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From The Socialist newspaper, 13 November 2019
Why I joined the Socialist Party
I'm 90 and still a socialist - Blair chased me out of Labour
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher teaches former Labour Party leader Tony Blair how to grind the working class down, photo Alan Hardman (Click to enlarge)
Roger Priest, Aylesbury Socialist Party
I'm coming up to 90 and have been a socialist since 18. I became an active socialist in the labour movement in the East End of London before moving to Buckinghamshire after the war.
I was active in the Labour Party, and 'father of the chapel' (union branch secretary) of the largest printing press in southern England. I was the Labour parliamentary candidate against David Lidington, now a Tory minister, when he first stood for Aylesbury in 1992.
I have always been on the left, and resigned from the Labour Party when Tony Blair went to war in 2003. I resigned because Labour had moved to the right under Blair and I couldn't function as a socialist under his regime.
About ten years ago, I met a comrade in the Socialist Party in Aylesbury. I found that my beliefs coincided with theirs, especially in relation to the economy and nationalising its commanding heights, a policy the right wing is continually undermining.
I remain active to this day when I can. I still discuss politics and encourage people to join the Socialist Party and trade unions.
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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 13 November 2019:
What we think
Attacks show elite fear a Corbyn election win
News
Strike, protest, vote - Kick the Tories out
Labour MP targeted by right wing stands as independent
Green Party offers no alternative for young people and climate change chaos
International socialist news and analysis
Bolivia: Right-wing coup ousts Morales
Kshama Sawant reelected in Seattle
Workplace news
'McStrikers' demand £15 an hour
UCU strikes: Union means business in fight against employers
Postal union determined to resist bosses' attacks
PCS union general secretary election: Enthusiastic support for Marion Lloyd
Frimley NHS Trust strikes: Health workers walkout against privatisation
Bradford libraries and museums: Unite members escalate action against cuts
RMT union members at SWR to walk out in December
Transport for London - Justice for cleaners!
Education
Save education - Kick out the Tories
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Leicester campaigns to save our NHS
Fighting for free education, jobs, homes, and a future worth living
Socialism 2019 rally: "Socialist change needed to end climate change"
Trade union conference to force secret police disclosure
Barking: protest brings pledge to remove dangerous decking
Help socialist ideas spread this election: donate!
We saved Chatsworth Ward - two years on
Readers' opinion
Readers' opinion: Twitter's banning of political ads threatens workers' voice
Theatre: On Bear Ridge - an examination of loss, set in a post-apocalyptic world
Socialism 2019 - what you thought
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