Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1032/28809
From The Socialist newspaper, 6 March 2019
Hull: support for anti-cuts policies at Corbyn solidarity rally
Phil Culshaw, Hull Socialist Party
80 people gathered in Victoria Square at the Hull Trade Union Council (TUC) anti-austerity rally to show their backing for Jeremy Corbyn.
Called at short notice in the wake of the backstabbing of the Independent Group, the mood was defiant and determined.
A number of first-time Labour candidates standing in the council elections attended, and expressed support for anti-austerity policies. This included Tony Smith, one of the leaders of last year's FCC recycling workers' strike, which won them entitlement to sick pay.
The Socialist Party says that supporting anti-austerity policies should mean setting a no-cuts budget, using the council's reserves and borrowing powers, while mobilising the unions to fight to get the money back from Westminster.
Joe Gibbins, Hull TUC secretary, introduced Tony: "When the workers stand together in unity and action we can win - a lesson backstabbers like Tom Watson and the Independents need to learn."
Joe explained that the nearer the possibility of a Corbyn-led government committed to anti-austerity policies, the greater the lies and slander from the Tories and their lackeys in the workers' movement.
We sold eight copies of the Socialist at the rally, and over 20 at Hull TUC's annual general meeting.
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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.
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In The Socialist 6 March 2019:
What we think
No retreats: Corbyn must stand firm against Blairites
Workplace news
News
Boot out failing Grayling and the other Tory wreckers
Solidarity with Chris Williamson
Trade union action to end low pay now!
A&E 4-hour waiting targets scrapped - Save our NHS!
International Women's Day 2019
A socialist programme to end women's oppression
International Women's Day 2019: End oppression with fight for socialism
Socialist history
Leon Trotsky's struggle against Stalinism
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Southampton: Fight council cuts
Cuts must stop - boot the Tories out
Wildfires hit Europe - build for 15 March student climate strikes
Swansea: Labour council tries to dodge no-cuts protest
Hull: support for anti-cuts policies at Corbyn solidarity rally
Hundreds of Tamils protest against death-threat brigadier
Opinion
Women workers' militancy during the 'great unrest'
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