Jeremy Corbyn borrows from Bernie Sanders in 'digital technology' manifesto

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will promise to "democratise the internet" as the left-winger launches his "digital technology" manifesto in east London this morning (30 August).

Corbyn will also pledge to "mobilise the most visible general election campaign ever" by using techniques such as canvassing apps adopted by Bernie Sanders in his failed bid to become the Democrat Party's presidential nominee.

A spokesperson for the Vermont senator was forced to deny Sanders had sent Corbyn a message of support last week.

Corbyn, meanwhile, will say: "The creativity of the networked young generation is phenomenal. We have thousands of young volunteers on our campaign taking part in this digital revolution.

"We will channel this new energy and creativity into Labour's general election campaign whenever it comes, it's in this way that Labour can get back into government.

"Labour under my leadership will utilise the advances of digital technology to mobilise the most visible general election campaign ever.

"There is also a clear need for more online democracy and our manifesto today sets out how Labour would democratise the internet in order to rebuild and transform Britain, so that no one and no community is left behind."

Corbyn's proposals also include a voluntary "digital citizen passport" as well as a "people's charter of digital liberty rights", which will be created after a public consultation. The manifesto launch comes less than a month before the winner of the Labour leadership contest is announced in Liverpool on 24 September.

Corbyn, who attracted almost 60% of the vote in Labour's 2015 leadership contest, is favourite to beat his sole challenger Owen Smith, the former shadow work and pensions secretary.