20.06.1996

Unity is strength

A number of Socialist Alliances have been set up around the country with, I imagine, varying degrees of success. Although not as established and political as the Scottish Socialist Alliance, the Kent Socialist Alliance is positively moving forward with plenty of potential.

Activists include road protesters, animal export protesters, anarchists, Militant Labour, the CPGB and Canterbury branch of the Socialist Workers Party. Around 40 people meet monthly. A monthly newsheet goes out to 80 Kent activists and that number is growing all the time.

In our five months of existence we have achieved a lot; apart from providing an invaluable forum and publicity for local campaigns - ie, Thanet Way road protests and Shell filling station boycotts - we have been central in organising and building a demonstration against workfare in Chatham (a pilot scheme is taking place in the Medway towns). We have also organised the ‘Justice Lobby’ of Michael Howard’s monthly surgery in Folkestone. Speakers could include Paddy Hill (Birmingham 6), Sarah Thornton and anti-deportation campaigns such as Mircea Ilin (a Romanian facing persecution if he is sent back).

A ‘Red’ festival of national and local bands and political stalls is planned for this summer in Kent and it seems there is nothing to stop this Alliance going from strength to strength.

Most importantly, for the first time that I am aware of, local activists, many with a lot of experience and invaluable contacts, are talking to each other away from their own political groupings. This has led to the left in Kent being far stronger and more effective.

I urge all activists to get involved with local Socialist Alliances and if necessary help set them up in your local areas. Alliances are working in the present political climate - build the fightback, not just your own political group.

Chris Weller
Secretary, Kent Socialist Alliance