Solidarity, Scotland's Socialist Movement have taken further steps towards united left electoral projects by joining the No2Eu/Yes to Democracy platform for the EU elections and engaging in the fast growing movement towards 'left forums' around the country.  Solidarity's Management Committee are also discussing further projects for the Westminster elections with leading trade unionists in Scotland.

At a meeting of the party's National Steering Committee (NSC) last week, Solidarity agreed to offer candidates and full support to the RMT led euro campaign, joining the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) and others.

Co-Convenor Tommy Sheridan called on the SSP, and others, to get involved.  He said:

“Despite our bitter relations with The SSP leadership  I believe we should appeal to them and all other left and progressive groups and unions to join this Platform and campaign in a united fashion to maximise the left and progressive vote in Scotland at the Euro election on June 4th."

For the full Solidarity satement click 'read more' below. 

Solidarity Statement on No2EU - Yes to Democracy

Solidarity welcomes the launch of the No2EU-Yes to Democracy electoral alliance led by the RMT union.
 
The initiative is a historic and courageous attempt by a union in the front line of resisting attacks on their members pay, conditions and jobs to offer voters a working class alternative to the pro big business agenda of the main parties or the xenophobia, racism and hate peddled by the far right BNP.

This is the first time a national trade union has taken the decision to stand in a national election to the left of Labour and it could have huge implications for the emergence of a genuine mass working class party at a later stage.

Solidarity renews its commitment to our December 2008 National Steering Group decision to where possible seek left unity and to maximise left votes during elections. We believe this initiative gives us the opportunity to see left unity in action at the European Elections.
 
We realise that these initial attempts to achieve left electoral unity will result in some level of disagreement between the groups involved. We have differences with certain aspects of this initiative including the name of the alliance, a lack of clear Scottish autonomy and the proposal not to fully participate in the European parliament if elected.

We welcome the movement that has taken place thus far on the question of not taking seats up if elected and believe this indicates that the No2EU-Yes to Democracy Steering Committee has been prepared to listen to constructive argument from partner organisations. Solidarity will continue to argue that in the circumstance of successfully seeing a No2EU-Yes to Democracy candidate elected in Scotland, we should not boycott the parliament but instead be prepared to attend where necessary and that MEP's representing working class people should take no more than a skilled worker’s wage.
 
The Solidarity NSC therefore agrees to support and participate in the No2EU campaign, attend the steering committee, offer candidates from Solidarity for the Scottish no2EU list and work with affiliated organisations, groups and individuals on a Scottish Steering Committee once it is established.

Solidarity Co-Convenor Tommy Sheridan said;

“Despite our bitter relations with The SSP leadership  I believe we should appeal to them and all other left and progressive groups and unions to join this Platform and campaign in a united fashion to maximise the left and progressive vote in Scotland at the Euro election on June 4th.

"This initiative is led and financed by an important industrial union. It could lead to something bigger and broader able to bring the left and progressive unions, parties, campaigns and individuals together in Scotland and throughout England and Wales. In the interests of the working class of Scotland, who are currently denied a credible and united left alternative to the free market mince of the main stream parties, we have a duty to try and make this initiative work.

"We appeal to the SLP, the SSP, the CPS, Trades Councils and all left trade unions and branches to sign up in support of this courageous initiative led by the RMT.

This is an important left unity project and it deserves our support and support from all on the left.”