£19,828 raised – 79% of target

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 attempting 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.

Our ‘fighting coronavirus workers’ charter’ outlines a programme to combat the virus and protect workers’ living conditions.

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.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would. We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our special coronavirus appeal.

£30 raised for the Socialist during Thursday claps

The Socialist Party's Workers' Charter was snapped up from a wall in North Shields, and £30 contributed within minutes. , photo William Jarrett

The Socialist Party’s Workers’ Charter was snapped up from a wall in North Shields, and £30 contributed within minutes. , photo William Jarrett   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

On a recent night of morale-boosting clapping for key workers I decided it was time to inject a sorely needed dose of political reality.

North Shields is a community familiar with the Socialist Party, and associates us with a commitment to the NHS through relentless campaigning to save North Tyneside walk-in centres. So it came as no surprise that, in the moments leading up to the clapping, residents and visitors to our street snapped up the Socialist Party’s Workers’ Charter.

Then, unsolicited, the donations began to pour in. Over £30 was contributed within a matter of minutes.

It isn’t enough to carry on with the display without emphasising that we refuse to give up our loved ones and our rights to a system thoroughly incapable of serving our interests. We must counter the hollow platitudes and propaganda of the government and bosses.

William Jarrett, NHS worker, Tyneside Socialist Party