21ST CENTURY
Clerkenwell Green, London EC1 2nd - 3rd November 2013
MARXISM
politics, ideas, discussion, debate, culture, learning
A political festival of ideas, discussion, debate, learning, music, poetry and more
Austerity is working for the bankers & bureaucrats who run Britain! Now is the time for us to fight back! The burden of this capitalist crisis falls on the working class with the poorer half of the population receiving just 12p of every pound of GDP - a 25 per cent fall since the late 1970s. Austerity isn't working for workers. Adjusted for inflation, the real value of pay has fallen by 7% since the start of 2008 costing the average worker ÂŁ7000. But super rich incomes soar. The proportion of GDP going to profits has soared by 4%. Since the 1980s, top bosses have seen pay rises as high as 4,000%. The average chief executive now earns 145 times more than the average worker's wage. At the end of 2012, the real value of wages was more than ÂŁ50 billion a year lower than in 2008. The ConDem government is using the crisis of their system to enforce permanent austerity, slash public services break with the welfare state and roll back every advance made by workers since 1945.
Austerity policies shift wealth directly and indirectly from the people to the big monopolies and to the rich. The masters of the capitalist system buttressed by the World Bank, the IMF and the European Union - want the people to pay for the crisis. At the same time we face a crisis of political representation with Miliband's attack on the working class character of the Labour Party and the failure to offer a real policy alternative to attacks on working class livings standards. But the fightback is growing. The People's Assembly is gathering wide support with four thousand delegates from trade unions and community campaigns attended the assembly in June and local groups are springing up in every town and city across the country. Unions are preparing strike action for jobs and pay and to defend the NHS, education and public services. The Communist Party is one of many at the heart of this fightback. The party _ and the Morning Star - play a key role in
21st Century Marxism programme [!1]
working with others to initiate and sustain the People's Assembly movement and in the unions and peace and solidarity movements.
What is 21st Century Marxism? The successor event to the annual Communist University (re-established back in 2006), it’s a vibrant weekend of politics & culture.
THE VENUES THE CROWN TAVERN
Unlike previous events held under one roof, this years 21st Century Marxism will be taking place in multiple venues in and around Clerkenwell Green. The focal point will undoubtedly be the historic Marx Memorial Library and
work. The Marx Memorial Library and Workers School (as it was then known) was established at 37a Clerkenwell Green holding study classes for workers in science, history and political economy.
there could not be a more fitting venue
In 1934 Viscount Hastings, who had
for a political festival celebrating the role
studied under the great Mexican artists
and ideas of Marxism.
Diego Rivera, executed a large fresco
The MML was originally established In 1933 on the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Karl Marx. At a delegate meeting comprising trade unionists, veteran
THE GREEN
establishing a library to celebrate his
socialists belonging to the Labour Party and Communist Party, and
style mural on the wall of the first-floor reading room. Titled, the Worker of the Future Clearing away the Chaos of Capitalism, it illustrates events and leading thinkers in the history of British Labour.
representatives of the Labour Research
Since its establishment the Marx
Department and Martin Lawrence
Memorial Library has been the
Publishers Ltd., set up a permanent
intellectual home of generations of
memorial to the life and ideas of Karl
scholars interested in studying Marx and
Marx. Whilst the Nazis were busy
Marxism The Library is home to an
burning books by Marx and others,
impressive number and variety of
communists and socialists in Britain were
archives and collections including the full run of the Daily Worker and Morning
THE CITY PRIDE
PUBS OF CLERKENWELL Whilst the pubs in and around Clerkenwell will no doubt play host to some of the ‘unofficial’ post event debates, the City Pride, the Green and the Crown Tavern will host some of the programmed workshops and sessions during 21st Century Marxism.
Marx Library is the focal point for C21 Marxism, hosting stalls and sessions
21st Century Marxism [!2]
Bernal Peace Library, Klugnmann
covering a range of subjects including
Collection and an extensive Photograph
Marx, Engels, Lenin, the Spanish Civil War
Library. Â It continues to rely on the
and the History of Socialism and the
support of socialists, communists and
British Labour Movement.
progressives to continue its work as one
The reference collection has an extensive
of the foremost institutions serving the
holding of journals dating from the
British Labour Movement and working
1850's. These include The Red Republican
people, in preserving their past and in
(published 1st English translation of Marx
providing practical education for the
and Engel's Communist Manifesto),Votes
future.
for Women (the Suffragette Journal) and
The aim of the Marx Memorial Library is
Commonweal (William Morris);
the advancement of education,
approximately 43,000 pamphlets and
knowledge and learning by the provision
numerous original materials and books,
of a library of books, periodicals and
many of which are unavailable elsewhere.
manuscripts relating to all aspects of the
The Library's stocks are continuously
science of Marxism, the history of
updated and represent a unique resource
Socialism and the working class
under one roof.
movement. It is an independent organisation, and a registered charity, financed by its members and affiliates. It is not controlled by any political party or interest group. The Management Committee is elected from and by the membership. The Library has some
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Tours of the MML will be available during 21st Century Marxism, for more info and to
ST JAMES CHURCH
CRYPT & WELL
Just round the corner from the Marx Library,on Clerkenwell Close, St James Church will host the major rallies on the Saturday of 21st Century Marxism
see some of the incredible items held in the collections at the MML visit:
www.marxlibrary.org.uk
40,000 volumes in the lending section
Clerkenwell Green also plays host to the annual London May Day march
21st Century Marxism [!3]
THE SPEAKERS
Lindsey German is convenor of Stop the War Coalition and a member of the People’s Assembly signatories group. She is also the author of numerous books on Women and Socialism as well as co-authoring a People’s History of London. Bill Greenshields is chair of the Communist Attila the Stockbroker is a renowned leftParty, Trade Union organiser for the People’s wing comedic political poet Charter. Bill is a past president of the National Union of Teachers and a member of Harsev Bains is general secretary of the the People's Charter National Commission. Association of Indian Communists Ben Chacko is deputy features editor of the Gasoub Ghadban is a leading member of the Palestinian People’s Party Morning Star and secretary of the William Rust branch of the CP Alex Gordon is past president of the Rail & Maritime Transport workers’ union (RMT) Andy Chaffer is a member of the Executive Committee of the Communist Party and the Robert Griffiths is general secretary of the LGBT commission PC, chair of Searchlight Cymru and the Bob Crow is general secretary of the Rail & author of SO Davies - a socialist faith, Driven by Ideals - a history of ASLEF and Granite & Maritime Transport workers’ union (RMT) Honey - the Phi Piratin Story. and a member of the TUC General Council. Tina Hogg is a co-founder of Disabled People Against the Jeremy Corbyn is the Labour Each year’s C21 Cuts MP for Islington North Marxism brings a Carolyn Jones is director of Tony Conway is a trade union fresh crop of speakers the Institute of Employment and community activist Rights. from Britain & Bob Crow is general secretary Jerry Jones is a member of the of the RMT union and a overseas! CP’s economic commission and member of the General Council the author of Land Value for Public of the TUC. Benefit. Prof Mary Davis is a past member of the Linda Kaucher is a campaigner on the EU's UCU Executive and the TUC Women’s Committee. Her books include Comrade or international trade agenda and will talk about the US/EU free trade agreement'. Brother a history of the British Labour Movement and Class and Gender in British Dr Shafee Khider is a leading member of the Labour History: Renewing the Debate (or central committee and the Political bureau Starting It?) of the Communist Party of Sudan. Ann Field is former national officer of the Mariela Kohon is the director of Justice for GPM sector of Unite Colombia John Foster is Secretary of the CP, Emeritus Chris Matlhako is international secretary of Professor Social Sciences University of the the South African Communist Party. West of Scotland, author of Class Struggle Erwin Marquit is the editor of Nature, and the Industrial Revolution (1974) and The Science & Thought Politics of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Paul Mezaros is from Hope not Hate. Work-In (jointly with Charles Woolfson 1986) and more recently pamphlets on the Tommy Morrison is Scottish Secretary of the European Union, the National Question and CP, secretary of Clydebank TUC and chair of the Crisis of the British Economy. West Dunbartonshire Unison
This years 21st Century Marxism features several leading international guest speakers from across the globe, as well those from the labour and progressive movement in Britain.
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FROM EVERY CORNER
NO EMPTY SUITS
BREADTH OF IDEAS
No other event in Britain brings speakers from so many different corners of the globe not just from Western Europe & the US
All of our speakers are steeped in the traditions and experience of struggle through the labour and progressive movement in their country
The CP is the main organiser of C21 Marxism but most of our speakers from Britain are progressives from other parties and traditions
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21st Century Marxism programme [!4]
CHRIS MATLHAKO VERA POLYCARPOU
GASOUB GADBAN This year’s international guests feature speakers involved in leading struggles across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East Romaine Phoenix is the chair of the Coalition of Resistance, a Navid Shomali is secretary of the international department of spokesperson for the Green Party Trade Union Group and a the Tudeh Party of Iran and secretary of the Co-ordinating member of the People’s Assembly signatories committee. Committee of Communist Parties in Britain. Vera Polycarpou is a member of the Central Graham Stevenson is the convenor of the CP History Committee of AKEL (Progressive Party of Working Group, a member of the CP Political and Executive People in Cyprus) and is a member of the Foreign Committees and formerly Unite national Read and Affairs committee on the European Parliament organiser & president of the European Transport follow for the European United Left. Workers Federation discussions Jane Powell is the librarian of the Marx Memorial Peter Tatchell is a veteran campaigner for LGBT Library. rights in Britain and internationally. online. Details Louise Raw is the author of Striking a Light-The Jonathan White is the editor of Building an on p8 Bryant & May Matchwomen and their place in Economy for the People - An alternative economic History and political strategy for 21st Century Britain Alvaro Sanchez is a counsellor at the Venezuelan embassy in London.
RALLIES
SEMINARS
WORKSHOPS
EDUCATION
CULTURE
Sit back and listen to leading speakers from the labour & progressive movement in Britain and special guest speakers from overseas
Panel discussions plus a Q&A session from the floor
Attendees get involved in smaller, detailed, collective debate
Come along and learn a new skill or sharpen your understanding of Marxism
Hear, see, participate in politics through music, film, poetry & art
21st Century Marxism programme [!5]
21st Century Marxism programme [6]
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PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, WHERE NEXT? Romayne Phoenix, Lindsey German, Rachel Newton, Bill Greenshields (Chair) Rally, THE CRYPT
PEACE & JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST Ghasoub Ghadban, Navid Shomali Workshop, MML - Library
FOR WORKING CLASS INTERNATIONALISM! Ghasoub Ghadban, John Foster, Chris Matlhako, Vera Polycarpou, Navid Shomali (Chair) Rally, THE CRYPT
12.45-2.00PM
2.15-3.15PM
3.30-5PM
Watch new documentaries, never before seen archival footage and old classics. Pop by for a break from the debates or sit in on the packed programme put together by progressive film makers Platform FIlms. SEE PAGE 8 FOR FULL DETAILS
Pop along to buy or just browse through some of the latest books, pamphlets and quality merchandise from some of Britain’s progressive organisations.
LATIN AMERICA IN THE FIRING LINE Alvaro Sanchez, Mariela Kohon Workshop, THE GREEN
FILM PLATFORM @ THE CROWN TAVERN 10AM-4PM
CHINA’S GLOBAL ROLE Ben Chacko Workshop MML - Main
PROGRESSIVE STALLS - MAIN ROOM @ MML
RED STAR RISING OVER AFRICA Chris Matlhako, Shafee Khider Workshop, THE CRYPT
AGAINST CUTS, FOR WHAT? Jeremy Corbyn MP, Lindsey German, Bill Greenshields, Jonathan White (Chair) Seminar THE WELL
SOCIALISM, THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE PLANET? Romayne Phoenix Workshop THE GREEN
ON TO A GENERAL STRIKE? Graham Stevenson, Tony Conway, Carolyn Jones Seminar MML - Main
WHO OWNS BRITAIN? Jerry Jones Workshop CITY PRIDE
11.15AM-12.15PM
PUNCTURING THE WESTMINSTER BUBBLE Jeremy Crobyn MP Workshop THE WELL
WOMEN IN STRUGGLE: YESTERDAY & TODAY Louise Raw, Liz Payne Workshop MML - Main
10.00-11.00AM
BROADENING THE BATTLELINES Bill Greenshields Workshop THE GREEN
REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MML)
9.00-10.00AM
Saturday 2nd November - Rallies, seminars and workshops
21st Century Marxism programme [7]
DEFEATING THE FASCISTS Paul Mezaros Workshop, MML - Library
SOCIALISM YESTERDAY & TOMORROW Alex Gordon, Erwin Marquit, Robert Griffiths Seminar, MML - Main
1.45-2.45PM
3.00-4PM
SHOULD BRITAIN BREAK UP? John Foster Workshop MML - Upstairs
WHAT DOES UKiP STAND FOR? Robert Griffiths Workshop, MML - Upstairs
BACK 2 BASICS @ MML SATURDAY & SUNDAY Are you new to Marxism or just want to sharpen up your understanding? All weekend we’ll be running educational sessions to help you get to grips with key concepts See Page 8 for signup
Have you ever wanted to learn how to write a leaflet, canvass effectively, set up a blog or give a speech? All weekend you can learn skills from experienced professionals. See Page 8 for signup
SOCIALISM, WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? Erwin Marquit, Ann Field Workshop, MML - Main
LGBT STRUGGLE - PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE Peter Tatchell, Andy Chaffer Workshop, MML - Main
THE EU - EXIT LEFT Bob Crow, Linda Kaucher, Alex Gordon (Chair) Seminar, THE GREEN
PROSPECTS FOR PEACE & PROGRESS IN PALESTINE Ghasoub Ghadban Workshop, THE GREEN
CAMPAIGNING ACTIVIST SKILLS @ MML SATURDAY & SUNDAY
THE GREEN Open mic session, bring along a poem, song etc.
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CULTURAL CORNER Featuring Attila the Stockbroker
SOCIALISM, WHAT’S IN IT FOR WOMEN? Mary Davis Workshop, MML - Library
12.30-1.30PM
CHAVS, SPIVS & PROLES CLASS TODAY Tommy Morrison Workshop, MML - Library
BRICS - A NEW POLE FOR PROGRESSIVES? Chris Matlhako, Ben Chacko, Harsev Bains Seminar, MML - Main
DISABILITY RIGHTS, OUR FIGHT NOW Tina Hogg Workshop, MML - Main
REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MML)
11.15AM-12.15PM
!9.30-10.00AM ! !10.00-11.00AM !
Sunday 3rd November - Rallies, seminars and workshops
twitter: #21marxism
GET INVOLVED IN @communists1920 @communist_party AND FOLLOW THE @M_Star_Online DEBATE ONLINE AT: !
The CP site will carry reports of all C21 Marxism debates
www.communist-party.org.uk youtube: communistparty1920 www.marxism21.org.uk www.morningstaronline.co.uk PartyCommunist Back 2 Basics sign-up
Campaigning activist skills
What is Marxism? ! !! ! q Capitalism=exploitation! ! q The working class today! ! q What’s to learn from history?!q The State & revolution! ! q
How How How How How
Fill in and send to CP or hand in to the registration desk. You will be notified if/ when the session will take place.
Fill in and send to CP or hand in to the registration desk. You will be notified if/when the session will take place.
to to to to to
canvass! !! q write a speech! q design materials! q use the web!!! q use media release!q
FILM PLATFORM @ THE CROWN TAVERN SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 10AM-4PM http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1095&bih=657&tbm=isch&tbnid=oc8r43CCUpWpOM:&imgrefurl=http://
variety.com/&docid=F5eAc2W_VQ2mVM&imgurl=http://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/film_reel.jpg&w=800&h=600&ei=i8FyUsTDL4fT7Abh4H4DQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:24,s:0,i:172&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=185&tbnw=248&start=8&ndsp=19&tx=149&ty=74 http://www.google.co.uk/ imgres?client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1095&bih=657&tbm=isch&tbnid=oc8r43CCUpWpOM:&imgrefurl=http://variety.com/
&docid=F5eAc2W_VQ2mVM&imgurl=http://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/film_reel.jpg&w=800&h=600&ei=i8FyUsTDL4fT7Abh4H4DQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:24,s:0,i:172&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=185&tbnw=248&start=8&ndsp=19&tx=221&ty=32
10am Our History
A series of unseen clips & footage from the archives on: the Spanish Civil War; Lenin; CP Congress in Birmingham; Willie Gallagher; Tom Mann; Harry Pollitt; Hyde Park Anti-Fascist rally and more
The Real Story of the Thatcher Funeral A new short film from Platform Films
2.30pm The Miners’ Campaign Tapes
In 1984 a group of independent film and video makers including Platform Films decided to show their support for the miners’ strike. A tribute to the journal ‘Labour Monthly’, documenting the struggles of On the picket lines, at the marches and in the soup kitchens, they the British Labour Movement from 1921-1971. Featuring Rajani recorded the testimonies of striking miners, their wives and Palme Dutt and R Page-Arnott supporters,in a fight against the anti-strike propaganda dominating the mainstream media. These are the videos The People’s Assembly they produced, a testimony to solidarity and activism, A new short promotional film from Platform Films tackling issues which continue to occupy us today: Films, the right to demonstrate, police tactics, political documentaries, 11.15am Justice for the double-speak and the role of the media. never before seen They document a cataclysmic episode of British history. Shrewsbury Pickets
10.30am Fifty Fighting Years
New
archive footage A new film re-examining the political events 3pm The Miners film surrounding the arrest of 24 Shrewsbury building and more A documentary on the industrial action by miners in the workers and the shocking imprisonment of three winter of 1973-4 which helped to bring down Edward of them, six months after the successful 1972 building Heath’s Tory government. The film charts this crisis from workers’ strike. The film includes film material from inside the labour movement, but also reflects the miners’ the original campaign to free Des Warren and Ricky Tomlinson historical and political understanding of it, informed by memories of the (star of TVs Royle Family), jailed for three years and two years on 1926 General Strike and analysis of the failures of nationalisation, conspiracy charges after the original criminal charges were dropped. energy and employment policies.
12pm The People’s Flag
The first episode in the seminal documentary series charting the history of the British labour movement
1pm Strike
The legendary 1925 Sergei Eisenstein
Communist Party Ruskin House, 23 Coombe Rd Join Us,London Join Labour CR0 1BD A short film from the GMB union arguing for members to become 02086861659 politically involved info@communist-party.org.uk NUT Rally For Education
21st Century Marxism programme [8]