Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the British Labour Party, is a polarising figure in British politics, revered by his supporters as a champion of social justice and reviled by his detractors as a divisive extremist.
Corbyn’s political career has been punctuated by his vocal and often controversial support for left-wing movements worldwide. Among the most contentious aspects of Corbyn’s political legacy is his longstanding advocacy for organisations and individuals linked to terrorism, including the Provisional IRA (PIRA/IRA) and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
This article delves into the motivations, implications, and controversies surrounding Corbyn’s positions, as well as his apparently continuous hostility toward Israel.
Corbyn’s Relationship with the Provisional IRA
One of the most persistent criticisms of Corbyn is his perceived support for the Provisional IRA, the paramilitary organisation responsible for numerous bombings and killings during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Corbyn’s association with Irish republican causes stretches back decades, often framed by his advocates as part of a broader commitment to peace and justice. However, critics argue that his actions have gone far beyond the realm of diplomacy.
By D4444n at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148700812
In the early 1990s, Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, opened a file on Corbyn due to his links with the IRA. Corbyn was not merely a bystander or mediator; he actively invited individuals linked to the IRA to the British Parliament, even shortly after atrocities committed by the group.
For example, in 1984, just weeks after the Brighton bombing that targeted then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and killed five people, Corbyn invited Gerry Adams and other Sinn Féin members to Westminster.
Sinn Féin was founded as the political wing of the IRA.
While Corbyn has insisted that his actions were aimed at fostering dialogue and peace, his failure to condemn IRA violence unequivocally has led many to view his involvement as tacit endorsement of their tactics.
The Palestinian Cause and Support for the PLO
Corbyn’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause has also drawn scrutiny. While advocacy for Palestinian rights is not inherently controversial, Corbyn’s approach often involved aligning with individuals and groups accused of endorsing terrorism. His support for the campaign to overturn the convictions of Jawad Botmeh and Samar Alami for the 1994 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in London is a particularly illustrative case.
Botmeh and Alami were convicted for their roles in the bombing, which injured 20 people. Both admitted to possessing explosives and firearms, but Corbyn joined a chorus of voices—including Amnesty International, the trade union Unison, journalists, and some MPs—in arguing that the evidence tying them to the embassy bombing was insufficient. Critics of this campaign have questioned how a public figure like Corbyn could overlook such damning admissions, interpreting his stance as indicative of an anti-Israeli bias that prioritised undermining Israeli interests over the pursuit of justice for victims.
An Anti-Israel Stance
Corbyn’s broader views on Israel have long been a source of contention. He has frequently described Israel as an apartheid state and has called for the suspension of arms sales to the country. While such criticisms are not uncommon in international discourse, Corbyn’s rhetoric and affiliations have often been interpreted as veering into outright hostility.
He has referred to Hamas and Hezbollah—organisations designated as terrorist groups by the UK, US, and EU—as his “friends,” a term he later claimed was intended diplomatically.
Image credit: Palestinian Embassy in Tunis, via Facebook.
One of the most damning episodes highlighting Corbyn’s anti-Israel stance was his appearance at a wreath-laying ceremony in Tunisia in 2014, commemorating individuals linked to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, in which 11 Israeli athletes were murdered by Palestinian terrorists.
Corbyn’s presence at the ceremony, coupled with his evasive responses when questioned about it, reinforced perceptions that his criticism of Israel was not merely political but perhaps deeply rooted in ideological bias.
Press TV and Iranian Propaganda
Between 2009 and 2012, Corbyn appeared several times on Press TV, a channel funded by the Iranian government. These appearances have been another focal point of criticism, as they occurred during a period when Iran’s human rights record was under intense scrutiny. Iran’s government is notorious for its persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals, its suppression of dissent, and its promotion of anti-Semitic propaganda.
Critics have questioned why Corbyn chose to associate with a regime that openly contradicts the progressive values he at least claims to champion.
During his appearances on Press TV, Corbyn failed to challenge inflammatory remarks made by contributors, including claims that the BBC was composed of “Zionist liars” and that Israel was a “disease.” This lack of pushback has been interpreted by many as either a tacit agreement or a willingness to tolerate deeply problematic rhetoric. Moreover, Corbyn’s involvement with Press TV has been cited as an example of his willingness to overlook or downplay the oppressive policies of regimes that align with his anti-Western and anti-Israeli worldview.
Ideological Motivations
To understand Corbyn’s consistent alignment with controversial causes and organisations, one must consider the ideological framework underpinning his political career. Corbyn’s worldview is deeply rooted in a somewhat perverse far-left perspective that often casts Western powers, particularly the United States and its allies, as imperialist aggressors. Within this framework, groups and nations opposing Western hegemony are often viewed sympathetically, regardless of their methods or internal policies.
This ideological lens helps explain why Corbyn has frequently expressed support for groups like the IRA, the PLO, and even Hamas. In Corbyn’s narrative, these organisations are framed as liberation movements resisting oppression, even when their tactics include violence against civilians. Critics argue that this perspective blinds Corbyn to the moral complexities of these conflicts and leads him to prioritise anti-imperialist solidarity over universal human rights.
The Cost of Controversy
Corbyn’s positions have not come without consequences. During his tenure as Labour leader from 2015 to 2020, his associations and statements became a major liability for the party. Accusations of anti-Semitism within Labour surged under his leadership, culminating in the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) finding the party responsible for “unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination.” Although Corbyn and his supporters have vehemently denied these allegations, the controversies contributed to Labour’s crushing defeat in the 2019 general election.
Jeremy Corbyn’s consistent support for left-wing organisations and individuals associated with terrorism reflects a deeply ingrained ideological commitment to opposing perceived imperialist and colonial powers.
While his supporters may view his actions as principled stands for justice and peace, critics argue that they reveal a dangerous tendency to excuse or overlook violence and oppression when it aligns with his worldview.
From his associations with the Provisional IRA to his support for individuals convicted of terrorism and his appearances on Iranian state media, Corbyn’s political career reflects the polarising nature of ideological conviction in modern politics.
Whether history judges him as a misunderstood advocate for the oppressed or a reckless enabler of extremism remains to be seen, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to provoke debate for years to come.
