If you’ve been following British politics over the past few years, you’ll no doubt have heard the word ‘Momentum’ popping up amid references to Jeremy Corbyn.
Momentum is a grassroots organisation which formed in 2015 to promote left-wing ideas while backing Corbyn and the Labour Party.
To become a member, you must be over the age of 14, a Labour member, and pledge to obey the Momentum rules.
On Momentum’s website, the group says its principal aim is to “transform the Labour Party, our communities and Britain in the interests of the many, not the few”.
The self-described “socialist” organisation, which is ruled by a national coordinating group, lays out several more aims in its constitution.
These include:
- To work for the election of a Labour government;
- To revitalise the Labour Party by building on the values, energy and enthusiasm of the Jeremy for Leader campaign so that Labour will become an effective, open, inclusive, participatory, democratic and member-led party of and in Government;
- To broaden support for a transformative, socialist programme;
- To unite people in their communities and workplaces to win victories on the issues that matter to them;
To make politics more accessible to more people.
Momentum is funded by its members, as well as some unions - including the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association, the Communication Workers Union and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union.
Momentum branches exist across Britain, including in Bristol, with volunteers going door-knocking and helping to put on events.
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