Housing crisis on the agenda for Socialist Party in Reading


James Bibey, Reading Socialist Party

Reading and Bracknell Socialist Party held a well-attended public meeting on 21 October on the housing crisis.

Walthamstow Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) general election candidate Nancy Taaffe spoke to a room full of students, giving a telling account of the housing problems facing the new generation in Britain today.

She focused on issues such as over-crowding and social cleansing along with the problems of homelessness and the tragic consequences of such poverty for society.

There was plenty of discussion on how to pressure Labour leaders into driving through anti-austerity ideas. Nancy starkly pointed out that while there is more general anti-austerity talk, cuts are still taking place and destroying lives.

Jeremy Corbyn

Following the success of Jeremy Corbyn in being elected Labour leader, communities and trade unions must demand a council house building programme – taking a necessity like housing into our hands and out of the market.

We raised £20 and sold four copies of the Socialist. Four of those who attended were interested in joining to Socialist Party.

There is an excited section of young people who are keen to get involved in the struggle.