“The left and trade union movement ignore recent advances by Reform UK at our peril”, Robert Griffiths warned the Communist Party’s Political Committee on Sunday (14 December 2025).
He was speaking after nine local council by-elections in England and Scotland showed gains in seats and vote share for the right-wing Reform UK party as Labour’s vote collapsed almost everywhere. Plaid Cymru consolidated its majority vote in Caerffili.
“People’s anger and frustration at the Labour central government’s failure to control energy and housing bills, improve local services and tackle Britain’s chronic housing crisis is enabling Reform UK to peddle its bogus agenda with wide if shallow credibility”, the outgoing CPB General Secretary argued.
“Many working class people are swallowing the lie that immigration is to blame for their problems, reinforced in that delusion by the gutter press and the Labour government’s own anti-immigration rhetoric”, Mr Griffiths declared.
“At the same time”, he pointed out, “there is widespread support for progressive policies such as price controls on essential goods and services; renationalisation of water, gas and electricity; a wealth tax on the super-rich; and greater public investment in vital industries and services”.
“Yet most of these policies are opposed by Reform UK – a party led by Thatcherite and pro-Trump multimillionaires in the interests of the multimillionaires”, the Communist Party leader accused.
The Communist Party Political Committee agreed proposals to help expose the pro-big business and anti-working class character of Reform UK, while promoting an alternative left-wing programme. Britain’s Communists also condemned the “war-mongering militarism” being whipped up by the Trump administration, NATO, the EU, and Labour Cabinet ministers.
In particular, the CPB leadership highlighted the new US National Security strategy, which proclaims the right of US imperialism to intervene in the affairs of every Latin America country, and the new EU Military Mobility package which allows all transport facilities to be commandeered for war preparations.
The Political Committee will next meet on 28 December 2025 to discuss the outcomes of the 58th Congress held last month, the finalisation and publication of resolutions and preparations for the first meeting of the newly elected EC.
The new Executive Committee is set to meet early in January 2026 to elect new officers and plans for work in 2026 and beyond.
Political Committee
Communist Party
14 December 2025
END.
You can find out more about the Party’s Political Committee here.
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Johnnie Hunter, Communications Director, johnniehunter@communistparty.org.uk.