Yorkshire – class struggle is rising
Isis Smyth, Sheffield Socialist Party
Sheffield Socialist Party hosted fruitful, productive discussions based on the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) school held in Berlin in July, celebrating 50 years of the CWI. Both the Socialist Party branches in Sheffield attended, as well as Leeds and South Yorkshire branches.
The first discussion was on what’s happening in the world, and this new era of capitalism in crisis. Prevalent issues were raised – climate disaster, migration, increasing worries over war, and the rise of right populism. All this comes with a backdrop of increasing class struggle across the globe, placing increased pressure on the ruling class.
France’s left-wing New Popular Front that beat the far right in the recent election was another topic of discussion. Working-class struggle towards a socialist future can truly combat the threat of the far right.
Lastly, the history of the CWI was covered, and our consistent orientation to mass struggle and working-class organisation. Additionally, the importance of discussion and debate, democratic centralism, and a Marxist analysis of changing situations were emphasised. Debate is key to our party, to explore and agree on our ideas and what we think will happen.
Thames Valley – pitfalls of populism
Alex Chapman, Oxford Socialist Party
Oxford Socialist Party hosted a day school for members in the Thames Valley district. Rae Cox delivered the opening introduction, bringing much of the knowledge she had gained from attending the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) school.
Later, James Morbin drew upon his extensive experience of left-wing movements to analyse the socialist idea of a ‘united front’ approach, in contrast to the pitfalls of populism. The day concluded with a discussion on the role of the Socialist paper, and how best to utilise it, which I led as Oxford Socialist Party’s paper and resource organiser.
Each section was thoroughly discussed by everyone assembled. The resulting discourse was highly illuminating.
The conclusions we came to will prove useful in future campaigns, since we can now approach them with a sharpened understanding of the issues at hand, and a greater array of tactics at our disposal.
The experience was instructive and enjoyable. I would recommend that other Socialist Party branches try to host similar events.
