Our Bloc: How We Win

(Paperback, Paperback original)

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Our Bloc is a blueprint for a new combination of left-wing forces in Britain. James Schneider proposes a movement-party organisation that acts in society and in the Labour Party, through which party members, social movements, trade unions and socialist-inclined MPs could coordinate their political work. He adapts Chantal Mouffes theory of left populism to set out how the bloc could popularise socialist ideas and bend the parameters of politics towards its demands. Socialist perspectives are now rarely heard in mainstream public debate, after five years under Jeremy Corbyn when the left had some success in shaping political discourse. There is a large base of potential activists and an even larger section of the population available for mobilisation, but no central force to unite and organise them. Calls to stay and fight against Keir Starmers failing leadership of the Labour Party are inadequate: socialists need a platform from which to do it. Schneider presents his Left Bloc as a pole of attraction for everyone seeking fundamental economic, social, political and environmental change. In this incisive book he sets out a plan for the next ten years: to build power, weaken our opponents and prepare ourselves for the next surge.

Reviews

Our Bloc offers a powerful case for action. When movements come together, we change the world -- Jeremy Corbyn
Inspirational. Our Bloc lifts the strategic debate. We need it. -- Hilary Wainwright, co-editor of Red Pepper
A razor-sharp intervention by one of the smartest strategists on the left. -- Richard Seymour, author of Corbyn
Many gains and opportunities seem more at hand than before I picked up Our Bloc. Smart, bracing reading for anyone looking for tips on where we go from here. -- Morgan Jones * Labour List *
Urgent and engaging -- John McTernan * Guardian *
Compellingly matter-of-fact and constructive, exuding a bright enthusiasm for shrewd organising. -- Lola Seaton * New Statesman *
Refreshingly optimistic ... [Schneider] rightly ... identifies widespread sympathy for progressive policies much to the left of anything in mainstream politics, and constant simmering anger at the establishment. -- Nick Clark * Socialist Worker *
Brisk, optimistic and ambitious ... a valuable corrective to pessimism induced by the crushing defeat of 2019 - and it fizzes with ideas. A great read. -- Ben Chacko * Morning Star *
Our Bloc provides serious suggestions for how we can move forward -- Dominic Sorrell * Counterfire *

Author Bio

James Schneider co-founded Momentum in 2015 and went on to serve as Jeremy Corbyns spokesperson and head of strategic communications. He is communications director for Progressive International and a regular voice in the UK media.