Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/454/5446
From The Socialist newspaper, 14 September 2006
No to Blair and Brown
No to war
For a new workers' party
Between Blair the warmonger and Brown the hypocrite there is a vicious squabble over who gets to lead New Labour.
Matt Dobson
In an attempt to appear conciliatory, Brown has now said that he wants a "government of all the talents". But we know that those 'talents' involve falling in line with a continuation of Blairism - more privatisation, cuts, pay freezes for the lowest paid and a widening gap between rich and poor in Britain.
The TUC's analysis of boardroom pensions shows the average executive of a FTSE 100 company can retire at 60 on a final salary pension worth nearly £3 million, while many young workers no longer even have the option of a final salary occupational scheme.
The Guardian has reported that some companies, including Rentokil Initial (which is also refusing to honour a negotiated agreement with porters and domestics at Whipps Cross hospital), have forced existing staff to accept cheaper pension arrangements.
(Continued below...)
Demonstrate
Saturday 23 September
Assemble 1pm Albert Square, Manchester
Called by the Stop the War Coalition.
For details of transport to the demo ring 020 8988 8777
Workers and young people are disgusted at these arrogant politicians who act like poodles to big business. More was paid out in bonuses in the City last Christmas than gets spent on transport over an entire year. The wars and occupations supported by many of the politicians; their support for nuclear power as a solution to the crisis of climate change further alienates the majority. Their policies offer no solution to any of the problems faced by working and young people.
The disgust at this government's policies was shown by the loud and lively protest by Quinton Kynaston school students when publicity-hungry Blair turned up at their school last week (pictured). Blair didn't have the stomach for ISR's "Bonio for Tonio the Poodle". Blair's celebration of his Trust and Academy initiative was drowned out by school students, desperate to get their voices heard and show their anger, chanting against the war.
This is a foretaste of the thousands of young people who will be going to demonstrate against the war at Labour Party conference on 23 September. The demo will be for the millions who seek a voice for their frustration but find none. Not one of the three main political parties stand up for working-class and young people. There is no political party for the workers, the school students, the trade unionists who all stand in total opposition to their policies.
If Brown becomes prime minister, the onslaught on public services and young people's democratic rights will continue. The Tories and Liberal Democrats offer no alternative - they will protect big business super-profits and continue cuts and privatisation. Workers and young people need a new mass party that fights for our interests.
The Socialist Party and ISR are building the Campaign for a new mass workers' party (CNWP) that will provide a channel for the anger that exists over war and occupation, top-up fees, attacks on the NHS and job cuts etc. Join us.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 14 September 2006:
Socialist Party NHS campaign
NHS Logistics workers vote to strike against privatisation
Our prescription - a socialist NHS!
Opposition forces Trusts to retreat
Socialist Party campaigns
Globalisation - what it is and how to fight it!
Campaigning against the far-right BNP
Don't sign 'good behaviour' contracts
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
Blair's last TUC conference - good riddance!
Public sector workers' anger gets a hearing
Build the campaign to save Burberry
Agency workers vote 100% for union recognition
International socialist news and analysis
Calderon confirmed as president but opposition protests continue
Brutal attack by company thugs on CWI members in Almata
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