Vote Lucas Grant for Aberdeen North - Scottish TUSC

ate for Aberdeen Donside. In the past year, the sacrifices made by working people have provided the undeniable proof that we are the backbone of public services, mail, logistics, retail and many other essential areas that have been vital in keeping Scotland and the world running throughout the pandemic.”

“As we see the transition out of lockdown it is vital there is a real recovery from the pandemic for working people, without the sacrifices and austerity that governments offer. We cannot have further cuts and austerity offered by the Tories, SNP and Aberdeen City Council. It has been a struggle already for those reliant on these services with the severe underfunding experienced. Scottish TUSC demands councils and the Scottish government set no cuts budgets and fights for a return of the billions stolen from public services as a result of more than a decade of austerity. We need serious investment in these services a and substantial increase in the minimum wage for all - of £12 an hour on the road to a £15 living wage.”

“Young people have also experienced the affects of the pandemic, with major jobs losses being felt among a multitude of other hardships. University and college students have been pressured into continuing to pay extortionate rent even while not on campus. Those in other accommodation also must pay these high rents, especially in Aberdeen where living costs are more than 100% the national average. Young people are often being forced to work multiple jobs, often in unstable employment with extremely poor wages. What is needed is free democratically run education for all people, that of a proper living wage for all people regardless of age, and affordable housing. All of this can only be done through public ownership of these major industries.”

“What will be key for this election are the calls for a second independence referendum. This will not be forthcoming from the Tories in Westminster which will call for mass working class action to bring about a Socialist Independent Scotland, as opposed to the capitalist Scotland that the SNP offer. Scottish TUSC is clear that this will call for mass strike action, demonstration and occupations to bring about independence.”

“The energy sector is a major employer in Aberdeen. Oil and gas workers have paid a terrible price in job losses and attacks on pay and terms and conditions over the last few years as oil companies have sought to boost profits at the expense of workers. Scottish TUSC supports a transition to fully publicly owned and controlled renewable energy sources, but this must not be accompanied with another crisis and job losses. Energy sector workers must be provided guaranteed jobs and no loss of pay as part of a socialist transition to renewables. This can only be done through public ownership of the gas and oil industry and trade union and workers'
control of the transition.”

“All of this cannot be separated from the need for democratic public ownership of all sectors, and an end to all forms of privatisation. Socialist policies like these could provide invaluable relief to the rising poverty and unemployment in Aberdeen. Universal Credit offers paltry and unliveable grants and a multitude of hoops to jump through to get the most basic means to live, a fully funded democratically controlled benefits system with completely means tested grants is vital. What is necessary is a new mass workers party to bring these socialist policies to fruition.”
“This will be a crucial election and I look forward to campaigning as a Socialist candidate for the election.”

Like all Scottish TUSC candidates, if elected Lucas has pledged to live on a skilled worker’s wage as an MSP, with the rest being donated to the trade union and socialist movement.