MESS aun. carou was launched in the run-up to the Labour Party conference. The Welfare State Network was set up from a meeting of activists from health campaigns, student unions, unemployed centres, nursery struggles and pensioners groups.
It set out to offer information and solidarity to local campaigns and pressure groups which are often ignored by the official labour movement.
Within three weeks it had launched the pilot issue of a tabloid newspaper Action for Health and Welfare, and all 7,000 copies were snapped up by activists across the country.
A lobby of parliament was called for Budget Day, supported strongly by students, pensioners groups and disability campaigners.
A second issue of Action, with an increased print run, is published this week. Socialist Outlook readers are urged to obtain copies and work to build support for it.
A working conference has been called for February 18, to discuss campaigning on the Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, and benefits for youth and stu• Job Seekers Allowance • Incapacity Benefit O Benefits for Youth and Students • Workshops and discussion