Shocking killing of Jo Cox

The shocking killing of Labour MP Jo Cox it seems while conducting her constituency surgery has appalled millions. The Socialist Party completely condemns this act of brutal violence.

At this stage there is very limited information about the motivations of the man who killed her. However, reports have alleged that he repeatedly shouted 'Britain First' as he attacked, indicating that perhaps he was motivated by nationalism or racism.

If this was the case, even if he was not part of any organised right-wing group, big-business politicians on both sides of the EU referendum debate have dangerously whipped up racism and anti-migrant feelings.

Many planning to vote remain are doing so because they are repelled by the 'little Englanders' of the official leave campaign.

But Cameron and co are also competing to show who can talk toughest on migration. The groundswell of support for exit, the position supported by the Socialist Party from a pro-working class, internationalist standpoint, is in large part working class people taking an opportunity to show their opposition to the Tories and the capitalist establishment.

Nonetheless, a mass independent working class voice - arguing for a united struggle against austerity and racism - has not been heard in the referendum campaign.

As a result there is a danger, whatever the outcome of the referendum, that there could be an increase in violent attacks, particularly against migrants and ethnic minorities.

The workers' movement needs to build a powerful movement to push back any growth by the far right, as has been done repeatedly in the past.

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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.