Features

Building local groups: experience from Croydon

24th July 2012

Paul Clark, Co-ordinator of the new Croydon LRC, writes about why he organised last week’s launch meeting

The Labour Representation Committee public meeting at Ruskin House, Croydon was I thought the natural step forward to developing an LRC group in Croydon that will take forward the principles that will bring socialism and power to the local people both in Croydon as well as on a national level.

The austerity measures have resulted in a wider wealth divide with the very richest (the minority) getting richer while the working man and woman have had to bear the brunt of the recession.

The LRC can help local people to have a collective voice and influence and inspire others to rise up and make change at a local level.

Naturally direct action is the most effective form of defence when rhetoric and reasoned argument have not achieved change.

During the Thatcher years I was involved in the anti-poll tax campaign which helped bring down one of the most unpopular governments in history.

I believe direct action can help save our local communities from complete destruction. St Heliers Hospital risks losing its A&E and maternity units at a time when the most needy in our society need and rely on access to local healthcare services and our nurses need our support to be heard.

The 1980s moulded my political beliefs that capitalism will never work for the ordinary man and woman. Socialism is the only answer, and to build local LRC groups is the first way forward in empowering local people to make a stand and say ‘No, we will not just roll over and take whatever you say for granted’.

I believe Croydon will benefit from a local LRC group and, working together with other local London LRC groups, the people of Croydon will never again be overlooked by an out-of-touch Tory council.

Read a report of the Croydon LRC launch meeting via Inside Croydon