Elaine Brunskill, Socialist Party Northern region
“We have to fight for our libraries. They’re part of our working class socialist heritage.” This was the response of a woman involved in the campaign to keep our Gateshead libraries open.
Alongside other anti-cuts activists this campaigner also recognised the need to fight against all cuts in public services, in order to ensure one group isn’t pitted against another.
Just two years ago Gateshead boasted 17 publicly run libraries. If the Labour controlled council go ahead with planned cuts only eight libraries will be left.
Kept awake
In neighbouring Newcastle, Labour council leader Nick Forbes has said he is kept awake at night worrying about cuts. Instead of worrying, why aren’t these councillors fighting back?
The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition is standing for election across the borough. If you want councillors prepared to fight austerity – vote TUSC in May.
In the meantime, join us to march against Gateshead’s £46 million cuts to services. Even cremation is set to become more expensive!
Assemble at 2.30pm on Saturday 7 February at West Street, Gateshead, to march to the Civic Centre.
