Link to this page: https://archive.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/520/3775
From The Socialist newspaper, 13 February 2008
Liverpool's tale of two cities
WHILE LIVERPOOL city centre hosts over-priced 'Capital of Culture' events, the vast majority of people in the city have been excluded from celebrations supposedly about 'their' culture. That's why over 40 people came to the 'Alternative Capital of Culture' debate hosted by Merseyside Campaign for a New Workers' Party (CNWP) last weekend.
Opening the meeting, event organiser Clara Paillard explained why we launched the initiative and are organising four film showings through 2008.
Tony Mulhearn reminded the audience how 20th century Liverpool was shaped by the struggles of working-class people, not that you would know it from the official celebrations!
Local author Nicky Allt talked about the shameless financial dealings by over-paid functionaries around the Culture Company.
Many contributions were made from the audience, reflecting people's anger at the 'quangocracy' who claim a monopoly on the celebrations.
Many suggestions were made about what can be done next, and the first of these could be linked with our first film showing next month. A longer article by Clara will appear on the CNWP website www.cnwp.org.uk and in a future issue of the socialist.
Ken Loach presents his film The Flickering Flame about the 1990s dockers' lockout on 19 March. For more on this and other events, visit www.myspace.com/cityofculture08. or contact us via the national address: CNWP, PO Box 858, E11 1YG.
Hugh Caffrey, CNWP and Socialist Party
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In The Socialist 13 February 2008:
Local Government workers
Birmingham council workers' biggest strike for decades
'Single status' in the West Midlands
Bosses prepare to force through more cuts
Newham workers angry at councillors
Socialist Students
Feature: The great university swindle
War and terrorism
Socialist Party news and analysis
Millionaire welcomes economic recession!
Liverpool's tale of two cities
Cardiff marches to save schools
100 people pack London world economy meeting
Transport
Cuts and backlogs cause delays
International socialist news and analysis
Polish miners gain strike victory due to iron determination
Chad conflict - part of a wider power struggle
Interview
Prison officers: Fighting for trade union rights
Building the Campaign for a New Workers' Party
Comment
Comment: Opportunist blunder further splits Church of England
Workplace news and analysis
Land Registry staff vote for action
London Underground: Strike ballot in safety row
Campaign Against Climate Change trade union conference
Shelter staff ballot for action
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