14.06.2000

Vote LSA - vote Bennett

Rally success Tottenham by-election June 22

Weyman Bennett, the LSA candidate in the Tottenham by-election, addressed the rally to defend asylum-seekers at the Tottenham Green Centre, attended by 200 people, last week. It was the biggest public meeting of the campaign so far. A variety of speakers from refugee groups, justice campaigns and political and community groups pledged their support for the June 24 national demonstration in London.

Weyman received one of the loudest rounds of applause when he reminded the meeting that it was not Kurds or Somalis trying to put thousands of car workers out of their jobs, but Ford Motor Company. He continued:

"As Hague does his Enoch Powell impersonation, Straw does his best to 'out-tough' him. The result is a rise in racism. They want the poorest people in the country to blame the lack of council repairs on the asylum-seekers next door when in fact it is central government that holds back reimbursement payments.

"The councils want us to blame asylum-seekers for the ridiculously high council tax bills. Instead of fighting the government for more money they try to offload their responsibilities - not just to asylum-seekers, but to pensioners, students, parents ... the list could go on.

"This election can help to turn the tide in its own little way by sending a signal to Blair that we will fight all his Tory policies, including on immigration."

Tariq Ali spoke at the end of the rally and highlighted the formation of the London Socialist Alliance as a welcome development of a working class alternative to New Labour which could channel anger against the real enemy - not refugees, but capitalism.

Last Saturday, David Lammy, the Tottenham New Labour candidate, who did not dare show his face at the 'defend asylum-seekers' rally, was ambushed by LSA supporters in the constituency. Joined by Diane Abbott, Lammy went on a walkabout in Bruce Grove where he was accosted by shoppers. Cameras were snapping, but unfortunately for the spin merchants the LSA placards behind Lammy's head probably ruined the photocall.

Campaign timetable

Saturday June 17 Battle Bus touring Wood Green, Turnpike Lane, south Tottenham, north Tottenham
11am-12.30pm: LSA stalls at Bruce Grove (outside Abbey National), Seven Sisters (outside Tesco) and Wood Green (outside library)

Sunday June 18 meet at 1pm at Bruce Grove station for canvassing.

Monday June 19 - Wednesday June 21 Leafleting and workplace and community group visiting: meet at 10am at Sunshine Cafe, Seven Sisters Road (corner Tottenham High Road)
5.30-6.30pm: LSA stall at Seven Sisters tube (High Road exit, West Green side)

Thursday June 22 Polling day - volunteers needed to act as polling officers and tellers - please contact Deborah on 0780 861 2454 if you can help on the day

Funds needed

Please rush your donations to:
London Socialist Alliance, PO Box 20492, London SE11 5WL
Cheques should be made payable to 'Haringey & Enfield LSA'