Workers Party of Britain | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | WPB |
| Leader | George Galloway |
| Founded | 7 December, 2019 |
| Membership (2021) | 5877 |
| Political orientation | Socialist Anti-imperialist |
| Website | |
| https://workerspartybritain.org/ | |
 Twitter | @https://twitter.com/WorkersPartyGB |
 YouTube channel | https://www.youtube.com/c/WorkersPartyofBritain |
 Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WorkersPartyGB |
 Instagram | @https://www.instagram.com/workerspartygb/ |
The Workers Party of Britain (WPB) is a reactionary socialist political party which is "economically radical with an independent foreign policy". Established in 2019 by George Galloway, it aims to provide inspiration to the millions of voters left politically homeless in the aftermath of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party defeat at the 2019 general election.
The WPB believes in the importance of a planned economy. While not being a communist organisation, it critically supports "all those countries that have attempted to break free of imperialist domination", and "defend[s] the achievements of the USSR, China, Cuba etc". The party was formed in collaboration with the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist) (CPGB-ML), with Joti Brar as the Deputy Leader.[1]
History
2024 Rochdale bi-election
On 29 February 2024, WPB leader, Galloway stood as a candidate in the Rochdale bi-election and won the seat with 12,335 votes (39.7%) giving him a 5,697-vote majority. Comparatively 2nd place, a businessman running as an independent, earned 21.3%, whilst the Conservatives got only 12% and Labour 7%.[2] Galloway's victory was celebrated by the Communist Party of Britain (CPB)[3] as well as the CPGB-ML.[4]
In his campaign for the bi-election Galloway sent two different letters to constituents depending on whether the household was Muslim or White. The letter sent to white people contained transphobia, British nationalism, an islamophobic dog whistle by referring to grooming gangs, and a claim to support small businesses whilst wanting Primark to join his open-air market project. The letter to Muslim households, however, capitalised on Labour's refusal to support Palestine against the Zionist Entity, and pandered to the Muslim community by supporting the Palestinian resistance.[5]
Ten-point programme
- An end to imperialist wars and financial domination, starting with withdrawal from NATO.
- Rebuild British industry and abolish the anti-worker ‘rationalisation’ that puts profits ahead of people to provide useful, secure jobs for all in decent conditions, with living wages, paid holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, etc.
- Decent, cheap, secure housing for all.
- High-quality, free pre-school childcare and education, followed by high-quality, free, lifelong education and vocational training.
- Free and comprehensive healthcare with no waiting lists, accompanied by easy access to cheap and nutritious food.
- Public, high quality laundries, crèches and dining facilities that enable women to take part in work and public life without prejudice or physical barriers.
- High-quality, free provision of all necessary support services for the disabled, as well as the elderly. Full state support to enable families to look after their elderly, with nursing homes and sheltered accommodation for those in need of it, so that all workers are able to live full, dignified and meaningful lives.
- Universal access to a cheap or free fully-integrated public transport system and all essential amenities: water, sanitation, heating, electricity, post, telephone, internet.
- Open and easy access to all forms of culture and the media.
- A government that prioritises giving resources to the solving of urgent problems such as the need to live sustainably and protect our natural environment, putting science at the service of the people.
References
- ↑ Worker's Party Britain. "Introducing the Workers Party" Worker's Party Britain. Archived from the original on 2019-12-14. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
- ↑ Josh Halliday and Aneesa Ahmed (2024-03-01). "‘This is for Gaza’: George Galloway sweeps to victory in Rochdale byelection" The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2024-03-01.
- ↑ Communist Party of Britain (2024-03-01). "The Communist Party’s General Secretary, Comrade Robert Griffiths, responded to the impact of George Galloway’s victory in the Rochdale by election last night:" Archived from the original on 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
- ↑ CPGB-ML (2024-03-01). "Collapsing support for Labour, Tory and Liberal as George Galloway wins the Rochdale by-election." Archived from the original on 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
- ↑ @crowndefensx (2024-02-29). "GEORGE GALLOWAY HAS DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN LETTERS FOR WHITE AND MUSLIM HOUSEHOLDS IN ROCHDALE" Archived from the original on 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
