Britain has been in economic decline since its empire started to collapse in the early 20th century. During the Second World War the country amassed debts in excess of £21 billion and by 1947 this had risen to 238 per cent of GDP. A lack of investment has since led to the collapse of British industry. What had once been the workshop of the world saw factory after factory close, being unable to compete with the research, innovation and automation in Japan and West Germany as their advanced, top quality and affordable products became widely available. Britain's position was made much worse when Margaret Thatcher sold off the family silver by disposing of valuable public assets. Today our national debt has increased rapidly since the 2008 financial crisis and under the impact of COVID 19 to reach £2,725 billion equivalent to 106 per cent of GDP.
Britain faces a serious economic crisis following years of decline. The situation has been made more acute by a, number of important factors. Firstly, capitalism in its ultimate form, State Monopoly Capitalism, has reached the end of the road being unable to deal with the irreconcilable contradictions that arise between the productive forces and obsolete production relations leading to boom and bust. Secondly, the sheer incompetence of successive British governments, like many of their Western counterparts, who continue to double down with failed policies such as increasing military spending which accelerate the collapse. We can be sure of one thing. Every effort will continue to be made to ensure that the full burden of the crisis is placed firmly upon the shoulders of ordinary working people. The familiar capitalist situation of the poor being forced into poverty while the rich are laughing all the way to their tax havens will, they hope, prevail.
The time is long overdue for the working class to make ready for its historical task and prepare a counter attack with the aim of the overthrow of capitalism and it's replacement with socialism. However we need to examine both our own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of the ruling class. The capitalists have the money, the total backing of the mass media to brainwash the public and the full resources of the state apparatus. The workers, on the other hand, are many. The urgent need now is to inspire and educate the masses so to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and desire to take part in the class struggle for a better life.
Constant propaganda by the media, assisted willingly by the fake left, has sought to confuse and mislead working people into an acceptance that capitalism is the normal and natural democratic system and they can do nothing to make any radical changes. All the problems are blamed upon others. Vulnerable immigrants, People's China, lazy workers and of course Vladimir Putin are all in the frame.
Central to developing an effective offensive is increased readership of the New Worker, particularly in its on-line format to reach the new younger generation. This could be supported an updated Web page and possibly with a video website established on Rumble for rapid response to events. An extended range of leaflets and pamphlets are also needed. The NCP will develop its involvement in joint campaigns with other progressive groups but all of this requires a regular supply of money which we rely on our generous supporters to provide.
The origins of the British labour movement can be traced back to the days of the Industrial Revolution. Trade unions were formed, trades councils were established and the cooperative movement grew rapidly. Its own political party, the Labour Party, was formed in 1900. Sadly the movement today is not a shadow of it's former self. Only 22 per cent of workers now belong to a union with membership falling from 13 million in 1979 to under 6.44 million today. Many co-ops have disappeared from the scene. A major weakness of the trade union movement is the apparent indifference of some right-wing leaderships, who would rather have a quiet life than fighting for their members interests. With on-line contact replacing traditional meetings in the Labour hall there is less opportunity for them to be openly challenged. As for the Labour Party its policies have become almost indistinguishable from that of the Tories with continued austerity and a commitment to supporting US imperialism in its many acts of aggression.
However we cannot dismiss the labour movement which was set up to fight the same evils we face today. To do so would be to put the clock back 200 years. It is important to continue to give workers our full support at grass-roots levels with publicity and encouragement as they fight for improved wages and conditions. It is also vital to persuade more workers to join a union and in doing so strengthen the hand of progressives within their ranks. In regard to the Labour Party just voting Labour to get rid of the unspeakable Tories is not enough. It is only the start of a fightback to put strong pressure on the Labour Party, via your MP for action on a range of issues. Challenge them about more funds for the NHS, urge them to oppose the genocide in Palestine and fascism in Ukraine, insist that public services are restored, demand full public ownership of utilities and make sure they work for peace and oppose racism. We should expose the dubious process by which right-wing careerists, with little affinity to working class people, are parachuted in by head office at the expense of local nominations.
New and additional ways to struggle must be found. If the working class were to become united there would be no way of stopping them. Many different small left-wing political parties and progressive organisations exist in Britain today. It is only natural that they may have different ideas, priorities and objectives but just imagine what they could achieve if they all pulled together. A coalition based upon consensus would have a collective voice that could not be ignored. In the past such attempts have failed because some of those involved have their own sectarian interests, others have had a hidden agenda to dominate and control while yet others of the fake left have sought to sabotage it's work. The individual identities of all groups could be preserved. In the case of the NCP it has a unique role of being part of the international communist movement. For any new Left coalition to be successful it would require a wise and experienced leadership
We have reached a watershed in British politics as extreme right-wing forces seek to capitalise on the unpopularity of both main political parties. A threat of fascism exists in Britain today as strong irrational feelings are stirred up that produce race hatred and fear. Every nation will have it's own laws and requirements in relation to both immigration and emigration depending on social relations, economic status or resource availability. When a desperate mother staggers from a small boat holding a crying starving young child only a fascist would push her back to drown. We should give them a hug, dry their tears and let them know that they are safe at last. Suffer little children to come unto me. The tragedy is almost certainly caused as a direct result of some imperialist inspired war that has destroyed their country, their homes and all the friends they once knew.
A new left movement has to emerge that is bold and principled, equipped with a strategy for positive change. Not to challenge the traditional labour movement but work to strengthen its effectiveness. Capitalism has had its day and Social Democracy is a non starter. I believe that the NCP must grow and offer to play a vanguard role in terms of political direction. In the final analysis our prime objective would be to make fundamental changes to society on the basis of Marxism Leninism. Power must be won for the working people away from the bankers, major corporations and neo-cons so that we may all chose their own destiny.
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