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From The Socialist newspaper, 23 February 2022
Surrey: Unions and campaigns say stand as an anti-cuts candidate
Paul Couchman campaigning, photo Nick Chaffey (Click to enlarge)
Paul Couchman, TUSC candidate in Stanwell North
Every week we hear about cuts to services - local bus services, public toilets closed, older people's homes closing, community centres - the list goes on. This is on top of cuts by stealth - 'efficiencies' forced on public sector workers, and cuts in support for special educational needs (Send) children, mental health and other services.
With 14 trade union branches affiliated, Save Our Services in Surrey has battled against cuts in services for years. The campaign has met online throughout the Covid pandemic, but now we have decided that we need to be out campaigning.
We also agreed to develop a People's Budget for Surrey, and encourage supporters, trade unionists and community activists to stand as council candidates. The campaign hopes for a surge in anti-cuts candidates in future years, particularly the county council elections in 2025.
TUSC
But the Socialist Party isn't waiting. I think candidates should come forward now and stand under the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC).
I'm standing in the Stanwell North by-election on 23 February. And Surrey Unison has already written to all its members encouraging them to stand too.
The meeting didn't mind what party or banner candidates stand for, as long as they support a People's Budget. But TUSC is the only force standing that fully backs no cuts.
We have called a conference on 25 June, and will invite every trade union, anti-cuts campaign and community organisation we can reach. It is time for the voice of ordinary working-class people to be heard in the council chambers, and for a line in the sand to be drawn to protect our public services and public sector workers.
- See 'A socialist voice in Stanwell North' at socialistparty.org.uk
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In The Socialist 23 February 2022:
News
Unite and fight for a decent pay rise
Johnson scraps Covid safety measures
Tories instruct teachers to wipe Britain's real history
International news
Ukraine: Workers' unity against capitalist warmongers and imperialist meddlers
Canada: Prime Minister Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act to end 'Freedom Convoy'
One year after the military coup in Myanmar
NHS
Privatisation and crisis in the NHS
Erdington by-election
The Erdington byelection and the fight for a new mass workers' party
Vote Nellist for a workers' MP in Birmingham Erdington
Workplace news
Tube workers strike in defence of pay, pensions and conditions
University workers continue strike against bosses' attacks
Coventry bin strikers lobby strike-breaking Labour council
Scunny scaffs action forces bosses to the table
Usdaw: 'Reinstate Max' week of action
Trade union support for standing anti-cuts election candidates
Barts NHS workers to walk out again on 28 February
Just Eat couriers continue action to fight pay cut
Rail workers strike in Sheffield
Students
Workers and students unite and fight
Fighting fees and marketisation after 2 March student walkout
Campaigns news
Restore Cardiff's slashed services
Brighton Green and Labour cuts - workers and communities fight back
Surrey: Unions and campaigns say stand as an anti-cuts candidate
Newham City Farm - closed with no consultation
London Socialist Party women's meeting
1 March: Socialist Party new website launch
Review
TV review: This is Going to Hurt
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