Socialist Party Scotland conference


Matt Dobson and Wayne Scott

On 16-17 February, Socialist Party Scotland (SPS) held its largest conference since the relaunch of the Scottish section of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) in 2001.

Scotland, a low wage, service sector based economy, has been hit hard by public sector cuts and has been in recession for a year. Joblessness and poverty is rising.

But the conference showed that workers are prepared to fight back. Our members are campaigning for a 24-hour general strike, with support won from Scottish Unison.

Many workers and young people may see the 2014 independence referendum as an opportunity to break from unending cuts.

SPS are giving critical support to a Yes vote, but arguing for an independent socialist Scotland to form a voluntary socialist confederation with England, Wales and Ireland.

Sinead Daly highlighted women’s key role in the battle against the cuts and the mass protests against rape and violence in India.

The youth discussion saw many young members speaking at a conference for the first time, showing confidence gained from the October 2012 Scottish March for Jobs.

The party will be mobilising for anti-Trident (nuclear arms) demonstrations in the spring.

In the trade union session, members outlined lessons from 2012 disputes such as the sparks’ action to defend pay and conditions, and against blacklisting.

SPS will be supporting Jim McFarlane, as well as other left fighting candidates, in the Unison executive elections.

We will also continue to call for trade unions to break the link with Labour and build a mass party that fights for workers.

The conference voted on amendments on combating the far right, and on protecting the environment.

Conference elected a new national committee to coordinate the party’s work.

Fundraising targets were agreed, with over £700 raised at the conference after an appeal from Diane Harvey.