Labour’s Corbyn eyes UK Syriza
IN THE days since Syriza stormed to victory in Greece, the British left has become increasingly enamoured with the anti-austerity party and its rock star leader Alexis Tsipras.
A number of Labour MPs have signed a motion to parliament welcoming their election, and 15 also signed a letter calling on Labour to take on some policy ideas from Syriza.
One of those, Jeremy Corbyn, stood up in Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday and asked David Cameron “to learn from [Tsipras] why the people of Greece have finally said no to the imposition of the most appalling austerity.” Yet in the past Corbyn was equally effusive in his praise of French President Francois Hollande, whose reign has subsequently become associated with high unemployment and dire poll ratings. The curse of Corbyn? We’ll see.
■ Professor Yanis Varoufakis, Greece’s casual-dressing new finance minister from the anti-austerity Syriza party, will be in London in a few days, attending a dinner and debate at The Gibson Hall in The City. EU critic and Ukip supporter Professor Timothy Congdon is also going to be at the event, which should make for interesting viewing. The Capitalist is hoping that Congdon is ready and raring to kick off the questions. With the European Central Bank’s deputy head Vitor Constancio also billed to speak, the night should certainly be a lively one.