Letters: Socialist Worker has been our consistent agitator

‘I couldn’t have effectively organised in the movement without the paper’

I’ve just seen my life flash before my eyes. What a tremendous historical document Socialist Worker (SW) produced for its 3,000th edition!

I sold my first copy in 1970 and recognise almost every edition since then.

Socialist Worker records our continuous agitation across generations. As the organiser of our fight against racism and fascism, it saw us rally for Lewisham in 1977 and the development of the Anti Nazi League, and now Stand Up To Racism. It has been at the centre of defeating fascist thuggery.

It mobilised opposition to the Vietnam War and has consistently supported Palestine and opposed imperialism.

Socialist Worker has offered detailed analysis and clear political strategy and tactics.

I couldn’t have effectively organised in workplaces and at union meetings across 43 years in the movement without the paper.

The consistency of our demands is best highlighted by our opposition to all oppressions.

The paper is now arming yet another generation of revolutionary socialists. Thank you from the other end of a lifetime of struggle.

Tony Staunton, Plymouth

Manchester Socialist Worker Party branch decided to host a social in celebration of Socialist Worker reaching its 3,000th issue. This was a huge milestone worth celebrating.

The paper forms the backbone of our party providing us with a way to relate to the class.

We had old papers dating back to the 1970s up around the room—including everyone’s favourite, “Rejoice!”

The social was also about building relationships in the party. A social is perfect to build collaboration and learning.

Richard Crane, Manchester

Landlords ruin renters’ victory

Living in the private rental sector shouldn’t feel like a countdown to homelessness. Yet having faced three Section 21 “no‑fault” evictions in just two years, it’s hard to feel any other way.

Each notice is a financial and emotional grenade. Before even recovering from the thousands spent on deposits, moving vans and soaring rent, the cycle begins again.

The Renters’ Rights Act, set to become law on 1 May, is a vital lifeline that promises to finally scrap these arbitrary evictions. However, the lead-up has caused chaos.

Landlords are rushing to issue eviction notices before the window shuts, treating tenants like liabilities to be cleared out rather than people in need of homes. This interim period has exposed the sheer precarity of many tenants’ situations.

Moving is a luxury many can’t afford, yet as tenants we’re forced into it by a system that prioritises landlord flexibility over human stability.

While the Renters’ Rights Act is a victory, the current scramble proves one thing—the rental market is designed to keep the poor poor while the rich get richer.

Leila, east London

How can we stop ­fascist ‘citizen journalists’?

There is a new trend on the far right—activists who call themselves “auditors” and “citizen journalists”.

Some attempt to interview anti-racists, asking leading questions. Others provoke protesters for a.

They publish edited videos, removing their own violence and only showing the self-defence of anti-fascists.

From YouTube to social media, the internet has been aiding the radicalisation of the far right.

Their actions have sparked debate about how to stop them from attacking social movements.

Some argue that they are a new and unique phenomenon external to traditional fascist networks. But there is no doubt they are involved in building fascist movements.

The real question is—how do we beat them?

Some have sought to ban streamers from city centres. This is not a strategy to beat the entire lot. At worst, it could also be used against the left. At best, it is a short-term fix.

Sky Harrison, Manchester

Contesting on climate

We shouldn’t ignore the role of the climate crisis in fuelling the far right.

Reform UK has some simple answers—such as removing VAT on heating bills. They don’t deny climate change, and are even happy to use it as an argument occasionally.

But increased flooding and food shortages mean this is ground that revolutionary socialists need to contest and win.

We can make demands now, but they need to point to the need to take land into workers’ hands.

Wolfgang Küchler, Preston