Reject the election trap, prepare for struggle!

Workers looking for real change will not find it from the coming general election. On 5 July, whatever result we wake up to, the tasks for our class will still be the same. Workers have nothing to gain from a change of party in government.

The working class is the only force for progress. All it has to do is accept that challenge.

And change is needed. Britain needs independence, peace, unity of nation, jobs, industry, food, energy, transport, houses, health, education, culture and more.

We don’t need war, division between workers, mass immigration, run down of industry, agriculture and public services, destruction of the natural environment, export of jobs and sale of businesses abroad – or a return to the EU.

‘All parties support war abroad and oppression of workers at home.’

All electoral parties support war abroad and oppression of workers at home. All support mass immigration and the break-up of Britain.

They talk progress and change, but their policies amount to more of the same. Voting only lends authority for their anti-working class policies.

And since they have nothing to offer, parliamentary politicians resort to distortion and distraction. Trivial issues are elevated over substantive ones. Debate is constrained and discussion limited.

Division

Individualism is all and collective action demonised. Any division is hailed as good and celebrated – except that between workers and capitalists.

Workers may think about a vote against separatism. But the Scottish National Party is mortally wounded already. And the Labour Party in Wales wants more power for devolved assemblies – as it does in England and Scotland too.

One people

We are one British people, with common problems: we need a common response to them.

But Parliament does not run the economy, financial markets do. Politicians are powerless to make the changes Britain needs.

World to win

Workers cannot afford to believe that they are also powerless, to mirror the cynicism of their would-be rulers. The working class has a world to win, starting with putting its own house in order.

‘It’s time for a workers’ manifesto.’

We know what is needed, in every industry, in every town and city. It’s time for a true workers’ manifesto – setting out what Britain needs and how to go about it.

Never mind who sits where in Westminster, we need to prepare for struggle! Wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself. It’s up to us.

• This editorial is superseded by an extended version in the July/August edition of Workers