From: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/16669/13-05-2013/stop-the-cruel-ruthless-bedroom-tax
On Sunday 12 May the Sunday People broke the tragic story of the suicide of a 53 year old woman, Stephanie Bottrill, who killed herself because of the bedroom tax.
In a letter to her son she explained what had pushed her over the edge: "Don't blame yourself for me ending my life. The only people to blame are the government."
Because of the Con-Dems' bedroom tax Stephanie was told she would lose £20 a week from her housing benefit.
Struggling to make ends meet, subsisting on tinned custard, it is reported that she told neighbours: "I can't afford to live anymore."
This is a tragedy made in Westminster by a government that wants to make working class people pay for the crisis of the bankers, the super-rich and the capitalist system they represent.
Her neighbour said: "There's no way Stephanie is going to be the last to die because of this bedroom tax.
"She's not going to be the only one" (for more about this horrific story, see Mirror article: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bedroom-tax-suicide-grieving-son-1886058 )
Hannah Sell, deputy general secretary of the SocialistParty, said:
"The Socialist Party is utterly opposed to the bedroom tax and to all the government's austerity measures. We reject any attempt to make the working class pay for the crisis of the capitalist system.
"Labour has been attempting to present itself as opposing the bedroom tax but Ed Miliband could not bring himself to pledge that a future Labour government would repeal it. In Cardiff and Aberdeen councils Labour voted down motions against evictions.
"As well as dire misery for those affected, the bedroom tax has unleashed a fury - it is seen as totally unfair.
"What's more is that people all over the country are starting to organise themselves to stop it. The Socialist Party is part of this and is calling on councils to immediately refuse to evict and to refuse to implement the Tories' murderous policy.
"But we have no faith in any of the main political parties to make such a clear stand on the side of ordinary people - tied as they are to the 1% super-rich.
"The Socialist Party is part of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition which is calling for 'no cuts' candidates to stand in elections to give a voice to the millions who oppose the government's misery measures".
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Video: May Day 2013 in Bristol
Successful Bristol TUC Mayday demo and rally - with around 500 people from trade unions, parties and community campaigns taking part in a march around the city and a rally in Castle Park. Speakers included John McInally Vice President of PCS, Anne Lemon NEC NUT, Jane Taylor Unite, Richard Capps SWR TUC, Andy Robertson Bristol TUC, Selina Williams Unison, Tom Baldwin Bristol and District Anti Cuts Alliance.
Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition election results in Bristol
Here are the TUSC results for the recent Bristol City Council elections. Some excellent results amongst them and overall it was a good campaign especially considering the low turnout and the limited nature of our resources compared to the main parties and parties such as UKIP. The important thing is that a clear working-class anti-cuts alternative was available on the ballot paper and that a marker has been laid down for future elections. Thanks again to all that took part and gave us support. Don't let the cutters get away with it!
A full breakdown of the nationwide results and some analysis can be found here: http://www.tusc.org.uk/pdfs/2013/TUSCElectionReport2013.pdf
Ashley - Tom Baldwin 49 (1.38%)
Avonmouth - Patrick Hulme 28 (1.03%)
Bishopston - Chris Farrell 32 (0.92%)
Cotham - Caroline Vincent 34 (1.49%)
Eastville - Mark Baker 84 (3.25%)
Frome Vale - Phil Bishop 36 (1.36%)
Hillfields - Matt Gordon 188 (9.14%)
Horfield - John Yeandle 35 (1.39%)
Kingweston - Roger Thomas 40 (1.78%)
Lawrence Hill - Fiona Joyce 66 (2.62%)
Redland - Martyn Ahmet 30 (1.12%)
St. George East - Mike Luff 110 (5.21%)
St. George West - Bernie Lyons 54 (2.40%)
Southmead - Domenico Hill 81 (4.14%)
Total - 867 1.48%
A full breakdown of the nationwide results and some analysis can be found here: http://www.tusc.org.uk/pdfs/2013/TUSCElectionReport2013.pdf
Ashley - Tom Baldwin 49 (1.38%)
Avonmouth - Patrick Hulme 28 (1.03%)
Bishopston - Chris Farrell 32 (0.92%)
Cotham - Caroline Vincent 34 (1.49%)
Eastville - Mark Baker 84 (3.25%)
Frome Vale - Phil Bishop 36 (1.36%)
Hillfields - Matt Gordon 188 (9.14%)
Horfield - John Yeandle 35 (1.39%)
Kingweston - Roger Thomas 40 (1.78%)
Lawrence Hill - Fiona Joyce 66 (2.62%)
Redland - Martyn Ahmet 30 (1.12%)
St. George East - Mike Luff 110 (5.21%)
St. George West - Bernie Lyons 54 (2.40%)
Southmead - Domenico Hill 81 (4.14%)
Total - 867 1.48%
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Vote Trade Unionists & Socialists Cuts in Bristol tomorrow! Vote NO TO ALL CUTS
Trade Unionists & Socialists Againsts Cuts are once again standing in tomorow's Bristol City Council elections - Thursday May 2nd.
It has been an excellent campaign so far, with two public meetings, numerous hustings, two radio interviews and countless stalls, activities and public events - sincere thanks to all those who have helped with the campaign, nominated us to stand or helped in any way.
Vote TUSC Against Cuts for councillors who fight the cuts! Vote NO TO ALL CUTS!
Its not too late to spread the word....
Here is our Bristol Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/TUSCBristol
Here is the list of candidates for Bristol: http://www.tusc.org.uk/candidates.php
Here is the article about us on the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22350097
The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition policy platform:
Oppose all cuts to council jobs, services, pay and conditions - we reject the claim that 'some cuts' are necessary to our services.
Reject increases in council tax, rent and service charges to compensate for government cuts.
Vote against the privatisation of council jobs and services, or the transfer of council services to 'social enterprises' or 'arms-length' management organisations, which are first steps to privatisation.
Use all the legal powers available to councils, including powers to refer local NHS decisions, initiate referenda and organise public commissions and consultations, to oppose both the cuts and government polices which centrally impose the transfer of public services to private bodies.
When faced with government cuts to council funding, councils should refuse to implement the cuts. We will support councils which in the first instance use their reserves and prudential borrowing powers to avoid passing them on - while arguing that the best way to mobilise the mass campaign that is necessary to defeat the cuts is to set a budget that meets the needs of the local community and demands that the government makes up the shortfall.
Trade Unionists and Socialist Coalition policies
The working class and peoples of Britain face a ruling class offensive which will intensify over the coming period.
It is an offensive against public services, incomes, living standards and trade union rights in order to boost monopoly profit. Not content with the banks receiving the biggest bail-out in the history of British capitalism, big business aims to make workers and their families pay to serve the interests, first and foremost, of the City of London's financial institutions.
It is also an offensive which will be stepped up regardless of which party wins the forthcoming General Election. The likelihood is that a Tory government will make earlier and deeper cuts in public spending than a New Labour one. A Labour government may also be more vulnerable to trade union pressure not to outlaw industrial action in 'essential' services.
But both main parties intend to prolong the imperialist occupation of Afghanistan and to maintain the expansion of nuclear power and a new generation of British nuclear weapons.
Therefore this coalition is contesting the General Election to show that there is a clear left-wing alternative to policies of public sector cuts, privatisation, militarism and environmental degradation.
We recognise that there will be Labour and non-Labour candidates standing in the general election who agree with our policies, who share our socialist aspirations and who will be supported by left and labour movement organisations participating in our coalition.
We also recognise that there are different strategic views about the way forward for the left in Britain, whether the Labour Party can be reclaimed by the labour movement, or whether a new workers' party needs to be established.
But our coalition is united on the need for mass resistance to the ruling class offensive, and for an alternative programme of left-wing policies to help inspire and direct such resistance. These are the policies which we therefore propose to put before the people:
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP, NOT PRIVATISED PROFIT
Stop all privatisation, including the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and the immoral privatisation of prisons. Bring privatised public services and utilities back into public ownership under democratic control.
NO CUTS - QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES
Take rail back into public ownership and build an integrated, low-pollution public transport system.
For a high-quality, free National Health Service under democratic public ownership and control.
Stop council estate sell-offs and build eco-friendly, affordable public housing.
Good, free education for all, under democratic local authority control; student grants not fees.
Keep Royal Mail as a publicly-owned service, not a privatised cash cow.
JOBS, NOT HANDOUTS TO BANKERS & BILLIONAIRES
Bring banks and finance institutions into genuine public ownership under democratic control, instead of giving huge handouts to the very capitalists who caused the crisis.
Tax the rich. For progressive tax on rich corporations and individuals, with a crackdown on tax avoidance.
For massive investment in environmental projects.
EMPLOYMENT & TRADE UNION RIGHTS
Repeal the anti-trade union laws.
A minimum wage set at half average adult male earnings, with no exemptions.
Invest to create and protect jobs, including for young people.
Solidarity with workers taking action to defend jobs, conditions, pensions, public services and trade unions. Reinstate full trade union rights to prison officers.
PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT - STOP GLOBAL WARMING
Deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions - otherwise climate change, caused by capitalism, will destroy us.
Invest in publicly-owned and controlled renewable energy.
Move to sustainable, low-pollution industry and farming - stop the pollution that is destroying our environment.
Recognise that many of our planet's resources are limited and that capitalism fritters them away for profit.
Produce for need, not profit, and design goods for reuse and recycling.
DECENT PENSIONS & BENEFITS
Restore the pre-Thatcher real value of pensions. Reinstate the link with average earnings.
Protect entitlement to benefits; for living benefits; end child poverty.
DEMOCRACY, DIVERSITY & JUSTICE
Welcome diversity and oppose racism, fascism and discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability, sexuality, age and all other forms of prejudice.
Defend the right to asylum. No scapegoating of migrant workers.
Ensure women have genuinely equal rights and pay.
Defend our liberties and make police and security democratically accountable.
SOLIDARITY NOT WAR
Bring home all British troops from Afghanistan immediately - no more wars for resources.
No more spending on a new generation of nuclear weapons, huge aircraft carriers or irrelevant eurofighters - convert arms spending into socially useful products and services.
An independent foreign policy, based on international solidarity – no more being a US poodle, no moves towards a capitalist, militarist United States of Europe, no Lisbon Treaty.
SOCIALISM
For a democratic socialist society run in the interests of the people not the millionaires. For democratic public ownership of the major companies and banks that dominate the economy, so that production and services can be planned to meet the needs of all and to protect the environment.
Oppose all cuts to council jobs, services, pay and conditions - we reject the claim that 'some cuts' are necessary to our services.
Reject increases in council tax, rent and service charges to compensate for government cuts.
Vote against the privatisation of council jobs and services, or the transfer of council services to 'social enterprises' or 'arms-length' management organisations, which are first steps to privatisation.
Use all the legal powers available to councils, including powers to refer local NHS decisions, initiate referenda and organise public commissions and consultations, to oppose both the cuts and government polices which centrally impose the transfer of public services to private bodies.
When faced with government cuts to council funding, councils should refuse to implement the cuts. We will support councils which in the first instance use their reserves and prudential borrowing powers to avoid passing them on - while arguing that the best way to mobilise the mass campaign that is necessary to defeat the cuts is to set a budget that meets the needs of the local community and demands that the government makes up the shortfall.
Trade Unionists and Socialist Coalition policies
The working class and peoples of Britain face a ruling class offensive which will intensify over the coming period.
It is an offensive against public services, incomes, living standards and trade union rights in order to boost monopoly profit. Not content with the banks receiving the biggest bail-out in the history of British capitalism, big business aims to make workers and their families pay to serve the interests, first and foremost, of the City of London's financial institutions.
It is also an offensive which will be stepped up regardless of which party wins the forthcoming General Election. The likelihood is that a Tory government will make earlier and deeper cuts in public spending than a New Labour one. A Labour government may also be more vulnerable to trade union pressure not to outlaw industrial action in 'essential' services.
But both main parties intend to prolong the imperialist occupation of Afghanistan and to maintain the expansion of nuclear power and a new generation of British nuclear weapons.
Therefore this coalition is contesting the General Election to show that there is a clear left-wing alternative to policies of public sector cuts, privatisation, militarism and environmental degradation.
We recognise that there will be Labour and non-Labour candidates standing in the general election who agree with our policies, who share our socialist aspirations and who will be supported by left and labour movement organisations participating in our coalition.
We also recognise that there are different strategic views about the way forward for the left in Britain, whether the Labour Party can be reclaimed by the labour movement, or whether a new workers' party needs to be established.
But our coalition is united on the need for mass resistance to the ruling class offensive, and for an alternative programme of left-wing policies to help inspire and direct such resistance. These are the policies which we therefore propose to put before the people:
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP, NOT PRIVATISED PROFIT
Stop all privatisation, including the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and the immoral privatisation of prisons. Bring privatised public services and utilities back into public ownership under democratic control.
NO CUTS - QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES
Take rail back into public ownership and build an integrated, low-pollution public transport system.
For a high-quality, free National Health Service under democratic public ownership and control.
Stop council estate sell-offs and build eco-friendly, affordable public housing.
Good, free education for all, under democratic local authority control; student grants not fees.
Keep Royal Mail as a publicly-owned service, not a privatised cash cow.
JOBS, NOT HANDOUTS TO BANKERS & BILLIONAIRES
Bring banks and finance institutions into genuine public ownership under democratic control, instead of giving huge handouts to the very capitalists who caused the crisis.
Tax the rich. For progressive tax on rich corporations and individuals, with a crackdown on tax avoidance.
For massive investment in environmental projects.
EMPLOYMENT & TRADE UNION RIGHTS
Repeal the anti-trade union laws.
A minimum wage set at half average adult male earnings, with no exemptions.
Invest to create and protect jobs, including for young people.
Solidarity with workers taking action to defend jobs, conditions, pensions, public services and trade unions. Reinstate full trade union rights to prison officers.
PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT - STOP GLOBAL WARMING
Deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions - otherwise climate change, caused by capitalism, will destroy us.
Invest in publicly-owned and controlled renewable energy.
Move to sustainable, low-pollution industry and farming - stop the pollution that is destroying our environment.
Recognise that many of our planet's resources are limited and that capitalism fritters them away for profit.
Produce for need, not profit, and design goods for reuse and recycling.
DECENT PENSIONS & BENEFITS
Restore the pre-Thatcher real value of pensions. Reinstate the link with average earnings.
Protect entitlement to benefits; for living benefits; end child poverty.
DEMOCRACY, DIVERSITY & JUSTICE
Welcome diversity and oppose racism, fascism and discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability, sexuality, age and all other forms of prejudice.
Defend the right to asylum. No scapegoating of migrant workers.
Ensure women have genuinely equal rights and pay.
Defend our liberties and make police and security democratically accountable.
SOLIDARITY NOT WAR
Bring home all British troops from Afghanistan immediately - no more wars for resources.
No more spending on a new generation of nuclear weapons, huge aircraft carriers or irrelevant eurofighters - convert arms spending into socially useful products and services.
An independent foreign policy, based on international solidarity – no more being a US poodle, no moves towards a capitalist, militarist United States of Europe, no Lisbon Treaty.
SOCIALISM
For a democratic socialist society run in the interests of the people not the millionaires. For democratic public ownership of the major companies and banks that dominate the economy, so that production and services can be planned to meet the needs of all and to protect the environment.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
TUSC Candidate for Lawrence Hill to speak at Husting - Thursday 25 April
Easton & Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management have invited all candidates, including the Trade Unionist and Socialists Against Cuts candidate for Lawrence Hill Fiona Joyce, to speak at a husting next week. Please go along and ask the other councillors what THEY will do to protect local jobs and services.
Thursday 25 April
6pm to 9pm
City Academy, Russell Town Avenue
Initial Statement on Boston Marathon Tragedy from Socialist Alternative (CWI USA)
From: http://www.socialistalternative.org/news/article10.php?id=2096
The bombings today at the Boston Marathon are an absolute tragedy and a horror that shouldn't happen in Boston or anywhere else in the world. We are all checking in with loved ones in the Boston area. Socialist Alternative would like to express our grief, sympathy and solidarity with all the victims of this attack.
It is too soon, as we publish this, to say who committed these acts. If this bombing was politically-motivated, then it is an absolute disgrace to be condemned no matter what the ideas of the attackers. These sorts of methods that target ordinary working people have absolutely nothing in common with the work of socialists striving to build a mass movement that can challenge the rule of the 1%, end the chaos of capitalism and change society.
Times of fear and uncertainty can unfortunately lead to scapegoating and attacks on our civil rights. We are against all attacks on immigrants, particularly Arab and Muslim people, as a result of this tragedy. Whatever the religious or ethnic background of the perpetrators of this attack, an entire religious or ethnic group should not be made guilty by association. We are also against any further attacks on our civil liberties which have already been limited by the Patriot Act and other policies. We must not let the government exploit this tragedy by restricting the freedoms and democratic rights that ordinary Americans fought and died for in the past.
The bombings today at the Boston Marathon are an absolute tragedy and a horror that shouldn't happen in Boston or anywhere else in the world. We are all checking in with loved ones in the Boston area. Socialist Alternative would like to express our grief, sympathy and solidarity with all the victims of this attack.
It is too soon, as we publish this, to say who committed these acts. If this bombing was politically-motivated, then it is an absolute disgrace to be condemned no matter what the ideas of the attackers. These sorts of methods that target ordinary working people have absolutely nothing in common with the work of socialists striving to build a mass movement that can challenge the rule of the 1%, end the chaos of capitalism and change society.
Times of fear and uncertainty can unfortunately lead to scapegoating and attacks on our civil rights. We are against all attacks on immigrants, particularly Arab and Muslim people, as a result of this tragedy. Whatever the religious or ethnic background of the perpetrators of this attack, an entire religious or ethnic group should not be made guilty by association. We are also against any further attacks on our civil liberties which have already been limited by the Patriot Act and other policies. We must not let the government exploit this tragedy by restricting the freedoms and democratic rights that ordinary Americans fought and died for in the past.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
McCluskey Wins UNITE GS election
The full election results are as follows:
Jerry Hicks 79,819 votes
Len McCluskey 144,570 votes
Number of ballot papers found to be invalid 1,412
Total number of valid votes cast 224,389
Turnout 15.2 per cent
Len's statement here: http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/lenmccluskeyreelectedasunitegeneralsecretary/
Jerry Hicks 79,819 votes
Len McCluskey 144,570 votes
Number of ballot papers found to be invalid 1,412
Total number of valid votes cast 224,389
Turnout 15.2 per cent
Len's statement here: http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/lenmccluskeyreelectedasunitegeneralsecretary/
UnionNews video here:
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