London Political Activism

For the politically minded, London is the ideal place to get involved in third-party activism or get on board with party campaigning. Your best bet is to contact the party directly to ask what kinds of tasks are needed. Often volunteers are recruited for clerical support, fund raising, and publicity. Usually no fee is required to participate, though you may be solicited to contribute to “the cause.”

The Labour Party, 39 Victoria St., London SW1H 0HA (☎0845 850 0588; www.labourinlondon.org.uk). Currently Her Majesty’s government, Labour is led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Originally founded by the Labour Movement, the center-left party continues to advocate increased social services, although recently it has been criticized by leftist groups for its moderate stances. They support the war in Iraq.
The Conservative Party, 30 Millibank, London SW1P 4DP (☎7222 9000; www.conservative-party.org.uk). The oldest political party in the world, the Tories hold sway over the moderate right, locking horns with Labour over social and fiscal spending for a decade. They oppose the war in Iraq.
Liberal Democrats, 4 Cowley St., London SW1P 3NB (☎7222 7999; www.libdems.org.uk). Britain’s 3rd largest political party, the Liberal Democrats advocate changing the voting system for a “fairer distribution of power,” scrapping student fees for university, and providing free care for the elderly. They oppose the war in Iraq.
Communist Party of Britain, 23 Coombe Rd., London CR0 1BD (☎8686 1659; www.communist-party.org.uk). Advocating unabashed socialism since 1920, the Communist Party remains opposed to the so-called right-wing tactics of the Labour Party.
The Green Party of England and Wales, 1a Waterlow Rd., London N19 5NJ (☎7272 4474; www.greenparty.org.uk). Aiming for a “just and sustainable society,” this ecologically minded leftist party advises volunteers to mail an application to the Green Party Volunteer Manager.
Trade Justice Movement (secretariat ☎7404 0530; www.tradejusticemovement.org.uk). An umbrella organization for numerous British, Scottish, and Welsh charity organizations dedicated to fighting world poverty and promoting fair trade. Political campaigns often address the UK’s position in the WTO. Website provides links to member organizations, including Save the Children, Action Aid, and the World Development Movement. Volunteer positions, when available, are usually at the Fair Trade Foundation offices in central London.