When we launched this petition three weeks ago, it was with a background of cuts and attacks on working people’s living standards.

But worse austerity and cuts to public services loom as the economy stagnates, and the Government plans to spend billions of pounds more on arms and armaments.  If, at the NATO Summit later this month, Labour commits to the target of 3.5% GDP for core defence spending over the next 10 years, plus an extra 1.5% GDP for military infrastructure and cybersecurity, that would entail tens of billions of pounds more taken from essential services and hit the living standards of the working class.

The recent council elections showed that millions of working-class people don’t trust the Establishment parties, and Reform UK is becoming a significant beneficiary of that anger at the ballot box. The elections next May are much bigger, and for many areas, including all London boroughs and major cities such as Birmingham, all councillors are up for election and will stay in office for four years, beyond the latest date for the next general election.

If a new party does not challenge Reform UK, it could end up with thousands of councillors, failing to fight Labour austerity, exploiting the genuine grievances of working-class people, and sowing divisions among workers.

It is the organised working class in the trade union movement that has the numbers, coherence, reach, and resources that are the key to a new party of the working class that can cut across support for the millionaire-funded Reform UK.

Can you help? Two things to do today:

1. If you haven’t already done so, please share the petition link on WhatsApp, X, Facebook and email. 
2. Download a paper copy of the petition from https://bit.ly/3SEptjq to use on stalls, in meetings or on demonstrations.

Here are two initiatives that have recently been taken to help build an independent socialist voice for working people. 

Last month, the University and College Union conference decided, after a speech from one of the sponsors of this petition, to invite Jeremy Corbyn and the independent group of MPs to a union executive meeting for discussions on joint campaigns. 

And next Saturday, activists from Hull and District Trades Council (in a personal capacity) are organising a meeting with local political activists to discuss practical steps towards forming a new trade union-based party – more details here https://fb.me/e/6tcYPNlGB

Could you do something similar in your area?

Thanks again for your support,

In Solidarity,
Dave Nellist