Jeremy Corbyn, the veteran left-wing rebel, is running for the leadership of the UK’s Labour Party — and has surprised everyone by emerging as the frontrunner.

Corbyn has gathered such impressive momentum in part because of grassroots campaigners’ long familiarity with him and the many peace, justice and equality campaigns he has been involved with over the years. He is particularly known for his support of the Palestinian people.

I sat down with him last week and they discussed how he first became active around Palestine, his views on the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel, the right of return of Palestinian refugees and more.

“The three areas of Palestine that have got to be addressed are: one, settlements and occupation of the West Bank; two, the siege of Gaza and three, the issue of now fourth-generation refugees living in camps in Lebanon and some still in Syria. They deserve their rights too, they deserve their right to return home,” Corbyn said.

“That’s got to be the key to it. Whether they want to return or not is another matter,” Corbyn added. “The rights have to be there.”

Listen to the interview via the media player above. It has been edited for length.

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