Britain's main opposition leader has launched his election campaign, painting himself as a populist outsider who will overturn a "rigged" political and economic system.

Labour Party chief Jeremy Corbyn says Britain's June 8 election is "the establishment vs. the people."

Labour is trailing Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives in opinion polls, and many within the party think the socialist Corbyn is too left-wing to connect with voters.

But Corbyn echoed anti-establishment sentiment that has upended politics from the United States to France. He said in a speech Thursday that the old rules drawn up by political and economic elites no longer apply.

Corbyn said: "I don't play by their rules, and if a Labour government is elected on the 8th of June I won't play by their rules either." </s> Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to destroy the elite’s rigged system and hand power back to the people, in a powerful general election speech on Thursday.

Corbyn told an audience that the June 8 election would defy the expectations of the British establishment and bring an end to the old world order as we know it.

“It’s a rigged system set up by the wealth extractors for the wealth extractors. They have created a cosy cartel which rigs the system in favour of a few powerful and wealthy individuals and corporations,” he said to the crowd before they erupted into thunderous applause.

Corbyn warned that he would not play the establishment rules, saying “they say I don’t play by the rules – their rules. We can’t win, they say, because we don’t play their game.They’re quite right I don’t. And a Labour government elected on 8 June won’t play by their rules.”

He added that those rules “have created a cosy cartel which rigs the system in favour of a few powerful and wealthy individuals and corporations”.

Mr Corbyn said: “It’s a rigged system set up by the wealth extractors for the wealth extractors.”

The Labour leader singled out tycoon Sir Philip Green, who faced heavy criticism over the BHS pensions saga, and Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley in his speech, saying they should be “worried about a Labour government”.

The Conservatives seized on Mr Corbyn’s response to the Brexit question after his speech.

Conservative Party chairman Patrick McLoughlin said: “This is yet more evidence of chaos from Jeremy Corbyn and Labour. It shows they can’t provide the strong and stable leadership Britain needs at this serious moment in our history.”

On a campaign visit to Enfield, Mrs May indicated she would stick to the government’s target of reducing net migration – 273,000 according to the latest figures – to below 100,000.

She said it was important to have sustainable migration numbers, adding: “We believe sustainable numbers are the tens of thousands.” </s> Jeremy Corbyn will promise to overturn “the wealth extractors’ rigged system” of politics and prove his critics wrong by breaking the rules of the "cosy cartel" that runs British politics.

In a speech launching his general election campaign the Labour leader will say he would not “play by the rules” during the contest, and that his party would “put the interests of the majority first”.

The first speech of the general election campaign comes the day after Mr Corbyn marched Labour MPs through the voting lobbies to support Theresa May’s call for a general election.

The veteran left-winger will position himself as a populist political outsider, and contrast himself with the Conservative party "divide and rule tricks".

“Much of the media and establishment are saying this election is a foregone conclusion,” the Labour leader will tell his audience at Church House in central London.

“They think there are rules in politics, which if you don’t follow by doffing your cap to powerful people, accepting that things can’t really change, then you can’t win.

“But of course those people don’t want us to win. Because when we win, it’s the people, not the powerful, who win. The nurse, the teacher, the small trader, the carer, the builder, the office worker win. We all win.

Mr Corbyn will continue: “They say I don’t play by the rules – their rules. We can’t win, they say, because we don’t play their game. They’re quite right I don’t. And a Labour Government elected on 8 June won’t play by their rules.

“These rules have created a cosy cartel which rigs the system in favour of a few powerful and wealthy individuals and corporations. It’s a rigged system set up by the wealth extractors for the wealth extractors.

“But things can, and they will, change. And Labour in this election will be part of a movement of the British people to make that change. How dare they crash the economy with their recklessness and greed, and then punish those who had nothing to do with it.

“We will overturn this rigged system. The Conservatives will never do that. Seven years of broken promises show us that: on wages, the deficit, the NHS, our schools, our environment.

“The Conservatives will use all the divide and rule tricks of the Lynton Crosby trade to protect the wealth extractors’ rigged system.

“If I were Southern Rail or Philip Green, I’d be worried about a Labour Government. If I were Mike Ashley or the CEO of a tax avoiding multinational corporation, I’d want to see a Tory victory. Labour is the party that will put the interests of the majority first.”

“That’s why we will prove the establishment experts wrong and change the direction of this election - because the British people know that they are the true wealth creators, held back by a system rigged for the wealth extractors.”

But Mr Corbyn faces an uphill struggle at the election, with poll showing his party at least 20 points behind and in danger of losing dozens of seats. </s> • Jeremy Corbyn promises to take on "the establishment" and "their followers in the media" at his election campaign launch.
• Polls suggest his anti-establishment message has so far failed to cut through with the British public.
• More people believe in ghosts and angels than believe Corbyn will win the election.

LONDON — "The dividing lines in this election could not be clearer," said Jeremy Corbyn as he launched his party's general election campaign in Westminster on Thursday morning.

"It is the establishment versus the people and it is our historic duty to make sure that the people prevail."

Corbyn's speech, which came within 48 hours of Theresa May calling for a snap general election, was dominated by a series of attacks on the "establishment" and "their followers in the media."

"They do not want us to win," he told the audience. "Because when we win it is the people, not the powerful, who win...

"We can’t win, they say, because we don’t play their game."

Such appeals to the public against the establishment are nothing new. Donald Trump became US president largely on the back of almost identical claims to be taking on the "rigged system" in the favour of the people.

Corbyn today delivered his own version of this message effectively. He seemed relaxed and energised and put across his anti-establishment, anti-austerity message, clearly and with discipline.

And unlike Theresa May, who increasingly appears determined to avoid public debate or journalistic scrutiny during this election campaign, Corbyn was willing to answer inconvenient questions from the press with good humour and a light touch, even though he had devoted much of his speech to attacking them.

But while politicians' appeals to "the people" against the establishment can be successful, they are only successful when a large chunk of the people are already with you. Trump won because he successfully managed to marshall existing Republican voters to the polling booths. In Britain, Labour voters have already abandoned the party in their droves.

According to the latest YouGov poll, a third of Labour's 2015 voters are now backing other parties, with Labour a whopping 24 points behind the Conservatives.

Meanwhile, Corbyn's own favourability ratings are in the low teens. Polls suggest there are now more British people who believe in ghosts and angels than there are people who believe in Jeremy Corbyn.

And while Corbyn claimed today that "the establishment"are "worried" about a Corbyn victory, inside Number 10, the actual establishment could not be more relaxed. The Labour leader may believe, as he claimed today, that he will be the next prime minister of Great Britain, but hardly anyone else does. As things stand it is not the "establishment" that are blocking Corbyn's path to Downing Street – it's the British people themselves.

When Corbyn was asked about these universally dire poll ratings today, his supporters in the room jeered the assembled journalists. Corbyn responded by pointing out that he was once 200/1 to become Labour leader.

This statistic went down well in the room. The idea of an underdog defying the odds in order to storm to victory is a romantic one, fondly cherished among Hollywood film directors and the sentimental. Perhaps on this occasion, such a fairy tale will become reality. Perhaps, after all, Corbyn will as he promised today: "prove the establishment experts" wrong.

Maybe he can. Maybe the British public will fundamentally change their opinion about the Labour leader in just a matter of weeks. Maybe his anti-establishment message will suddenly cut through with voters, in time to prevent May from inflicting what currently looks set to be a devastating defeat on Labour. Maybe the "establishment experts" are wrong. Maybe Jeremy Corbyn is the next prime minister of Great Britain.

It's possible. Very occasionally a horse with 200/1 odds, is the first to cross the finishing line. It does sometimes happen. But normally it doesn't. Normally just making it to the end of the race, without first keeling over, is the most the horse can hope for. </s> On Thursday night, Labour supporters all over the U.K. were celebrating the election results, including, of course, party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Over the course of the election, he became a potent symbol of what a potential alternative government could look like. He energized young voters. He stoked enthusiasm in the left across the world. And he is amazingly terrible at high fives.

While posing with fellow Labour politician Emily Thornberry, Jezza went in for a high five that she apparently didn’t know was coming — and so his hand landed directly on her breast, which ultimately makes for a moment of quintessential British awkwardness. </s> On Thursday night, Labour supporters all over the U.K. were celebrating the election results, including, of course, party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Over the course of the election, he became a potent symbol of what a potential alternative government could look like. He energized young voters. He stoked enthusiasm in the left across the world. And he is amazingly terrible at high-fives.

While posing with fellow Labour political Emily Thornberry, Jezza went in for a high five that she apparently didn’t know was coming – and so his hand landed directly on her breast, which ultimately makes for a quintessential British awkwardness. </s> Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Jeremy Corbyn: "I don't play by the establishment's rules"

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to "overturn the rigged system" by putting power and wealth back in the hands of "the people".

In his first major general election speech, he said 8 June's poll was not a "foregone conclusion" and Labour could defy the "Establishment experts".

He also said Labour would not back a second EU referendum.

Theresa May said the election was about ensuring "strong and stable leadership" for the UK.

It was also about strengthening the government's Brexit negotiating hand, she said.

The PM is hoping to convert the Tories' double digit poll lead into a bigger Commons majority.

Her decision to hold a general election - after previously insisting she would wait until 2020 - took her rivals and many in her own party by surprise.

Mr Corbyn could have blocked it in Parliament but instead ordered his MPs to back the snap poll in a Commons vote on Wednesday.

After his speech, the Labour leader was asked to rule out backing a second EU referendum - replying that he respected the result but that the UK had to have continued access to the EU single market and should not "tear up the workers' rights agenda, the environmental protection agenda, or any human rights agenda".

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell also declined to rule one out, telling the BBC the government should "put the deal to Parliament and possibly to the country overall".

But asked later, Mr Corbyn's spokesman said: "A second referendum is not our policy and it won't be in our manifesto."

The Conservatives said it was "yet more evidence" of "Labour chaos".

The Labour leader looks set to run an anti-establishment campaign, presenting himself as a champion of the powerless against political and business elites.

He attacked the "morally bankrupt" Conservatives who he said would not stand up to tax avoiders and other members of a "gilded elite," who were extracting wealth "from the pockets of ordinary working people".

Labour would "end this racket" and "overturn the rigged system," he told an audience of Labour supporters in London.

He also said Labour was the only party that would "focus on the kind of country we want to have after Brexit" - dismissing Mrs May's election campaign as an "ego trip about her own failing leadership".

And he insisted all of Labour's policies, including an increase in corporation tax for big business and more money for carers and a £10 an hour minimum wage, were fully costed.

Addressing Labour's poor opinion poll ratings, he said he was given a 200/1 chance of becoming Labour leader in 2015 and he defied those odds.

Assessing Corbyn's speech: By Iain Watson

Image copyright Reuters

Jeremy Corbyn provided two very big clues today to how he will fight the campaign - and for two main reasons.

First, he is opting to have the clearest dividing lines between government and opposition in more than three decades - ever since Labour pledged to scrap nuclear weapons and leave the EU in 1983.

He suggested the Conservatives were "morally bankrupt" and attacked the elites.

But he is also drawing a clear line between his leadership and his party's New Labour past.

He didn't just attack the "fat cats" and the "tax dodgers" - he denounced the "wealth extractors" of big business and the City - and took a pop at the media while he was at it.

What was interesting was that uncensored, unvarnished Corbyn was more passionate and fluent than in many of his much-criticised performances in the Commons.

Read more from Iain

Mr Corbyn said: "Much of the media and Establishment are saying this election is a foregone conclusion.

"They think there are rules in politics, which if you don't follow by doffing your cap to powerful people, accepting that things can't really change, then you can't win.

"But of course those people don't want us to win. Because when we win, it's the people, not the powerful, who win."

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption How the decision to hold a general election on 8 June unfolded

He added: "They say I don't play by the rules - their rules. We can't win, they say, because we don't play their game.

"They're quite right I don't. And a Labour government elected on 8 June won't play by their rules."

He added that those rules "have created a cosy cartel which rigs the system in favour of a few powerful and wealthy individuals and corporations".

Mr Corbyn said: "It's a rigged system set up by the wealth extractors for the wealth extractors."

The Labour leader singled out tycoon Sir Philip Green, who faced heavy criticism over the BHS pensions saga, and Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley in his speech, saying they should be "worried about a Labour government".

Sign-up to get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning </s> Joan Ryan, the MP for Enfield North, became the eighth MP to quit the Labour Party over Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership this week. She joined Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey who launched The Independent Group (TIG) on Monday. Explaining why she had left Labour for TIG, Ms Ryan claimed the party had become “infected with the scourge of anti-Jewish racism” under Mr Corbyn.

In a damning resignation letter, she wrote: “I cannot remain a member of the Labour party while this requires me to suggest that I believe Jeremy Corbyn – a man who has presided over the culture of anti-Jewish racism and hatred of Israel that now afflicts my former party – is fit to be prime minister of this country. He is not.” Mr Corbyn’s handling of anti-semitism and Brexit have been the reasons behind all the Labour resignations this week. Increasing numbers of disgruntled party members are rallying against Mr Corbyn’s leadership and party is braced for further defections. Lord Peter Mandelson warned Mr Corbyn he risks a huge split in the party unless he tackles anti-semitism, despite urging Labour members to stay.

The former Labour minister told ITV's Peston: “Now what is Jeremy Corbyn going to do about this? I mean, this risks growing from a splinter into a cavernous split in our party if he doesn't take action to stop it." Will the Labour Party split? What will happen if Jeremy Corbyn stays? The Labour Party is not in danger of splitting right now but the growing number of defections risks alienating Labour supporters at the ballot box, a political expert has warned. Christopher Stafford, Doctoral Researcher in School of Politics and International Relations at University of Nottingham, told Express.co.uk: “The biggest danger posed by The Independent Group and the MPs that defect to it is the damage to the appeal and credibility of Labour that the resignations, and the reasons behind them, may do.

“Corbyn’s leadership and more recently his unclear Brexit stance and his handling of allegations of antisemitism have been subject to much criticism. “These issues have made the party less appealing to some voters and polls have reflected this. “The fact that certain MPs have been prepared to quit the party over such issues may convince more voters that these issues are a serious problem and may make them question if they want to vote Labour in the future.” Jeremy Corbyn has shown no intention to stand down despite the mounting criticism against him.

Last night he appealed to Labour voters and Jewish supporters in a shared video saying he regards the “fight against anti-semitism as an absolute priority”. He also chastised the leaving Labour MPs saying they had “abandoned” their party, adding the “decent and democratic” thing to do would be to put themselves up for election. Should by-elections take place, Mr Stafford said voters will need to decide if their loyalties lie with the MPs who have joined TIG or with the new Labour candidates. He added: “It will all depend on if the relevant constituencies have a strong attachment to their MP as a person or if they voted for them because of the party they stood for originally.” </s> In his first major general election speech, he said 8 June’s poll was not a “foregone conclusion” and Labour could defy the “Establishment experts”.

A Soviet Labour government would not “play by their rules,” he added.

No more elections once Labour in power

“We would also change election rules once Labour is back in power. Once we win, there will be no more need for elections in Soviet Britain ever again. This election could therefore be the last ever election you see in your lifetime,” Corbyn stressed.

The biased leftist BBC is fully behind Corbyn’s bid to thwart Theresa May’s hope to convert the Tories’ double digit poll lead into a bigger Commons majority.

Corbyn’s Labour government would halt Brexit and stop Theresa May strengthening her hand in Brexit negotiations providing the “strong and stable leadership” the country needs.

Instead, the majority Labour Remoaners would seek to fully reverse any notions of leaving the European Union and renegotiate with Brussels on full implementation into stronger EU union.

The Labour leader looks set to run an anti-bourgeoisie campaign, presenting himself as a champion of the powerless proletariat against political and business culture.

He attacked the “morally bankrupt” Conservatives who he said would not stand up to those who seek wealth from hard work and other members of a “gilded elite,” who were extracting wealth “from the unfortunate circumstances of ordinary unemployed and unemployable people” who are the root of Labour’s voting underclass.

Labour would “end this racket” and “overturn the rigged system,” he told an audience of Labour supporters in London.

“Once we’re in power, everyone will be equal in poverty and suffering. There will be no more aspirations or silly things like that,” Comrade Corbyn added.

He also said Labour was the only party that would “focus on the kind of country we want to have” – dismissing Mrs May’s election campaign as an “ego trip about her own failing leadership”.

“Let us look at the other socialist utopia — Venezuela. We want our nation to resemble that South American dream of extreme poverty, anarchy and chaos.”

And he insisted all of Labour’s policies, including an increase in corporation tax for big business and more money for carers and a £10 an hour minimum wage, were fully costed.

“If you own a property today, once we win you will not own that property any more. The owning of all private property is theft from the poorest of our society. For too long, wealth has been allowed to accumulate in private housing. Our collectivist Soviet system will free up wealth from private citizens and all property ownership will transfer to the state, to be redistributed to the populace as needed.”

Addressing Labour’s poor opinion poll ratings, he said he was given a 200/1 chance of becoming Labour leader in 2015 and he defied those odds.

“They have tried to oust me many times, but I as supreme Comrade to the Soviet Labour Marxist social-democratic party have endured and survived many attempts to remove me. They shall not prevail, as they have failed in the past, so today I survive and will survive to lead our great Soviet nation onwards.”

His message was uncompromising. Jeremy Corbyn attacked targets from what he called the ruling bourgeois elite. In doing so, he was trying to recapture the energy and rhetoric which enabled him to win not one, but two, Labour leadership contests.

He said a future Labour government wouldn’t play by the rules and denounced his Conservative opponents as morally bankrupt. Corbyn vowed to end the scourge of capitalism once and for all by ousting all bankers from the City, the media and business people were also in his sights – it created dividing lines not just with his current political opponents but with his party’s New Labour past.

“I will throw these financiers, capitalist scum, business profiteers into the back streets where they will be beaten, stripped of all wealth and seen off.”

Corbyn’s speech received a standing ovation from the invited audience of Labour members and was designed, in part, to motivate newer recruits in particular to campaign over the next seven weeks. It could also shore up the party’s core support.

There were spontaneous shouts of ‘Hail! Comrade Corbyn’ and ‘Bravo! Our Supreme white socked Soviet Comrade!”
Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, positions himself as an "anti-establishment" candidate as he vows to end the "rigged" system.