Socialist Unity (UK)

Socialist Unity was a small socialist electoral coalition in the United Kingdom. It was formed by the International Marxist Group (IMG) as a response to the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) standing candidates in elections.[1]

For the group which stood candidates under this name in 2005, see Socialist Unity Network.

Socialist Unity
AbbreviationSU
Founded1977 (1977)
Dissolved1979 (1979)
IdeologySocialism
Trotskyism
Political positionFar-left
Coalition membersInternational Marxist Group
Workers League
Big Flame
Marxist Worker

Initially, in 1977, the IMG formed local groups, and then the national Socialist Unity grouping. They suggested an alliance with the SWP, which was rejected. The coalition attracted the support of the Workers League, Big Flame, the Marxist Worker group, and some independent socialists.[1] The Workers League, Marxist Worker and the remnants of the Libertarian Communist Group were absorbed by the IMG and Big Flame around this time.

The group stood six candidates in the 1979 UK general election, including Tariq Ali. None of the candidates secured a contested seat.[1] The coalition was dropped when the IMG decided to seek to influence the Labour Party instead.

References
  1. Sean Matgamna, "The Left and Labour: Lessons from the 1979 General Election ("As We Were Saying")", Workers Liberty, 8 July 2009


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