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From The Socialist newspaper, 19 August 2020
Yorkshire: Celebrating the life and ideas of Leon Trotsky
Leon Trotsky reading The Militant newspaper in 1931 (Click to enlarge)
Yorkshire Socialist Party held a political education meeting on Zoom on the ideas of Leon Trotsky, and the relevance and influence of his work today.
Over 40 members and non-members attended. Tessa Warrington, Socialist Party national committee, introduced the discussion on the 80th anniversary of Trotsky's murder by an agent of Joseph Stalin.
Three morning workshops followed, focusing on some of the most fundamental work by the Russian revolutionary - the transitional programme, the theory of permanent revolution, and betrayal of the revolution under Stalin.
Three afternoon workshops looked into Marxist ideas today - the need for a new workers' party, fighting racism and the far right, and the state.
In between these workshops, Yorkshire Socialist Party organiser, Iain Dalton, gave an insightful introduction to the life and contribution of Pat Wall. Pat was Labour MP for Bradford North between 1987 to 1990, a Militant member, predecessor of the Socialist Party.
A committed fighter for the working class, this was a fitting tribute on the 30th anniversary of Pat's death.
This event demonstrated the determination of the Socialist Party to educate our members, both new and old.
Heidi Griffin, Hull Socialist Party
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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.
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 Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 19 August 2020:
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Students 2 : 0 Tories - Protests work!
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International socialist news and analysis
Revolutionary mood in Lebanon following horrific explosion
Mass protests and strikes rock Belarus
Leon Trotsky
80th anniversary of Leon Trotsky's assassination
Yorkshire: Celebrating the life and ideas of Leon Trotsky
Education
September school return must be safe for all workers and students
NHS pay
NHS pay: unions must take fight to U-turn Tories
Socialist history
75 years since the publication of Animal Farm: From 'two legs bad' to 'two legs better'
Workplace news and analysis
300 Covid cases at Northampton food plant - management to blame, not the workers!
PCS union: Vote Yes in DWP ballot! Reject longer opening hours
Support the Tower Hamlets council workers, vote for Hugo Pierre!
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Black Lives Matter: this generation is willing to stand up and fight
Nottingham: oppose the far right and attempts to divide us
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Leeds: Little London residents are celebrating
To push change we need to be organised - why we joined the Socialist Party
Brighton: Another luxury development
The Socialist: back to weekly soon
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