Isai Marijerla, Socialist Party national treasurer
£170 billion! That is what UK energy companies are estimated to make in the next two years, on top of the profits they have already made.
British Gas profits quintupled in the first six months of 2022. BT supposedly can’t afford a decent pay rise for its workers, even though its profits have more than trebled.
These companies are making such embarrassingly large amounts of money that British Gas is now saying that it will voluntarily cap its profits. But according to new Tory prime minister Liz Truss, the way out of the crisis is to make sure that they get more tax relief and guard their profit. She is against a windfall tax, and has made clear whose side she is on.
Liz Truss and her friends, CEOs and shareholders of top companies, are not worried about us – working-class and young people facing a rising cost of living. We need our own political representation, and a mass party to fight for our needs. The Socialist Party is fighting for a new mass workers’ party as an alternative to blue and red Tories.
We have also been out across the country campaigning for renationalising these energy companies, with compensation only given if need is proven, not to the fat cats. Instead, use their vast profits to lower our bills and end the cost-of-living squeeze.
We have printed new posters and leaflets, and have been distributing them. Many that have seen us in action agree with our demand, and have made donations to help the campaign.
The Socialist Party has a proud tradition of raising funds on the streets, in community campaigns, among students and in the trade union movement. Every quarter we set a target – £25,000 this quarter – to ensure that we have the resources to fund the struggle for socialism.
Inflation and increasing costs have hit the Socialist Party. The energy bill at our national office has doubled.
So it’s even more important we hit our fighting fund target to ensure we are well equipped. We are on 51% of our target, and the current quarter ends on Monday 3 October.
Socialist Party branches are planning extra campaign activity, and are organising many fundraising events in the next two weeks, like socials, picnics, clothes parties, etc.
If you are Socialist Party member, we appeal to you to help your branch to raise more funds. Whether you are a member or not, can you make a donation today towards our target?
