We hope you have managed to rest and start to recover from the general election and its devastating result. Our members, councillors and MP have been across the North West campaigning day in and out, in all weathers to fight for a Labour government. We are incredibly disappointed by the national and regional result, which has taken some fantastic MP’s and given the Etonian Donald Trump a majority.

Parliament has started back and will be handling Brexit legislation before finishing for Christmas. Undoubtedly over the next five years there will be more cuts to public services – NHS, welfare, disability funding. While it seems bleak right now there are things we can do to support each other and fight back against these cuts.

What can you do? The Practical:

Volunteer

Another five years of the Tory Party is going to mean more people in poverty so where we can we should help organisations which help such as the Trussell Trust and The Hygiene Bank. There are a whole host of national organisations which will need extra funding and volunteers as demand for their services increases. 

We have quite a few community groups within Ardwick who could always use support from volunteers and donations:

• Coverdale and Newbank Community Grocer 
• West Gorton Community Centre
• Supporting People In Need
• Ida Kinsey Centre 

If you know of any local or national organisations which need support let us know.

Be an ally

We still have a prime minister who uses the most hateful and disgusting language to describe people in this country so it is even more important that we are allies to the marginalised communities Johnson has emboldened people to attack. The election of Johnson has unsurprisingly made people from the BAME community feel unsafe so it is crucial we stand by them.

Reduce your carbon footprint

One of our flagship policies in the election was a Green New Deal because we understand just how crucial the next decade is for the future of our planet. We know we cannot trust the government to put the environment above profit so looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint is essential for us all. In Ardwick you can get an allotment through the West Gorton Community Group or S4B if you fancy growing your own food or just spending more time outside.

What can you do? The Political:

If you’ve been on social media or reading the news since the election you’ll have noticed that everyone has an opinion on how we ended up with such a disappointing result. Putting those opinions aside Jeremy Corbyn will be stepping down as leader of the Labour Party next year and there will be an internal election for his replacement.

In the run up to the election all meetings were suspended as part of a policy called purdah but branch and constituency meetings will start up again in 2020. If you’re a member who isn’t already active get involved with your Labour Party at a branch and constituency level, you can find details of the people to contact about getting involved on the Labour website or if you’re a member in Ardwick contact us directly.

Join the Labour Party and get active

If you’re not a Labour Party then please join us – we might be the largest political party in Europe but we will be undergoing a period of reflection and change so having as wide a range of people committed to a fairer and more compassionate society will only strengthen us. We just spent 6 weeks campaigning in the freezing cold for what we believe in but don’t worry the next general election will be in May 2024 so the days will be lighter and warmer.

Join a trade Union

Get involved with your trade union because we know workers rights are going to be under further threat – there has just been a policy announced which will stop all out rail strikes. Trade unions don’t just provide advice and support for you at work but take part in community projects and organise against the far right so make sure you’re a member of a trade union.

I hope you all have a relaxing Christmas

Irene Robinson

Ardwick Labour Party Chair