Communist Party Glasgow

Comrades and friends assembled Saturday to listen to Harpal  Brar speak on the topic of Imperialism and War at Partick Burgh Halls, Glasgow.

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Communists‬ from across ‪Scotland‬ met in ‪Glasgow‬ this Saturday to listen to an excellent presentation from CPGB-ML Chairman Harpal Brar.

Comrade Harpal spoke on the topic of ‪Imperialism‬ and ‪War‬ – particularly important as we reach the centenary of the outbreak of the‪ ‎First World War‬. Despite the ruling classes’ war propaganda and jingoism, it’s vital that workers (and young people) understand that the war was an inter-imperialist struggle to control colonies – at the expenses of millions of workers’ lives from across Europe, Africa and Asia. A short video excerpt of the speech can be seen below. Any group that would like Harpal to speak on this topic is welcome to send a request to our email address.

A lively discussion followed in which comrades agreed on the necessity of building a workers’ movement free from social democracy at home, and reaffirming our support for anti-imperialist forces abroad – particularly the Syrian Armed Forces and Hezbollah, and the anti-fascist resistance in Donetsk, Lugansk and other parts of ‘eastern Ukraine’.

The event was preceded by a meeting of Glasgow CPGB-ML who worked out plans for expanding the branch and our work in the city. If you’d like to get involved and join the struggle – email info@redyouth.org

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6JsmqyHFYI#at=18

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Red Youth and Birmingham CPGB-ML supported the call of West Mids PSC to support a demo to raise awareness of the plight of political prisoner’s. The purpose was to raise the profile of Irish and Palestinian political prisoner’s in particular. Despite West Mids PSC declaring its support for the rally, it seems on the day the weather got the better of them. Perhaps a BBQ took precedence, or maybe some other vital work, like verbal masturbation at some University/college Professor’s house… maybe they were too busy spreading rumours of anti-semitism to other ultra-left, trotskyite groups who make out they are anti-racist/anti-imperialist. Either way, true anti-imperialists staged an excellent march and rally. Shame on those who profess their devotion to the liberation of the Palestinians but declare actual Palestinian revolutionaries and fighters against imperialism to be anti-semitic. These people whistle loud but are never seen out in Birmingham unless its a state-sponsored/TUC love-in.

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Red Youth stands with Celtic FC supporters against club, state and police repression

Red Youth expresses full solidarity to Celtic FC supporters who continue to organise against draconian laws, police harassment and the shameful complicity of their club in repressing football fans.

Fans Against Criminalisation (FAC), an independent association comprising of the Green Brigade and several other supporters’ groups, have arranged a rally on George Square, Glasgow, 6 April at 12pm.

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Whilst FAC was originally formed in 2011 to protest the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communciations Act, and continue to mobilise fans and wider society against this preposterous, repressive and unworkable bill, tensions have reignited after a number of people were recently banned from Celtic Park without cause or explanation. It has since transpired that Celtic FC have been colluding with Strathclyde Police to target certain individuals and groups.

On 16 March, fans responded by organising a corteo to the football stadium to highlight the ongoing harassment and arbitrary bans that supporters face. They were met with heavy-handed policing that resorted to kettling, provocation and the inevitable arrests of supporters, including many under the age of 18. There have been subsequent reports and picture evidence that shows Strathclyde Police intimidating and brutalising fans.

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Yet, the supporters have refused to be intimidated and have arranged this further demonstration, which we encourage all football fans and progressive groups to support. The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act is aimed primarily at the Irish community in Scotland as it seeks to criminalise the support of Irish republicanism and conflate it with the bigotry and sectarianism of unionism.

The fans who have been targeted by Celtic FC and Strathclyde Police are largely members of the Green Brigade: a collection of Irish republican, socialist and anti-fascist supporters that have organised to bring atmosphere and passion back to Celtic Park. The Green Brigade’s numbers are relatively small but – by having an overwhelmingly working class membership and an ability to connect football, youth culture and political consciousness – they have been able to influence thousands of young people in the West of Scotland and beyond. The ‘left’ in Britain could learn a great deal. It will not be the mainstream political groups that defend the working class but the independent mobilisation of our ranks.

Red Youth stands in solidarity with these supporters:

Supporting your club in NOT a crime!

No to modern football!

Defend the Irish community in Scotland!

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For more information on FAC – http://fansagainstcriminalisation.blogspot.co.uk/