"YOU ARE NOT MY COMRADES"

There are many reasons why I can no longer bear to work with Labour Party members anymore.

I know there are still those who retain their membership who I have been happy to work alongside with on many occasions in the past but in these times I cannot do so anymore and I have decided to detail my feelings and reasons in writing.

I guess the overarching reason is the blanket of complicity that has wrapped itself around Labour since the internal ideological war waged by New Labour hacks against left wing socialism.

I watched Kier Starmer in his sickening kowtowing meeting with Donald Trump and I actually felt physically sick and angry at the same time.

There are those who commend Starmer in his efforts to placate Trump with his fawning delivery of the invite to a second state occasion with King Charles. This is somehow perceived to be diplomacy in action.

Ultimately all of this window dressing hides the reality of the current global situation. Both these political leaders are guilty of aiding and abetting the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.

This meeting took place not long after Trump okayed the delivery of MOAB ordnance to the Israeli goverment. This is a disgusting addition to the already giant mountain of disgrace supplied from USA and UK to maintain illegal occupation of the Gaza Strip by Netanyahu's government.

To offer a state visit to a man who revels in the wholesale destruction of human life as part of his "transactional" approach to political negotiating is utterly beyond acceptablity. To remain in membership of a political party that is willing to stand by a leader who believes it is acceptable to sit down and maintain convivialty with ghouls such as Trump is beyond belief.

Starmer, his supporters and all those who still hold a Labour Party membership card are, in my view, guilty of supporting war crimes, and that alone is enough for me to say to members of the Labour Party "You are not my comrades".

When Kier Starmer transfers financial spending from state benefits for people with disabilities to increases in military defence I say to those who stand up and justify this act "You are not my comrades".

When Labour Party members support the continued development of weapons of mass destruction, especially Trident (which is already redundant technology and is exhorbitantly expensive) I say "You are not my comrades".

When Labour Party members justify the maintaining and implementation of draconian legislation against non violent direct action and public demonstrations I say "You are not my comrades".

When a Labour government continues to implement neo-liberal privatisation policies across large sections of public service delivery, especially in the NHS, I say to those who hold a Labour Party membership card "You are not my comrades".

To those who remain within the Labour Party whilst cutting International Aid, scrapping winter fuel payments, blaming the victims of the covid pandemic for being unable to work due to long covid, "You are not my comrades".

These are some of the reasons that I refuse to give credence to Labour Party members who, by remaining in membership, are complicit in what, to all intents and purposes, is a complete anathems to an eco-socialist political future, offer no alternative to right wing Blairite business as usual. These are some of the reasons why I say "You are not my comrades", and why I can no longer campaign alongside those who remain in Labour Party membership.

I stand up and shout out, loud and proud,

"YOU ARE NOT MY COMRADES."

Harry Rogers, 15th March 2025