Showing posts with label people's assembly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people's assembly. Show all posts

Saturday, 16 April 2016

Thousands Take to the Streets to Demand Cameron's Resignation


Today's People's Assembly demonstration in London was as angry as it was massive. The tens of thousands who filled the streets and Trafalgar Square came from all over the country, and they weren't happy with the Tories.

Two coachloads went from Derby. On the coaches on the way back a lot of the talk was of the large size of the demonstration but also the way that the mood was inspiring. Thousands of people will have returned home tonight knowing that they are not alone in their anger at the injustices of this government. What is needed is action to harness that anger and energy.

There was a large union presence on the demonstration. Junior Doctors are engaged in the fight of their lives to save the NHS, and teachers are about to join the fray. Organisations like the People's Assembly have the potential to engage a new layer of activists in supporting these struggles. Let's make it happen! Talk to your workmates, work with the People's Assembly, have a union meeting about solidarity action. In short: be a socialist!










Saturday, 9 April 2016

Update #89

Hello everyone,
Welcome to this week's update from Derby Socialist Workers Party.

In this week's update:
  • Next branch meeting - Pride, Politics & Protest: A Marxist Analysis of LGBT+ Oppression JOINT WITH NOTTINGHAM BRANCH
  • People's Assembly National Demonstration April 16th - get the coach and join in! 
  • Junior Doctors - report from the pickets
  • Marxism 2016 - have you got your tickets yet?

Branch Meetings


The SWP is a party of activists who know that we need to understand the world to be effective in our actions. Our meetings have a discussion about key issues: economic, political, historical and cultural; as well as planning for events and activities.

Las week's introduction to Marxism and Religion will hopefully be posted on this blog in the near future. 
This week's meeting is a bit of an experiment for us - a joint meeting with our nearest sister branch, Nottingham. We hope to have joint events on a regular basis and build large-scale public meetings with a greater scope for broadening discussion and bringing fresh voices to branch events. 

Our speaker at this week's meeting Pride, Politics & Protest: A Marxist Analysis of LGBT+ Oppression will be Laura Miles, who has literally written the book on this topic. All our meetings have great discussions but this week's should be especially big and fantastic, so come along this 

Thursday 14th April
7 pm
West End Community Centre on Mackworth Road (next to Britannia Mill).





All welcome. See you there!



People's Assembly Against Austerity - National Demonstration 16th April

In the wake of Osborne's budget and with the Junior Doctors fights now looking set to be joined by teachers, the Tories tearing themselves apart, now is the time to ramp up the pressure and bring them down! Join the national demonstration organised by the People's Assembly on 16th April.

There is transport going down but it is almost full up! Book your ticket here!


Junior Doctors - report from the picket lines

Read our report from the pickets in Derby and see the pictures on the blog here.

Marxism Festival 2016
The first peek at this year's Marxism Festival is out now.

Marxism festival is the biggest event of its kind in Europe - thousands of people attending a five day festival of ideas, with meetings on a vast range of subjects and loads of activities.

It is a fantastic event and anyone who wants to change the world should get down to it!

For more details see the official website here: http://www.marxismfestival.org.uk/

If you want to go but are worried that you will not be able to afford it please get in touch. 

We will do everything we can to help you to attend this fantastic event. email derbyswp@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Derby SWP or on Twitter @derbywsp



Can't make our meetings?
If you want to find out more about us, meet some of our comrades, sign up to any of our petitions, find out about campaigns we are involved in, buy our paper or get hold of some of our other literature, why not come along to the campaign stall on Saturdays?

Find us on St Peter's St from 12 pm!

Tuesday, 5 April 2016

Update #88

Hello everyone,
Welcome to this week's update from Derby Socialist Workers Party.

In this week's update:
  • Next branch meeting - Religion: oppression and expression. What do Marxists say about faith?
  • Junior Doctors on strike this week - show solidarity!
  • People's Assembly National Demonstration April 16th - get the coach and join in! 
  • Anti-Semitism and the Far Right
  • Marxism 2016 - have you got your tickets yet?

Branch Meetings


The SWP is a party of activists who know that we need to understand the world to be effective in our actions. Our meetings have a discussion about key issues: economic, political, historical and cultural; as well as planning for events and activities.

This week we will examine religion from a Marxist perspective at our branch meeting entitled Religion: oppression and expression. What do Marxists say about faith? Join us for a lively discussion on Thursday 7th April, 7 pm at the West End Community Centre on Mackworth Road (next to Britannia Mill).





All welcome. See you there!


Junior Doctors on Strike - Show Your Solidarity!


The Tories are still trying to press ahead with their plans to privatise the NHS, and part of this is the attempt to impose a new contract which will result in doctors working unsafe and unfair hours. Our doctors are determined to fight for our NHS and for fair working conditions - show your support on the picket lines this week!

There will be picket lines from 8 am outside the Derby Royal Hospital on Wednesday and Thursday this week (6th and 7th April). Join the doctors and show your support - their fight is our fight!



People's Assembly Against Austerity - National Demonstration 16th April

In the wake of Osborne's budget and with the Junior Doctors fights now looking set to be joined by teachers, the Tories tearing themselves apart, now is the time to ramp up the pressure and bring them down! Join the national demonstration organised by the People's Assembly on 16th April.

There is transport going down - book your ticket here!

Anti-Semitism and the Far Right Today

One of our recent meetings was on the subject of anti-semitism and the far right today. The comrade who gave this talk has kindly given us the text of his talk - read it on the blog here!

Marxism Festival 2016
The first peek at this year's Marxism Festival is out now.

Marxism festival is the biggest event of its kind in Europe - thousands of people attending a five day festival of ideas, with meetings on a vast range of subjects and loads of activities.

It is a fantastic event and anyone who wants to change the world should get down to it!

For more details see the official website here: http://www.marxismfestival.org.uk/

If you want to go but are worried that you will not be able to afford it please get in touch. 

We will do everything we can to help you to attend this fantastic event. email derbyswp@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Derby SWP or on Twitter @derbywsp



Can't make our meetings?
If you want to find out more about us, meet some of our comrades, sign up to any of our petitions, find out about campaigns we are involved in, buy our paper or get hold of some of our other literature, why not come along to the campaign stall on Saturdays?

Find us on St Peter's St from 12 pm!

Sunday, 20 March 2016

Update #87

Hello everyone,
Welcome to this week's update from Derby Socialist Workers Party.

In this week's update:
  • Next branch meeting - Fortress Europe: refugees, racism and the state
  • Emergency protest against forced school academisation called by Derby NUT this Wednesday!
  • Report back from National Demonstration - Stand Up To Racism & Fascism, refugees welcome here #M19
  • People's Assembly National Demonstration April 16th - get the coach and join in!
  • Marxism 2016 - have you got your tickets yet? Discount on tickets until end of March!

Branch Meetings


The SWP is a party of activists who know that we need to understand the world to be effective in our actions. Our meetings have a discussion about key issues: economic, political, historical and cultural; as well as planning for events and activities.

Last week's branch meeting was really brilliant - lively and with a great discussion. This week's topic follows naturally from Saturday's #M19 Refugees Welcome Here demonstration. Fortress Europe: refugees, racism and the state Racism from the far right is a reaction to racism at a structural level. How and why do the capitalist classes of the EU create and reinforce racism? Join us for a lively discussion on Thursday 24th March, 7 pm at the West End Community Centre on Mackworth Road (next to Britannia Mill).





All welcome. See you there!


Emergency Demonstration against forced academisation - Wednesday 23rd March 5 pm outside the Council House

On Wednesday the Tories announced, alongside its swingeing attacks on the disabled and improved benefits for millionaires, its education white paper which will force all schools in the country into becoming academies - effectively private companies which will make profit out of our children's education.

Derby NUT has called an emergency demonstration this Wednesday night at 5 pm outside the council house.

Academies are undemocratic, bad for students and bad for teachers. Join the demonstration and make some noise!

Facebook page for the demonstration: click here!

20,000 people say: Refugees Are Welcome Here!

Saturday's national Stand Up To Racism demonstration was a huge success! Read the report here!

People's Assembly Against Austerity - National Demonstration 16th April

In the wake of Osborne's budget and with the Tories tearing themselves apart, now is the time to ramp up the pressure and bring them down! Join the national demonstration organised by the People's Assembly on 16th April.

There is transport going down - book your ticket here!

Marxism Festival 2016
The first peek at this year's Marxism Festival is out now.

Marxism festival is the biggest event of its kind in Europe - thousands of people attending a five day festival of ideas, with meetings on a vast range of subjects and loads of activities.

It is a fantastic event and anyone who wants to change the world should get down to it!
There's £5 off ticket prices if you book before the end of March. For more details see the official website here: http://www.marxismfestival.org.uk/

If you want to go but are worried that you will not be able to afford it please get in touch. 

We will do everything we can to help you to attend this fantastic event. email derbyswp@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Derby SWP or on Twitter @derbywsp



Can't make our meetings?
If you want to find out more about us, meet some of our comrades, sign up to any of our petitions, find out about campaigns we are involved in, buy our paper or get hold of some of our other literature, why not come along to the campaign stall on Saturdays?

Find us on St Peter's St from 12 pm!

Friday, 22 January 2016

Update #82

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the first update of 2016 from Derby Socialist Workers Party.

In this week's update:
  • This week's branch meeting - Marxism & women's liberation
  • Support the Student Assembly meeting, Students in Politics
  • Support Derby Stand Up To Racism!
  • Support the Junior Doctors!

Branch Meetings


The SWP is a party of activists who know that we need to understand the world to be effective in our actions. Our meetings have a discussion about key issues: economic, political, historical and cultural; as well as planning for events and activities.

Our first meeting of the year on the topic of 'why we need a revolutionary party' led to a great discussion, which ranged over everything from the importance of central organisation to the weaknesses of privilege theory. A good start to 2016!

This week we have a guest speaker who will introduce the topic of Marxism and Women’s Liberation, and explore the common ground – and distinctiveness of – our approach towards women’s liberation, and why we believe that Marxists can and should be the best fighters for women’s liberation. Thursday 28th January, 7 pm at the West End Community Centre on Mackworth Road (next to Britannia Mill).

Join us for a lively discussion and debate, as well as planning for activities in the city for the week ahead!




All welcome. See you there!






Student Assembly meeting - Students in Politics

The Student Assembly, an offshoot of the People's Assembly in Derby, has been growing in numbers around a group of enthusiastic and well-organised students in Derby who have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into many excellent campaigns across the city.


The Student Assembly is holding an event at The Roundhouse in Pride Park on Tuesday 26th January, from 7-9 pm. This is an event which all socialists will want to attend!

Sign up to the Facebook event here.


Report: Stand Up To Racism launch meeting

Derby Stand Up To Racism Campaign held a very successful launch meeting on Monday - see our report here!

Get involved! For more details on the Derby Stand Up To Racism Facebook page - search Facebook for Derby Stand Up to Racism or click on this link.



Junior Doctors Meeting

The Junior Doctors have arranged a public meeting at the Council House for Tuesday 26th January at 7 pm, in the Council Chamber.

They hope to reach people who are not aware of the dispute with the Department of Health or even (if possible) to find people who don't agree with them. We fully support the Junior Doctors.  Please attend if you can and bring people with you, especially if they are the kinds of people that the JDs are trying to reach!

Can't make our meetings?
If you want to find out more about us, meet some of our comrades, sign up to any of our petitions, find out about campaigns we are involved in, buy our paper or get hold of some of our other literature, why not come along to the campaign stall on Saturdays?

Find us on St Peter's St from 12 pm!

Saturday, 26 September 2015

Update #68

Hello everyone,
Welcome to this week's update from Derby Socialist Workers Party. What's going on? Find out below!

Branch Meetings

The SWP is a party of activists who know that we need to understand the world to be effective in our actions. Our meetings have a discussion about key issues: economic, political, historical and cultural; as well as planning for events and activities.

Last week's meeting on Corbyn, the left and the fight against austerity was one of the liveliest we have had for some time and it was great to have a brilliant speaker from our Central Committee.

Next Thursday, as it's October, our meeting will be on the most inspiring event of the twentieth century - the 1917 Russian Revolution! Come along and discuss why we celebrate the Russian Revolution! Thursday 1st October, 7 pm, West End Community Centre, Mackworth Road, Derby.






Demonstrate Against the Tories - 4th October


After the fantastic demonstration in London on June 20th we need to keep the momentum of protest and defiance going and growing.

The People's Assembly and TUC have called for a demonstration at the Tory conference in Manchester on the 4th October.

As the anti-austerity mood continues to deepen amongst the working classes of Europe and Greek workers' inspirational rejection of the Syriza government's agreement with the EU was signalled by the massive public sector strike on Wednesday, we must continue to push forward and build the opposition to Tory policies.

UPDATE! the coaches that have been booked are filling up! If you would like a seat on the coaches, contact the NUT's Division Secretary, Sue Arguile, at secretary@city-of-derby.nut.org.uk or call 07929 043 415.


Talk to colleagues in your workplace and join People's Assembly activities - help to build the demonstration and take the Tories on!

All roads lead to Manchester!

Britain First - Not Welcome in Burton 

Over the summer, members of Nazi organisation Britain First turned up on the streets of Derby. 40 people turned out the following week to join a vigil against them, sending a clear message that Nazis aren't welcome on our streets.
The anti-Britain First vigil this summer


Although they haven't been back to Derby, they have announced their intention to march in Burton on October 17th. The RMT, UAF and NORCARF have called for a joint mobilisation to stop them. This is a call for all anti-racists and anti-fascists. At a recent Britain First demonstration in Rotherham the Nazis were hugely outnumbered by the counter-demonstration. Wherever opposition to the fascists is organised, our side shows that we are many and they are few - but that won't stop them trying to intimidate local people and demonise minorities. They claim to be anti-'extremist', but their march gives the lie to that - they want to demonstrate against the building of a mosque!

Join us on the counter-demonstration on October 17th - tell the fascists that they aren't welcome anywhere.

Defend the Right To Strike - Nottingham


On Thursday 15th October there will be NO branch meeting as there is an important Defend the Right To Strike meeting in Nottingham. Come to this if you can, it is one of the most important campaigns to fight at the moment and crucial to our class's ability to defend itself against the Tory onslaught. More details soon!

Can't make our meetings?


If you want to find out more about us, meet some of our comrades, sign up to any of our petitions, find out about campaigns we are involved in, buy our paper or get hold of some of our other literature, why not come along to the campaign stall on Saturdays?

Find us on St Peter's St from 12 pm!

Monday, 27 July 2015

Update #65

Hello everyone,
An even more important than usual update this week. Please attend the Britain First - Not Welcome in Derby vigil if you can.

Britain First - Not Welcome in Derby

On Saturday Derby received a most unwelcome visit - the Islamophobic Nazi splinter group Britain First turned up on St Peter's St to preach their vile racist hate speech.

They intimidated passers-by, tried to intimidate our comrades and tried to have a teenage boy who was brave enough to argue with much bigger, older and nastier men than him, arrested for 'threatening' the Nazis.

We are calling for anyone who opposes Britain First and their divisive, racist bile to come to a vigil next Saturday. If they turn up again, they should get a loud and clear message that they are not welcome on our streets. If they do not turn up we should be sending a very public message that they do not speak for us.

 Please come if you can. The SWP are taking a lead in organising this, but we don't see this as a party event - anyone who is concerned about the rise of racism should come and support this. If racists are not confronted they come back and threaten our fellow citizens again and again, but if we are united, if we are on our streets, they will quickly learn that there are many many more of us than them. 

The vigil will be from 10.30 on St Peter's Street. Come if you can, pass this information as widely as you can. If you plan on attending please let us know - this is an event you can't afford to miss! Email us at derbyswp@gmail.com if you are attending!

Branch Meetings

The SWP is a party of activists who know that we need to understand the world to be effective in our actions. Our meetings have a discussion about key issues: economic, political, historical and cultural; as well as planning for events and activities.

Last week's meeting was another with a great discussion, we have been having a great series of meetings these last few weeks! Hopefully this trend will continue with our more cultural meeting:
See you there!





Demonstrate Against the Tories - 4th October


After the fantastic demonstration in London on June 20th we need to keep the momentum of protest and defiance going and growing.

The People's Assembly and TUC have called for a demonstration at the Tory conference in Manchester on the 4th October.

As the anti-austerity mood continues to deepen amongst the working classes of Europe and Greek workers' inspirational rejection of the Syriza government's agreement with the EU was signalled by the massive public sector strike on Wednesday, we must continue to push forward and build the opposition to Tory policies.

October's demonstration needs to be massive. There will be coaches going from Derby. We took four to London - we should take even more to Manchester. Contact us via the blog, email (derbyswp@gmail.com) or Twitter (@DerbySWP) to let us know you want a seat on a coach.

Talk to colleagues in your workplace and join People's Assembly activities - help to build the demonstration and take the Tories on!

All roads lead to Manchester!

Can't make our meetings?


If you want to find out more about us, meet some of our comrades, sign up to any of our petitions, find out about campaigns we are involved in, buy our paper or get hold of some of our other literature, why not come along to the campaign stall on Saturdays?

Find us on St Peter's St from 12 pm!

Monday, 29 June 2015

250,000 March Against Austerity

Four coachloads of protesters joined the massive march against austerity in London on 20th June. The mood was mixed - plenty of buoyant, cheerful people and placards, but the stronger current was one of bitter anger, borne out in both the chants and the placards.

Anger is good - people should be angry about this government, their plans, their attitudes towards working people, the disabled, the poor and the sick - in fact anyone who isn't a millionaire, or just thinks that public services are important. The anger is also positive - it can lead to action. The movements that can represent a wide current in society are important in mobilising people, but we also need to build for action at the point where we are strongest - in the workplace. June 20th shows the strength of feeling in the country - now we have to make it work for our benefit and take down the Tories!