Hello comrades,

I had the pleasure of spending two days with the Plymouth branch of The Socialist Party formerly Militant. It was notably hectic with enthusiasm, which is a given with the general election around the corner. We started with laptops out, a large board for scribbling an action plan, and a table covered with maps showing districts around Plymouth, highlighted to mark areas that have been visited. We spoke about the campaign at length. I spent time with TUSC candidate Alix Moore, an ex-Militant member, now Socialist Party member. Alix and I went door to door speaking with locals—all very lovely and fed-up people due to the current political climate. Concerns around the NHS, schooling, stagnating wages, and sky-high rent were prevalent, and these are all issues TUSC aims to address with rent caps, a £15 minimum wage, and restructuring and funding of public services, to mention a few.

Alix and I busily made our way to a union conference where we listened intently to the issues of our rail workers. Alix then gave a great speech and gained the support of the union. We had a cheeky beer before heading off to the Plymouth branch members’ meeting held at a lovely live music bar in an industrial corner of Plymouth. The branch Secretary gave a heartfelt speech about UK housing and how it’s failing us—which it is.

The next day, I woke up at the home of a very kind-hearted comrade who had given me his sofa for the night, where I slept off the bustling of the previous day. But that wasn’t the end. We set off to Exeter at 11 to set up a stand to sell our papers and speak with shoppers and workers alike. Though there for only an hour, we had very insightful chats with Exeter’s residents and received kind-hearted donations.

The working class of the South West is crying out for an alternative to the current situation and what lies ahead after the election. I sincerely ask that my comrades stand up, join the fight, and be active members of your branch and the wider party. This is what mobilization is about and this is our fight!

In solidarity,

Squid.