Greek Results a Warning to Establishment Parties

Scott Jones, the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate for Llanelli at next May’s general election has welcomed the victory of the left wing party SYRIZA in the Greek elections announced on Sunday.

SYRIZA’a success contrasts sharply with the fortunes of Labour’s sister party in Greece PASOK, which saw its support slump to 4.6%.

Mr Jones, who works for TESCO and is a branch secretary in the shop workers union USDAW, described the success of SYRIZA as a warning to the establishment parties throughout Europe including the UK.

Mr Jones said “Ordinary people are sick and tired of austerity. We have had enough of low pay, cuts and privatisation of our public services” Inequality in society has reached obscene levels. Right wing, establishment politicians throughout Europe should bewarned. What has happened in Greece today can happen in Britain and Wales tomorrow.”

Background Information

TUSC, as the name suggests is a coalition of people who stand for socialist and trade union principles and values. They all have in common a belief that Labour is no longer a party of the working class and the time is now ripe for a new party that unashamedly fights for the rights, welfare and living standards of working people. In practice, that means fighting the cuts and austerity agenda of the Government and also opposing cuts implemented by local authorities whatever party is carrying them out.

TUSC hopes to launch the biggest left of Labour electoral challenge in UK history at the May general election by standing 100 candidates.

TUSC is already supported by the Rail workers union (RMT) formerly led by the late Bob Crow who was also leader of TUSC.

Scott Jones is 26 years old and is a local branch secretary of the shop workers union USDAW.