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SEA Programme - Policing the Police

The mind-numbing workerism of the SEA programme makes it appear if the debate between gas and water municipal socialism of unionist socialist William Walker and the revolutionary politics of James Connolly at the turn of the 20th century had never taken place.  Of special note is their promise to police the RUC - an item of their programme that puts them to the right of the capitalist SDLP.

Declaration of the new Socialist Environmental Alliance launched in
Belfast and Derry by the SWP.

The Socialist Environmental Alliance is a new initiative in Belfast politics, which aims to challenge the pro-business line of the nationalist and unionist parties that dominate the City Council.

For too long, the interests of multinational companies have been put above the interests of Belfast workers and of the local environment.

We demand that the issues that affect the lives of the people of Belfast be put at the top of the agenda. Northern Ireland is currently seen as a soft touch for companies who don’t want to pay their workers a decent wage.

One of our priorities will be to campaign on the ground for a living wage of £7.40 (the European decency threshold). There is a severe lack of affordable housing in Belfast.

We will demand that money be allocated to build decent public housing. We will also demand extra levels of funding for public transport, so that people can opt for a greener way to travel.

At all times, we will be a voice for the rights and interests of all working people instead of the demands of big business.

MORE MONEY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

FOR A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

  • Also more recycling depots throughout the city
PUBLIC SERVICES IN PUBLIC HANDS – AN END TO ALL PFI SCHEMES
 
  • We will support and mobilise workers and the community against any new sell-offs of council jobs, water services, or the Housing Executive.
  • We will also oppose all schemes to hand over schools and hospitals to the public sector under PFI schemes.
OUR JOB AS COUNCILLORS WILL BE TO POLICE THE POLICE.
  • Defend the people against abuses by police forces, either state or ‘community’. No to RUC bullying and belligerence. No to punishment beatings and paramilitary exclusions.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE ALLOCATION OF PLANNING PERMISSION
  • An end to the current system of vast over development of some residential areas.
INCREASE MONEY SPENT ON YOUTH FACILITIES AND SERVICES
  • A massive expansion of facilities for young people and opposition to the threatened withdrawal of funding for current projects.
FOR A £7.40 A HOUR MINIMUM WAGE with no exclusion of young people.

FULL TRADE UNION RIGHTS to be a condition for welcoming new jobs.

FOR A NEW LOCAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY, geared to the needs of the mass of the people, not big business.

FOR GENUINE LOCAL DEMOCRACY

  • Publish the minutes of all meetings involving elected representatives.
SAVE THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE. Cut waiting lists by increased spending on health, more doctors, nurses, midwives, speech therapists etc.

FREE AND EQUAL ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL. End student fees, restore grants. Abolish the 11 plus, end selection.

 

 


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