Russell Brand strikes a chord

A letter in the 21 October issue of The Independent:

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (20 October) is probably right that Russell Brand is a "dilettante". But he challenges the status quo and stands up for those who are on its sharp end, like the young mothers in Newham.

So he strikes a chord with tens of thousands of young - and older - people. Does anyone think that a book by Ed Miliband, who can't even bring himself to support strike action by teachers or nurses, would fly off the shelves like Revolution is doing?

Alibhai-Brown is appalled that Brand won't vote. Yet we all know that millions will abstain in the general election next year. Why? Because there is nothing to choose between the policies of three, now four, pro-big-business parties.

We need a party for the men and women who aren't part of the corporate elite, a party for trade unionists, NHS users, pensioners, the low-paid, immigrants and young people who need decent jobs and homes. When there's a real choice, and a chance to make a difference, you'll get high turnouts, as we saw in Scotland's referendum.

Nobody I know is sitting around "awaiting the revolution". We're defending services, fighting cuts, striking for a living wage, standing in elections as anti-cuts candidates for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC), offering people an alternative. We got 10 per cent in Salford last year. If we had PR we'd have a councillor or two.

Alibhai-Brown's "institutional overhaul" of Parliament won't bring them flocking to the polling stations - but a clear stand and a socialist alternative is like a breath of fresh air for the disenfranchised.

Paul Gerrard, Chair, Salford against Cuts, Manchester

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Finance appeal

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.