The policies outlined above are only a few of the first steps towards constructing a new type of society.
Modern capitalism has created riches beyond the wildest dreams of our grandparents and great-grandparents, with the potential for far more.
Yet we are constantly being told that we have no choice but to accept increased poverty.
But why? Humankind has developed science and technique to a level that was unimaginable to previous generations.
While still limited, our understanding of everything from the stars above us to the secrets of our own bodies and minds is unparalleled.
Humanity is capable of space exploration, has mapped the human genome, can modify genes and clone animals, yet we cannot feed the world on the basis of capitalism.
Nor is capitalism able to prevent the growing threat to our environment as a result of its blind, unplanned character.
For most of human history it has not been possible to satisfy even the most basic of human needs for the majority of the world’s population.
Now, as a result of the labour and ingenuity of working people, the potential exists to eliminate want forever while also protecting our environment via massive investment into research and green technology.
The barrier to achieving this is the capitalist system itself. Based as it is on the private ownership of the productive forces (factories, offices, science and technique), capitalism creates immense inequality and deprivation when the potential exists for providing the material components of a decent life for all.
A genuinely socialist government would take the big corporations, which dominate the economy, into democratic public ownership under workers’ control and management, in order to plan the development of society for need instead of profit.
This would only be possible with the active support of the majority of working people. Of course, a genuine socialist government would not take small businesses, such as local shops, into public ownership.
Many of these are currently forced out of business by the multinationals and the behaviour of the banks.
Nor would it, as opponents of socialism claim, stand for the taking away of personal ‘private property’.
On the contrary, socialists are in favour of everyone having a decent home and the other conveniences of modern life.
Many reading this pamphlet will agree with much or all of what has so far been outlined, but feel that it is utopian to imagine we can even halt austerity, never mind build a new society that genuinely meets people’s needs.
This is no surprise given that we are being endlessly bombarded from every direction with pro-cuts propaganda, with no alternative argument being put.
As a result, one of the most striking features of the working class in Britain today is its collective lack of confidence.
Among some there is even a mood of despair as attacks on living conditions seem to intensify endlessly.