Speakers include: Sean Hoyle, RMT National President; Keith Morrell, Southampton Councillors Against Cuts: Sue Atkins, Save Bitterne Walk-In; Josh Asker, Youth Against Austerity; Declan Clune, Southampton Shop Stewards Network

A press release from Southampton TUSC

As a new round of cuts faces the Southampton Labour council, local activists, trade unionists and socialists are meeting to discuss the needs of Southampton in the face of six years of austerity and what needs to be done to end the destructive cycle of cuts to jobs and services.

Over £90 million has been cut by the Conservative government since 2010 resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs and vital services. We say enough is enough and demand the Labour council fights to restore the services we need, refuses to vote for further cuts and fights the government for the funding we need.

We are inviting the people of Southampton to "Have Your Say!" in response to the council's bogus consultation where all you can choose is which services you want to cut.

There is an urgent need to address the housing crisis, care for the elderly, food banks and poverty pay, benefit cuts, services for young people and the elderly, library cuts and public transport needs.

We need to hear what people need from the council.

Our Southampton People's Budget Consultation has given people the chance to say what they want the council to provide and also what they want Southampton Labour council to do. We have asked people three questions:

Would you support Southampton Labour council refusing to carry out further cuts?
Do you think the council should use its cash reserves and borrowing powers to protect all jobs and services?
Would you actively support a campaign to restore government funding to Southampton City council?

Already we have spoken to hundreds of people who support our call. We will be presenting our views to the council before the end of the council consultation on 14 January.

Event organiser: Southampton Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Southampton TUSC Secretary: Nick Chaffey, Tel: 07833 681910 Email: [email protected]

The Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition opposes all cuts to jobs and services and calls on Labour councils and councillors to refuse to implement Tory cuts. TUSC was launched in 2010 by transport trade union leader Bob Crow, the Socialist Party, and others. In Southampton we support Coxford councillors Keith Morrell and Don Thomas, Councillors Against Cuts. For more information visit www.tusc.org.uk

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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.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

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