Conference reflects mood of optimism in Socialist Party Northern region

Socialist Party Northern region conference, 25.3.18, photo by Nick Fray

Socialist Party Northern region conference, 25.3.18, photo by Nick Fray   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Elaine Brunskill, Northern Socialist Party secretary

You know a conference has been good when those attending are enthusiastic despite shivering because of the lack of heating in the venue!

Around 30 of us, including trade unionists, youth and community activists, were at our Socialist Party Northern Region conference on 25 March.

Our members listened intently as Socialist Party executive committee member Ken Douglas reported on the depth of the capitalist crisis across Europe. This includes events in Catalonia, where there are elements of revolution and counterrevolution, and how the most combative workers and youth are fighting for independence.

We discussed the ongoing problems facing Angela Merkel, who after six months only just managed to scrape together nine votes more than the legal requirement to become chancellor.

There were excellent contributions from the floor, including a report of the German IG Mettal workers who have won significant gains. An NHS worker spoke about the growing mood in Britain to reject the NHS pay deal (see page 6).

Our discussion on building the Socialist Party was inspirational and included reports from our young members on how to build among students and their participation in Corbyn’s youthquake.

Members listened raptly to one of our shop stewards who explained how he had used the methods learnt from our organisation to help build his trade union branch, which has been involved in successful strike action.

Our fighting fund appeal raised over £400. This is on top of the £3,800 pledged to our building fund campaign.

All of this reflects the mood of optimism in our region that alongside workers and youth we can build a formidable socialist challenge to this rotten capitalist system.