www.socialistworker.co.
uk
Austerity doesnt work
Vote for a real alternative
here are just a few days left
until the general election. The
Tories were boasting the British
economy was back on track. But
figures out this week showed the
economy growing at just 0.3 percent,
way below what was expected.
On Tuesday the Institute for Fiscal
Studies (IFS) reported on the tax
and benefit proposals by the main
parties. They warned Conservative
proposals would almost certainly
require significant cuts to some of the
main benefits child benefit, housing
benefit, tax credits and disability
benefits.
The IFS said the pace of cuts would
be faster than in the last government,
would hit the poorest households
hardest, and would require cash
reductions rather than just freezing
benefit rates.
Meanwhile those on higher incomes
would do best from Conservative
proposals, with the biggest winners
including people with incomes of
150,000.
The Tories have put the longest
squeeze on working class living
standards since records began and
plan to stick the boot in even harder
after the election.
While weve all been suffering
under Tory austerity surprise, surprise,
Marxism 2015
Ideas for
revolution
9-13 July,
central London
A five day political
festival to discuss
alternatives for a
world in crisis
Hosted by Socialist
Workers Party
Themes include:
Marxism and the
environment
The fight against
racism and
Islamophobia
Left alternatives
after the Election
Book now: www.marxismfestival.org.uk
Britains rich have been getting richer.
The richest 1,000 people have
doubled their wealth since 2009. They
are now worth 547 billion, up from
258 billion!
Labour doesnt offer a real
alternative to this obscene state of
affairs. On the contrary Ed Miliband
has pledged to stick to Tory spending
plans! Labour tells voters that cuts and
pay freezes will continue even if they
win the election. Its no wonder the
party is floundering in the polls.
Younger
Ed Miliband was interviewed by
Russell Brand this week. He reckons
thats way to reach younger voters.
In the same week the Channel 4
Dispatches programme showed up the
horrors of zero hours contracts and
bullying at Sports Direct where you can
be sacked for being sick. Thats the day to
day experience for many young people.
If young workers believed Labour
would really tackle these issues it
wouldnt need a chat with Russell
Brand to get their vote!
And in the background we have
UKIP posing as the party of ordinary
people. It wants us to blame migrants
for all our troubles. The Tories and
Labour leaders have gone along with
their scapegoating agenda.
But when parties like the SNP, the
Greens and Plaid Cymru, have talked
about opposing austerity theyve won
support. But once in office, these
parties have often gone along with cuts
to services.
What we really need is a real anti
austerity alternative, prepared to stand
up for working class people.
Thats why were backing the Trade
Unionist and Socialist Coalition
(TUSC) which is standing 136
candidates in the general election.
The bigger the vote for TUSC on
7 May, the better chance well have
to build an alternative that will fight
austerity, whatever party wins the
election.
Back these strikes
Rush messages of support to:
Barnet Unison 30 April 1 May
Striking against privatisation
[email protected]National Gallery, 1 May.
Striking against privatisation,
[email protected]Glasgow homelessness service workers
on all out strike
[email protected]Tayside NHS porters on all out strike
[email protected]Bromley Council, 27 April 19 May
Striking against privatisation
[email protected]c I would like to get Socialist Worker regularly
c I want to join the Socialist Workers Party
Name....................................................................................................................
Address.................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
Phone....................................................................................................................
Email.....................................................................................................................
Return to Membership, PO Box 42184, London SW8 2WD
Email
[email protected] Text/call 07986 936 094
General 29/04/15
