No wonder the Sussex Labour Representation Committee (LRC) now holds the record for the fastest-selling event in the Fringe; guest speaker Tony Benn has that effect on people.
For all his 87 years, Benn is a rare role-model in these times, and is as inspiring and principled a “real” socialist as ever. No doubt many at this well-organised meeting wanted him to provide much-needed wise answers to our economic and political crises.
Attendees from a range of organisations including the Green Party raised issues such as representation, peace, opportunities for young people and people with disability or special needs, “social cleansing”, housing and sustainable growth.
John McDonnell MP and Chavs author Owen Jones both waxed eloquently about these issues and more: education, NHS and the restrictions on trade unions. That we are faced with trying to save the very rights and opportunities created for working people in Benn’s time, coming out of the 1930s recession, puts Benn’s not uncommon references to looking to history for answers into a jaded context.
A common theme was “unity”. Change will not be brought about by fragmented groups which cannot work together; we need to fight together, united, “to win”, said Jones, ironically indicating the cataclysmic divide.
Although the hall was jam-packed, young people who grew up under Thatcher and show no interest in politics were prominent for their absence. Yet our country needs them. The LRC is programming events aimed at young people. But it couldn’t be clearer that, so far, the answer to our problems remains elusive.
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