JEREMY CORBYN has announced a new project to promote social justice, peace, and human rights in Britain and around the world.

The former Labour leader said today that the Peace and Justice Project will be launched on January 17 next year in an online event.

The event panellists are to include Labour peer and former teachers’ union leader Christine Blower, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, Labour MP Zarah Sultana, former ANC leader Ronnie Kasrils, economist Yanis Varoufakis and climate activist Scarlett Westbrook.

Mr Corbyn said the project would provide a platform for campaigns, work with social movements and trade unions, commission research on “solutions to common problems” and build networks for international progressive change.

It will focus on combating poverty, inequality and unaccountable corporate power; and promoting peace, global co-operation and climate justice; self-determination, democracy and human rights, he added.

The Islington North MP said: “It’s there to create space, hope and opportunity for those campaigning for social justice and a future that works for the many, not the few.

“We will work with unions and social movements to build a network of campaigners, grassroots activists, thinkers and leaders, to share experiences and generate ideas about solutions to our common problems.

“We will combine research and analysis with campaigning and organising. And we can build on the popular socialist policies developed in the Labour Party over the past five years.

“This year, many of us have felt powerless in the face of forces beyond our control. It doesn’t have to be like that. Things can, and they will, change.” 

Rafael Correa, former president of Ecuador, said he welcomed the project and that he will be working with Mr Corbyn for “a world where people come before capital.”

He also said: “Coronavirus has shown again how neoliberalism is incapable of dealing with the huge crisis our societies face.

“Now, more than ever, we need to be united in our struggles across the world against neoliberalism and inequality.  

“We need to build a world where corporate power is replaced with real democracy, where people have access to full rights, key services like health and education, and a life with dignity.”