Thursday, February 27, 2003
Anger after call for pupils to join demo - Evening Times Keef Tomkinson, youth and student co-ordinator of the Scottish Socialist Party, said it hoped their actions would prevent Iraqi youths suffering.
He said: "We hope that this will contribute a period of civil disobedience where Scotland makes clear it will not be silenced."
He said: "We hope that this will contribute a period of civil disobedience where Scotland makes clear it will not be silenced."
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
The SSY Movement
ACTION ALERT!
Youth and Student Anti War Walkout - Strike Against War
Let the disobedience begin!
Anti War Rally - Fri, Feb 28
1pm, George Sq, Glasgow
Called by Scottish Socialist Youth
supported by the Scottish Coalition For Justice Not War
Where Are We?
On Feb 15 100,000 people marched in Glasgow against war with Iraq. Scotland said NO to war. Tony Blair’s response was I DON’T CARE. His desire for war is similar to a vampire’s thirst for blood. That contempt means that we must step up the campaign against the war.
What Next?
SSY is calling for school, FE and uni students to join us in an anti war walkout at lunchtime on Friday Feb 28th. Those taking part should go to George Sq in Glasgow for 1pm. There we shall rally against war and for peace. We hope that this will help launch a period of civil disobedience where Scotland makes clear it will not be silenced.
Why Should We Strike?
On Feb 28th Hans Blix will report back to the UN Security Council. The report will play a significant role in Britain and America’s war plans. SSY believes that we should not sit behind desks while UN diplomats sit behind desks carving up Iraq’s oil and ignore the mass carnage which will follow.
What Will Be The Consequences?
SSY realises that a walkout from school or college is a big step for people, especially school students who will face the threat of punishment. However, SSY feels that this is a cause worth fighting for. 40% of the Iraqi population are aged under 15 years old. The impact of our actions can play a role in preventing a terrifying attack being launched against fellow Iraqi youth and students.
ACTION ALERT!
Youth and Student Anti War Walkout - Strike Against War
Let the disobedience begin!
Anti War Rally - Fri, Feb 28
1pm, George Sq, Glasgow
Called by Scottish Socialist Youth
supported by the Scottish Coalition For Justice Not War
Where Are We?
On Feb 15 100,000 people marched in Glasgow against war with Iraq. Scotland said NO to war. Tony Blair’s response was I DON’T CARE. His desire for war is similar to a vampire’s thirst for blood. That contempt means that we must step up the campaign against the war.
What Next?
SSY is calling for school, FE and uni students to join us in an anti war walkout at lunchtime on Friday Feb 28th. Those taking part should go to George Sq in Glasgow for 1pm. There we shall rally against war and for peace. We hope that this will help launch a period of civil disobedience where Scotland makes clear it will not be silenced.
Why Should We Strike?
On Feb 28th Hans Blix will report back to the UN Security Council. The report will play a significant role in Britain and America’s war plans. SSY believes that we should not sit behind desks while UN diplomats sit behind desks carving up Iraq’s oil and ignore the mass carnage which will follow.
What Will Be The Consequences?
SSY realises that a walkout from school or college is a big step for people, especially school students who will face the threat of punishment. However, SSY feels that this is a cause worth fighting for. 40% of the Iraqi population are aged under 15 years old. The impact of our actions can play a role in preventing a terrifying attack being launched against fellow Iraqi youth and students.
Monday, February 24, 2003
Thursday, February 20, 2003
The Caithness Courier - Precinct protest as anti-war message spreads to Thurso
The Scottish Socialist Party’s Highlands and Islands contingent in Glasgow included members from Thurso, Wick, Helmsdale, Brora, Alness, Dingwall, Ullapool, Inverness, Forres and Nairn. The Caithness Courier
The Scottish Socialist Party’s Highlands and Islands contingent in Glasgow included members from Thurso, Wick, Helmsdale, Brora, Alness, Dingwall, Ullapool, Inverness, Forres and Nairn. The Caithness Courier
dailyrecord - £63M BID TO GIVE PRIMARY PUPILS A GOOD DIET Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan, who last year mounted an unsuccessful attempt to legislate for free school meals for all children, dismissed the Executive move as too little, too late.
He said: "Only a free, universal and nutritionally balanced meal at lunchtime for all school pupils will begin to turn Scotland's diet around." Daily Record
He said: "Only a free, universal and nutritionally balanced meal at lunchtime for all school pupils will begin to turn Scotland's diet around." Daily Record
Opposition adds a sour note to fruit scheme
Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist Party MSP, who last year mounted an unsuccessful attempt for free meals for all children at state schools, dismissed the executive move as too little, too late.
"Isn't this a universal provision - and isn't that what New Labour objected to?" he said.
"Their other attempts to limit the kids to burger and chips or pizza twice a week is a joke. Only a free, universal and nutritionally-balanced meal at lunchtime for all school pupils will begin to turn Scotland's diet around," said Mr Sheridan, MSP for Glasgow region.
"These are only guidelines which are not enforceable by law." The Herald
Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist Party MSP, who last year mounted an unsuccessful attempt for free meals for all children at state schools, dismissed the executive move as too little, too late.
"Isn't this a universal provision - and isn't that what New Labour objected to?" he said.
"Their other attempts to limit the kids to burger and chips or pizza twice a week is a joke. Only a free, universal and nutritionally-balanced meal at lunchtime for all school pupils will begin to turn Scotland's diet around," said Mr Sheridan, MSP for Glasgow region.
"These are only guidelines which are not enforceable by law." The Herald
SSP Candidates for the Regional Lists
The SSP website now has a full list of all party candidates for the regional lists, for the Scottish Parliamentary elections on May 1st. We will be adding details of first-past-the-post candidates and council candidates together with biographies of photographs, soon.
The SSP website now has a full list of all party candidates for the regional lists, for the Scottish Parliamentary elections on May 1st. We will be adding details of first-past-the-post candidates and council candidates together with biographies of photographs, soon.
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
McConnell defends Blair over Iraq
His remarks came as the Tommy Sheridan's Scottish Socialists claimed the war issue was "breaking up" Labour in Scotland. After the weekend march in which Labour MPs and MSPs joined protests outside their own party's conference, Mr Sheridan claimed such unprecedented events marked "the beginning of the end for Labour in Scotland".
Hugh Kerr, SSP spokesman, said disillusioned Labour members were joining the socialists. "We got 100 recruits at the Glasgow march alone," he said. "I don't know how many came from Labour but I guess there must have been at least a few. Our membership has gone up by at least a couple of hundred since this talk of war began."
A senior Labour activist in Fife told The Herald he and others in the party were on the brink of leaving. He said. "I just need someone to give me the final push - the war, if it comes without UN backing, will be that moment. I seem to have more in common with Tommy Sheridan these days than with Labour and I have been a Labour member for many years." The Herald
His remarks came as the Tommy Sheridan's Scottish Socialists claimed the war issue was "breaking up" Labour in Scotland. After the weekend march in which Labour MPs and MSPs joined protests outside their own party's conference, Mr Sheridan claimed such unprecedented events marked "the beginning of the end for Labour in Scotland".
Hugh Kerr, SSP spokesman, said disillusioned Labour members were joining the socialists. "We got 100 recruits at the Glasgow march alone," he said. "I don't know how many came from Labour but I guess there must have been at least a few. Our membership has gone up by at least a couple of hundred since this talk of war began."
A senior Labour activist in Fife told The Herald he and others in the party were on the brink of leaving. He said. "I just need someone to give me the final push - the war, if it comes without UN backing, will be that moment. I seem to have more in common with Tommy Sheridan these days than with Labour and I have been a Labour member for many years." The Herald
Monday, February 17, 2003
Feb 15th Anti-War demo, Glasgow
Click on the above link for pictures of the February 15th Anti-War demo in Glasgow.
More pictures can be found at
this site
Click on the above link for pictures of the February 15th Anti-War demo in Glasgow.
More pictures can be found at
this site
Sunday, February 16, 2003
Friday, February 14, 2003
Scottish Labour in revolt as Blair charges towards war
Ian Hogg, the first Scottish councillor to defect from Labour to the Scottish Socialist party, and who cited the government's Iraq stance as one of the main reasons, said the party was in crisis. The Scottish Socialist party said membership recruitment had trebled in the last month, mainly due to disgruntled Labour members swopping sides. The Herald
Ian Hogg, the first Scottish councillor to defect from Labour to the Scottish Socialist party, and who cited the government's Iraq stance as one of the main reasons, said the party was in crisis. The Scottish Socialist party said membership recruitment had trebled in the last month, mainly due to disgruntled Labour members swopping sides. The Herald
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Socialists field fire staff in elections
THE Scottish Socialist party is planning to field several firefighters as candidates in the May council elections in an effort to capitalise on voter disaffection with Labour's handling of the fire strikes.
The SSP's move emerged as John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, intervened to settle union objections that had threatened to delay the start of negotiations with local authority employers today.
No names have yet been put forward by the SSP, which is led by Tommy Sheridan MSP, but a party spokesman said that at least six firefighters were expected to stand against Labour councillors in Glasgow and Renfrewshire.
The candidates are currently awaiting endorsement by local party branches and are discussing the decision with their families, the spokesman added. More candidates may emerge before the elections.
The Herald revealed yesterday that more than 30 firefighters were planning to stand as independents on May 1, targeting seats held by Labour councillors who sit on the local fire board. The firefighters' actions have been billed as a potential referendum on the government's handling of their pay dispute.
Richie Venton, industrial organiser at the SSP, said it had been the only party that had consistently supported the firefighters and predicted that their candidacy would create headaches for Labour.
"It will turn safe seats into marginals and could lose some seats for Labour," he said, adding: "Some firefighters are standing as independents, some are standing as SSP candidates.
"The common reason is the disgust and opposition to the New Labour government and councillors who have vilified firefighters during the course of the pay dispute." The Herald
THE Scottish Socialist party is planning to field several firefighters as candidates in the May council elections in an effort to capitalise on voter disaffection with Labour's handling of the fire strikes.
The SSP's move emerged as John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, intervened to settle union objections that had threatened to delay the start of negotiations with local authority employers today.
No names have yet been put forward by the SSP, which is led by Tommy Sheridan MSP, but a party spokesman said that at least six firefighters were expected to stand against Labour councillors in Glasgow and Renfrewshire.
The candidates are currently awaiting endorsement by local party branches and are discussing the decision with their families, the spokesman added. More candidates may emerge before the elections.
The Herald revealed yesterday that more than 30 firefighters were planning to stand as independents on May 1, targeting seats held by Labour councillors who sit on the local fire board. The firefighters' actions have been billed as a potential referendum on the government's handling of their pay dispute.
Richie Venton, industrial organiser at the SSP, said it had been the only party that had consistently supported the firefighters and predicted that their candidacy would create headaches for Labour.
"It will turn safe seats into marginals and could lose some seats for Labour," he said, adding: "Some firefighters are standing as independents, some are standing as SSP candidates.
"The common reason is the disgust and opposition to the New Labour government and councillors who have vilified firefighters during the course of the pay dispute." The Herald
Monday, February 10, 2003
Catholic church in vote 'bullying' row
THE Roman Catholic Church was accused of bullying tactics yesterday after it said it would advise worshippers in Scotland to vote against candidates opposed to denominational schools in the forthcoming Holyrood elections.
Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialist party, said: "Tackling poverty and inequality are much more important issues and I would have hoped this would have been prioritised by the Catholic Church." The Herald
THE Roman Catholic Church was accused of bullying tactics yesterday after it said it would advise worshippers in Scotland to vote against candidates opposed to denominational schools in the forthcoming Holyrood elections.
Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialist party, said: "Tackling poverty and inequality are much more important issues and I would have hoped this would have been prioritised by the Catholic Church." The Herald
Firefighters stand against Labour at polls
Firefighters in Scotland are to fight Labour at the ballot box in frustration at their treatment by the government over pay.
More than 30 firefighters are to stand as independent candidates in the council elections.
The firefighters, all members of the Fire Brigades Union who have taken strike action during the on-going pay dispute, have decided to stand against their local councillors on May 1 under the banner of Firefighters Against Public Sector Cuts. The FBU cannot officially endorse the candidates, and would be disaffiliated from the Labour party if it did so.
The move, which reflects the growing disaffection among firefighters with Labour at local and national level, is another potentially damaging blow to the party following The Herald's revelation on Saturday that the party's popularity in Scotland is collapsing because of Tony Blair's tough line on Iraq.
The firefighters will stand mainly against councillors who currently sit on the council-funded fire boards that control fire services in their area.
Although the chances of firefighters winning seats are believed to be slim, they could make a significant impact by splitting the vote in some closely contested wards, and increase the chances of other candidates, such as the SNP and the Scottish Socialist party, defeating Labour. The Herald
Firefighters in Scotland are to fight Labour at the ballot box in frustration at their treatment by the government over pay.
More than 30 firefighters are to stand as independent candidates in the council elections.
The firefighters, all members of the Fire Brigades Union who have taken strike action during the on-going pay dispute, have decided to stand against their local councillors on May 1 under the banner of Firefighters Against Public Sector Cuts. The FBU cannot officially endorse the candidates, and would be disaffiliated from the Labour party if it did so.
The move, which reflects the growing disaffection among firefighters with Labour at local and national level, is another potentially damaging blow to the party following The Herald's revelation on Saturday that the party's popularity in Scotland is collapsing because of Tony Blair's tough line on Iraq.
The firefighters will stand mainly against councillors who currently sit on the council-funded fire boards that control fire services in their area.
Although the chances of firefighters winning seats are believed to be slim, they could make a significant impact by splitting the vote in some closely contested wards, and increase the chances of other candidates, such as the SNP and the Scottish Socialist party, defeating Labour. The Herald
Labour Support collapses over Iraq Poll trend could put party out of power in May vote
LABOUR'S popularity in Scotland is collapsing because of Tony Blair's tough line on Iraq, according to an opinion poll conducted exclusively for The Herald. NFO System Three found nationwide hostility to a war against Saddam Hussein without clear UN backing - and a sudden eight-point drop in support for Labour in the latest monthly opinion poll. Such a showing in the Scottish elections in May would make it mathematically possible for the SNP and Liberal Democrats to oust Labour from government and form a coalition with minority party backing.
...According to System Three, only 13% of Scots voters agree that Britain should take part in a war against Iraq regardless of whether the UN supports military action. A further 27% said Britain should not take part in military action under any circumstances. The only comfort for Labour and Mr Blair is the finding that 57% agree that Britain should take part in military action if it is supported by a UN security resolution. The corrosive effect electorally of such resistance to Mr Blair's hard line was revealed in System Three's monthly poll across Scotland, where Labour has dropped from being 10 points ahead of the SNP in the constituencies to only one in the space of a month.
NFO System 3 This poll was taken among 1009 people in 51 constituencies between January 30 and February 6, 2003. The Herald, 08/02/03
This poll would give the Scottish Socialist Party 5 MSP's in the Scottish Parliament.
LABOUR'S popularity in Scotland is collapsing because of Tony Blair's tough line on Iraq, according to an opinion poll conducted exclusively for The Herald. NFO System Three found nationwide hostility to a war against Saddam Hussein without clear UN backing - and a sudden eight-point drop in support for Labour in the latest monthly opinion poll. Such a showing in the Scottish elections in May would make it mathematically possible for the SNP and Liberal Democrats to oust Labour from government and form a coalition with minority party backing.
...According to System Three, only 13% of Scots voters agree that Britain should take part in a war against Iraq regardless of whether the UN supports military action. A further 27% said Britain should not take part in military action under any circumstances. The only comfort for Labour and Mr Blair is the finding that 57% agree that Britain should take part in military action if it is supported by a UN security resolution. The corrosive effect electorally of such resistance to Mr Blair's hard line was revealed in System Three's monthly poll across Scotland, where Labour has dropped from being 10 points ahead of the SNP in the constituencies to only one in the space of a month.
NFO System 3 This poll was taken among 1009 people in 51 constituencies between January 30 and February 6, 2003. The Herald, 08/02/03
This poll would give the Scottish Socialist Party 5 MSP's in the Scottish Parliament.
| Holyrood Poll 1st Vote | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Vote Now | % Change | |
| Scottish Labour Party | 32% | -8% | |
| Scottish National Party | 31% | +1% | |
| Scottish Liberal Democrats | 16% | +3% | |
| Scottish Socialist Party | 5% | +1% | |
| Scottish Green Party | 3% | +1% | |
| Others | 2% | +1% |
| Holyrood Poll 2nd Vote | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Vote Now | % Change | |
| Scottish Labour Party | 28% | -1% | |
| Scottish National Party | 28% | -3% | |
| Scottish Liberal Democrats | 17% | +2% | |
| Scottish Conservative | 10% | No Change | |
| Scottish Socialist Party | 7% | + No Change | |
| Scottish Green Party | 6% | +1% | |
| Others | 4% | +1% |
Saturday, February 08, 2003
Labour support dips, poll
Support for Scottish Labour has dipped, according to the latest System Three poll for The Herald.
The statistics, compiled over the past two weeks, showed Labour support on 32% for the constituency vote, down from 40% the previous month, with the SNP up 1% to 31%.
The Liberal Democrats' support rose by 3% on the constituency vote to 16%, and by 2% to 17% on the list vote.
The Tories, Scottish Socialists and Greens all registered 1% gains on the constituency vote, with the Greens also gaining a point on the list vote.
The poll questioned 1,009 people in 51 constituencies. BBC News Online
Support for Scottish Labour has dipped, according to the latest System Three poll for The Herald.
The statistics, compiled over the past two weeks, showed Labour support on 32% for the constituency vote, down from 40% the previous month, with the SNP up 1% to 31%.
The Liberal Democrats' support rose by 3% on the constituency vote to 16%, and by 2% to 17% on the list vote.
The Tories, Scottish Socialists and Greens all registered 1% gains on the constituency vote, with the Greens also gaining a point on the list vote.
The poll questioned 1,009 people in 51 constituencies. BBC News Online
Angry protesters ambush BNP bid
THE British National Party was forced to launch its Scottish Parliament election campaign in a Lothians lay-by after protesters ambushed a press conference at a nearby hotel.
Colin Fox, the Scottish Socialist Party’s Edinburgh organiser, accused the BNP of using Bathgate as a venue in a bid to exploit any sectarian activism in the area.
"I think they’re trying to latch on to the sectarian angle. I think they think they can get some support here, which is complete rubbish." Edinburgh Evening News
THE British National Party was forced to launch its Scottish Parliament election campaign in a Lothians lay-by after protesters ambushed a press conference at a nearby hotel.
Colin Fox, the Scottish Socialist Party’s Edinburgh organiser, accused the BNP of using Bathgate as a venue in a bid to exploit any sectarian activism in the area.
"I think they’re trying to latch on to the sectarian angle. I think they think they can get some support here, which is complete rubbish." Edinburgh Evening News
Friday, February 07, 2003
Sacked researcher 'not a mole for SSP'
THE Scottish Socialists denied yesterday that an SNP researcher had worked for them as a "mole" in the Scottish Parliament.
Mary Spowart, who worked for Kenny MacAskill and Tricia Marwick, two front bench SNP MSPs, was fired after allegedly passing documents to the SSP.
Hugh Kerr, the SSP press officer, denied Ms Spowart had been working as a mole and sending the SSP confidential e-mails and documents. "That's ridiculous," he said, "because we are not interested in what the SNP are up to." The Herald
THE Scottish Socialists denied yesterday that an SNP researcher had worked for them as a "mole" in the Scottish Parliament.
Mary Spowart, who worked for Kenny MacAskill and Tricia Marwick, two front bench SNP MSPs, was fired after allegedly passing documents to the SSP.
Hugh Kerr, the SSP press officer, denied Ms Spowart had been working as a mole and sending the SSP confidential e-mails and documents. "That's ridiculous," he said, "because we are not interested in what the SNP are up to." The Herald
Thursday, February 06, 2003
SNP sacks researcher over leak claims
AN SNP researcher has been sacked and barred from the parliament headquarters for allegedly leaking sensitive information to the rival Scottish Socialist Party, it emerged last night.
A source in the SSP, led by the MSP, Tommy Sheridan, denied it had received any information from the SNP, adding: "We are not in any case interested in what the SNP is up to. It is a different party." The Scotsman
AN SNP researcher has been sacked and barred from the parliament headquarters for allegedly leaking sensitive information to the rival Scottish Socialist Party, it emerged last night.
A source in the SSP, led by the MSP, Tommy Sheridan, denied it had received any information from the SNP, adding: "We are not in any case interested in what the SNP is up to. It is a different party." The Scotsman
Wednesday, February 05, 2003
Privatisation threatens postal jobs
CWU spokesman Derek Durkin said: "All political parties in the Scottish Parliament support a publicly owned postal sytem.
"So it would be very ironic for them to opt for a private internal mail system and we would obviously arch against that." BBC Online News
CWU spokesman Derek Durkin said: "All political parties in the Scottish Parliament support a publicly owned postal sytem.
"So it would be very ironic for them to opt for a private internal mail system and we would obviously arch against that." BBC Online News
Fire union switches allegiance to SSP
"Hugh Kerr, the SSP’s press spokesman, claimed between 40 and 50 FBU members had joined the party since the strike began, and many more had deliberately cancelled the individual levy paid by union members to the Labour Party, diverting the money to the SSP instead." The Scotsman
"Hugh Kerr, the SSP’s press spokesman, claimed between 40 and 50 FBU members had joined the party since the strike began, and many more had deliberately cancelled the individual levy paid by union members to the Labour Party, diverting the money to the SSP instead." The Scotsman
Saturday, February 01, 2003
FBU Demo in Glasgow
Thousands of FBU members were joined by supporters in a march through Glasgow today. The Scottish Socialist Party brought hundreds of supporters to the march and SSP leader Tommy Sheridan addressed the march before it set off. At George Square Scottish FBU leaders pledged that they would remember which politicians had supported them, and which had attacked them. They singled out Tommy Sheridan of the SSP for praise. FBU leader Andy Gilchrist said that the strikes were solid, had public support and that they were fully prepared to continue to fight for fair pay and against the cuts of the Bain report.
More Pictures: 1 2 3 4 5
Thousands of FBU members were joined by supporters in a march through Glasgow today. The Scottish Socialist Party brought hundreds of supporters to the march and SSP leader Tommy Sheridan addressed the march before it set off. At George Square Scottish FBU leaders pledged that they would remember which politicians had supported them, and which had attacked them. They singled out Tommy Sheridan of the SSP for praise. FBU leader Andy Gilchrist said that the strikes were solid, had public support and that they were fully prepared to continue to fight for fair pay and against the cuts of the Bain report.
More Pictures: 1 2 3 4 5
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