 January 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Mason|first1=Rowena|last2=Elgot|first2=Jessica|last3=Syal|first3=Rajeev|title=Momentum founder elected to NEC calls for Labour transformation|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/15/momentum-backed-candidates-elected-labour-national-executive-committee|access-date=17 January 2018|work=The Guardian|date=15 January 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Forsyth|first1=James|title=What does Momentum's NEC clean sweep mean for Labour?|url=https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2018/01/what-does-momentums-nec-clean-sweep-mean-for-labour/|website=Coffee House|publisher=The Spectator|access-date=17 January 2018|date=15 January 2018}}{{cite news|title=Momentum founder voted on to Labour NEC|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42688288|access-date=17 January 2018|work=BBC News|date=15 January 2018}}
In April 2020, Momentum nominated three candidates: two for casual vacancies, and one for a newly created BAME position. None of the candidates were successful, and the result was attributed to the failure of Momentum and other Labour left-wing factions to agree on a CLGA slate.{{cite news |last1=SagirWednesday |first1=Ceren |title=Labour left groups call for a unified grassroots coalition to preserve Corbyn-era gains |url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/labour-left-groups-call-unified-grassroots-coalition-preserve-corbyn |access-date=3 September 2020 |work=Morning Star |date=15 April 2020 |language=en}} The alliance agreed on a Grassroots Voice slate in July 2020: six candidates for nine Constituency Labour Party seats in the October election.{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Labour left groups agree single NEC slate of six CLP rep candidates – without Lansman |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/07/labour-left-groups-agree-single-nec-slate-of-six-clp-rep-candidates-without-lansman/ |access-date=2 October 2020 |work=LabourList}} Four hundred and fifty CLPs participated, the highest turnout in Labour history; forty-two per cent of the selection nominations went to the Grassroots Voice slate.{{cite news |last1=McAsh |first1=James |title=What local party nominations tell us about Labour's 2020 NEC elections |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/10/what-local-party-nominations-tell-us-about-labours-2020-nec-elections/ |access-date=2 October 2020 |work=LabourList}} Five out of six candidates were elected from the slate.{{cite news |last1=Skopeliti |first1=Clea |title=Labour NEC elections return mixed results as both sides claim victory |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/14/labour-nec-election-returns-mixed-results-momentum-corbyn |access-date=11 December 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=14 November 2020 |language=en}} As well as Momentum winning a majority of seats on Young Labour's National Executive.
In 2021, all four of Momentum's backed candidates for the newly created National Women's Committee were elected (Solma Ahmed, Ekua Bayunu, Tricia Duncan and Chloe Hopkins)- with the further two positions being other left-wing candidates from the CLGA;{{cite news |title=Clean sweep – by massive majorities – for left in elections to Labour's new national women's committee |url=https://skwawkbox.org/2021/06/26/clean-sweep-by-massive-majorities-for-left-in-elections-to-labours-new-national-womens-committee/ |access-date=8 July 2021 |work=Skwawkbox |date=26 June 2021}}{{Better source needed|date=November 2024}} Momentum lost control of the London REC in a hastily organised conference;{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Pro-Starmer Labour to Win celebrates gains at London Labour conference |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/07/pro-starmer-labour-to-win-celebrates-gains-at-london-labour-conference/ |access-date=6 September 2021 |work=LabourList}} and three out of four of Momentum's backed candidates in Young Labour's new equalities roles were won{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Young Labour equalities posts won by three Momentum, one Labour to Win |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/08/young-labour-equalities-posts-won-by-three-momentum-one-labour-to-win/ |access-date=6 September 2021 |work=LabourList}} In 2022, Momentum and Campaign for Socialism endorsed Coll McCail and Lauren Harper as youth reps on the Scottish Executive Committee.{{cite web |last1=McCail |first1=Coll |last2=Harper |first2=Lauren |title=Young People Need a Socialist Scotland |url=https://tribunemag.co.uk/2022/01/scotland-sec-election-young-labour-socialism-cop26 |publisher=Tribune Magazine |access-date=11 January 2022 |date=7 January 2022}}
{{anchor|Issues and other campaigning}}Other issues
= Austerity =
{{See also|Anti-austerity movement in the United Kingdom}}
One of Momentum's primary objectives was to create an anti-austerity movement in the UK which was connected to the Labour Party. In particular, Momentum criticised George Osborne's proposal to cut tax credit payments for working families.{{cite web|url=http://noworkpenalty.peoplesmomentum.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203230634/http://noworkpenalty.peoplesmomentum.com/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2015|title=No Work Penalty}}{{cite news|url=http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-b59a-Momentums-potential-to-unify-and-energise-political-campaigning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025122348/http://morningstaronline.co.uk/a-b59a-Momentums-potential-to-unify-and-energise-political-campaigning|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 October 2015|title=Momentum's potential to unify and energise political campaigning|author=Steve Sweeney|newspaper=Morning Star|date=24 October 2015|access-date=3 September 2016}} In 2016, local Momentum groups began to collect and volunteer for food banks.
= Antisemitism allegations =
Since 2015, there have been a series of allegations of antisemitism against Labour Party members. Many past and current leading figures in Momentum were or are Jewish (or of Jewish ancestry), such as Klug, Lansman, Schneider, Rhea Wolfson{{cite news |last1=Judah |first1=Ben |title=Momentum: inside Labour's revolutionary movement |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0e99fc98-4872-11e8-8ae9-4b5ddcca99b3 |access-date=20 April 2020 |work=Financial Times |date=27 April 2018 |url-access=subscription}} and Jackie Walker.{{cite news |last=Mortimer|first=Caroline|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/anti-semitism-row-momentum-organiser-jackie-walker-readmitted-to-labour-party-following-racism-a7053966.html|title=Anti-Semitism row: Momentum organiser Jackie Walker readmitted to Labour party following racism allegations|work=The Independent|date=28 May 2016|access-date=1 July 2018}} Momentum accepts the existence of antisemitism in the party and acknowledges that action must be taken to combat this,{{cite news|url= https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/momentum-is-so-jewish-claims-leading-labour-activist-1.463274|title= Momentum 'is so Jewish' claims leading Labour activist |author= Lee Harpin |newspaper= The Jewish Chronicle |date= 30 April 2018 |access-date= 17 July 2019}}{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/antisemitism-labour-jeremy-corbyn-smears-momentum-a8285656.html |title= Antisemitism in Labour cannot be dismissed as smears, say Momentum |author= Andrew Woodcock |newspaper= The Independent |date= 2 April 2018 |access-date= 17 July 2019}} although some members of the group have been accused of antisemitism themselves.{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-party-antisemitism-momentum-barnet-jews-jeremy-corbyn-israel-a8473501.html |title= Momentum activists accused of 'anti-Zionist ranting' in Labour antisemitism row |author= Benjamin Kentish |newspaper= The Independent |date= 1 August 2018 |access-date= 17 July 2019}} Lansman attributed the antisemitism to "conspiracy theorists" in the party and the organisation,{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/25/labour-has-widespread-problem-with-antisemitism-momentum-founder-jon-lansman |title= Labour has widespread problem with antisemitism – Momentum founder |author= Seth Jacobson |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 16 July 2019}} and Momentum has challenged the conspiracy theories with viral videos.{{cite web|url= https://twitter.com/PeoplesMomentum/status/1101143739588923392 |title= The conspiracy behind conspiracy theories |publisher= Momentum |date= 28 February 2019 |access-date= 17 July 2019}}
Walker, Momentum's vice-chair, was expelled from the Labour Party for behaviour related to antisemitism.Jessica Elgot: [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/27/labour-expels-jackie-walker-for-leaked-antisemitism-comments Labour expels Jackie Walker for leaked antisemitism remarks]. The Guardian, 27 March 2019 Joshua Garfield, a Jewish youth officer in a London Momentum branch, resigned in April 2018 because antisemitism by branch members made him feel "sometimes unsafe and certainly untrusted".{{Cite web|url=https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/jewish-momentum-organiser-resigns-over-deep-seated-prejudices-in-local-branch/|title=Jewish Momentum organiser resigns over 'deep-seated prejudices' in local branch|website=jewishnews.timesofisrael.com}}{{cite web| url = https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/jewish-labour-party-momentum-antisemitism-joshua-garfield-newham-atrociously-offensive-1.462137| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190717053858/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/jewish-labour-party-momentum-antisemitism-joshua-garfield-newham-atrociously-offensive-1.462137| archive-date = 17 July 2019| title = Antisemitism witch-hunt claims 'atrociously offensive', says Jewish activist who quit Momentum - The Jewish Chronicle}} Garfield was a member (and, later, an officer) of the Jewish Labour Movement who appeared on a Panorama episode about antisemitism in the Labour Party.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/joshua-garfield-selected-as-labour-s-candidate-against-tory-chairman-james-cleverley-1.490814|title=BBC Panorama whistleblower selected as Labour's candidate against Tory Chairman James Cleverley|date=29 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019|work=The Jewish Chronicle}} In the 2018 National Executive Committee elections, Momentum withdrew their support for Peter Willsman after an NEC meeting in which he described those "lecturing" the party about antisemitism as "Trump fanatics" who were "making up duff information without any evidence at all".{{cite news|url= https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/labour-nec-member-pete-willsman-threatened-to-do-in-momentum-chief-jon-lansman-1.480869 |title= Labour NEC member Pete Willsman threatened to 'do in' Momentum chief Jon Lansman |newspaper= The Jewish Chronicle |date= 3 March 2019 |access-date= 16 July 2019}}{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/31/corbyn-ally-says-jewish-trump-fanatics-make-up-antisemitism-claims |title= Corbyn ally says 'Jewish Trump fanatics making up' antisemitism claims |author= Verity Bowman and Pippa Crerar |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 31 July 2018 |access-date= 25 August 2019}}
In early 2020, two Momentum-backed Labour councillors in Brighton were suspended pending an investigation after accusations of antisemitism; the Green Party then led the minority administration.{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Henry |last2=Elgot |first2=Jessica |title=Labour suspends Brighton councillor over alleged antisemitism |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jul/15/labour-suspends-brighton-councillor-over-alleged-antisemitism-anne-pissaridou |access-date=15 February 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=15 July 2020 |language=en}}
In response to Jeremy Corbyn's suspension from the Labour Party after the antisemitism report, Momentum and other left-wing groups passed motions of solidarity with him; some of the motions indicated a vote of no confidence in leader Starmer and general secretary David Evans. This led to 50 suspensions, including seven from the Momentum-affiliated Welsh Labour Grassroots.{{cite news |last1=Shipton |first1=Martin |title=Eight Labour officials in Wales suspended after anti-Semitism report |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/eight-labour-officials-wales-suspended-19808228 |access-date=15 February 2021 |work=WalesOnline |agency=Reach plc |date=10 February 2021 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Greens tipped to run Brighton council after 'anti-Semitic' resignations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-53496651 |access-date=15 February 2021 |work=BBC News |date=22 July 2020}}
= Brexit =
Momentum supported remain in the 2016 UK EU referendum.
Following the 2016 UK EU referendum, Momentum declined to take a formal position in the Brexit debate and supported the Labour Party position. Several Momentum members have supported a second referendum, however, with remaining and the government's deal as options. The People's Vote advocacy group, which included trade-union leaders and former Momentum members, was launched in April 2018.{{cite news |title=Brexit: 'People's Vote' campaign group launched |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43774200 |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=BBC News Online |date=15 April 2018}} The group's launch statement was signed by TSSA union general secretary Manuel Cortes, economist Ann Pettifor, former Momentum steering group member Michael Chessum and former CWU general secretary Billy Hayes.{{cite news | last = Elgot | first = Jessica | title = Pro-Corbyn group to launch drive for public vote on Brexit deal | url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/25/pro-corbyn-group-to-launch-drive-peoples-vote-on-final-brexit-deal-labour | work = The Guardian | date = 25 June 2018 | access-date = 20 August 2018}} A November 2018 poll of Momentum members found that a majority supported a second referendum.{{cite news|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-latest-momentum-labour-referendum-deal-corbyn-theresa-may-eu-a8621431.html |title= Brexit: Corbyn under pressure as Momentum members back referendum on Theresa May's deal |author= Benjamin Kentish |newspaper= The Independent |date= 6 November 2018 |access-date= 15 July 2019}} The left-wing, pro-European pressure group Another Europe Is Possible contains Momentum members{{cite magazine|url= https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2018/09/factions-fudge-and-fashion-how-momentum-went-mainstream |title= Factions, fudge and fashion: How Momentum went mainstream |author= Anoosh Chakelian |magazine= New Statesman |date= 26 September 2018 |access-date= 15 July 2019}} such as former steering-committee member Michael Chessum.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/10/new-leftwing-coalition-urges-labour-to-reject-brexit |title= New leftwing coalition urges Labour to reject Brexit |author= Jessica Elgot |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 10 December 2018 |access-date= 15 July 2019}} In March 2019, 188 Momentum activists sent an open letter to Jon Lansman supporting a second referendum.{{cite web|url= https://labourlist.org/2019/03/join-put-it-to-the-people-demo-momentum-activists-tell-jon-lansman/?amp |title= Join 'Put it to the People' demo, Momentum activists tell Jon Lansman |author= Sienna Rodgers |publisher= Labour List |date= 22 March 2019 |access-date= 15 July 2019}}
= Civil rights =
In 2021 and 2022 Momentum organised politically against the Covert Human Intelligence Act and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (PCSC) by building connections between socialist MPs and social movements and supporting demonstrations and lobbying.{{cite web |last1=Levin |first1=Annie |title=In Britain, the Left Is Resisting a Massive Expansion of Police Powers |url=https://jacobinmag.com/2021/05/pcsc-bill-kill-police-crime-sentencing-courts |publisher=Jacobin |access-date=1 March 2022}} In March 2021, then Momentum co-chairs Andrew and Gaya signed a Greenpeace open letter alongside other social movements opposing the PCSC Bill.{{cite web |title=Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill - an open letter from civil society |url=https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/resources/policing-bill-open-letter/ |website=Greenpeace UK |access-date=1 March 2022 |language=en}}
= Immigration and refuge in the UK =
Momentum has been supportive of refugees attempting to claim asylum in the United Kingdom. In August 2020, the organisation criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer's lack of support for those crossing the English Channel to claim asylum in the UK.{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Jon |title=Keir Starmer faces Labour revolt over party's stance on Channel refugees |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-channel-crossings-labour-revolt-refugees-migrants-a9682061.html |access-date=3 September 2020 |work=The Independent |date=24 August 2020 |language=en}} Their condemnation was coordinated with Open Labour and the Labour Campaign for Free Movement.
= 2015 Syria airstrikes =
Momentum called for its membership to lobby Labour MPs "to support Corbyn, not Cameron, over Syria" on Twitter, linking to the Stop the War Coalition's Don't Bomb Syria campaign which opposed the Conservative government's proposal to extend its bombing sorties against Daesh (also known as ISIS) from Daesh-held territory in Iraq to Daesh-held territory in Syria. Corbyn had argued that Cameron's government lacked a credible plan for defeating Daesh, and the bombing in Syria would not increase the United Kingdom's national security; he has also said that military action should always be a last resort. Some Labour MPs criticised Momentum's move to lobby on party-political grounds before the Labour Party's position on military action had been decided; Gavin Shuker asked, "Who decided this was your position on Syria, and to lobby MPs in this way?"{{cite news|last1=Dathan|first1=Matt|title=Jeremy Corbyn campaign group urges Labour MPs to reject air strikes in Syria|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-campaign-group-urges-labour-mps-to-reject-air-strikes-in-syria-a6745141.html|access-date=23 November 2015|newspaper=Independent|date=23 November 2015}}
= 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine =
In February 2022, Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a week prior to the invasion 11 current Labour MPs belonging to the party's left and two independent MPs signed an open letter from the Stop the War Coalition condemning NATO and the UK government for increasing tensions prior to the event. The Labour leadership under Keir Starmer threatened the MPs with expulsion and they rescinded their support. Momentum then condemned the party leadership for using the war, in their opinion, as a tool for punishing the left.{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |title=Labour MPs drop backing for statement criticising NATO after Starmer warning |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/feb/24/labour-mps-drop-backing-for-statement-criticising-nato-after-starmer-warning |access-date=1 March 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=24 February 2022 |language=en}}
The World Transformed
{{main|The World Transformed}}
In 2016, Momentum began The World Transformed (TWT): an annual four-day festival at the same time as the Labour Party conference which features art, music, culture and political discussions.{{cite web|url= https://www.huckmag.com/perspectives/opinion-perspectives/the-world-transformed/ |title= Why The World Transformed is the future of British politics |author= Nathan Akehurst |work= Huck magazine |date= 27 September 2017 |access-date= 25 February 2019}} Although Momentum originally organised the festival, it became an independent entity with close ties to the group.{{cite web |last1=Burnell |first1=Emma |title=The World Transformed in a world transformed |url=https://leftfootforward.org/2020/08/the-world-transformed-in-a-world-transformed/ |website=Left Foot Forward |accessdate=2 October 2020 |date=21 August 2020}} In 2020, the festival became online-only and spread across a month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to a physical festival in 2021, with additional online access.
The festival has featured several international politicians present in different talks, such as: 2017 French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the German Die Linke party Katja Kipping and leader of the Tanzanian Alliance for Change and Transparency party Zitto Kabwe (in 2018),{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/23/jean-luc-melenchon-to-speak-at-pro-corbyn-event-in-liverpool |title= Jean-Luc Mélenchon to speak at pro-Corbyn event in Liverpool |author= Angelique Chrisafis |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 23 September 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018}}{{cite web | last = Rodgers | first = Sienna |title= The World Transformed reveals full line-up ahead of Labour conference |url= https://labourlist.org/2018/08/the-world-transformed-reveals-full-line-up-ahead-of-labour-conference/ |publisher= LabourList |date= 8 August 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018}} US Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (in 2020), and US Independent Senator Bernie Sanders (in 2021)
After the 2018 World Transformed event, local one- and multi-day festivals not organised by Momentum or TWT began to emerge.{{cite web |last1=Saltmarsh |first1=Chris |title=Building socialism: Political education for the many |url=http://bright-green.org/2019/09/01/building-socialism-political-education-for-the-many/ |website=Bright Green |accessdate=23 September 2019 |date=1 September 2019}}
See also
{{Portal|Socialism|United Kingdom}}
- List of organisations associated with the Labour Party (UK)
- Militant tendency, a socialist organisation that was associated with the Labour Party, disbanded in 1991
- Socialist Campaign Group, MP grouping containing most Momentum supporting MPs
- Tribune
- Novara Media
References
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;Citations
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External links
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- {{official website}}
{{Jeremy Corbyn}}
{{UK Labour Party}}
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Category:2015 establishments in the United Kingdom
Category:Organisations associated with the Labour Party (UK)
Category:Labour Party (UK) factions