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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/777/17311
From The Socialist newspaper, 28 August 2013
Support the DPAC week of action
A disabled activist
Between 29 August and 4 September, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) is organising a 'Reclaiming Our Futures' week of direct action to oppose Con-Dem austerity and attacks on benefits, public services and disability rights.
On Thursday 29 August, DPAC is calling on activists to support Transport for All's protest outside Crossrail's Canary Wharf office in London to demand inclusive access to all stations in this £16 billion project.
Crossrail's current plans will mean seven stations will be inaccessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.
On 29 August, DPAC is also encouraging its supporters to send letters and Twitter messages to MPs, disability charities and the media to raise the need to both oppose and stop the current attacks on disabled people.
While DPAC's week of action is largely centred on London, there will be a national day of action on Friday 30 August.
Last year DPAC's campaign focused on the role of hypocritical Paralympic sponsor Atos in the administration of the brutal Work Capability Assessment, but this year activists are being encouraged to organise protests on a range of issues including welfare reform and the bedroom tax.
On Sunday 1 September, a 'Reclaiming the Social Model' event is being held in the Unite trade union's London headquarters.
And following further online action on Tuesday, DPAC's week of action will conclude on Wednesday 4 September with a 'Freedom Drive'.
This will involve four 'blocks' of activists meeting outside the London headquarters of the Departments of Health, Transport, Energy and Climate Change and Education to draw attention to the Con-Dems' attacks on specific rights.
These 'blocks' will then converge for a lobby of Parliament and the launch of a UK Disabled People's Manifesto.
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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.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 28 August 2013:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Stop cuts - Demand united action
Lobbying bill: don't let this Tory dream come true
International socialist news and analysis
No to imperialist intervention in Syria
Egypt: al-Sisi's military tightens its grip on power
Socialist Party feature
"I have a dream" - 50th anniversary of march
'Youth Fight for Jobs' campaigning
Unionise to fight zero-hour contracts!
Socialist Party workplace news
One Housing Group workers go into battle again
Unison: Tiny margin against Scottish local government strike
Coventry postal workers fight bullying management
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Fighting mood at meeting to defend Whipps Cross Hospital
Support the DPAC week of action
Carlisle - Building the anti-bedroom tax fightback
Arrest Cuadrilla bosses - not fracking protesters!
Socialist Party reviews
Film review: Elysium - an 'allegory for class warfare'
Exhibition review: Lowry's one track vision
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