July 08, 2021

120. Tories in crisis - Preparing for struggle in post-Covid Britain

48 minutes

Tories in crisis - Preparing for struggle in post-Covid Britain

Far from an era of sustained economic upswing, social peace and a Tory ascendency opening up for post-Covid Britain, the prospects ahead are for heightened class conflict and turbulent political times.

The last fifteen months have been unprecedented in the history of capitalism. In Britain a total failure to deal effectively with Covid in its early stages left the government struggling to cope with a developing health catastrophe, via belated and inadequate lockdowns, leading to the deepest economic recession in 300 years. As in other major economies, only levels of state aid unprecedented outside of wartime prevented worse disaster.

The population has been through a deeply traumatic experience. Almost 130,000 have died of Covid, with many more suffering long term health problems. Over six million were claiming Universal Credit in May 2021. Eleven and a half million have been furloughed at some point, usually resulting in a 20% pay cut. Despite a formal ban on evictions, 130,000 families have lost their homes so far.

Now, albeit with delays and reverses, Britain appears to be edging towards its post-pandemic future. What will that hold?

We speak to Hannah Sell - General Secretary of the Socialist Party and Rob Williams - Industrial organiser for the Socialist Party

Further reading here;

Preparing for struggle in post-Covid Britain

http://socialismtoday.org/preparing-for-struggle-in-post-covid-britain#more-628

For a fighting programme and a new left in Unite

http://socialismtoday.org/for-a-fighting-programme-and-a-new-left-in-unite

Batley & Spen by-election

Another condemnation of Starmer's New Labour

https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/32764/05-07-2021/batley-amp-spen-byelection-another-condemnation-of-starmers-new-labour

Chesham and Amersham by-election

Urgent need to build alternative to pro-capitalist politicians