Socialist Appeal - International Marxist Tendency
Marxism. Socialism. Revolution.
Debates rage in the labour movement these days about how to eliminate socially unnecessary and harmful industries - such as Trident, nuclear energy, or arms manufacturing - whilst preserving jobs. Ben Curry looks back at a clear historical example that provides a socialist answer to this question: the Lucas Plan, made 40 years ago by aerospace workers in Britain.
Rob Sewell examines the Chartist movement of the 19th Century, one of the most radical episodes in British history, when the working class began to flex its muscles and demand key political rights - above all, the right to vote. Chartism has left us with a tremendous legacy that should serve to inspire all those who wish to change the world today.
As a result of Tory austerity, local public services are being cut to the bone. But it is Labour councils that are implementing these cuts, hiding behind the failed strategy of the so-called "dented shield". Rather than passing on the cuts, Labour councillors should learn from the militant example of Liverpool and fight back.
Sam Ashton takes a look at the history of housing in Britain and the mass struggles that have risen up time and time again in the fight for the basic right to a decent, affordable home. Today, the question of housing is a key issue, with the glaring contradiction of homelessness alongside empty mansions plain for all to see.
For over a year, from 1976-77, workers at the Grunwick photo-processing plant in north-west London became a focal point in the fight for workers' rights. Steve Jones looks at the lessons from this inspiring and militant struggle of predominantly black and Asian workers.