Ken Douglas, Socialist Party national treasurer
The news that MPs are claiming more expenses than they did in 2009 when they were last caught fiddling them will sicken ordinary people who are bearing the brunt of the Con-Dem cuts.
A quarter of MPs are employing family members in order to maximise how much they can claim, paying them as much as £50,000 a year.
Unlike these self-serving MPs, the Socialist Party relies solely on the support of ordinary working class people and the fund-raising efforts of our members.
It is vital that we have the funds to finance our campaigning to put forward a socialist alternative to the policies of rotten, corrupt politicians from all sides who are enriching themselves while selling off our public services and killing the NHS.
There is little more than a week to go until the end of the fighting fund quarter and Socialist Party members are going all out to ensure that we raise the £12,000 needed to reach the target of £25,000.
Members in Caerphilly raised £50 from supporters of their campaign against zero-hour contracts and to bring back the local A&E.
In Waltham Forest over £50 was donated on a lively protest outside Whipps Cross hospital to fund the fight against the cuts of £77.5 million that are currently being implemented.
Determined to make the most of the summer, members in Lewisham raised £67 with a branch barbecue and a local supporter has arranged a monthly donation of £20.
We can still reach our target but we need your help. Can you raise some fighting fund and send it in before the 4pm deadline on 27 September or can you make a donation to help fund the fight for a socialist alternative? You can pay in fighting fund or donate via our website at www.socialistparty.org.uk/donate or telephone 020 898 8877.
