Leon Trotsky reading The Militant newspaper in 1931

Leon Trotsky reading The Militant newspaper in 1931   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Yorkshire Socialist Party held a political education meeting on Zoom on the ideas of Leon Trotsky, and the relevance and influence of his work today.

Over 40 members and non-members attended. Tessa Warrington, Socialist Party national committee, introduced the discussion on the 80th anniversary of Trotsky’s murder by an agent of Joseph Stalin.

Three morning workshops followed, focusing on some of the most fundamental work by the Russian revolutionary – the transitional programme, the theory of permanent revolution, and betrayal of the revolution under Stalin.

Three afternoon workshops looked into Marxist ideas today – the need for a new workers’ party, fighting racism and the far right, and the state.

In between these workshops, Yorkshire Socialist Party organiser, Iain Dalton, gave an insightful introduction to the life and contribution of Pat Wall. Pat was Labour MP for Bradford North between 1987 to 1990, a Militant member, predecessor of the Socialist Party.

A committed fighter for the working class, this was a fitting tribute on the 30th anniversary of Pat’s death.

This event demonstrated the determination of the Socialist Party to educate our members, both new and old.

Heidi Griffin, Hull Socialist Party