Labour left prepares for austerity fight

The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) will gather at its annual conference at Conway Hall in Red Lion Square, London, where members will discuss the best strategy to fight austerity at every level.

Delegates will be joined by a panel of Labour councillors from across Britain who will share their experiences about how cuts are affecting jobs and services locally.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack will also explain how cuts are crippling the fire service, the need for industrial action and examine the practicalities of a general strike.

LRC chairman John McDonnell MP said: "Labour must resist the cuts faced by working-class communities and offer a genuine alternative based upon the redistribution of wealth and public ownership.

"To prevent further damage to our communities, Labour must come out firmly against cuts and privatisation now, before it is too late."

A session chaired by Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn will give international perspectives on the fighting austerity from Greek socialists Syriza, Jean-Luc Melenchon's Front de Gauche and German party Die Linke.

Mr Corbyn said: "The message is clear that the people of Europe face the same attacks and must unite in solidarity against austerity imposed at the behest of bondholders, speculators and privatisers, rather than retreat into nationalist divides."

• The conference will take place from 10am to 5pm.