Hayes and Harlington: Great start to Socialist campaign

THE SOCIALIST Party’s first general election meeting in Hayes and Harlington constituency attracted nearly 100 people to hear our candidate, Wally Kennedy.

Roddy Keenan, UNISON senior steward (personal capacity)

At the meeting were pupils from the local Harlington Community school who’ve been involved in a campaign since the school’s meals service was privatised last year.

When Chartwell’s, the company involved, tried to push up prices, the pupils fought for cheaper meals with a student boycott of the canteen.

While the school governing body drags its feet, pupils are still falling victim to this legalised corporate theft.

But they’re also still prepared to fight and received a standing ovation at the meeting for their stand.

Tommy Sheridan’s bill in the Scottish parliament to give every child in a state school a nutritious meal, free of charge, encouraged the students.

If successful, pressure can be put on the London government to follow suit.

We must build on these students’ courageous stance and mobilise parents, pupils and others who support the demand for free school meals.

Many people expressed an interest in joining the Socialist Party and helping our election campaign. £160 was raised for the fighting fund.