In the West Midlands, the Socialist Alliance is putting forward a radical, socialist alternative to what they see as the "institutionalised corruption" of an EU run by an "unelected super quango, for the interests of bankers and big business, not for ordinary people".
"We don't want a Europe which cuts jobs, services and the welfare state to abide by the Maastricht criteria and the Stability Pact. We want a Europe that is planned for the benefit of all" says their No1 candidate, Dave Nellist, the former Labour MP.
Their targets are both the EU institutions and the government at home. "Euro MP's and Commissioners ride a gravy train whilst New Labour behave more like genetically modified Tories every day", says Mr Nellist scathingly.
They pledge that if any of their candidates are elected they would "live on a worker's wage" and publish their accounts. "A Socialist MEP would be accountable and financially transparent, just like socialist TD Joe Higgins in Ireland and socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan in Scotland", says Mr Nellist.
Their policies include campaigning for a "democratic, accountable, socialist Europe"; opposing Britain joining the Euro; opposing racism and the "Fortress Europe" of the EU; calling for an immediate rise in the minimum wage to £5 an hour; opposing ethnic cleansing and NATO's war in the Balkans; actively protecting the environment, for cheap public transport and against private toll roads, against GM crops and foods; for the abolition of private finance in health and education; and for the scrapping of student fees and loans.
The Socialist Alliance believes that with PR already proving that socialists can be elected to the parliaments of Ireland and Scotland, that they are well placed, as the major minor party in the region, to elect a socialist to the European Parliament.
"Millions who voted Labour in 1997 to get change after 18 years of the Tories have watched with dismay as New Labour have closed hospitals, made plans to cut disability and incapacity benefits, and abolished free higher education", says Mr Nellist. "Now they've the real chance of getting a voice in Europe by using PR to elect a socialist MEP".
For further information contact Dave Nellist (pager) 07666 78 66 39
Notes:
The Socialist Alliance is a national working coalition of socialist, environmentalists and direct actionists that involves 15 political parties and 22 city based groups. Cllr Dave Nellist is the National Chair of the organisation.
The West Midlands Socialist Alliance has one of the youngest, yet experienced, campaigning teams anywhere in the country. All their candidates live and work in the region they seek to represent. "None of our candidates needs a map to find the West Midlands", says Mr Nellist in a swipe at Labour's "London imports".
All 8 candidates pledge that, if elected, they will only take a "worker's wage", using the rest of their wages to support local campaigns. They pledge to publish their accounts so that people can see they stick to their promises.
Candidates:
Dave Nellist 46, from Coventry, former Labour MP, 'back bencher of the year' 1991, expelled by Labour over the Poll Tax in 1992. Advice worker, and now one of the Socialist Party's Councillors in Coventry. National Chair of the Socialist Alliance.
John Rothery 47, from Darlaston, former Deputy Leader, Walsall Council, now Treasurer, Democratic Labour Party and Agent for the Socialist Alliance election campaign. Works in a community centre in Birmingham.
Lynne Hubbard 37, from Birmingham, member of the SWP and health worker at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. Union steward and leading campaigner against the Private Finance Initiative.
Salman Mirza 31, from Birmingham, member of the SWP. Former serving soldier who, as a reservist, campaigned against the Falklands War. Works with adults with learning difficulties. Union steward in Birmingham City Council.
Natasha Millward 20, from Tipton, member of the Socialist Party and one of the youngest candidates in the country. Student at Wolverhampton University and campaigner against tuition fees and student loans.
Rob Hope 30, from Birmingham, member of the Alliance for Workers' Liberty. Works in voluntary services in Birmingham. Union steward.
Jim Cessford 34, from Chesterton, member of the Socialist Party. Former secretary of the Potteries Anti Poll Tax Federation, now an advice worker in Stoke. Union steward.
Pete McNally 43, from Warwickshire. Member of the Socialist Party. Railworker, branch chair of the rail union RMT.
Advance Notice Rallies are being organised for Stoke (June 3rd), Coventry (June 6th with Tommy Sheridan MSP), Birmingham (June 7th with Jeremy Hardy and Mark Thomas) and Wolverhampton. Further details from Dave Nellist, as above.