Summary
I Write in respect of the article "The docks are part of me" (Post October 4) by former Labour councillor Charles Thomas and his appearance in the BBC documentary with Michael Heseltine at the Swansea Dockers Club. I must say, for me as an active trade unionist and socialist for more than 50 years, it was a gut-churning experience.
In the article, former councillor Thomas refers to the Eastside being better than it was with the demise of the railway sidings and heavy industry. Yes, it is a better place in many ways but with the industry and the railways went the good jobs that he referred, only to be replaced by low paid call centre ones. In many ways, it was the heavy industry that made the Eastside and Swansea unique. Until his spectacular row with Mrs Thatcher, Heseltine played a pivotal role in the de-industrialisation of Britain. Productive capital was to be replaced by speculative capital, Britain was to be the financial capital of the world. We are now seeing the devastating results of these policies. Doubtless when Lord Heseltine is enjoying a glass or two of champagne with his fellow multi-millionaire friends in Whites and the Carlton Club, he will be able to show something unique for a Tory grandee - his honorary membership card for the Swansea Dockers Club.See the full content of this document
Extract
Gut-Churning Experience
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