Canny Scottish Voters Could Stop Johnson

December 11th 2019

Canny Scottish Voters Could Stop Johnson

December 11th 2019

STUC on the General Election: Canny Scottish Votes could Stop Johnson

STUC welcomes positive responses from Labour, SNP and Greens to its Manifesto for Social Justice. No response received from Tories or Lib Dems. The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has urged Scotland’s 540,000 union members to make their vote count in ensuring an anti-austerity, pro-worker government, that will end poverty and tackle inequality.

The STUC launched its Manifesto for Social Justice asking prospective MPs to back the principles of fair work, the right to food and housing, and investment in public services. By analysing the responses to this manifesto, the STUC is clear that only Labour, the SNP and the Greens are committed to these principles and to an economic policy that will end austerity and seriously tackle poverty and inequality.

Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “This is the most decisive election in generations. The choice is stark. This Friday we could wake up to the most right-wing Tory Government in living memory with Boris Johnson claiming a mandate to privatise the NHS and sign away our sovereignty to Donald Trump. Alternatively, we could finally have a government with the authority to tackle decades of injustice.

“Labour’s manifesto commitments to end zero-hour contracts, abolish Universal Credit, and bring the rail, mail and other essential assets into public ownership offers a radical approach to addressing the challenges of automation, the climate emergency and globalisation in a way that is fair and just. It’s proposals to investing in public services alongside support for industry to create secure, high quality jobs and future skills, is in stark contrast to the Brexit obsessed, financier friendly, Johnston Tories who have no empathy or interest in the day to day concerns of working people.

“While the Tories have made vague and unconvincing promises on investment, their record over many decades is of enforcing cuts on the most vulnerable and presiding over increased poverty and inequality. If they win, we can expect more of the same.

“The SNP has provided an in-depth and generally positive response to our manifesto for social justice and many Green Party candidates have also indicated their support. The lack of a response from the Liberal Democrats will do nothing to restore the trust and respect they lost due to their role in the Cameron coalition and their support for austerity and attacks on the poor.

“I know Scottish voters are very canny when considering who to vote for. I urge all trade unionists to vote on Thursday and to vote for social justice, an end to poverty and exploitation and for Fair Work and to do all they can to prevent a Tory government by ensuring no Tory MPs are elected from Scotland.”

ENDS

For further details Dave Moxham: 07891 026870

Notes: An assessment of the responses of the political parties can be found here