'We stand absolutely against racism in any form': Jeremy Corbyn condemns anti-Semitism at May Day rally

Tom Marshall1 May 2016
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Jeremy Corbyn condemned anti-Semitism as he spoke at a May Day rally in central London.

The Labour leader joined thousands of people on the march to mark the international day honouring workers.

The rally began at Clerkenwell Green, where Mr Corbyn spoke from the top of a red London bus, saying: “We stand absolutely against anti-Semitism in any form. We stand absolutely against racism in any form.”

He added: “We stand united as a Labour movement, recognising our faith diversity, our ethnic diversity and from that diversity comes our strength. That is the strength of our movement.”

"We stand in solidarity now against the growth of the far right in Europe," he said.

His appearance was the first by a Labour leader at a May Day rally in 50 years.

Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC, wished the crowd a happy May Day and sent a special message of solidarity to BHS workers.

She said: "We stand by you."

Demonstration: Thousands march to Trafalgar Square to celebrate workers' achievements
Anthony Devlin/PA

The rally celebrates "what was won by workers' campaigning over many years", including the NHS, education, pensions and affordable housing, which organisers claimed were under attack by the austerity agenda.

A brass band played as the rally marched through the streets of London, along the Strand, to Trafalgar Square.

Workers held placards representing dozens of unions, including Unite and the RMT. Many held banners and placards calling for Prime Minister David Cameron to resign.

There was a large contingent calling for international solidarity on human rights and trade union rights. Several others held placards in support of junior doctors.

At one point the rally was stalled as it passed along the Strand where a group from Unite set off red smoke flares.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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