VIDEO: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn filmed sitting on train floor on three hour journey via Doncaster

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been filmed joining seatless commuters on a three hour train journey that passed through Doncaster.
Jeremy Corbyn in Doncaster earlier this year.Jeremy Corbyn in Doncaster earlier this year.
Jeremy Corbyn in Doncaster earlier this year.

Mr Corbyn was filmed during the trip from London to Newcastle, on his way to meet Owen Smith for leadership hustings debate.

WATCH: Jeremy Corbyn joins seatless commuters on London to Newcastle trainThe Guardian reported how Mr Corbyn, famed for standing up for his principles, sat down for them last week, along with 20 other seatless commuters on a three-hour train journey along the East Coast Main Line.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a video shot as he was on his way to debate with Mr Smith in the Labour leadership hustings in Gateshead, Corbyn is seen sitting on the floor of the train, a coffee and brown paper bag at his feet, reading Private Eye magazine.

The freelance filmmaker Yannis Mendez, who has been following Corbyn and volunteers for his campaign, filmed the footage.

From his spot on the floor, which he chose rather than upgrading to first class, Corbyn turns to the camera and says: “This is a problem that many passengers face every day, commuters and long-distance travellers. Today this train is completely ram-packed. The staff are absolutely brilliant, working really hard to help everybody.

“The reality is there are not enough trains, we need more of them – and they’re also incredibly expensive.” He said the whole experience was a good case for public ownership.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Later, Corbyn said: “Is it fair that I should upgrade my ticket whilst others who might not be able to afford such a luxury should have to sit on the floor? It’s their money I would be spending after all.”

The paper reported a fellow passenger Ellen, a mother-of-two who travelled on the same train and and also had no seat, saying: “It was a surprise to see him there, but it was refreshing. It made me realise that it shouldn’t be a surprise to see a politician travelling alongside average commuters. They should be on the same level as the general public.”