by Sam Smithson, Waltham Forest Socialist Party
The moment I decided to join the Socialist Party came in August 2024, when far-right protesters threatened to attack a local immigration bureau in east London. The anti-racist counter-protest was one of the largest in Waltham Forest’s history, with thousands of people turning
out.
Photo: Isai Marijerla
What marked the Socialist Party as different from other left-wing groups was that it was the only party putting forward a clear programme that fought racism at its root. Socialist Party members spoke with others in the crowd, pointing out that the working class must not be divided by racists.
We can unite workers by fighting for jobs, homes, and services for all. It showed me that a party that focuses on the issues of the working class was the only one which could cut across rhetoric of the far
right.
New workers’ party
During Socialism 2025, we will discuss how the Socialist Party’s class analysis shapes our views on various issues, especially with the latest developments in Your Party. For over 30 years, the Socialist Party has been fighting for a new mass working-class party to be formed, and Your Party may present such an opportunity.
Many people are concerned about the rise in popularity of far-right figures such as Tommy Robinson, as well as the prospect of massive electoral gain by Reform in the May elections. The Socialist Party is applying pressure on Your Party to adopt a no-cuts programme that restores local services, and stands up for the working class.
If Your Party commits to creating jobs, building homes, and providing services for all, it can undermine support for Reform and the far right. If you believe that socialism is the best way to combat racism, then join the Socialist Party, and fight for Your Party to be a mass party of the working class.