Gary Thornton: comrade and class fighter

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On Thursday March 25, at 6.00 in the morning, chairman of the Leicester District Branch of the Workers Socialist League, died. He was 19.

His death, two days before the Third Annual Conference of the Socialist Youth League, was a massive blow to all those who knew him and in particular, to those who had worked with him for a socialist future.

Gary came into politics whilst still at school. From involvement in the fight to keep the fascists off the streets of Leicester, he moved on to an understanding of the need to overthrow the whole capitalist system through a workers' Such a step "demanded the difficult choice for any youth of abandoning the round of. parties and pubs for the hard world of political life. Gary made i that choice without hesitation and committed himself to the struggle for a Trotskyist party.

He became d. founder member of the Socialist Youth LUNGS Gary Thornton League in Leicester, building it. together with his friends and comrades, into a significant force amongst youth. At school he organised the students into the National Union of School Students, organised a strike against the cuts and was elected to the NUSS National Commit: tee.

In October 1979 Gary joined the Workers Socialist League, becoming an Area Committee member eight months later. Quiet and unassuming, he was loved and respected by all those comrades who worked with him for his courage, honesty and determination.

Gary never flinched from facing problems. He was always in the front line in the fight to smash fascism regardless of the dangers. Always there when the time came to stand up and be counted.

Above all he believed that what was needed was a mass revolutionary movement with real roots in the working class. To that end he , argued unceasingly the need to turn out to new layers of youth, women workers and all those brought into struggle against the bosses.

At the time of his death he was preparing to stand for election as a shop steward in the National Union of Railwaymen, and was enthusiastic about the new opportunities his work in the unions gave him.

His death is a blow that we in the movement will come to terms with only slowly. Certainly he will never be forgotten.

In 1 tribute to his memory, the Socialist Youth Leauge have launched a special fund to produce a commemorative pamphlet on The Fight Against Racism and Fascism', a struggle that was particularly dear to Gary's heart.

Sympathy

Peggy; we in the WL extend To his Alan and our deepest sympathy in their loss. To his companion, Bethan and her daughter Melissa we offer not only our sincere sympathy but our support as a comrade and a class fighter.

Gary died a Trotskyist. We salute his-memory. Laured at me SYL 3rd Armai Conference has so far raised £100, including donations from Barricade and Revolution Youth who were present at the confer. ence as observers. If any Socialist Press readers would like to contribute, donations should be sent to the SYL, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX, marked for the Gary Thornton Memorial Fund. Rates Trial sub (UK).

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US Hands off El Salvador!

Saturday 4 April Assemble 2.00 pm. SOCIALIST REINSTATEI PRESS * XAVIERI CONWAY Longbridge: now sal-out RIGGED "INQUIRY' 7.1, WON'T REINSTATE THE EIGHT!

Strike now to stop Edwardes!

followed by Rally Evening social Called by Oxford Latin America Committee

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T TORSHIP Wednesday April, We reprint below our summary of a lengthy interview with a member of the Turkish group KURTULUS (Liberation), on a recent visit to Britain. Pa

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