Salford Left Forum To Hold Public Meet

By Stuart Owen


An array of important political figures such as George Galloway have given their backing to the freshly formed University-based left wing political organisation ‘Salford Left Forum’.


Wednesday 19th November will see their inaugural public meeting take place and they are in the business of recruiting any like-minded thinkers to join them.

Salford Left Forum (SLF) are a group comprised of varied supporters, from left wing Labour MP’s to the Communist Party of Great Britain, and have emerged under the inspiration of the recent event, ‘The Convention Of The Left’ which was held in Manchester in September.


Their members have convened in order to endorse a programme of left-wing action and campaigning, and are urging anyone with similar political views to join them on Wednesday to either have their say or simply listen.


Other important British political figures that have shown their support to SLF include:
● John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington. Chair of the Labour Representation Committee.
McDonnell stood unsuccessfully against Gordon Brown for the post of Labour Party leader following Tony Blair's resignation as the party leader.


● Tony Benn, Labour MP from 1950 - 2001.
Held numerous cabinet positions and was formerly 2nd Viscount Stansgate. Benn is a British socialist politician and the current President of the ‘Stop The War Coalition’.


A quote from the SLF website outlines the aims and ambitions of the group:
‘Our aim is to encompass all left wing groups from the Labour Party to the Communist Party of Great Britain. The only way the left can find a platform is to stand together united. All we ask is that you get involved.’


A spokesperson for the group said:
“When the Labour Party conference was on in Manchester, all the other left-wing parties and groups in Britain got together and held the ‘convention of the left’.


"Basically, from that it was decided that we would set up groups in each university and area which participated in order to get more people involved, campaigns, more demos etc. The Salford Left Forum came from this.


SLF’s first meeting will be staged at the Crescent pub, facing the University’s Maxwell building, and will run between 7-9pm on Wednesday 19th November. Anybody who would like to be involved or are interested in what they may have to say is welcome to attend the event.


For more info on the group e-mail your enquiries to vollunteer@hotmail.co.uk or follow the link below.

this article was is available at http://www.salfordonline.com/localnews.php?func=viewdetails&vdetails=9455


the salford online newspaper


We are hoping to have it printed in the Student Paper or the Salford advertiser some time soon.


A big thanks to Top Hack Stuart Owen.

Protest at Northern Rock

On Halloween, Members of the Salford Left Forum and other left wing Activists challenged the Ghosts and Ghouls of the banking world outside Northern Rock, Manchester.

We were protesting at the injustices of a nationalised bank, paid for out of the public purse, actively increasing home repossessions. Since the take over northern rock as flown up the charts to the giddy heights of most ruthless bank in Britain.

Let this be a lesson to all Socialists…Nationalisation does not always mean Socialism…

Salford Left Forum

Since attending the conference of the left I have been involved in a series of initiatives. The main campaign I’m instigating is the Salford Left Forum.


A democratic, all encompassing left wing organisation. Dead-set on bringing about left wing campaigns to the Salford student body.


it is a group committed to spreading the word of a united Left in Salford and the wider area. Our initial campaign is to target students and then spread into the wider community.


We are going to set-up a meeting, probably at The Crescent pub(to be confirmed). An organising team will be arranged. every motion will be democratic. There will be no leader.


Everyone is welcome. politics is something that effects us all. There will be chance for anyone to speak if they want. There has already been talk about setting up a series of talks from serious figures of the left over the coming months as well as a coherent plan of action.


Hope to see you all soon...

Convention Of The Left

An Alliance of leftist Groups met in Manchester during the Labour Party Conference. Organisations ranging from Labour affiliated groups such as the (Labour Representation Committee) to the Communist Party of Great Britain participated. The Convention kicked off with a rally through Manchester City Center to outside the conference at GMEX. Prominent figures from various socialist Organisations made apperances. The Old Darling of the left Tony Benn opened the Conference. Debates differed greatly. From housing privatisation to the Israeli conflict all areas were covered. We created a plan of action and discussed strategy.


The Convention wasn’t about trying to create a new party or weaken a labour vote. It was about creating a democratic Forum for the British Left. Each Group are equal in there objection to Conservative Governments, past and present. All the Organisations who participated, just like the Labour Party, claim and aspire to represent Labour. Each Group comes from a theoretical basis that promotes labour values, equality and a better society.


Hopefully some good will come out of the Convention. I’m personally prepared to involve myself in the Movement as much as humanly possible. I believe the gap can be bridged between the Labour Party and the wider leftist Movement and real change can be achieved. The ridiculous infighting that has been tearing any political Alternative to pieces for generations must stop. We are all left wing. A Conservative Government never has been and never will be an alternative.


Organisations, trade unions groups and parties already affiliated to the convention include…
African Liberation Support Campaign, Alliance for Green Socialism, Alliance for Workers Liberty, A World to Win, Campaign for a New Workers’ Party, Communist Students, Communist Party of Britain, Communist Party of Great Britain, Education for Tomorrow, European Left Party Network, Faith and Justice Commission, Greater Manchester Associations of Trades Councils, Greater Manchester Respect, Green Left, Labour Briefing, Labour Representation Committee, Left Alternative, Left Economics Advisory Panel (LEAP), Left Women's Network, Liverpool Trades Council, Manchester Green Party, Manchester No Borders, Manchester TUC, Morning Star, National assembly of Women, Newrad Communist Collective, North West Shop Stewards Network, Permanent Revolution, Red Pepper, Respect, Revolution - Socialist youth movement, Scottish Left Review, Scottish Socialist Party,
Socialist Alliance, Socialist Resistance, Socialist Workers Party, Solidarity: Scotland's Socialist Movement, Spokesman Books, Tameside TUC, Workers Power,

Miliband - Father Unlike son's

Ralph Miliband was one of the most significant of English socialists.

One of his main theories was proving that Parliamentary Socialism in a Westminster style System an impossibility.


Ironic, as his sons, David and Ed Miliband prove him right everyday

Gordon Pulls Out The Big Guns

Gordon Browns Alamo turned out a damn sight better than Davey Crocketts. A revitalised Labour Party left last weeks Conference ready for the fight of their political lives. Browns battle cry was one of social justice and strategy. Preparing the battle worn Party for another Election contest. The knives of the Uber-Blairites were drawn and ready at the beginning of the conference. By the end of proceedings a meek David Milliband left the conference with his tail between his legs and knife firmly secreted.



The wheeling out of Sarah Brown was a touch of genius from the New Labour Spin Doctors. As well as rousing rendition of the Motown classic “Higher And Higher” softened Browns image from the offset.



Is it enough? Is the question on the lips of the Labour faithful. Slippery Cameron admitted yesterday that they hadn’t yet “sealed the deal.” perhaps pre-emptive Tory proclamations of victory have come to early. Only time will tell…hopefully the public will see through the unfeasible rhetoric at the Nasty Party Conference.

The Star of Salford

The Salford Star is nothing less than the paradoxical equivalent of the benign Tory Rag, Cheshire life. The star is everything Cheshire life isn’t. A periodical Magazine, serving the Community, promoting Social Ideals and exposing the corruption of Council and Local Government. The Magazine is handed out for free in and around Salford.



It provides an alternative source of news for the people of Salford. Daring to publish things that its Contemporaries wouldn’t dream of.



It is representative of the Salford Demographic. The magazine investigates real Issues for hard working People. It is a Magazine “Produced by Salfordians for Salfordians.”



The Magazine functions on a purely non profit basis and needs help in continuing to provide its service to the City.



I became involved writing for the Salford Star because I have respect for the Community and care about what happens in our City.



There are many ways to get involved and further the cause



Visit http://www.salfordstar.com



Main points of distribution are....



Seedley Pet &Aquarium Supplies

117 Langworthy Road



M&S Supermarket& Off Licence

66-68 Edward Avenue, Weaste



M&S Supermarket

Littleton Road, Lower Kersal



Angel Healthy Living Centre

St Phillips Place



The Langworthy Cornerstone

Liverpool Street



Lancastrian Chippy

Bolton Road, Irlam o’th’Height



Monton News

Monton Road



Lynsey’s Store

Westcrown Avenue, Ordsall



Corry’s Store

Weaste Lane



Salford Museum & Art Gallery

The Crescent



King’s Arms

Bloom Street



RITA House

Sirius Place, Lower Broughton