Renowned British filmmaker Ken Loach has voiced sharp criticism against the fledgling socialist movement, "Your Party," accusing it of frittering away a crucial opportunity to unify the left in the face of rising far-right extremism. Loach, a long-standing ally of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and an advocate for socialist causes, lamented that the party, co-founded by Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana, has become "mired in infighting," thereby undermining its potential to present a united front.
"There was great hope when Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana joined forces; 800,000 people expressed interest – that’s three times the size of a political party," Loach stated in an interview with The Guardian. "But I’m afraid some of the behaviours were very poor and they lost a historic opportunity."
Loach’s remarks came on the eve of an official screening of his seminal 1995 film, Land and Freedom, at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, a powerful depiction of the Spanish Civil War, explores the devastating consequences of ideological divisions within the anti-fascist struggle, a theme Loach believes resonates with contemporary political landscapes. The restored 4K version of Land and Freedom is scheduled to be shown in the festival’s Cinéma de la Plage strand, with Loach in attendance.
The Echoes of Division: From Spain to Modern Britain
Land and Freedom chronicles the journey of a young British communist who travels to Spain, anticipating a unified fight against fascism, only to find himself ensnared in bitter ideological disputes among various left-wing factions. Loach drew a direct parallel between the historical fragmentation depicted in his film and the contemporary challenges facing the left. "The split on the left was very important to explore in the film. It contributed to the defeat in Spain," he observed, underscoring the historical precedent for internal discord weakening a political movement.
The veteran director, who himself was expelled from the Labour Party in 2021 for refusing to disavow other expelled members, expressed concern over the perceived shift in political discourse. He argued that mainstream political parties have increasingly adopted rhetoric previously associated with the far right. "The Conservative leadership uses the same language as Nigel Farage, and the Labour right responds to that," Loach contended. He further elaborated on a perceived pattern of scapegoating the most vulnerable while allowing the wealthy elite to evade accountability. "The people who have nothing are always blamed, and the people who got rich on the system escape. They’re the ones now funding the far right. They fund Trump. Farage’s £5m is just the tip of the iceberg."
Scrutiny of Labour’s Leadership and the "Thieves Falling Out"
Loach did not spare current Labour leadership under Keir Starmer from his critique. He characterized the current political climate within the government as "a case of when thieves fall out," indicating a lack of genuine policy substance and a focus on internal power struggles rather than the needs of the populace. "It’s no surprise people have turned against Starmer’s government. He cannot communicate, which is a fatal flaw in a politician," Loach stated, drawing a contrast with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, whom he acknowledged had "dreadful things" to his name but possessed "the gift of being able to communicate with people."
The filmmaker’s criticism extended to the perceived detachment of the current Labour leadership from the interests of the working class. "There is no relation to the labour movement or the interests of working-class people," he asserted. Loach also suggested a deliberate effort to sideline figures like Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is perceived as being "just slightly to the left," indicating a broader ideological narrowing within the party’s upper echelons.
A Legacy at Cannes and the Enduring Fight Against Fascism
Ken Loach, who is set to celebrate his 90th birthday next month, holds a distinguished record at the Cannes Film Festival. He is the most frequently selected and decorated director in the festival’s history, with 15 films having competed for the Palme d’Or, two of which he won: The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016). His long-standing collaborator, screenwriter Paul Laverty, is a member of this year’s competition jury.
Reflecting on his return to Cannes with Land and Freedom, Loach expressed a poignant sense of déjà vu. "It’s extraordinary to be back with this film," he said. "It’s about the first war against fascism. When we made it, our feeling was that fascism wouldn’t arise again. And now, of course, we face the far right again, but they don’t come in jackboots this time, they come under a different guise."
The Resurgence of Far-Right Ideology and the Role of Cinema
Loach underscored the contemporary relevance of the themes explored in Land and Freedom, particularly racism, societal division, and economic insecurity, noting their increased urgency across Europe. "The language they use against immigrants, the racist undertones, finding scapegoats while refusing to look at the serious issues that are causing poverty and wars… they provide someone to blame for the sense of panic and insecurity people feel, they stoke up the hysteria," he explained.
He also took issue with fellow filmmakers who advocate for a separation of cinema from political engagement. Referencing comments made by Wim Wenders at the Berlinale, Loach stated, "I was very disappointed to see my friend Wim Wenders say film-makers had to stay out of politics. The difficulties people face are determined by the political choices we have available, and the power we have over the political process. So politics is absolutely central to film-making. Film-makers should be witnesses to our times."
Speaking Out in a Polarized Climate
Loach highlighted the growing international activism fueled by anger over Israel’s actions in Gaza, while simultaneously acknowledging the professional risks faced by artists who voice such concerns. "When people do speak out on this, they are being very brave, because it can threaten your career," he remarked, implicitly referencing the climate of fear and potential repercussions for dissenting voices in the current geopolitical landscape.
The renewed focus on Land and Freedom at Cannes, a film that grappled with the perils of political fragmentation during a critical historical moment, serves as a stark reminder for Loach and his supporters of the ongoing struggle against ideologies that seek to divide and conquer. His critique of "Your Party" reflects a broader concern that the left, by failing to present a united and cohesive front, risks ceding ground to the very forces of extremism that his cinematic work has consistently sought to expose and challenge. The initial surge of interest in "Your Party," as indicated by the 800,000 people who expressed interest, represented a significant potential base, the mobilization of which now appears jeopardized by internal discord. The coming months will likely reveal whether the movement can overcome its present challenges and fulfill its stated ambitions of providing a robust alternative to the prevailing political establishment.
