THROUGHOUT the world, working people, the unemployed and the very poorest are facing an onslaught as right wing governments seek tax cuts by slashing front-line welfare services.
In the USA, the Republican-led Congress has voted through draconian cuts in the Medicare and Medicaid services which deliver health care to the elderly, and opted to slash Federal spending on social security, education and other vital services. The objective of the $270 billion cut over five years in health spending is to finance a $250 million tax hand-out over the i perfo, designed to buy votes for the Republicans in the coming Presidential elections In FRANCE, the right wing offensive unleashed by President Chirac and his government led to last strike, with walk-outs by 2.5 million workers, including two thirds of teachers, hospital staff and council workers; protesting at plans to freeze wages, cut jobs and attack pensions.
And in BRITAIN, Chancellor Kenneth Clarke, the key to any possible revival of flagging Tory electoral fortunes, is piecing together his budget.
Once again, cynical tax-cutting bribes seem the best hope of buying back lost Tory support among the middle classes Tory ministers have already agreed strict limits on public sponding what wil tigaten the squeeze on health services. education and housing, and redouble the attack on the security claimants.
The British fighuback is not as developed as the French: but the Tory onslaught is being resisted.
Campaigns are fighting cuts and closures in the NHS, and the FAGE campaign against education cuts is gaining strength across the country: last month thousands backed our hospitals HIS the NW TUC march on the Tory conference in Blackpool, which centred on defence of the welfare state. And on Budget Day, November 28, the Welfare State Network is 471 357 Guvs and coorainating a lobby of parliament.
Fighting now to defend key elements of the welfare state in Britain not only challenges the Tories, but strengthens the
UNISON
St Teernas ust stay! Bose rolen e unionists and socialists must put demands on a new Labour change of course. Editorial comment
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 93, November 11 1995, Page 2 THE FIGURES may be
Guys and St Thomas
UNISON HANDS OFF our hospitals
St Thomas* must stay