Doncaster residents angry about Labour ID cards
Pete Dyson, South Yorkshire Socialist Party
For the last six weeks, Socialist Party members have resumed our weekly Friday market day campaign stalls in Doncaster, which were very successful during our Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) election campaign in May.
Whilst continuing to campaign against disability benefits cuts and Israeli state genocide in Gaza, we have highlighted the threat of mandatory digital ID cards, which Keir Starmer announced in September he’d introduce in this parliament.
On our recent stalls, we have met many people with strong opposition to this imposition. Many see it as further curtailing their personal freedoms and civil rights.
This has led to many interesting conversations. Many Reform voters – Doncaster elected a Reform council in May – as well as those on the ‘left’, are opposed.
That makes it important that we link the issue to building workers’ opposition to an increasingly authoritarian Labour government, implementing unpopular policies of austerity and war. This policy can be defeated. MPs could be pressured to rebel again, as they were forced to over pensioners’ winter fuel allowance and disability benefit cuts.
Youngsters especially are adamant that this should not be allowed to happen, and promptly sign the petition. This has increased Socialist paper sales – we say: “The Socialist is written by the likes of us, not them up there”, pointing to the billionaires – and boosted fighting fund donations, collecting £25-£40 on each stall.
The Labour government’s plans on this issue, in the opinion of Doncaster residents, are not at all welcome. This one issue has helped bring about a heightened awareness to other issues and petitions we have available on our stall.
Read our article ‘No to ID cards’ at socialistparty.org.uk
Universal anger at Labour’s budget in Newcastle
James Robison, Tyne and Wear Socialist Party
I suggested we nominate an advanced date once a month for a special additional Socialist paper sale. This would allow us to get as many members out as possible to promote the Socialist Party and our ideas.
22 November was the first date on Newcastle’s Northumberland Street. Our campaign stall was adorned with flyers and petitions opposing Labour’s upcoming Budget, as well as the front and back pages of the Socialist – ‘Make the rich pay, not the working class’.
There was interest in the Socialist Party’s ideas. But there was a lot of response to the petition.
There is a complete lack of belief and trust in the main parties. It is an opportunity for our party to fill this void with our ideas and programme.
For a first attempt at a larger Socialist paper sale, we think this was a success. 15 December is our next date.
One of our newest members was on her first paper sale. She was very confident and comfortable promoting the party and its ideas.
Reform try to fill anger at Tories and Labour
Ryan Leonard, Hillingdon Socialist Party
On a freezing cold Friday afternoon, even the most enthusiastic Socialist Party members might be forgiven for not fancying to go out and sell the Socialist. But, although bitterly cold, the Christmas market’s PA system helped keep spirits up. After a bit of a dance to Feliz Navidad and Last Christmas, we got down to campaigning.
The mood in Uxbridge has changed very little since last summer’s election. Anger at the Tories has become anger at Labour. Cuts to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) provision, PIP payments for disabled, and winter fuel have meant that victims of Tory austerity have seen nothing to show Labour is any different.
Despite successive far-right campaigns in the area, Reform’s appeal isn’t very deep. Some workers are taken out of political engagement, as they are focused on day-to-day existence, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware of their exploitation.
While Reform may do well in Uxbridge in May’s elections, two things are clear. Firstly, they won’t sweep to power with any great support, their secret weapon is people’s apathy. Secondly, to beat them we can’t just oppose Reform’s racism. We need a compelling vision, a workers’ alternative, that is more compelling than their anti-migrant ‘race to the bottom’.
£61,896 raised!
Thank you to all who contributed to the record high Socialism 2025 appeal. What a vote of confidence in our political ideas.
£61,896 was pledged during the rally, so far £20,408 has been paid in. £10,000 of what was raised will go to the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI).
Please redeem your pledges by the end of the year – to pay online visit socialistparty.org.uk/socialism-2025
