Socialist Party regional conferences meet online

The Socialist Party, photo Mary Finch (Click to enlarge)

Yorkshire

Phil Culshaw, Hull Socialist Party

75 people attended the inspirational Yorkshire Socialist Party regional conference on 21 March. Mick Whale welcomed members and congratulated them on the work undertaken that had seen the party recruit and strengthen in this difficult pandemic year.

Hannah Sell, Socialist Party general secretary, introduced the morning discussion on the demands and programme the party should raise in this new period. Discussion focused on how members could be activists in their communities and workplaces and, through dialogue, create a bridge from people's daily struggles to the ideas of socialism.

A transport worker explained how in response to their company's refusal of a pay rise, they had unionised their fellow drivers. After balloting for industrial action, the company conceded a 2.2% rise nationally and a 4% rise for the fully unionised site, demonstrating militancy works.

An NHS nurse spoke of the anger and changing mood of colleagues who have been hailed as heroes for their efforts, but then suffered what is in fact a pay cut; realising a hard day's work does not mean a fair day's pay.

A YouTube video had been created to celebrate the work of the Yorkshire branches. It showed members supporting workers in struggle on picket lines and protests such as Black Lives Matter and Reclaim the Streets (See 'Yorkshire Socialist Party 2020 21' at youtube.com).

In the afternoon the conference broke into workshops focusing on publications and social media, recruitment and integration, industrial disputes, and raising finance. The conference then reconvened for the final discussion on building the party in Yorkshire and the election of a regional leadership. The financial appeal raised £1,305.

West Midlands

Richard Gingell, Birmingham North Socialist Party

On 20 March, over 70 people from the West Midlands region of the Socialist Party got together online for the first regional conference of the year.

Hannah Sell started the discussion on the situation in Britain and how we expect events to develop, inspiring some passionate and thought provoking conversation that set the tone for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon we split into three groups with distinct but related tasks. The first to discuss recruiting to the Socialist Party, the second to consider strategies and share ideas on developing our social media, and the third to look out how we sell and use the Socialist newspaper. I'm excited to see how members will take the conversations that were had, and build on them going forward.

To finish off the afternoon we had a lively discussion about the upcoming end of lockdown and the steps we can take to build the party further, leveraging the upcoming elections and ultimately spread our message.

A key takeaway for me from this part of the session was the reminder of the importance of looking within as well as without. As well as adding to our numbers, we also have a duty to raise each other up and help one another learn and hone the skills that will be needed in the events ahead.

Finally, while socialist change will be made by people, those people still need resources which need funding. To that end, I'm very proud to report we raised a phenomenal £2,565 for the fighting fund. To me this really showcases the eagerness of Socialist Party members to get us in the best possible shape for when we are able to get back to our street campaigning more widely again. A very well done to all!

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Finance appeal

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.