Why I joined: “To fight for an end to tuition fees and cuts”

Socialist Students marching for free education, 2016, photo Isai Priya

Socialist Students marching for free education, 2016, photo Isai Priya   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Rebecca Storey, Newcastle Socialist Party

I joined the Socialist Party after being attracted to a campaign stall near my university campus with a petition against tuition fees. As someone who was new to politics it was intriguing to see a party fighting against the never-ending fee hikes and cuts to student loans and grants.

After attending a few meetings and witnessing the analysis of the failing capitalist system I decided to attend the Socialism event in London in November 2016 – that was a real turning point for me. To witness and be a part of discussions about Trump’s rise to power, the ongoing crisis in Syria and Black Lives Matter movement was unbelievably riveting and eye opening. For me, being in a room full of like-minded people who genuinely represent and put the interests of the many before the profits of a few was utterly motivating and inspiring.

The current system we are a part of is failing us; it promotes endless austerity measures and increases the gap between the wealthy and the poor. This party recognises the need for social change, and looks at the root problem straight in the eye. We unapologetically say no to poverty, racism, and terror and we aim to unite workers and organise a mass movement.

This is not an easy fight. As history tells us, acquiring social change is never easy, but in order to create change you have to be the change!

So to anyone reading this, I encourage you to subscribe to the Socialist, read our analysis of events and get in touch!