The
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
is appealing to trade union members, anti-cuts campaigners, young
people – everyone in fact who opposes the Con- Dems’ austerity
agenda. Are you prepared to support local councillors who will refuse
to vote for cuts? Or even be a council candidate yourself?
Con-Dem
austerity is affecting every part of our lives. From pensions to
tuition fees; the bedroom tax and low wages; our NHS and libraries;
Sure Start centres and support for people with disabilities. A fight
back is needed but not a single council – Tory, Lib Dem and Labour
alike – has said no to the cuts.
It
is not true that councils have ‘no option’ but to pass on the
Con-Dems’ cuts. If just a handful of councils defied the Con-Dems
and refused to vote for cuts the government could be made to back
down and fund public services properly.
Individual
councillors have a choice. The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
has a policy platform for local council elections which could make a
difference. Even one councillor taking a stand, if they used their
position in the council chamber to appeal to those outside, could
give confidence to trade unionists and community campaigners to
fight.
This
platform is the basis on which any prospective council candidate can
stand under the TUSC name in local council elections. We encourage
every trade unionist, anti-cuts campaigner, community activist and all
those who want to see an alternative to the establishment parties to become a TUSC candidate.
We
intend to stand as many candidates as possible in Newcastle next
year, but to do that we need your help. To this end, we have
organised a public meeting at the Borough Arms Hotel in Newcastle on
the 12tf of December at 7pm with TUSC national chair Dave
Nellist (ex 'Militant' Labour MP for 9 years) as a guest speaker.
I
hope you will join us.
In
solidarity,
Matt
Wright
on
behalf of the Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition in North
Staffordshire
