Joe Higgins, Socialist Party TD (MP) for Dublin West, has been
confirmed as the main speaker for the Socialist Party rally being held
during the European Social Forum (ESF) next month in London.
Naomi Byron
The ESF (14-17 October) is already attracting interest – over 200
people a day are registering to attend on the ESF website. Thousands are
expected from all over Europe, and participants will come from all over
the world.
Many of the people that took part in the anti-war movement are looking
for ways to change the way things are run in Britain and internationally
and will be attracted to an event offering discussions against
globalisation and the multinational companies. They will be hoping that
the ESF will offer the opportunity to sample different ideas,
organisations and movements.
The range will be limited during the official programme, however, as
political parties of any size are excluded from the platforms of nearly
all of the main rallies and it is likely that socialist ideas will not be
put forward in them.
Members of the Socialist Party, Socialist Students and International
Socialist Resistance (ISR) are helping to advertise the ESF. We will be
among a small number of organisations raising socialist ideas where
possible within the event – by organising extra meetings, stalls and
action. It is vital that every Socialist Party branch prepares to come and
help with our participation.
The university Freshers’ Fairs are an ideal opportunity to get more
young people to go to the ESF. Student unions should be asked to book
transport to London if they haven’t already.
Leaflets and posters to build for the ESF, which advertise the
Socialist Party rally, are already available. Note that the first 20,000
people to register to attend the ESF before 1 October are being offered
free Travelcards for 15-17 October (which are worth £19.80).