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28/11/00
Scottish Socialist Party Outlines its by-election strategy The
Scottish Socialist Party today outlined its strategy for the Falkirk West by-election. SSP candidate, Iain Hunter, welcomed the impending by-election, although questioned Labour's apparent preferred choice of the 21st December. Bearing in mind the low turnout recorded in Anniesland, and the need to improve voter awareness, four days before Xmas would not seem the most inspired choice. It would seem that the Labour Party intend to run as low profile a campaign as possible - knowing that the more the voters are aware of their policies the less likely they are to support them. The SSP, in contrast intent to run a highly visible and vocal campaign, out in the streets and on the doorsteps - relying on the warmth and passion of their arguments to see off any Winter chill.
The issues that the Scottish Socialist Party will be campaigning on are familiar to all around the district.
Save Falkirk District Royal Infirmary
Unlike New Labour, the SSP does not want to see Falkirk Maternity Unit saved at the expense of Stirling Maternity Unit, Falkirk's acute surgical services, nor geriatric services. The SSP wish to see all services retained and improved at both sites. It is clear that the proposals for the future of Falkirk Royal Infirmary are being brought about through a lack of adequate funding and a poor pay in the health service, which is why we wish to see an increased health budget together with better pay for health service staff.
Pensioners and Poverty
It is scandalous that in the 21st century, pensioners are still facing stark choices between adequate heating and enough food. Older people do not want to claim demeaning means-tested benefits, and it is disgraceful that after paying National Insurance, they should have to, simply sustain a minimal yet inadequate standard of living. The SSP demands that the pensions/earnings link is restored and backdated.
Opposing privatisation of Falkirk's schools
Five of Falkirk's schools are now owned by a private company called "Class 98 Ltd" under the Private Finance Initiative. This deal, which in the long run costs the people of Falkirk far in excess of what the schools would have cost if publicly owned, was done by a Labour controlled council, with the full backing and encouragement of a Labour government. The Tories privatised our gas, phones, water and electricity, but even they would have balked at the idea of schools being run for the benefit of shareholders. The SSP are resolutely opposed to any privatisation of schools - we believe that the education of our children should be determined by local communities with a view to local needs and priorities - our childrens' education should not be in hock to shareholders and banks.
Furthermore, the SSP supports the struggle of the UNISON public sector workers, fighting for fair terms and conditions of employment, and the Alexanders workers trying to ensure the future of bus manufacture in Falkirk.
Falkirk Branch, Scottish Socialist Party
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