Iain Dalton, West Yorkshire Socialist Party
As part of our local election campaigning, young Socialist Party members and Socialist Students have launched a petition demanding the West Yorkshire Mayor, combined authority, and local councils introduce free public transport.
Our campaign stalls have had a warm response from college and university students in Bradford, Leeds, and Wakefield. Some college students have told us they walk to college because of the cost, whilst others work part-time jobs just to afford the £40-60 a month buses to college cost them.
When people ask us how can it be afforded, we point to the subsidies already paid to big local private bus operators, and the super-profits of £30 million an hour being made by the oil companies. If these companies were brought into public ownership, instead of paying dividends to shareholders, resources could be used to fund vital services.
Some students have asked us why we are standing Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidates in the elections, when the Greens are standing. But they understand why when we explain the Green Party in Leeds refused to meet us or commit to voting against all cuts, rent, and council tax rises. Around a dozen students who consider themselves socialists have left their details wanting to come along to our local meetings.
