Jeremy Corbyn fired up a crowd of anti-President Trump protesters in London on Tuesday, as he implored the American commander-in-chief to “chase down” racism.
The Labour Party leader — who is seeking to replace outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May — also said he was open to having a “dialogue” with Trump, who earlier confirmed he turned down a meeting request from Corbyn.
“I am absolutely not refusing to meet anybody. I want to be able to have that dialogue to bring about the better, more peaceful world that we all want to live in,” Corbyn said at a rally in Westminster, according to BBC News.
He didn’t mention Trump by name, but referred to “our visitors that have arrived this week.”
“Think on, please, about a world that is one of peace and disarmament, is one of recognizing the values of all peoples, is a world that defeats racism; defeats misogyny, defeats the hatreds that are being fueled by the far right in politics in Britain, in Europe and in the United States.” Corbyn told the crowd. “They have no answers.”
Corbyn also defended London Mayor Sidiq Khan, who has traded barbs with Trump.
“I’m proud that our city has a Muslim mayor,” he said, “that we can chase down Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, any form of racism within our society.”
He also vowed to fight “with every breath in my body” any post-Brexit deal with the US that would put the National Health Service in jeopardy.
Labour leadership confirmed a meeting with Trump during his three-day state visit to the UK was requested and that Corbyn remained “ready to engage with the president on a range of issues, including the climate emergency, threats to peace and the refugee crisis.”
But at a joint press conference with May, Trump said he shot down the meeting.
“He wanted to meet today or tomorrow. I decided I would not do that,” said Trump. “I think that he is, from where I come from, somewhat of a negative force. I think people should look to do things correctly as opposed to criticize.”
Corbyn had boycotted the state banquet held for Trump at Buckingham Palace on Monday.
