Showing an alternative to cuts in Dorset

Sean Clothier

Socialist Party members sold 25 copies of the Socialist and raised over Ł35 fighting fund on 21 May at our first stall in Poole, Dorset, for many years.

Following a successful branch launch meeting on 'what the Socialist Party stands for', members took to the streets. We wanted to discuss and offer an alternative to local people who are suffering from the effects of the capitalist crisis, cuts in services and eroding living standards in general.

We were approached by former Labour councillors, elected trade union officials, as well as many public sector workers angry over cutbacks and creeping privatisation in the NHS.

We were well informed by shoppers about the adverse effect these cutbacks are going to have on the poor and the vulnerable. One woman expressed her dismay at the way the government are targeting helpless, elderly people via cutbacks to meals on wheels programmes.

Clearly this was a positive start for Dorset Socialist Party, and we hope to build on these solid foundations in the coming months. Our next meeting will be on 18 June in Poole.

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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.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.