The ‘centre’ did not hold – the recomposition of British politics

24th May 2015 Socialist Action 0

The outcome of the British election produced a collapse of the classic ‘centrist vote’ represented by the Liberal Democrats and a polarisation to both the right and the left of the mainstream political parties. This is a new situation as the new formations on the right and on the left are substantial and are a significant factor on the changed political scene.

Notes from the front – of the week 21/5/2015

21st May 2015 Socialist Action 0

Upturn in the anti-austerity movement

Since the Tories won the election just two weeks ago (7 May), with the support of less than 25 per cent of the electorate, significant numbers of people have got involved in the movement against austerity to resist what will be the most right wing, vicious government since the Second World War.

Notes from the front – of the week 13/5/2015

13th May 2015 Socialist Action 0


Labour would not have won by moving right – that is just a myth

Following Labour’s defeat the Blairites and others have launched an offensive to shift the party rightwards and install a hard right-wing leadership. Backed by the Tory media, their barrage of attacks on Ed Miliband is creating the media myth of a leftward lurch that lost Labour the election.

Graphic: An Phoblacht

Sinn Fein maintains its mandate to oppose austerity and defend the peace process

12th May 2015 Socialist Action 0

By Frances Davis

In the north of Ireland the election was dominated by two factors: the economic situation and austerity; and the political and peace process. Sinn Fein have been at the sharp end of the fight against austerity and in resisting Tory welfare `reform’ cuts from being implemented in the six counties. They have also been in an on-going struggle to defend the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement against an anti-agreement offensive of unionism and the Tory-led government, which has attempted to stall and roll back progress.

End Austerity Now! – Support the 20 June national demonstration

11th May 2015 Socialist Action 0

By Ian Richardson

The People’s Assembly Against Austerity is organising a major national demonstration on June 20 under the headline title End Austerity Now. For the left both inside and outside the Labour Party, and all those who wish to resist the massive attacks to come from the newly elected Conservative Government in the years ahead, building this demonstration must be our immediate priority.

Tactical victory for Cameron – unnecessary defeat for Labour

10th May 2015 Socialist Action 0


The outcome of the 2015 general election was a tactical triumph for David Cameron but it was achieved by destroying his own political allies the LibDems. For Labour this was a huge missed opportunity. There is now a Tory Prime Minister with a majority in Parliament with the lowest share of the popular vote ever, who presided over the longest decline in living standards, yet Labour lost seats. The rise of the SNP, the other big winner from the election, being due to the greater distance it places between itself and Tory policies.