by Scott Jones, Newham and East London Socialist Party
Buoyed by forcing Newham Labour council to backtrack on attacks on libraries and the reinstatement of a suspended rep, 200 workers and supporters protested outside the council’s budget meetings.
Instead of planned library closures and cuts of £500,000 initially announced, opening times are now protected. Save Newham Libraries said: “Our campaign is winning”. But £200,000 cuts remain.
Photo: London SP
Despite Newham Labour council claiming that “austerity is over”, following an increase in government funding, more than £101 million worth of cuts are planned over the next three years.
A number of Socialist Party members – representing Newham National Education Union (NEU), Newham Trade Union Council, Hackney Unison – addressed the lively crowd. We raised the need for fighting trade union action, no-cuts council budgets, and a workers’ stand in the May local election to fight for the funds the borough needs. Many took our leaflet, and 15 people bought the Socialist newspaper.
The protest marched around the corner to the big windows of the town hall, so that the council meeting could hear us. We could see the windows snapping shut, as our chants disrupted them setting their cuts budget.
Some of us have been kicked out of the public gallery at that annual budget meeting more times than we can count. But they couldn’t kick us out of the street!
The protest was one of the biggest outside Stratford Town Hall in years. The partial victory by Save Newham Libraries, combined with the slight increase in central government funding from the new formula, should be a cue to go on the offensive and demand restoration of all cut services.
Labour set to lose
Newham Labour could face serious losses in the local elections. The Greens and Newham Independents — supported by Jeremy Corbyn — are likely to win more seats.
But we clearly need a new party — one that is built by us, controlled by us, and led by us. A party that is part of the working-class and trade union fightback for the jobs, pay, and services we need.
The May local elections are an enormous opportunity to stand trade unionist and working-class fighters, putting forward what is needed to win.