Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/612/8861
From The Socialist newspaper, 17 February 2010
TUSC to fight cuts in Spelthorne
"I will refuse to take any more salary than I currently earn, if elected, and I will publish details of my salary and expenses online for my constituents to see, examine and to hold me to account as their representative". This is the pledge of Surrey County Unison branch secretary and Socialist Party member Paul Couchman who is standing as a general election candidate in the Spelthorne seat in Surrey.
North Surrey Socialist Party
Around 30 people turned out in Staines on 11 February for a public launch of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) in Spelthorne constituency and unanimously selected Paul as the TUSC candidate. Chris Leary, also a Unison activist, was elected to be the campaign's press and publicity officer.
Speaking in a personal capacity, Paul condemned the planned cuts to public services in the area. The local hospital has lost its A&E and most wards, local fire stations face the axe and bus routes are being slashed. Just last week, the council announced plans to close a local infant school, Shortwood, in Staines.
Paul spoke of the need for trade unions and working class people to organise to defend their jobs and services - like the hundreds of parents, staff and local people who turned up at a public meeting to defend Shortwood school. Local politicians had their hands full trying to explain to the angry meeting why this well-loved school should close. Paul however was invited to join the campaign steering committee.
Paul explained the importance of working class people having a political voice as New Labour has embraced the capitalist system and joined the Tories in cutting and privatising public services.
Speakers from the audience included many Unison members, including social workers recently involved in a dispute over caseloads who are still struggling with too few staff and mountains of paperwork.
Messages of support were received from local reps in the FBU and RMT unions who were unable to attend.
Over £85 was raised and many people took election pledge sheets away. Our next step is to organise an election planning day in March for all local TUSC supporters.
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In The Socialist 17 February 2010:
Socialist Party campaigns
Nominate Roger Bannister: Council workers need a fighting union
Notts Tories attack the vulnerable
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
TUSC to fight cuts in Spelthorne
Socialist Party news and analysis
New health inequality report reveals widening class divide
Ministers and MI5 colluded in the cover-up of torture
Workplace analysis
The construction industry blacklist: Paltry punishment for attacks on workers
Oppose university cuts - defend jobs
Socialist Students
Sussex student union elections: Support for socialist campaigners
Youth fight for jobs
Youth Fight for Jobs: Leeds march for jobs and education
Socialist Party feature
Wales: New challenges for socialists
Celebrate May Day this year with The Socialist
International socialist news and analysis
Greece: Massive public sector workers' strike against savage austerity plans
Capitalist crisis threatens the eurozone project
Winter Olympics: Shortage of snow but no shortage of debts?
Protests as Canada's Tories suspend parliament
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