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Owen Jones
59 quotes
“His great departure from Thatcherism was a desperately needed boost to spending on public services. Nothing remains of this as a principle in British politics. It is left to arch-critics of [[Tony Blair|[Tony] Blair]] like myself to defend a big chunk of his government's economic record from his own supporters.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2012 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: It's time to demolish the myth about Tony Blair", The Independent (1 June 2012)
“Galloway offered direct, clear answers; he spoke eloquently, and with language that resonated with non-politicos; he had enthusiasm, conviction and – to borrow a Tony Benn phrase – said what he meant and meant what he said. A lesson for Labour, then. Even a figure with a long-haul flight's worth of baggage can be cheered if they use populist language that connects with people and their experiences.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Gorgeous George is one of the most charismatic politicians of our time, but also one of the most divisive, and still manages to win over the audience. You don’t have to like him; but, if you want to change the world, you do have to learn from him.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Left should learn about plain speaking from George Galloway", The Independent (17 February 2013)
“But how do men speak out about a form of oppression from which they benefit? Take this column. It is inherently problematic. There is no shortage of men offering their opinions on, well, everything.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What a farce it would be if men began to dominate the debate about men's oppression of women.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Men are so accustomed to various privileges – such as automatically being taken more seriously – that they are not even aware they exist. That’s why it is so crucial that men listen to women and their experiences, and learn.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Why more men should fight for women’s rights" The Guardian (24 February 2015)
“Three judges were recently sacked for watching porn on the job. None of it was illegal, but they were still publicly embarrassed and dismissed. Yes, there’s clearly a sound argument that judges should be doing their jobs, not getting off on porn. Fair enough, but there's all sorts of procrastination that goes on in the workplace. Who knows, maybe an otherwise tense judge seeking a quick bit of relief will concentrate better. Surely someone should at least commission some research into it.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Simon Danczuk MP has watched porn – why should we care?" The Guardian (30 March 2015)
“That doesn't mean [[Russell Brand|[Russell] Brand]] shouldn't be criticised. He has acknowledged his own problematic attitude towards women; and, like all men, he surely needs to work on it. Sexism is often prevalent among progressive circles, all too frequently marginalised as a secondary issue; or leftish men convince themselves they can't be sexist because of their right-on politics.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Stop the sneering – Ed Miliband’s best route to young voters is Russell Brand", The Guardian (28 April 2015)
“He [Jeremy Corbyn] is the very antithesis of the negative caricature of an MP: he's defined by his principles and beliefs, uninterested in personal self-advancement, and determined to use his platform to further the interests of people and causes that are otherwise ignored.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Corbyn would inject the substance so disastrously missing from the current contest.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Unless 35 Labour MPs nominate Corbyn, this farce of a leadership contest will continue and the Labour party – and the country as a whole – will learn nothing from it.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Jeremy Corbyn is in the Labour leadership race. The real debate starts here", The Guardian (4 June 2015)
“But the test of the Corbyn campaign, for me, is the extent to which it can rebuild a left with popular appeal that offers a coherent, viable, attractive alternative to the status quo.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: No wonder Jeremy Corbyn’s rivals for the Labour leadership are rattled", The Guardian (8 July 2015)
“But above else, Jeremy Corbyn will have to strike a conciliatory tone: which will not be difficult, given that's his default approach, in any case. When he is attacked – whether by the media or by his own party – they will be identified as the aggressor. An emphasis on conciliation and unity within his own party – building on his recent "unity statement" – will make it politically harder for those within the PLP who wish to undermine him.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It will be very hard indeed, and those who wish the Corbyn movement well need to prepare for it now. At stake is the future of the left in this country, and outside Britain’s shores: so no pressure. But as hard as it will prove – and it will be formidably difficult – the challenges are not insurmountable with enough creativity and commitment.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: (I)f Jeremy Corbyn wins, prepare for a firestorm", New Statesman (4 August 2015)
“But if the Corbyn-led Labour party is to be successful, its supporters have to communicate. It is difficult, with relentless hostility raining down on your head, but that means adopting an inclusive, cheerful, positive approach: love-bombing opponents, even.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[O]utward-looking, willing to engage with the unpersuaded, hopeful, positive: that is the only way the left can thrive. We can't just want retweets and packed halls, after all, but to change the world.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: If Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour is going to work, it has to communicate", The Guardian (16 September 2015)
“He [Corbyn] enjoys the support of a mass grass-roots movement of the kind that almost no politician ever has but no professionalised apparatus – and he will now meet one of the most aggressive media on earth.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[T]he conventional media have to be engaged with, however horrible and nasty they are.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“An incredible political moment arrived over the summer. It would be a travesty if it was buried because of an all-out media offensive that wasn't checked.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Jeremy Corbyn faces a viciously hostile press – but shutting out the media won’t help", New Statesman (16 September 2015, updated 17 September 2015)
“All opponents of trans rights are on the wrong side of history, just as history has imposed harsh and unforgiving judgments on those who opposed gay rights in the past. The rights of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals were won by building coalitions, ranging from trans people to 'cis' straight people. Solidarity – based on the principle of "an injury to one is an injury to all" – is a precondition of social change. Trans people must be the key voices in the struggle of emancipation. To be an ally is to listen and learn.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: You don’t have to be trans to be an ally against transphobia" The Guardian (20 October 2015)
“The more leftwing opponents of the EU come out, the more momentum will gather pace and gain critical mass. For those of us on the left who have always been critical of the EU, it has felt like a lonely crusade. But left support for withdrawal – “Lexit”, if you like – is not new. If anything, this new wave of left represents a reawakening.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Antisemitism is a menace. It is not simply the preserve of knuckle-dragging neo-Nazi skinheads; this centuries-old sickness infects progressive circles, too. There are people reading this and thinking "ah, but what about Israel?" I know this because whenever I tweet about antisemitism, someone replies with a sentence along those lines. Sorry to sound self-righteous here, but if that's you, then you're part of the problem.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Antisemitism is a poison – the left must take leadership against it", The Guardian (15 March 2016)
“As Jeremy Corbyn is surrounded by cheering crowds, Labour generally, and the left specifically, are teetering on the edge of looming calamity.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A snap election is entirely plausible, and – as things stands, thanks to the actions of all sides of the Labour party – Labour faces electoral oblivion.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Call me a Blairite, Tory, Establishment stooge, careerist, sellout, whatever makes you feel better. The situation is extremely grave and unless satisfactory answers are offered, we are nothing but the accomplices of the very people we oppose.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From a blog entry (31 July 2016), as cited in "Corbyn supporter Owen Jones labelled 'Blairite traitor' for criticising current leadership", Evening Standard (1 August 2016)
“Many others who wanted to make this unexpected victory work offered helpful advice. Yet it just wasn't listened to, it certainly wasn't implemented, and Corbyn's first impression was disastrous. A coherent strategy, a coherent vision and a clear message never emerged. Various terrible missteps played directly into the Tory narrative.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If Corbyn decides he is unable to confront the multiple existential crises enveloping Labour, then an agreement should be struck where he can stand down in exchange for the guarantee of an MP from the new generation on the ballot paper who is committed to the policies that inspired Corbyn's supporters in the first place. It is up to both Corbyn and the parliamentary Labour party. They should both be aware that history is a savage judge.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Jeremy Corbyn says he’s staying. That's not good enough", The Guardian (1 March 2017)
“If [the Left] is overtaken by a loud minority who are, increasingly, bound by utter hatred towards anyone deemed to deviate from their sanctity of their cause, then there is no future. If they succeed, they'll turn the left into an ever diminished rump that, to the rest of the population, comes across as vicious, vindictive, and spiteful, and certainly not a cause they'll want to be part of.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From a Facebook post (11 February 2017) cited in Niamh McIntyre "Owen Jones quits social media, blaming 'frothing keyboard warriors'" The Independent (11 March 2017)
“On a daily basis I have angry strangers yelling at me, on the one hand, that I'm responsible for the destruction of the Labour Party. [...] And on the other, I'm a right-wing sellout careerist who's allied to Tony Blair and possibly in the pay of the Israeli government.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From the same Facebook post, as cited in "Owen Jones quits social media after being accused of being 'in the pay of the Israeli government'", The Jewish Chronicle (12 March 2017)
“We live in an age where in politics, people can't disagree with each other without good faith being questioned, there is always an ulterior motive - in it for the money, advance a career...”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I am part of the left; I feel loyal. I don't want to do things that will be damaging to what I believe in.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is a collective failure, not just him, the left, including people like myself, no clear strategy.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[As a divisive figure] It doesn't help that I am young, but I also look like a 12-year-old. We live in a country where there is a lot of animosity. If your politics is radical it antagonises. People might think I am overconfident. I look petulant when I stand my ground.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From an interview with Alastair Campbell, as cited in "Owen Jones vs Alastair Campbell: the full interview", GQ (15 May 2017)
“This is one of the most sensational political upsets of our time.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Labour is now permanently transformed. Its policy programme is unchallengeable. It is now the party's consensus. It cannot and will not be taken away. Those who claimed it could not win the support of millions were simply wrong. No, Labour didn't win, but from where it started, that was never going to happen.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I wasn't a bit wrong, or slightly wrong, or mostly wrong, but totally wrong. Having one foot in the Labour movement and one in the mainstream media undoubtedly left me more susceptible to their groupthink. Never again. Corbyn stays and – if indeed the Tories are thrown into crisis as Brexit approaches – he has an undoubted chance of becoming prime minister, and a fine prime minister he would make too.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Jeremy Corbyn has caused a sensation – he would make a fine prime minister", The Guardian (9 June 2017)
“If 'TERF' [Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist] is unacceptable, let's just use 'transphobe' and 'transphobic', problem solved.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Tweet (14 November 2017), as cited in Julie Compton [https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/pro-lesbian-or-trans-exclusionary-old-animosities-boil-public-view-n958456 "'Pro-lesbian' or 'trans-exclusionary'? Old animosi…
“The British government arms Netanyahu's administration as it slaughters innocent civilians, just as it arms the Saudis as it massacres little kids in Yemen. Does a wreath have to be laid for this to be a national scandal.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let's be clear. Saudi Arabia is a terrorist state. It slaughters innocent people for political ends. It exports extremism. It is armed and backed by the British government. No one has [been] killed by a wreath. Countless civilians have been killed by British supplied bombs.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From a series of tweets (13 August 2018), as cited in "Corbyn-supporting journalist demands lawyer apologise for saying he 'suggested it was fine to celebrate anti-Jewish terrorism'", The Jewish Chronicle (5 November 20…
“And here’s where moral clarity is needed. Antisemitism exists, it is a menace, and frightens Jews traumatised by the all too recent Holocaust. Labour must show far greater leadership in tackling antisemitism in the party and rooting out every and any antisemite. But that should not detract from the just cause of showing solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Corbyn wreath ‘scandal’ is just an exercise in hypocrisy", The Guardian (14 August 2018)
“Some within Labour want to establish a year zero, which simply consigns the last five years to a dustbin labelled "Never to be repeated", but while that might suit factional ends, it advances no debate about the party's future in an era of unprecedented social turmoil. The need for a transformative political agenda is far greater now than when Corbyn first stood: but without a balanced understanding of the last five years it will prove impossible.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2020 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Only an honest conversation about the Corbyn era will help us learn from it", The Guardian (17 September 2020)
“I certainly learned in great detail what we were up against. The parliamentary Labour party meetings were just brutal and gruesome. A lot of those people in the parliamentary Labour party – I'm just going to say it – are jumped-up thugs. Vicious, horrible people. They would sanctimoniously stand up and talk about the authoritarianism of Corbynism as they screeched like disturbed teenagers, spraying spittle at anyone with the temerity to support the elected leadership of the party of which they were members. I really don't know what they are driven by.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Yes. I think there was a lack of very basic emotional intelligence in some sections of the left in terms of engaging with the collective trauma of the Jewish people. And the same with Israel. There is an emotional connection that many Jewish people have with Israel and you just cannot ignore that.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2020 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From an interview, as cited in "Owen Jones: 'A lot of people in the parliamentary Labour party are horrible'", The Guardian (19 September 2020)
“And Galloway – a toxic demagogue who campaigned alongside Nigel Farage and voted Tory earlier this year – succeeded both in eating into the party's Muslim vote, and driving other residents into Labour's camp in opposition.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Batley and Spen gives Starmer a second chance – will he take it?", The Guardian (2 July 2021)
“There is nothing to recommend [[Keir Starmer|[Keir] Starmer]]'s leadership. He is, as we have seen, unprincipled. He is not honest. Where Blair and Neil Kinnock were talented orators, Starmer lacks any charisma or warmth.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“That more Labour voters than not desire his resignation, that more than six in 10 people do not see him as a prime minister in waiting, and that he lost the Hartlepool byelection – a seat Labour retained even in the landslide defeat of 2019 – shows he is unelectable. Starmer is Labour's version of Theresa May – who was originally lauded as a serious, public-spirited politician before being undone by her own cynicism and woodenness.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Breaking promises won't get Keir Starmer into power", The Guardian (30 September 2021)
“BDS is an entirely peaceful strategy and yet it is still dismissed as beyond the pale, raising the question: what exactly is a legitimate form of Palestinian resistance?”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Denied a state, Palestinians are now denied a say in their own future", The Guardian (19 November 2021).
“The past and the present offer an obvious truth: the fate of women – of all sexualities – and LGBTQ people are bound together. While women are the principal targets of patriarchy (that is, a society rigged in favour of men), this system also punishes those seen to deviate from rigid gender norms. Improving the position of women will probably be accompanied by progress for LGBTQ people; likewise, rolling back women's rights will also mean those of LGBTQ people deteriorate in tandem. This underlines why it is wrongheaded to claim that trans rights and women's rights are on a collision course.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: This terrifying backslide on LGBTQ rights is a threat to women's rights too" (5 July 2022)
“It remains the case that the most interesting ideas are bubbling away on the left: banishing them from Labour's future is an act of self-harm. If a meek Starmer administration disappoints, a now cowed left may find an audience willing to listen. Starmer's team is buoyant now, and understandably so: but history tell us where hubris leads.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Starmer's banishment of Corbyn is one more step in eradicating the left from the Labour party", The Guardian (17 February 2023)
“This week in Manchester, [Nigel] Farage strode around the conference like a hungry crocodile, sizing up his prey. The rock-star reception he attracted suggests the faithful would quite like to be eaten.”
Owen Jones (born 1984) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Tory conference revealed a party that’s crumbling – and with Nigel Farage laying siege to its future", The Guardian (5 October 2023)