After Paris Killings: No to Racism, No to War

Recently we had a discussion on the topic of the horrific murders in Paris and the ways in which these deaths would be used by our leaders to justify war and the right to fuel racism against Muslims and immigrants.

We are occasionally able to present the text of these talks. Although the speaker didn't rigidly follow the whole of the below, here's the piece upon which our discussion was based. We had a great discussion on the night - if you like what you read here, why not join us at our next meeting?

Update #78

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.

This week's meeting: 75 years after his murder, what do Trotsky and Trotskyism mean today? Join us on Thursday 10th December at 7 pm, West End Community Centre!

All welcome. See you there!

Stop The War - National Demonstration

In the wake of the Tory (and Labour right's) decision to further worsen the situation in Syria by joining the bombing of an already devastated country in a desperately cynical bid to have a seat at the table when it comes to dividing the country up when the dust settles, Stop The War have called a national demonstration in London. If you oppose this gross injustice that will do nothing but further harm ordinary people living in terror of ISIS, join the demonstration! For transport to London, contact us on 07742 532 677 or derbyswp@gmail.com

The government does not have the support of the leader of the opposition, or the electorate. It doesn't even have the support of all the media. It certainly has no rational case for war. Together we can stop the Tories and the other Westminster warmongers!


Stand Up To Racism vigil

Last Saturday Nazi organisation Britain First once again came to Derby, spreading their hatred. Stand Up To Racism put out a call for anti-racists to hold a vigil on St Peter's Street to send the message that they are not welcome in Derby. Many enthusiastic people turned out - hopefully a serious Stand Up To Racism organisation can be built in Derby to be prepared for the Nazis if they decide to come back to our city.

The People's March for Climate, Justice and Jobs

A report from last Sunday's march is on the blog here.

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!

Britain's Biggest Ever Climate March

50,000 people marched in London last Sunday in the largest march demanding immediate and significant action to prevent 2 degree climate warming that has been seen in Britain.

Recently it was announced that the Earth has warmed by 1 degree since the industrial revolution began, and that the rate of warming is rapidly increasing. We are already experiencing the effects of climate change, but the scientific consensus is that if we are to avoid runaway climate change, where the climate will begin to warm more and more rapidly, we must act now.

At this year's Marxism festival there were some great talks on climate change, but this one by Suzanne Jeffrey was particularly pertinent:

ISIS, War and Our Rulers - What You Need to Know

Stand Up To Racism Call Vigil Against Britain First

Dear Friend

 

Last Saturday the fascist organisation Britain First once again targetted Derby. Their 'Midland Division' descended on our city and about 10-15 of them handed out rabid, racist anti-Islam leaflets. We cannot allow this disgusting organisation to gain a foothold in Derby so please join a peaceful protest vigil this Saturday from 10am - 11am outside St Peter's Church on St Peter's Street (the site of the BF stall last Saturday).

 

We will be handing out leaflets and talking to the general public about why we need to counter Britain First wherever they appear. 

It is highly unlikely that Britain First will return this Saturday but if they do we need to make sure there are many more of us than them so that we can occupy the space and show them how unwelcome they are. Please come, bring friends, family and placards - spread the word and let's show these people they are NOT WELCOME IN DERBY.

Called by Derby Stand Up To Racism

Update #77

This is much briefer than usual - it will be edited later. For now, just briefly - next week's meeting:

EDIT: Following the vote for airstrikes, tonight's meeting will be even more significant - what can Stop the War do in Derby?


And a reminder that the national climate change demonstration in London is tomorrow - get there if you can!

Update #76

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.

In the wake of the killings in Paris and the attempts of the right both within and without the ruling class to stir up anti-Islamic sentiment and justify a further drive to the wars that created ISIS in the first place, we have decided to change our next branch meeting to:
After Paris killings: no to racism and war.

What should our response to these events be? How can we prevent a drive towards racism and war from the right and the ruling class? Join the discussion and help plan our course of action!

Thursday November 26th, 7 pm, West End Community Centre.

All welcome. See you there!

Junior doctors petitioning in Derby

On Saturday some of Derby's junior doctors held an outstanding petition in the city centre, collecting signatures from the public to support their imminent strike action. Some comrades were there - see our report on the blog here.

The People's March for Climate, Justice and Jobs

It is becoming ever more clear that the ruling classes of the world, left to their own devices, will simply work in the short-term interests of their class - and that means untold destruction for the climate and the lives of millions, if not billions of people. There is another way: join the campaign for climate, justice and jobs. There is at least one coach going to London on the demonstration on the 29th November.

This has become even more vital as the French authorities have used the horror of the murders as a fig leaf to ban the demonstration planned for the 12th December.

Join us in London on the 29th!

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!