London: Protesters return to oppose Middle East war

Stop the War protest in London 11 January, photo London Socialist Party (Click to enlarge)

Lily Douglas, Stoke Socialist Party

On 11 January, Stop the War called a second demonstration in central London after the recent attacks in Iraq and Iran. While it was not a huge turnout, the march was an opportunity to talk to young people about the workers' action needed to stop war, and socialist ideas to end capitalism.

It was good to see young people join the march and their determination to fight against the Johnson and Trump governments. A team of Socialist Party members took part, including new members.

One brand new Socialist Party member said she was encouraged by the loud chanting and lively mood. She noticed the amount of support we got from young people and how many members of the public stopped to chat to us about socialism and our stance around events in the USA.

Overall, despite the fact it was only a small march, we managed to make an impact. The front page of the Socialist paper read: "Climate change. Poverty. War. Capitalism must go. Fight for socialism." We sold 40 copies.

And we met at least five people who wanted to know more about joining the Socialist Party. This is on top of 33 people who bought a Socialist paper and dozen who wanted to join the Socialist Party at the previous Saturday's anti-war protest.

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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.

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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.

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