The Momentum video that has divided opinion Momentum Momentum video parodies older voters discussing Corbyn’s policies Viral clip implies group discussing free university tuition and other policies don’t understand difficulties others face Sarah Marsh @sloumarsh Fri 28 Jul 2017 08.22 EDT Share on Facebook

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A controversial video from Momentum, the pro-Jeremy Corbyn movement, parodying middle-class people sitting around discussing the Labour leader’s policies has reached nearly two million people in less than 24 hours.

The video, called Pulling up the Ladder, has been shared 17,000 times. It shows a group of older voters ridiculing the Labour leader.



The video begins with a woman asking: “I just don’t get why Jeremy Corbyn is so popular.” A person replies: “Because he promises everything and gullible people just fall for it.”



Another guest at the table then says: “Exactly. Young people think ‘oh great, I don’t have to pay for university.’ Thinking there’s some kind of magic money tree to pay for it.”

The video then switches to black and white, and a caption pops up saying: “Didn’t pay anything for university.”

During his election campaign, Corbyn promised to scrap tuition fees if his party got into power.

Finally someone said it 😂 pic.twitter.com/FoPN9jmIbZ — Momentum (@PeoplesMomentum) July 27, 2017

Another woman complains about people not working hard enough to get on the property ladder, and the video makes it clear that she bought her house for £20,000 in 1981 and its now worth £1.5m.

Each member of the group makes remarks about Corbyn, and the video makes it clear they are not likely to benefit from any of the changes he intends to make. It implies that they don’t understand the difficulties others face.

A Momentum spokesperson said, “We’re glad [it]... has sparked a debate about class and inequality.”



But James Cleverly, the Conservative MP for Braintree, said:

A masterclass in motivating people using resentment of bourgeoisie caricatures. Lenin would be proud. https://t.co/m77uYJSt4I — James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) July 27, 2017

His words were echoed by another Tory, Will Quince, the MP for Colchester, who described the video as “hateful”.



The clip also shows a man who was employed by his father, displaying nepotism. But some were keen to point out that Corbyn’s son, Seb, is employed by John McDonnell.

Others, however, praised the clip. Matt Turner, a journalist, wrote:

Right-wing tears over Momentum's latest video are even more delicious than usual. — Matt Turner (@MattTurner4L) July 28, 2017

Another commenter said: “Great video. Keep the momentum going.”

A Momentum spokesperson added: “While a tiny minority benefited from both rocketing London house prices and a free university education, most people today face either increasing tuition fees, dire job opportunities or the impossibility of ever owning a home.