The Socialist Party has dozens of branches in towns and cities up and down the country.
Visit socialistparty.org.uk/events to see a list of upcoming public meetings.
Get in touch for more info about meetings in your area, or to discuss joining – socialistparty.org.uk/join or text 07958032071
Coventry socialist meeting overflowing to discuss ‘Your Party’
Max McGee, West Midlands Socialist Party organiser
Coventry Socialist Party hosted a public meeting with 65 in attendance on 3 September. The room was overflowing into the corridor outside! Visitors and existing Socialist Party members turned out to hear Dave Nellist, Coventry’s socialist former MP and councillor, address the crowd, outlining what the Socialist Party believes is necessary, for the working class to have its own independent political representation.
To underline the developments of the last 15 years, Dave recalled the effects of the world economic crash of 2008 as the starting pistol, and Gordon Brown’s Labour government bailing out the banks to the tune of £400 billion. Successive Labour and Tory governments have come for our jobs and services to make us pay.
Dave made the point that it’s no surprise at the huge levels of support for Corbyn and Sultana’s announcement for a new party. Mass rallies of ‘Enough is Enough’, at the beginning of the strike wave in 2022, were in some areas the biggest meetings since the 18 million-strong anti-poll tax movement in the late 1980s that brought down Thatcher!
But the trade union leaders who launched it sought to turn the movement towards Labour and it dwindled away. What has changed now is that Labour is in government with an ever-worsening record on an ever-higher tightrope. Starmer’s government is already in turmoil and unions are moving away from Labour.
Questions from the floor asked about the potential democratic structure of ‘Your Party’. In a trade union, members have a say, but their democratic organisation means they can act collectively. One option is a federal, representative democracy, which Socialist Party members in the meeting explained our support for, that could include delegates from youth and student organisations, trade unions, community and anti-war campaigns, as well as political parties like the Socialist Party.
Another idea being discussed is referred to as ‘one member one vote’, in which members are asked en masse to respond to questions, for example. While this can superficially feel democratic, that process actually allows those who set the questions to control the discussion. Far better for decisions to be made on the basis of a full discussion and debate.
The debates about what next for ‘Your Party’ and working-class political representation will continue. Come and discuss that and more at Socialist Party public meetings.
West London: Lively debate on the way forward
Dara Fitzgerald, West London Socialist Party
Over 30 people attended a Socialist Party public meeting to discuss the fight for a new workers’ party in west London. Socialist Party National Committee member Jared Wood was the main speaker, giving an introduction about the importance of trade unions being at the heart of fights against the far-right and cuts to councils and services – not just supporting Labour come what may, as some other trade union leaders wish to do. He also spoke about the failures of Labour to give a proper fight to the far right, and instead kowtowing to anti-asylum rhetoric.
Jared then turned to the ‘Your Party’ formation. While it’s a great step forward that a political alternative to Labour is coming together, with independent meetings popping up across the country, the character and structure of the new party will be key initially. The Socialist Party argues for a federalist structure that will allow different groups to work together in the same party, and the involvement of the trade unions in an integrated way is also vital.
Bill Reed chaired the proceedings and after Jared had given his contribution, he opened the floor to questions and contributions from the audience. The discussion was lively with attendees interacting with each other and debating points such as Trump’s effect on politics, why Reform is rising in popularity, the importance of talking to people but also having different viewpoints in the new party, and standing up for the oppressed.
A big round of applause followed Jared’s closing remarks, and from speaking to people at the end there was a great buzz and response. Over £150 was raised for the Socialist Party fighting fund, and we had a long list of names of people who left details about wanting to get more involved. A very successful night all round!
Enfield meeting points to no-cuts council budget
John Dolan, Enfield and Lea Valley Socialist Party
The Socialist Party hosted a local meeting in Enfield on the way forward for ‘Your Party.’ The attendance illustrated the potential for a new workers’ party and several young speakers in the discussion said this was their first political meeting. Four people asked to join the Socialist Party at the end of the meeting and others gave their details.
Socialist Party Executive Committee member Isai Marijerla introduced the discussion and explained the potential for a mass party and how it can be democratically run involving young people in particular.
Khalid Sadur from Enfield Community Independents spoke of how fast their group had developed; initially as a response to Gaza but now putting a radical socialist alternative. He explained that canvassing experience showed that Reform voters can be won over if presented with an alternative.
Paul Kershaw, Chair of Enfield Trades Council, proposed that the meeting agree to prepare a ‘Peoples Budget’ for Enfield before next year’s election. This would set out what council budgets based on need in the community rather than ongoing austerity cuts would look like. Like Unite nationally, Enfield Trades Council has adopted a policy of opposition to all cuts, calling on councillors to campaign to protect their communities rather than implement yet more cuts.
There was open discussion with different viewpoints expressed and people left with an appetite for more.
