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Vote Neil #1 & help us build a socialist alternative!

1. When we fight, we can win!

Pushed by the cost-of-living crisis, workers in many sectors including Royal Mail and the NHS have taken strike action in recent months. Through determined action, workers have already won and are continuing to achieve pay victories. Neil has led and supported various strikes and will continue to support workers taking strike action.

Neil & the Socialist Party say: l Politicians in Westminster, Stormont and local councils are to blame for decades of underfunding, mismanagement and privatisation of the NHS, Royal Mail and other public services; l We will assist workers in South Belfast and elsewhere in organising and building a coordinated fightback for above inflation pay rises and fully funded public services. l We need a fighting, bold and democratic trade union movement that is based on uniting workers across the sectarian divide. l Hands off our NHS - fight for a fully funded, well resourced NHS to meet needs. Reopen the City A&E and expand services, including mental health services!

2. Tax the wealthy to f u nd services & emergency climate action!

We are told, there is no alternative to the ongoing cuts and attacks on our living standards. But this is nonsense. The money exists to fund services. In early 2022, the three major supermarket chains saw thier profits increase by 89% compared to pre-covid levels. This shows the reality of the cost-of-greed crisis.

Active choices are being made by politicians locally and in Westminster that are further pushing the burden of the capitalist economic crisis onto workers. Big business profiteering and inflation in food, rent and transport costs disproportionally affect those on lower incomes.

Neil & the Socialist Party demand: l £15 minimum wage now with no exemptions and above inflation pay rises for all workers; l Nationalise energy and food companies & run them democratically for people and planet, not profit; l Reverse the 8% rates increase. Emergency investment to build social housing and end the housing crisis. l Housing for all. End the gentrification of South Belfast. Rent controls and reductions now. lFree, frequent, expanded and accessible public transport for all!

3. Fight to end sexism, gender violence & transphobia!

We have been part of the continued mobilisation in defence of LGBTQ+ and women's rights and against gender violence. Gender violence and femicide have continued to increase at alarming rates and we have seen consistent attempts by the Tories, by the press and others to pedal racism and transphobia. With the right-wing transphobic & anti-feminist backlash in full swing, we need socialist feminist struggle now more than ever! This means working-class and anti-capitalist feminism; an active movement of solidarity made up of workers and young people of all genders in struggle against all forms of gender violence, sexism and LGBTQ+ phobia!

Neil and the Socialist Party demand: l Factual, LGBTQ+ inclusive sex and relationship education in schools; l Action to challenge misogyny, transphobia, gender violence and harmful gender norms l Emergency investment in support services for victims and survivors of gender violence - no more delays - open promised emergency accommodation now! lEasily accessible abortion services for all who need them in Northern Ireland and on the NHS; lThe adaptation and implementation by Belfast City Council of Unite Hospitality's Get Me Home Safely charter as a step towards tackling harassment and abuse. lFree public childcare and quality early years provision.

“Neil is a committed socialist feminist who took part in recent protests against transphobia and racism. He also participated in civil disobedience actions to help win abortion rights. He continues to fight for access to abortion services and campaigns against gender-based violence, particularly in the hospitality industry.” – Ann-Katrin Orr, organiser with ROSA, the socialist feminist movement

4. No going back! - For workingclass u nity against sectarianism

25 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, we face ongoing sectarian deadlock and the resurgence of paramilitary forces, while our education system remains overwhelmingly segregated. Instead of a 'peace dividend', poverty is rising at alarming rates.

Sectarian division cannot be overcome by politicians or parties who have a vested interest in maintaining it and who support or accept the capitalist economic system which fosters competition and division among working-class people.

Workers and young people from all backgrounds have more that unites than divides us - as seen when workers strike for pay rises, or when we protest against climate destruction and oppression. The rally in February, called by Omagh Trade Union Council, underlined how working-class people can stand together against paramilitary violence.

Unless we unite and fight against capitalism it will mean ongoing division and exploitation. A united movement of working-class can bring about socialist change and create a new society based on solidarity and mutual respect with the rights of all communities guarnteed.

Neil and the Socialist Party call for: l High quality, fully integrated and secular public education l No hardening of borders, North-South or in the Irish Sea l United protests and strikes to challenge sectarian violence l A new cross-community, working-class party which challenges the sectarian establishment.

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