Salford Left Forum

Job Cut’s Demo

2009-02-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

On the 5th of February Salford University was rocked by one of the loudest and best attended demonstrations in the recent history of the university. It took place in support of Salford University Defend Education (S.U.D.E) campaign, which was started to prevent the proposed job cuts at the university. Staff, students and sympathetic members of the community gathered outside Maxwell house on the main campus and staged a mock funeral, complete with coffin, to represent the “death” of Salford University and free public education. Over 200 people marched through the heart of Salford in a not-so-sombre funeral procession, with the coffin bleakly in tow, and vented their frustration over the redundancies taking place under “Project Headroom” outside the The Old Fire House. Despite the freezing temperatures, the throng of people made their presence felt with chants, drumming and a series of speakers condemning the job cuts well into the evening.

As part of Project Headroom, the University plans to axe 150 jobs in 3 phases to create “financial headroom” to compensate for it’s £40 million investment in MediaCity, as well as other sound investments, such as an executive wet-room for the senior management and the vice-chancellors rent free mansion Bouden. They have also threatened to close down a popular course, Traditional Chinese Medicine, despite the fact it remains a profit-making course which is highly regarded by both students and industry.

The Salford Left Forum, along with S.U.D.E, firmly rejects the job cuts and believes that the university would find the financial headroom it is looking for by spending wisely, rather than through redundancies. People should not be made to pay with their jobs to compensate for the financial incompetence of their bosses.

You can watch the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEKh0zhu1H0

Community projects

2009-02-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Contact details for neighbourhood forums and community groups in Salford.

Neighbourhood Forums in Salford, go along and get involved in the running of the local community. These meetings are generally held once a month, email your council neighbourhood manager to find out where and when:

· Langworthy and neighbourhood Forum

Odsall neighbourhood Building

Contact: Jeanette Coward

e: jeanettec@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 877 7527

· East Salford (Broughton, Irwell Riverside, Kersel

Contact: Paula Booth

e: paula.booth@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 708 9455

· Claremont, Weaste, and Seedley.

Contact: Lesley Bates

e: lesley.bates@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 789 4081

· Swinton

Contact: Catherine Walker

e: catherine.walker@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 607 1961

· Little Hulton and Walkden

Contact: Susan Barry

e: susan.barry@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 779 8071

· Worsley and Boothtown

Contact: Louise Everall
e: louise.everall@salford.gov.uk#
t: 0161 790 4562

· Irlam and Cadishead

Contact: Sue Ness

e: sue.ness@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 606 6786

· Eccles

Contact: Jackie Matthews

e: jackie.matthews@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 603 4290

Community groups in Salford with volunteering opportunities. Give them a ring or an email, see what help they need, and get involved! Giving up as little as an hour or two per month on a regular basis would be massively appreciated.

Community groups in and around Salford:

· Salford Communities Online

http://www.colsal.org.uk

· Ordsall Community Café

0161 872 6011

http://www.occ.colsal.org.uk

· Seedley and Langworthy Trust

0161 737 9918

www.seedleytrust.co.uk

· Salford Lads Club

0161 872 3767

www.salfordladsclubs.org.uk

· Salford Star

07957 982960

www.salfordstar.com

· Swinton and Pendlebury Local History Society

http://www.splhs.colsal.org.uk

· Memories of Eccles (Local History)

http://www.ecclesmemories.colsal.org.uk

· Local History Society based in Salford City Council

http://www.salfordlocalhistorysociety.colsal.org.uk

· Eccles Heritage Group

http://www.ecclesheritage.colsal.org.uk

· Memories and photographs of Little Hulton shared online

http://www.littlehultonmemories.colsal.org.uk

· Moorside South Residents Association

http://www.msra.colsal.org.uk

· YAM - Youth Arts and Music

http://www.yam.colsal.org.uk

· Acorn Centre for Sport and Arts

http://www.acorncentre.colsal.org.uk

· Swinton Recorded Music Group

http://www.srmg.colsal.org.uk

· Volunteers who transport sick children to appointments

http://www.transportforsickchildren.colsal.org.uk

· Claremont Community Association

http://www.claremontcommunityassociation.colsal.org.uk

· Charlestown and Lower Kersal History Group

http://www.chalkhistory.colsal.org.uk/

· Walkden Local History Group

http://www.walkdenlocalhistory.colsal.org.uk/

· The Angel Healthy Living Centre

0161 833 0495

www.salfordangel.org.uk

Salford Left Forum and the Campaign for Free Public Transport

2009-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Salford Left Forum actively supports the Greater Manchester Campaign for Free Public Transport. The CfFPT got off to a running start in the autumn of 2008. Since then the group has had several meetings (you can find the group at the Friends Meeting House every 3rd Thursday at the month, between 7.15-9.15pm), have held well attended demos in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, and Sale town centre, as well as petitioning in Piccadilly Gardens every Wednesday. They are currently preparing for a major debate on the future of transport policy in Greater Manchester, at the Mechanics Institute, Princess Street, Manchester on Thursday the 26th of March at 7.30pm. Come along and support the fight for equal access to transport.

Check out the website: http://www.freepublictransport.org.uk/

Salford Left Forum Meeting 3

2009-02-08T13:49:00.002-08:00

SWP Veteran and marxist academic Colin Barker spoke about the relationship between students and workers in the left wing struggle. Colin’s words were echoed by the actions of our members, a number have helped out or made bridges with community groups in the area, many of whom were students.

In the light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the reaction of solidarity that has occurred all over the country, the Salford Left Forum decided to launch its own campaign of support with other community groups in the area. A series of talks and fundraisers were agreed on for the Salford area.

Plans were hatched on how the Salford Left Forum could support the SUDE campaign. Gary Duke again informed SLF of the situation at Salford University

Convention of the Left (recall day)

2009-02-08T13:49:00.001-08:00

After being inspired by the COTL back in September, we came back in January to influence it. We believe that our brand of regional representation has been very successful. We believe this is the future for mobilising the left in Britain and for the COTL. A motion was passed along the lines of encouraging cross party regional representation groups like SLF.

Also SLF Chair Alex Halligan was voted to the Steering Committee of the COTL. This means that resources and support can be channelled in the direction of the SLF. Also this means that our idea of productive left unity can be replicated and encouraged around the country.

Free University

2009-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

To combat tuition fees and offer education to people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, a Free University will be set up in Salford.

Members of the Salford Left Forum will be helping out a as well as top left wing academics from around the country. As well as these contributors, various guest speakers, such as Trade Union figures and community leaders, will teach.

We aim to hold 2-3 lessons a week on topics ranging from Community Issues (like knowing your rights with the police) to Political Theory. Were going to try and make the classes varied.

Volunteers and speakers are very welcome. If you would like to get involved or receive lessons email: vollunteer@hotmail.co.uk

Bratsis Backs Left Forum

2009-02-08T13:47:00.002-08:00

Maverick philosopher and seasoned academic has come out in support of the Salford Left Forum. Peter Bratsis, formerly of London School of Economics and City University of New York, currently teaches in Salford.

Peter is considered an intellectual heavyweight and has actively participated in the meetings and events. He has committed himself to assisting and teaching at a Free University project which is to be based in Salford.

Salford Left Forum Meeting 2

2009-02-08T13:47:00.001-08:00

Labour Representation Committee Vice Chair Susan Press spoke at the meeting about bridging the gap between Labour and the wider left.

A Salford Lecturer (Gary Duke) came to speak to the group about the imminent job cuts at Salford university. The group enjoys the participation of several staff and students from Salford University. Many participants expressed anger at the 150 jobs to be lost at Salford University. The SLF decided to back the campaign Salford University Defend Education (SUDE), which was started by affected staff and students.

Rousing speeches were given by life long activists about their experiences in the movement, which was very productive for younger members. A Free University was decided upon. We realised that there is a need for wider awareness in the community and that it could be provided. Peter Bratsis, maverick pedagogue, was particularly vocal on the subject that inspired the rest of the group.

A motion was passed to stand a Candidate for the Steering Committee of COTL. There was a consensus that we seem to be one of the most active groups inspired by the COTL .

Statement of Intent

2009-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

#
The Salford Left Forum was inspired by the Convention of the Left. It aim is to provide a non-partisan and informal forum where people from a broad range of socialist organisations and our persuasions can meet to discuss co-operation on campaigns. It is not a political party. It is open not only to members of groups but to any socialist. This includes the people/workers of Salford, students/staff of Salford University and fellow travellers.

The socialist cause in Britain has suffered to much from fractionalism and sectarianism. In creating this forum we hope to create a spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding which can address this problem.

The Organisation is democratic and open to all who feel they have something to contribute. By working in this manner, the forum can lend significant support to causes that are needed to improve the lives of working people in Salford. It is more than just a talking shop, it is a necessary step in creating a stronger community and advocating the causes of socialism, justice and human dignity.

The Salford Left Forum aims to provide a programme of campaign, debate, action and education for the members of Salford left forum. The group offers a platform of representation and solidarity for the people of Salford

Salford Left Forum Meeting 1

2009-02-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

The first meeting of the SLF went off with a bang and was hailed a success by all who attended. The meeting was very cohesive and s mix of political parties were represented.

An election was held for positions in the group.

Alex Halligan - Chair
Robert Taylor - Secretary
Karim Shield - Treasurer
Robert Sewell - Publicity Secretary

An agreement was come to that our ideology should be remain broad and that it will develop pragmatically over time.

A range of ideas were suggested on what the group should campaign around, such as community, education, transport, defence of jobs, international issues etc.

Salford Left Forum to hold Public Meet

2008-11-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

By Stuart Owen

An array of important political figures such as George Galloway have given their backing to the freshly formed University-based left wing political organisation ‘Salford Left Forum’.

Wednesday 19th November will see their inaugural public meeting take place and they are in the business of recruiting any like-minded thinkers to join them.

Salford Left Forum (SLF) are a group comprised of varied supporters, from left wing Labour MP’s to the Communist Party of Great Britain, and have emerged under the inspiration of the recent event, ‘The Convention Of The Left’ which was held in Manchester in September.

Their members have convened in order to endorse a programme of left-wing action and campaigning, and are urging anyone with similar political views to join them on Wednesday to either have their say or simply listen.

Other important British political figures that have shown their support to SLF include:
● John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington. Chair of the Labour Representation Committee.
McDonnell stood unsuccessfully against Gordon Brown for the post of Labour Party leader following Tony Blair's resignation as the party leader.

● Tony Benn, Labour MP from 1950 - 2001.
Held numerous cabinet positions and was formerly 2nd Viscount Stansgate. Benn is a British socialist politician and the current President of the ‘Stop The War Coalition’.

A quote from the SLF website outlines the aims and ambitions of the group:
‘Our aim is to encompass all left wing groups from the Labour Party to the Communist Party of Great Britain. The only way the left can find a platform is to stand together united. All we ask is that you get involved.’

A spokesperson for the group said:
“When the Labour Party conference was on in Manchester, all the other left-wing parties and groups in Britain got together and held the ‘convention of the left’.

"Basically, from that it was decided that we would set up groups in each university and area which participated in order to get more people involved, campaigns, more demos etc. The Salford Left Forum came from this.

SLF’s first meeting will be staged at the Crescent pub, facing the University’s Maxwell building, and will run between 7-9pm on Wednesday 19th November. Anybody who would like to be involved or are interested in what they may have to say is welcome to attend the event.

For more info on the group e-mail your enquiries to vollunteer@hotmail.co.uk or follow the link below.

this article was is available at http://www.salfordonline.com/localnews.php?func=viewdetails&vdetails=9455

the salford online newspaper

We are hoping to have it printed in the Student Paper or the Salford advertiser some time soon.

A big thanks to Top Hack Stuart Owen.

Protest at Northern Rock

2008-11-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

On Halloween, Members of the Salford Left Forum and other left wing Activists challenged the Ghosts and Ghouls of the banking world outside Northern Rock, Manchester.

We were protesting at the injustices of a nationalised bank, paid for out of the public purse, actively increasing home repossessions. Since the take over northern rock as flown up the charts to the giddy heights of most ruthless bank in Britain.

Let this be a lesson to all Socialists…Nationalisation does not always mean Socialism…

Salford Left Ready For The Kick Off

2008-10-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

The credit crunch is biting hard. We the people are feeling the worst of it. Houses are being repossessed. Rent rates are rising. Fuel and food prices are eating up our wages. Times are hard. All the Groups, Parties and Organisations of the Left should stand up together and try and make a difference. There is not enough time for the resentments of the past. We can’t go on if we don’t work together. The Tories are banging on the door of number 10. Can the Left cope with another Conservative Regime?

This is where The Convention Of The Left has stepped in. inviting all the left wing Groups to get involved in a debate on the future of the Movement. We came to the conclusion that yet another left Party isn’t the answer. Debate, representation, solidarity and direct action certainly are. Initiatives’ many on the Left would find hard to criticise. This is what the Convention Team stand for. Already there is a growing list of Campaigns affiliated.

African Liberation Support Campaign, Alliance for Green Socialism, Alliance for Workers Liberty, A World to Win, Campaign for a New Workers’ Party, Communist Students, Communist Party of Britain, Communist Party of Great Britain, Education for Tomorrow, European Left Party Network, Faith and Justice Commission, Greater Manchester Associations of Trades Councils, Greater Manchester Respect, Green Left, Labour Briefing, Labour Representation Committee, Left Alternative, Left Economics Advisory Panel (LEAP), Left Women's Network, Liverpool Trades Council, Manchester Green Party, Manchester No Borders, Manchester TUC, Morning Star, National assembly of Women, Newrad Communist Collective, North West Shop Stewards Network, Permanent Revolution, Red Pepper, Respect, Revolution - Socialist youth movement, Scottish Left Review, Scottish Socialist Party,
Socialist Alliance, Socialist Resistance, Socialist Workers Party, Solidarity: Scotland's Socialist Movement, Spokesman Books, Tameside TUC, Workers Power,

If we all agree on basic principals then solutions can be found. The convention has showed us that we don’t need to enter Party politics to work together. Through cooperation all the Parties are working on solutions outside of mainstream electoral contests. Real Socialist solutions for Societies problems.

Representing and awakening the massive Socialist Voice that is the Student Body should be a must for any progressive group. We are no different. We want all left wing Students to come and meet, take a chance and find out what we are capable of doing.

This is why we have started the Salford Left Forum, it is an Organisation committed to spreading the word of a united Left in Salford and the wider area. Our initial campaign is to initially target students and spread into the wider community.

We are going to arrange a meeting, probably at The Crescent pub(to be confirmed). An organising team will be arranged. every motion will be democratic. There will be no leader.

Everyone is welcome. politics is something that effects us all. There will be chance for anyone to speak if they want. There has already been talk about setting up a series of talks from serious figures of the left over the coming months as well as a coherent plan of action.

Hope to see you all soon

Salford left team