Edinburgh Evening News - BNP targets striking firefighters in Capital
Colin Fox, Lothians list candidate for the Scottish Socialist Party and a leading campaigner on race issues in the city, said: "The SSP takes the same view as the firefighters on this issue. The best thing to do is throw their poisonous leaflets on to the brazier before you even read them.
"If we ever find out that they are attempting to get a foothold on the picket lines or in the housing schemes of Edinburgh they will soon find out that they are not welcome here.
"There is no place in Edinburgh for their vile brand of racist nonsense." Edinburgh Evening News
Friday, January 31, 2003
MacDonald and independents form anti-war political group
A NEW political group in the Scottish Parliament is likely to be born next week after the expulsion of Margo MacDonald from the SNP.
It will be known, at least until the May elections, as the Anti-War Alliance.
The left-wing group will comprise Holyrood's five "minority" MSPs, enough to be recognised and earn voting rights on the powerful business bureau which sets the parliament's agenda.
A core of five MSPs who form a group have the right to one bureau seat. A source said: "There are now five minorities and it makes obvious sense to group together and increase their voice on the bureau."
Along with Ms MacDonald who will fight the Lothians regional list at the election as an independent, the other four members will be: Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialists; Robin Harper, the Greens; Dennis Canavan, independent MSP for Falkirk West; and Dorothy-Grace Elder, elected on the Glasgow regional list for the SNP but now an independent.
All five MSPs are left-wingers, anti-war, and all believe in Scottish independence. The Herald
A NEW political group in the Scottish Parliament is likely to be born next week after the expulsion of Margo MacDonald from the SNP.
It will be known, at least until the May elections, as the Anti-War Alliance.
The left-wing group will comprise Holyrood's five "minority" MSPs, enough to be recognised and earn voting rights on the powerful business bureau which sets the parliament's agenda.
A core of five MSPs who form a group have the right to one bureau seat. A source said: "There are now five minorities and it makes obvious sense to group together and increase their voice on the bureau."
Along with Ms MacDonald who will fight the Lothians regional list at the election as an independent, the other four members will be: Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialists; Robin Harper, the Greens; Dennis Canavan, independent MSP for Falkirk West; and Dorothy-Grace Elder, elected on the Glasgow regional list for the SNP but now an independent.
All five MSPs are left-wingers, anti-war, and all believe in Scottish independence. The Herald
The Scotsman - Politics - Sheridan unveils tax proposals
TOMMY Sheridan, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, outlined his tax proposals during his party’s debating time in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. The Scotsman
TOMMY Sheridan, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, outlined his tax proposals during his party’s debating time in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. The Scotsman
Thursday, January 30, 2003
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
SSP hold anti-war meeting
A PUBLIC meeting in Ayr next Wednesday (January 29) will put the case for Justice Not War in the Middle East.
Organised by the Scottish Socialist Party branch, it takes place in the Citadel at 7.30pm. The Ayrshire Post
A PUBLIC meeting in Ayr next Wednesday (January 29) will put the case for Justice Not War in the Middle East.
Organised by the Scottish Socialist Party branch, it takes place in the Citadel at 7.30pm. The Ayrshire Post
YOU'RE A DAMNED DISGRACE, FLOOD VICTIMS TELL COUNCIL
Moray councillors were branded a "damned disgrace" and a "joke" by flood victims at a boisterous meeting in Elgin Town Hall last night. Moray councillors came under fire for failing to turn up to a flood debate by the Scottish Socialist Party last week. But last night 25 of the 26 councillors heard the concerns of the 250 people who made up the angry audience. Press and Journal
Moray councillors were branded a "damned disgrace" and a "joke" by flood victims at a boisterous meeting in Elgin Town Hall last night. Moray councillors came under fire for failing to turn up to a flood debate by the Scottish Socialist Party last week. But last night 25 of the 26 councillors heard the concerns of the 250 people who made up the angry audience. Press and Journal
Monday, January 27, 2003
PRESS RELEASE from Sighthill United*
PICNIC ON THE PICKET LINE
Sighthill United unity with firefighters!
Join the Picnic-Barbecue Tuesday 28th January 1-3pm Springburn Fire Station Petershill Road, just off Springburn Road, North Glasgow, near Tesco's
PRESS CONFERENCE is at 2pm, with Strathclyde FBU, Sighthill United and North Glasgow Hospitals UNISON branch
Our battle-cry:
* Join the firefighters' fight - they fight for us all!
* SOS - Save our Station!
* Support the FBU!
Besides the usual buffet-barbecue food, Sighthill United in conjunction with asylum seekers from various countries, are preparing and bringing along plates of food from different cultures - an expression of real solidarity.
Local unions, workers and students are also giving support to the picnic. For example, North Glasgow Hospitals UNISON branch have donated 200 pounds just for this event.
Sighthill United consider that what we are doing, uniting our community and other local unions/workers behind our firefighters' just request for decent pay and to save our station from closure - is the type of unity needed with every single fire station.
Stevie Masterson, a Sighthill community organiser, says:
"Blair will not pay firefighters a decent wage, nor pay for proper health and education - but he readily spends billions on a murderous war for US-UK oil companies. The increasingly vicious wave of Labour and media attacks on asylum seekers is to create scapegoats and divide the growing fightback on all fronts. These wars against our workers, asylum seekers and Iraqi people all serve to make the rich richer, and make workers and the poor pay at home and abroad. Our call behind our firefighters must be for "mass civil disobedience" - as several MSPs have called for in the war against Iraqi people. Only by other public sector workers joining in and breaking the anti-union laws en-masse - will Blair be defeated. At our picnic, we will scream, "Enough is enough - fightback time!"
*Sighthill United is the umbrella body for SIghthill community organisations that was born after the murder of asylum seeker Firsat Yildiz, 20 months ago.
PICNIC ON THE PICKET LINE
Sighthill United unity with firefighters!
Join the Picnic-Barbecue Tuesday 28th January 1-3pm Springburn Fire Station Petershill Road, just off Springburn Road, North Glasgow, near Tesco's
PRESS CONFERENCE is at 2pm, with Strathclyde FBU, Sighthill United and North Glasgow Hospitals UNISON branch
Our battle-cry:
* Join the firefighters' fight - they fight for us all!
* SOS - Save our Station!
* Support the FBU!
Besides the usual buffet-barbecue food, Sighthill United in conjunction with asylum seekers from various countries, are preparing and bringing along plates of food from different cultures - an expression of real solidarity.
Local unions, workers and students are also giving support to the picnic. For example, North Glasgow Hospitals UNISON branch have donated 200 pounds just for this event.
Sighthill United consider that what we are doing, uniting our community and other local unions/workers behind our firefighters' just request for decent pay and to save our station from closure - is the type of unity needed with every single fire station.
Stevie Masterson, a Sighthill community organiser, says:
"Blair will not pay firefighters a decent wage, nor pay for proper health and education - but he readily spends billions on a murderous war for US-UK oil companies. The increasingly vicious wave of Labour and media attacks on asylum seekers is to create scapegoats and divide the growing fightback on all fronts. These wars against our workers, asylum seekers and Iraqi people all serve to make the rich richer, and make workers and the poor pay at home and abroad. Our call behind our firefighters must be for "mass civil disobedience" - as several MSPs have called for in the war against Iraqi people. Only by other public sector workers joining in and breaking the anti-union laws en-masse - will Blair be defeated. At our picnic, we will scream, "Enough is enough - fightback time!"
*Sighthill United is the umbrella body for SIghthill community organisations that was born after the murder of asylum seeker Firsat Yildiz, 20 months ago.
Monday, January 20, 2003
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Socialists unveil election pledges
The SSP, which will fight every seat at the Scottish Parliament elections in May, is predicting that it could return as many as eight MSPs.
Mr Sheridan said that his party could hold the balance of power in the parliament after the elections.
"The price of our support will be the implementation of our six pledges," he said. BBC Online
The SSP, which will fight every seat at the Scottish Parliament elections in May, is predicting that it could return as many as eight MSPs.
Mr Sheridan said that his party could hold the balance of power in the parliament after the elections.
"The price of our support will be the implementation of our six pledges," he said. BBC Online
The Scotsman - Politics - SSP play up their anti-war stance TOMMY Sheridan yesterday predicted his Scottish Socialist Party could benefit from the tide of anti-war feeling in May?s Holyrood elections.
The SSP leader claimed that the party was seen across the country as "the peace party", and predicted that voters would opt for them as a protest against military action in Iraq. The Scotsman
The SSP leader claimed that the party was seen across the country as "the peace party", and predicted that voters would opt for them as a protest against military action in Iraq. The Scotsman
Wage war on poverty, not Iraq, say Socialists
THE Scottish Socialists yesterday said they would fight under the slogan "wage war on poverty, not Iraq" and would make a real difference to the parliament when they gained a bloc of several members in Holyrood in May.
Tommy Sheridan, convener of the party, said their anti-war stance would continue right through spring no matter the turns in events in the Gulf and even if an anti-war stance became unpopular. "Regardless of the opinion polls, we will be opposing the war. This is not about electoral gain, this is about peace and belief," he said.
The SSP yesterday joined other parties in launching a medium-term campaign and floating the broad thrust of its manifesto. This will be built around six pledges.
The main policy is the replacement of the council tax with a Scottish service tax based on income, which would mean those earning less than £10,000 being exempt, and those earning up to more than £90,000 being taxed at 20% on a sliding scale.
Mr Sheridan said that this pledge, in common with all his party's others, could be achieved within the powers of the Scottish Parliament. Free school meals, a £7.32 minimum wage rate and 35-hour week for public sector workers, an end to public-private partnership deals, and total public opposition to the "war for oil" make up the other planks of the manifesto.
He said: "These six pledges are radical, exciting and achievable by the Scottish Parliament. They will make a real difference to the people of Scotland, unlike the pale, soggy policies of the four main parties."
The SSP had 300 members in 1998 and claims 3000 today. "We expect to have six to eight members in the new parliament. We could hold the balance of power, and the price of our support will be the implementation of our six pledges," Mr Sheridan added. The Herald
THE Scottish Socialists yesterday said they would fight under the slogan "wage war on poverty, not Iraq" and would make a real difference to the parliament when they gained a bloc of several members in Holyrood in May.
Tommy Sheridan, convener of the party, said their anti-war stance would continue right through spring no matter the turns in events in the Gulf and even if an anti-war stance became unpopular. "Regardless of the opinion polls, we will be opposing the war. This is not about electoral gain, this is about peace and belief," he said.
The SSP yesterday joined other parties in launching a medium-term campaign and floating the broad thrust of its manifesto. This will be built around six pledges.
The main policy is the replacement of the council tax with a Scottish service tax based on income, which would mean those earning less than £10,000 being exempt, and those earning up to more than £90,000 being taxed at 20% on a sliding scale.
Mr Sheridan said that this pledge, in common with all his party's others, could be achieved within the powers of the Scottish Parliament. Free school meals, a £7.32 minimum wage rate and 35-hour week for public sector workers, an end to public-private partnership deals, and total public opposition to the "war for oil" make up the other planks of the manifesto.
He said: "These six pledges are radical, exciting and achievable by the Scottish Parliament. They will make a real difference to the people of Scotland, unlike the pale, soggy policies of the four main parties."
The SSP had 300 members in 1998 and claims 3000 today. "We expect to have six to eight members in the new parliament. We could hold the balance of power, and the price of our support will be the implementation of our six pledges," Mr Sheridan added. The Herald
Saturday, January 18, 2003
FRIENDS OF THE REFUGEES AYRSHIRE
Burns Day Rally
Dungavel Detention Centre (Lanarkshire)
SUNDAY JANUARY 26 2003 AT 1.30PM
The Friends of the Refugees Ayrshire hope you can attend and bring your banners. This Rally is to show solidarity with the Asylum Seekers detained within Dungavel.
The format will be informal with the singing of some Burns Songs, hopefully one or two speakers and we intend to hand in some sweets and shortbread for the Asylum Seekers.
Please try and spare an hour or two to support this event and please note that assembly for the Rally is at 1.00pm in the car parking area just down from the centre.
Burns Day Rally
Dungavel Detention Centre (Lanarkshire)
SUNDAY JANUARY 26 2003 AT 1.30PM
The Friends of the Refugees Ayrshire hope you can attend and bring your banners. This Rally is to show solidarity with the Asylum Seekers detained within Dungavel.
The format will be informal with the singing of some Burns Songs, hopefully one or two speakers and we intend to hand in some sweets and shortbread for the Asylum Seekers.
Please try and spare an hour or two to support this event and please note that assembly for the Rally is at 1.00pm in the car parking area just down from the centre.
Friday, January 17, 2003
Executive gives sigh of relief over Iraq
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist party leader, claimed the US was preparing for war on Iraq but not on North Korea, because the former controlled huge oil fields.
Advocating civil disobedience in the event of war, he said President Bush claimed those who opposed the US, supported terrorism. "We are neither on the side of the individual terrorist nor on the side of state terrorism. We are on the side of peace," he insisted. The Herald
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist party leader, claimed the US was preparing for war on Iraq but not on North Korea, because the former controlled huge oil fields.
Advocating civil disobedience in the event of war, he said President Bush claimed those who opposed the US, supported terrorism. "We are neither on the side of the individual terrorist nor on the side of state terrorism. We are on the side of peace," he insisted. The Herald
Thursday, January 16, 2003
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Holyrood has its say on Iraq
A final amendment is being moved by Tommy Sheridan for the Scottish Socialist Party.
He said there was no moral, humanitarian or military reason to go to war with Iraq.
'No overt rebellion'
Mr Sheridan said: "War is being prepared for regardless of whether weapons of mass destruction are discovered or not.
"The reason North Korea is being treated differently from Iraq is because North Korea does not have oil."
The Green MSP Robin Harper has signed Tommy Sheridan's amendment. BBC Online
A final amendment is being moved by Tommy Sheridan for the Scottish Socialist Party.
He said there was no moral, humanitarian or military reason to go to war with Iraq.
'No overt rebellion'
Mr Sheridan said: "War is being prepared for regardless of whether weapons of mass destruction are discovered or not.
"The reason North Korea is being treated differently from Iraq is because North Korea does not have oil."
The Green MSP Robin Harper has signed Tommy Sheridan's amendment. BBC Online
BBC NEWS | Scotland | UK hurtling towards war - Swinney
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan told MSPs it would be "a nonsense" if the Scottish Parliament did not discuss the current situation,
He said: "It is important that we discuss whether or not we think unleashing a new hell on the people of Iraq is right or wrong, just or unjust, legal or illegal, moral or immoral." BBC Online
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan told MSPs it would be "a nonsense" if the Scottish Parliament did not discuss the current situation,
He said: "It is important that we discuss whether or not we think unleashing a new hell on the people of Iraq is right or wrong, just or unjust, legal or illegal, moral or immoral." BBC Online
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
MSPs back Chhokars for inquiry into son's killing
Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialists, said the family were "absolutely clear" about wanting a public inquiry even though two private inquiries reported in 2001.
"I think the family were hoping the committee would ask the executive to reconsider its position and that's what I think we should do," he said. The Herald
Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialists, said the family were "absolutely clear" about wanting a public inquiry even though two private inquiries reported in 2001.
"I think the family were hoping the committee would ask the executive to reconsider its position and that's what I think we should do," he said. The Herald
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Healthy diet will make Scotland more prosperous, says McConnell
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP, accused the first minister of "yet more empty rhetoric".
Mr Sheridan, whose Free School Meals Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament last year, said: "This 'initiative' is far too little, given the size of the dietary health problem, and is yet more empty rhetoric.
"The first minister says he is determined the next generation of Scots will be healthier, yet he ignored the pleas of anti-poverty groups, children's charities, lone parent organisations and the British Medical Association when he rejected the Free School Meals Bill. Words won't improve our children's health. Action will." The Herald
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP, accused the first minister of "yet more empty rhetoric".
Mr Sheridan, whose Free School Meals Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament last year, said: "This 'initiative' is far too little, given the size of the dietary health problem, and is yet more empty rhetoric.
"The first minister says he is determined the next generation of Scots will be healthier, yet he ignored the pleas of anti-poverty groups, children's charities, lone parent organisations and the British Medical Association when he rejected the Free School Meals Bill. Words won't improve our children's health. Action will." The Herald
Monday, January 13, 2003
New Herald Poll
The poll offers the prospect of an advance by Tommy Sheridan's Scottish Socialists, who would win five seats on these findings while the Scottish Greens would take two. Dennis Canavan, the only independent MSP in 1999, would also be returned.
The poll offers the prospect of an advance by Tommy Sheridan's Scottish Socialists, who would win five seats on these findings while the Scottish Greens would take two. Dennis Canavan, the only independent MSP in 1999, would also be returned.
Friday, January 10, 2003
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Anti-war train drivers refuse to move arms freight
Train drivers yesterday refused to move a freight train carrying ammunition believed to be destined for British forces being deployed in the Gulf.
Railway managers cancelled the Ministry of Defence service after the crewmen, described as "conscientious objectors" by a supporter, said they opposed Tony Blair's threat to attack Iraq.
The anti-war revolt is the first such industrial action by workers for decades.
The two Motherwell-based drivers declined to operate the train between the Glasgow area and the Glen Douglas base on Scotland's west coast, Europe's largest Nato weapons store.
Train drivers yesterday refused to move a freight train carrying ammunition believed to be destined for British forces being deployed in the Gulf.
Railway managers cancelled the Ministry of Defence service after the crewmen, described as "conscientious objectors" by a supporter, said they opposed Tony Blair's threat to attack Iraq.
The anti-war revolt is the first such industrial action by workers for decades.
The two Motherwell-based drivers declined to operate the train between the Glasgow area and the Glen Douglas base on Scotland's west coast, Europe's largest Nato weapons store.
Thursday, January 09, 2003
SSP Conference 2003
SSP Conference 2003 will be held on Saturday/Sunday 23rd and 24th February at the Mitchell Theatre Charing Cross Glasgow.
Click on the link above to see the agenda, motions, amendments, reports and other conference documents.
SSP Conference 2003 will be held on Saturday/Sunday 23rd and 24th February at the Mitchell Theatre Charing Cross Glasgow.
Click on the link above to see the agenda, motions, amendments, reports and other conference documents.
The Scotsman - Politics - Executive's plan for fire service defeated
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP, described the Executive's tactics as "underhand and devious".
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP, described the Executive's tactics as "underhand and devious".
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Sheridan attacks 'racist' asylum laws
The UK Government's new asylum laws have been branded as "racist" by Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan.
The MSP, who has been an outspoken critic of the use of Dungavel, a former category C jail in Ayrshire, as an immigration detention centre, was speaking at a Glasgow demonstration.
The UK Government's new asylum laws have been branded as "racist" by Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan.
The MSP, who has been an outspoken critic of the use of Dungavel, a former category C jail in Ayrshire, as an immigration detention centre, was speaking at a Glasgow demonstration.
Monday, January 06, 2003
Sunday Herald - I Have A Dream
Forget making resolutions about booze and fags that you know you'll never keep -- now is the time of year to think bigger. We asked two dozen Scottish celebrities to tell us what they've always wanted to do with their lives
TOMMY SHERIDAN, POLITICIAN
Before I die I would like to be elected as the first president of an independent republican socialist Scotland that has abolished poverty, inequality, poor housing and lousy education and opened up the links to socialists and socialist countries round the world. This Scotland would be a place where everyone would be proud to be a citizen not a subject. Failing that I would like to score a goal in the Scottish Cup final playing for my junior football team St Anthony.
Forget making resolutions about booze and fags that you know you'll never keep -- now is the time of year to think bigger. We asked two dozen Scottish celebrities to tell us what they've always wanted to do with their lives
TOMMY SHERIDAN, POLITICIAN
Before I die I would like to be elected as the first president of an independent republican socialist Scotland that has abolished poverty, inequality, poor housing and lousy education and opened up the links to socialists and socialist countries round the world. This Scotland would be a place where everyone would be proud to be a citizen not a subject. Failing that I would like to score a goal in the Scottish Cup final playing for my junior football team St Anthony.
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