Dan Ford, Worcester Socialist Party
Over fifty members of the Socialist Party from across the West Midlands met on 11 February for a terrific regional conference. Over the day, contributions were made with hopeful but realistic experiences of branch building and tales from the picket line.
Hannah Sell, Socialist Party general secretary, introduced the first discussion of the day on perspectives for working-class struggle in 2023. She covered issues including the current strike wave and what the steps are for the new generation of workers moving into action. Both Tories and Labour are haemorrhaging members and support, with Starmer looking likely to be on his way to number 10 by default rather than because of real enthusiasm. Hannah explained how capitalism is on its knees with nothing left to give and the need for a new workers’ party and a socialist alternative.
Lenny Shail, national campaigns organiser, introduced a discussion in which he raised the many ways, big or small, we can all help build a strong socialist force in the West Midlands over the next few critical months.
Delegates reported on the development of the great work done in their areas, with some branches growing and others expanding into new areas! And discussed how we can win more students and young people to socialist ideas.
Over £576 was raised in the fighting fund collection to help fund the fight for socialism, and attendees left the conference with Lenny setting out how we all have a part to play in fighting for a socialist society, by strengthening the Socialist Party in the coming period.
To find out more about joining the Socialist Party visit www.socialistparty.org.uk/join
