Sanders, Solidarity and Socialism at Tressell - The Labour Party
His seminal work, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, (our party leader’s favourite book!) remains one of the foundational texts of socialism and a pioneering novel written from an unapologetically working-class perspective.
Three years on, the Robert Tressell Festival has become a staple in the trade union calendar and a non-sectarian space to celebrate the enduring power of trade unionism, labour and socialist values in the fight for a fairer and better world.
Today, Labour values are under siege. With Trump’s re-election and the rise of the far-right across Europe, we face what Connolly coined “a carnival of reaction” a force that threatens to set back the wheels of progress made by progressive political parties, unions, and Labour people like ourselves.
This stark warning formed the theme of Tressell this year, guiding discussions on Connolly’s enduring legacy with Mick Lynch, the deepening housing crisis with ICTU’s Paul Gavan, and the urgent need for a common Left platform to build a transformative political alternative with our own Marie Sherlock TD.
Organisers were honoured to welcome Senator Bernie Sanders and his wife Dr Jane Sanders to this year’s event. The Sanders’ lifelong commitment to economic justice and their leadership in resisting the Trump regime’s assaults on democracy embody the spirit of solidarity that Tressell and Connolly championed.
Solidarity, both local and international was at the heart of Tressell this year. The ongoing brutal and murderous assault on the Palestinian people weighs heavily on our minds and movement, and it took centre stage in our opening evening panel with Patrick Cockburn leading the discussion on, ‘War, Peace and Solidarity,’ setting the tone for an evening of reflection and resistance.
But Tressell is never just about debate, it’s a celebration of our rich tapestry of culture, art, music, our collective struggle, and enduring strength.
As we reflect and look forward to conference at the end of the year, let us recommit to principle of respecting each other’s differences and not falling into the trap of treating imperfect allies and comrades as enemies.
As the outgoing Chair of Labour Trade Unionists, I am deeply grateful to all members; staff and public representatives who contributed in so many ways to the festival being our biggest and best yet.
In these ever-darkening times, we hope the Robert Tressell Festival can continue to stand as a beacon of hope for people, proof that another world is possible when we stand and work together. Onwards and upwards, comrades and friends.
By Paddy Cole, Chair of Labour Trade Unionists and Tressell Festival Organiser