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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/17100
Posted on 13 July 2013 at 15:37 GMT
MPs' pay rise: BBC contrasts socialist MPs' approach
BBC Coventry & Warwickshire highlights that Socialist Party member Dave Nellist only took a worker's wage when he was an MP, and he condemns the pay rise being given to MPs now, while public sector workers' pay is held down:
"As many MPs rush to condemn proposals to give them an 11% pay rise, few have taken the lead of the former member for Coventry South.
"From his election in 1983 to his deselection by Labour in 1992, Dave Nellist kept less than half his salary.
"Along with two other Labour politicians - Terry Fields, MP for Liverpool Broadgreen, and Pat Wall, MP for Bradford North - Mr Nellist chose to 'get by' on a wage closer to that of the people he represented".
For full BBC report, see:
Dave Nellist: The Coventry MP who gave away half his pay
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
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