Angry young activists arrive in Westminster in bid to lobby MPs over Corbyn “coup”

Young activists are attempting to rally support for under-fire Jeremy Corbyn with a lobby of MPs in Parliament today.

The bid to meet MPs at short notice has been organised by members of Young Labour but is not officially sanctioned by the group.

The activists expect to muster around 30 people which suggests efforts for a mass attempt to influence MPs have not come to fruition. They will today call for unity in the party by demanding to see their MPs in Parliament.

The Labour activists from around the UK are expected to put forward that the recent wave of frontbench resignations shows a disregard for the membership, without whom the party could not campaign.

The group is dominated by long-term members including activists Sophie Nazemi, Claire Hurley and Ruth Berry.

Together the group has said “We work tirelessly for the party. We campaign week in, week out to get Labour candidates elected. 

“The referendum result has shown how important exercising democratic values in our politics are. This coup shows a complete disregard for the membership, without whom the Labour party could not function.

“A general election is likely to be called soon. To spend the next few months fighting amongst ourselves rather than holding the government to account will make going out and talking to communities impossible.”

It remains to be seen if any MPs respond to the visits, as many find it difficult to see their MP if they have not arranged an appointment

The action follows broad support from young members and activists at Momentum’s #KeepCorbyn rally yesterday evening. Caroline Hill, chair of young Labour, addressed the crowd, urged sympathisers to join up as a full members of the party in order to protect Corbyn in the case of a future leadership contest.

Young members’ support of Corbyn comes after questions arose over yesterday’s statement from London Young Labour calling for new leadership. Committee members of London Young Labour said the statement of no confidence in Corbyn was released by chair Ben Butterworth before it was seen by the whole committee and does not represent the views of the group.