SSP MANIFESTO LAUNCHED

Colin Fox on SSP manifesto launch.

The Scottish Socialist Party launched our manifesto for the 2011 Holyrood elections yesterday at a press conference in Glasgow. With me at the launch were the other top of the list candidates from across Scotland. Frances Curran (Glasgow), SSP Councillor Jim Bollan (West of Scotland), and myself briefly outlined the main points in our magnificent manifesto [which can be downloaded from the SSP website] for the assembled press pack.
We gave the people of Scotland a cast iron guarantee that if they elect SSP MSPs on May 5th we will not vote for cuts to public services, to jobs, wages or conditions. This is a very important commitment because this will be the first Parliament faced with a reduced budget so MSPs will either vote for cuts or fight them.
The SSP has never, in twelve years, voted to cut public services or the standard of living of working people and we have no intention of starting now.
Second we stressed that we are committed to scrapping the hated and unfair Council Tax. We intend to replace it with an income based alternative which sees the wealthy pay more and the poor exempted.
And last, but by no means least, is our support for an independent socialist Scotland, a modern democratic republic. Whilst other parties dilute their commitment to independence we remain passionate about it. And as we will endure the sycophants cooing over a Royal wedding in the last week of this election campaign we felt it important to restate our commitment to a modern democratic republic for Scotland.
The press conference was well attended as the picture shows. As well as the BBC and STV film crews, several other photographers and journalists were present and their questions reflected their growing recognition that support for the SSP is increasing noticeably.
The coverage of our manifesto launch has, as usual, been patchy; some good, some bad, some non-existent. STV news carried a full interview and the greatest column inches were found in the Aberdeen Press and Journal. So, hats off to them for fair coverage and Dunces Caps to the BBC, The Daily Record and the other tabloids for ignoring us once again.

Taken from Colin Fox's blog. original article

SSP STANDING CANDIDATES IN ALL REGIONAL LISTs THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND

VOTE SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY ON 

MAY 5TH!

Vote SSP for an MSP on a workers wage

Vote for Scotland's serious and principled socialist party

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The SSP was founded over a decade ago on the principle of challenging greed and inequality.
All elected SSP politicians are obliged to take home no more than the average wage of a skilled worker.
In Holyrood, six Scottish Socialist MSPs took only half their salary - and donated the rest to the cause of socialism and equality.
SSP MSPs elected in 2011 will do exactly the same.
Jim Bollan, SSP councillor and Regional List candidate in the West of Scotland region says;
“MSPs are in the top three per cent of UK earners. How can they represent low paid workers, pensioners and people living on the breadline? How can they possibly understand what life is like for millions of Scots?”

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Scottish Socialist Party List Candidates

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Central Scotland
1) Kevin McVey
Kevin McVey is 45 and has been actively involved in politics since 1984. Expelled from the Labour Party in 1989/90 for his involvement in local and national anti-poll tax campaigning, Kevin was a founding member of the SSP.
Kevin worked in the Tax Office for 20 years and PCS branch secretary for 3 years. Kevin is currently SSP National Secretary.
Also standing: 2) Cathy Pedersen 3) Lynsey MacGregor 4) Wullie O’Neill 5) Fraser Coats 6) Joan Duguid

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Glasgow
1) Frances Curran
Frances, 49, was SSP MSP for the West of Scotland from 2003-2007, introducing a bill to provide free school meals which was ultimately voted down by the Parliament. Frances got involved in socialist politics when she joined the Labour Party Young Socialists in the early years of the Thatcher government, eventually being elected onto the Labour Party National Executive at 23 years old. Frances is currently co-spokesperson for the SSP.
Also standing: 2) James Nesbitt 3) Daniel O'Donnell 4) Anthea Irwin 5) Carol Hainey 6) Andy Harvie 7) Wullie McGartland

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Highlands and Islands 1)Pam Currie
Pam is 35 years old and lives in Glasgow with her cat, Banjo. She teaches in a Further Education college and is an activist in the EIS teachers’ union.
A Gaelic learner, Pam sings in a choir, enjoying her first trip to the National Mod in October 2010.
Pam is a Quaker, a feminist and an LGBT activist who has been involved in campaigns ranging from the peace movement to the Vigil for a Scottish Parliament. A graduate of the University of Paisley, she has also studied with the Open University and at Ruskin College and believes ‘lifelong education’ should be available and affordable to all.
Also standing: 2) Willie Hamilton 3) Ian Hogg 4)Linda Howie 5)Roz Paterson 6) Andi Rossetter

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Lothians
1) Colin Fox
Colin joined Motherwell Labour Party Young Socialists in 1980, beginning a life of campaigning for socialism that continues 30 years on. Colin was SSP MSP for the Lothians from 2003-2007 and is co-spokesperson for the SSP. As an MSP Colin pioneered the campaign to abolish Prescription Charges which has resulted in free Prescriptions in Scotland. Colin co-organises the Edinburgh Mayday Festival and re-founded the Edinburgh People's Festival in 2002. Aged 51, Colin lives in the Inch area of Edinburgh with his wife and two children.
Also standing: 2) Catriona Grant 3) Laura Benniston 4) Ally Hendry 5) Andy McPake 6) Barbara Scott

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Mid Scotland and Fife
1) Morag BalfourMorag is a Quaker, vice-chair of Scottish CND and a member of the Iona Community. A firm believer in nonviolence, Morag regularly participates in peaceful direct action at Faslane. Morag has been a tireless campaigner for nuclear disarmament and to prevent the building of a massive landfill site in the West of Fife.
She has recently been involved in a pioneering befriending scheme supporting ex-young offenders released from Polmont YOI and is a former national co-chair of the SSP.
Also standing: 2) Felicity Garvie 3) Thomas Macaveney 4) James Morris

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North East Scotland
1) Angela Gorrie
Angela Gorrie, 23, first came to Dundee in 2005 to study at Dundee University where she was active in the campaign to remove Special Branch from campus and the fight for young workers' rights. Now working in customer services and a member of USDAW, she has recently been involved in campaigns ranging from the retention of local services and calling to end unfair hospital parking charges to highlighting the inequality of the current Council Tax.
In her spare time Angela enjoys walking, football, cricket and music.
Also standing: 2) Euan Benzie 3) Alan Graham 4) Soraya Kasim 5) Helen Fortune

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South Scotland
1) Colin Turbett
An SSP member since 2001, Colin was a candidate for the Party in the 2005 and 2007 elections. He has been a qualified social worker since the late 1970s, working with the victims of a system that breeds inequality, racism and poverty. Very interested in rural affairs, he is author of the SSP pamphlet ‘Rural Socialism and Scotland in the 21st Century’ and is an ardent campaigner for the rights of Scottish Gypsy Travellers.
Colin is a longstanding trade union activist, he is currently Chairperson of North Ayrshire UNISON branch.
Also standing: 2) Gillian Tyrer 3) Yvonne Dalziel 4) Aidan Simpson

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West of Scotland
1) Jim Bollan
Jim is SSP councillor for Leven Ward on West Dunbartonshire council. 63 years old, Jim first got involved in socialist politics 40 years ago when shop steward at Babcocks. Jim was at the forefront in the campaign to save Leven Cottage care home and the campaigns to save two primary schools, Christie Park and Renton Primary.
When he has any spare time Jim can be found walking his dog.
Also standing: 2) Ann Lynch 3) Pauline Bradley 4) Neil Scott 5) Davy Landels 6) Mary Rocks 7) Roisin Kelly 8) Gerry McCartney

Won’t Get Fooled Again or Imagine

Letter from a comrade

George Mackin

Is it just me - or have you felt angry this week? Enraged. Just under third of a million deprived of all benefits this year and worse to come, much worse. What planet are these people on? Tories: lower than vermin; add to the pile the unctuous and venal Liberals. Back to the workhouse, back to the soup kitchen. Targets to be met, after all it is only common sense. George Bush on the perils and joys of water-boarding; a royal wedding; red poppies; student tuition fees; and a certain criminal and less than civil case which shines a whole new light onto the phrase the personal is political.

Never mind I’m not in the Scottish Socialist Party any more. I have done my bit. Thirty years of that political stuff. What thanks do you get? Anyway some of the Left are just bonkers.: one party states and would be little Napoleons handing out truth on high in condescending three hour rants. Gerry Healey and… make your own list of snake oil salesman … Want to know the truth? Read this book. Look no further. The stories I could tell of people on the Left treating other people like feudal underlings.

Never has political quietism been so appealing. Rock Guitar anyone? Hurry up Harry come on, were going down the pub. Dah Dah Dah.

So why do I feel enraged? A soon to be fifty year old whose best days are over. Winter’s breath upon me, not much time left, best to enjoy every sandwich.

There is a big neo-liberal train that has been a rolling all my adult life, like the Terminator it never stops. It is inexorable and loathsome. Vote Labour? Nah! Just a slower train but the same direction and let’s not forget Jim Murphy. Set Scotland Free vote by voting tweedle dee SNP. Nah just a different flag ( mind you I do detest the Butcher’s Apron).

The Labour Party; The SNP; The SSP, I have been in all three. In fact let’s not forget Militant Tendency I was a supporter/ reader of that party/ tendency/paper many years ago.. Another story, comrade. World Prospectus 1981 anyone ? SWP: the non-thinking man’s millenarian cult. That’s the problem with Capitalism : too much choice.

Which party are you in now? Not a question but a sneer riddled with guilt None. None?

Yet out off all the groups left standing which party to I most identify with ? Easy: The SSP. I’m Pleased that the Greens won a seat in England, though. Political parties, not the battle but the echo of the battle as James Connolly used to say.

How do you feel about that? Not being in a political party? Great. Shite. Relieved, Bereft. Depressed. Happy. Bitter. Angry. Enraged. Sad, so sad, what a waste. numb so numb.

Mind you if you think some of the Left are bonkers you should see the SNP.? Another story, comrade.

Imagine or Won’t Get Fooled Again? Which sentiment suits me best?

A credible Left, a Republican Left, a non-patriarchal Left, a smash up the hated British State Left, a radical Left; not content to live within the confines of capitalist Left, a non-neo-Stalinist Left, a Green left, a non-sectarian Left, an anti-nuclear Left, a non-primate dominance in any form Left. A humanist and sceptical Left..

A big rock fell upon us. Devil and the deep blue sea or A rock and a hard place, call it what you like. Hard choices were made. Ken what I mean? No textbook for those difficult paths. Nobody comes out squeaky clean. There is no one to cast the first stones. But let us not to be too hard on ourselves or on others.: we all could have done things better. We forgive as best we can; we learn our lessons as best we can - we move on. We make history but not to our own making.

The struggle continues; we rebuild. Life is green but the truth is grey as they say and life goes on until the end. No consolation for us materialists. One life and one life only. Do we accept? Or do we act? Do we let people exercise power over us or do we challenge their authority?

A Time to rage; a time to grieve; a time for sadness; a time for hope; a time to regroup.;a time for praxical reflection; a time for optimism and pessimism; a time to talk.

LETTER TO PAPERS ON BANKERS BONUSES

Whilst the Coalition Government with its ill-judged ‘recovery’ policies must share responsibility for the existing financial mess the country is in, the public should not lose sight of the fact that the previous Labour Government is at least equally if not more culpable.

We only have to think of Fred Goodwin who under that Labour Government received a knighthood for services to the banking industry. Even though he drove the Royal Bank of Scotland to within twenty minutes of bankruptcy his parting gift from the government-rescued bank was an enormous ‘golden goodbye’ and gargantuan pension.

Also let’s not forget that Tony Blair headed the Labour Government during the time bankers were being given free rein to act recklessly in pursuit of super profits. He is currently amassing millions of pounds from the lecture circuit and for working as an advisor to a number of the companies who are slashing thousands of British workers’ jobs.

Consequently, it is quite rich for the Labour Party, which once upon a time in a far-off land professed to be “Socialist”, to be calling for a ‘progressive front’ to oppose the ‘cuts’.

As for the Coalition Government, the hypocritical phrase “we are all in this together” which David Cameron and Nick Clegg are peddling has to be placed in its true context. Despite hundreds of thousands of public sector jobs currently being sacrificed or downgraded in a desperate effort to resolve the current financial crisis, the top bankers largely responsible for precipitating the economic downturn are still being awarded obscene bonuses and inflated salaries.

The working man and women are “together” in the mire and the bankers and politicians are “together” in the gravy. How long will this cycle of exploitation and abuse continue to be tolerated by the British public?

Ally Hendry 

West lothian branch 

Letter sent to West Lothian courier on Saturday's anti-cuts demo in Edinburgh

Last Saturday’s demonstration in Edinburgh against the welfare cuts announced by the coalition Government was a damning indictment against both Labour and SNP. Neither party had a meaningful presence at the demonstration since they both agree with the principle of the cuts differing only with their severity and speed of implementation.

However the Scottish Socialist Party had a significant presence with party members from all over the country in attendance. We organised a street stall with thousands of people signing our petition, taking party literature and talking to party members. The majority of people welcomed our alternative approach to the impending cuts.

As witnessed on Saturday the people of Scotland are opposed to these draconian cuts and the Scottish Socialist Party will be at the forefront of the campaign promoting our Socialist alternative for the people of Scotland.


MORE PHOTOS FROM THE DEMO. 

Letter sent by west lothian branch to local newspapers on upcoming cuts.

This week the full extent of the proposed Tory-Lib Dems cuts deemed necessary to deal with ‘the economic mess inherited from the previous Labour Government’ have been revealed for ordinary working class and middle income families to ponder.

Prior to the announced cuts, thousands of jobs, both in the public and private sectors, have already been lost as a result of the economic crisis provoked by the perceived need for the Government to bail out several banks on the brink of bankruptcy to the tune of £350 billion.

However, this latest “crisis of capitalism” can and should be dealt with in a different manner from the Labour, Tory, Lib Dem and SNP politicians who all agree that cuts have to be made to reduce the budget deficit and level of national indebtedness but only disagree on the timetable for said cuts which will result in further job losses, more repossessed houses and reduced living standards.

The truth is there are plenty of alternatives for dealing with the debt crisis that avoid the need to curtail essential services and jobs in the public sector. These include shutting off tax avoidance and evasion schemes used by wealthy companies that cost this country over £100bn annually; taxing the huge profits amassed by the banks and the obscene bonuses given to their top employees; scrapping Public Private Partnership schemes to build our schools, hospitals, prisons and roads at a greatly inflated cost to the tax payer; withdrawing our troops from the senseless war in Afghanistan; and cancelling plans for the multi-billion replacement for the ageing Trident submarines which would not only be beneficial to national finances but also serve to promote the cause of nuclear disarmament and reduce the threat of global annihilation.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has given notice that the pain and suffering via cuts in services and job losses already endured by many working people in the wake of the current economic crisis are to be amplified and extended much more widely. He claims that his proposed course of action to deal with the budget deficit and national debt is in the ‘national interest’. Not so when there are perfectly viable alternatives that avoid hardship for the vast majority of citizens.

FIGHT THE CUTS

Fight the Cuts ! Demonstrate in Edinburgh, Saturday October 23rd!!

Called by the Scottish Trades 

Union Congress

11.00 am: Assemble East Market 

Street Edinburgh

11.30am: March off

                                             12.30 pm: Rally Ross Bandstand

POLLING DAY IS HERE!!!!

Time To Really Vote For Change.
Vote Scottish Socialist Party!!!  

Today the 6th of May 2010, sees the British public take to the polls to decided on who runs our next government. We at the Scottish Socialist Party have 10 candidates in various seats around Scotland.
Whilst the media talks about the 3 main parties and the 3 main parties all talk of change. But a vote for these parties is not real change it's still the same. If one thing the prime ministerial debates showed us was that there is very little difference or variety of choice by voting for the any of the big 3 or even SNP who will quite happily jump into bed with any of the potential prime ministers.

We at the Scottish Socialist Party represent Real Change.
We represent the real alternative option to the mainstream capitialist parties. We are a party that promotes a real fairer future. We are the only party commited to bringing a Free Scottish Socialist Republic.

11 point plan from the Scottish Socialist Party

• We want Scotland's wealth shared out equally
• The rich will pay higher taxes
• Our public services, including oil, fuel and transport, will be publicly owned
• Our minimum wage right now would be £8 an hour
• Wages, benefits and pensions will rise by £50 a week, across the board
• All school children will receive free school meals
• Women will get equal pay for equal work
• Young people will get the same national minimum wage as everyone else.
• The abolition of nuclear arms in Scotland and the continued campaign for the worldwide abolition of nuclear arms.
• The council tax will be scrapped in favour of a local tax where the rich pay their fair share
• Free public transport will be brought in to ease congestion, pollution and global warming
• Our troops will be brought home from the killing fields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

We are the only party to have constantly campaigned against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We
 are the party that will NOT only abolish the £100 billion Trident nuclear system but we would continue to campaign against Weapons of Mass Destruction on an international level. We are the only party that opposes all publice sector cuts. We are a party that will support a fairer and cleaner political system based on real proportional representation in which politicians will take a workers salary and we will continue to campaign on these issues. To be the real voice of change in Scotland, on this day the 6th of May we ask you, when it comes time to vote. Vote for a party that will give us a true champion voice for Scotland in Westminster. A party that is on the street listening to the needs of the Scottish people.
This 6th of May vote SSP.  Check Out All SSP candidates here

Ally Hendry on televised leaders debate.

Reflections on the Party Leaders’ Debate on domestic policy

The most striking impression I got from the Party Leaders’ Debate was how similar the so-called ‘major parties’ are when it comes to economic policy. They all agree that there will have to be deep cuts in government spending as a result of the economic recession which will severely affect public services. However, during the debate all three leaders sought to disguise what is in store for families the length and breadth of Britain by putting forward schemes that will supposedly shield the public from hardships.

We in the SSP, unlike the ‘major parties’, maintain that the general public do not have to bear the brunt for an economic recession which was none of their making. There are alternatives to the cuts that would in fact mean an increase in public spending to improve public services and create jobs. These include:

• Taking control of the UK banks assets and capital, estimated to be in the region of £5 trillion and £560 billion respectively.
• Taxing the rich by for example imposing a 90% tax rate on income over £100,000.
• Raising corporation tax which has been cut by successive governments from 45% to 28%. A doubling of corporation tax would yield about £45 billion annually
• Reducing defence spending by withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and scrapping nuclear weapons would save over £30 billion every year.