CAMPAIGNS

Socialist Party of Cumbria aims to find a new way of engaging people in the political process. As a party we are more open to working with local campaign groups, local tenants groups, local environmental groups etc. We are far more open than other long established political parties to working with others where we have common goals. We believe respect and compassion require more strength than disregard. Our policies are strong not brutal, we consider whole communities; past, present and future generations.

PEACE & JUSTICE

The culture of war and violence has been heightened by recent attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. In such wars 90 per cent of victims are civilians; the majority of those are children and women. War and preparations for war are a waste of valuable resources, bring long-lasting pollution and ill-health. War also undermines human rights and creates increasing despair. Our fragile environment and embattled peoples cannot support endless wars.

Socialist Party of Cumbria has worked with and supported the anti war movement since our inception and the SPC has addressed numerous anti war rallies and meetings in Cumbria.

All Governments must be held to account and public opinion must have a voice.

NO TO HOUSING GIVEAWAY

Socialist Party of Cumbria has fought alongside local tenants and campaign groups to oppose plans by local authorities to sell off council housing. In 2006, we supported tenants who voted decisively to reject stock transfer and to remain with the local authority. At a time when housing costs in Cumbria are at a premium and when homelessness is a greater problem than ever, the SPC believes that social housing should not be given away. Socialist Party of Cumbria demands that monies be made available to local councils to improve their housing stock so that tenants can have a real choice, so councils can compete on a level playing field and the public housing stock can be repaired, refurbished and expanded to make its contribution to the growing need for public rented housing, instead of wasting millions to give it away.

FREE & NUTRITIOUS SCHOOL MEALS

In January 2005, six months before Jamie Oliver brought the issue of school meals to national attention, SPC launched a campaign for free and nutritious school meals for all children in Cumbria.

Whilst there may have been some improvements in our school meals, there is still a long way to go and the campaign is not over. Do let us know about your concerns about your your childrens' school meals or contact us if you would like to join or support this campaign

FAIR WORLD

We live in a world where the 3 richest individuals have more wealth than the 600 million poorest; where half the world lives on two dollars a day; where the gap between the richest and poorest grows each year; and where many countries, including most of sub-Saharan Africa, are poorer than they were twenty years ago.

Socialist Party of Cumbria wants justice for all people of the world and on a small scale we have supported the fair trade initiatives in our local communities by providing office space and volunteers selling 'Fair Trade' products. To find out more about our commitment to international justice or organise an event in Cumbria, please contact us.

PROTECT OUR OPEN SPACES FRON DEVELOPERS

Socialist Party of Cumbria supports regeneration but opposes any sale of frequently used public space to raise funds or for development. We work with individuals, local groups and national organisations to protect our open spaces.

We are committed to seeking protection of our rapidly dwindling open spaces and playing fields. Many of our communities have deficits in playing fields provision and in Carlisle, SPC has supported local residents and campaigners to stop some governmental applications.

SEE RED, TURN GREEN

We live in an age where 86 per cent of the planet's natural resources are consumed by 20 per cent of its population; where rich countries use up more than their fair share of energy, water, timber and minerals, bequeathing long-lasting health problems and depleted environments to local communities, wildlife and future generations. We need to reduce our energy use and we need many more alternative energy sources.

Socialist Party of Cumbria has supported a policy of Zero Waste that asks local councils to adopt a policy of recycling for domestic, industrial and commercial waste. The case for incineration (including pyrolysis and gasification) of waste is not proven.
SPC has worked with campaigners in Carlisle against proposals to build an incinerator in the town and campaigned successfully in other places against opencast mining. SPC prides itself on bringing to light unknown or hidden issues that affect the environment and might affect public opinion.