Mobilising against the far right and putting forward a socialist alternative
The ‘Great British National Strike’ on 24 May was organised by groups linked to the far right, but it also attracted people angry at Starmer, using as it did the language of the workers’ movement. Our members attended the counter-protests.
Leicester
About 50 people gathered at the clock tower in Leicester holding union jacks and chanting nationalist songs in support of the purported ‘Great British National Strike’.
The initial chants appeared deceitful in an attempt to blur the lines between the far right and genuine working-class people disillusioned with Starmer’s government. They started by chanting “we want Starmer out”, something that will quickly resonate with the loathing of many working-class people let down by Labour’s austerity.
Socialist Party members responded by saying we need working-class unity to get Starmer out and fight Labour’s austerity.
A woman standing with the far-right protesters came up to us to have a discussion and was friendly, because she had attended a Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition public meeting before and knew what we stand for. This confirms our correct approach of calling for working-class unity in fighting austerity and against racism and division.
Odun
Plymouth
In Plymouth there were equal numbers on both sides during the height of the demonstrations, probably 150-200 each. It was clear many people attending felt betrayed by the current government. They even chanted things such as ‘Starmer out!’
Today demonstrated that many people can be won over to our ideas. We sold out of papers, and a number of people expressed an interest in joining the Socialist Party.
There is much to do but the current situation shows that people are clearly receptive to our ideas and now is the time to build a socialist alternative.
Chris
We say:
- Fight for jobs, homes and services for all not racism and division
- Build a new mass workers’ party
- For democratic stewarding of anti-racist events including by trade unions
- Join the Socialist Party
