As Communists we know that in addition to the economic and political battles we have to fight, there is the ideological front - the battle of ideas - to counter the propaganda of the ruling class.

The current economic crisis, which the ruling class will be determined to ensure the working class pay for, finally smashes the illusion of capitalist stability, or indeed even meeting the basic needs of all people. Now is the time for Communists and all socialists to pursue vigorously the superior ideas of socialism identifying the causes of the current crises as the logical outcome of the contradictions of capitalism.

The objective of the ideological struggle is to ensure that the working class understands its true interests and works out how to secure them strategically, through political advance and socialist revolution.

Over the weekend at Ruskin House, Croydon, major plenary sessions at the university will include PHILOSOPHY WHO NEEDS IT? This will be led by Erwin Marquit, Martin Levy and Mary Davis.

No Communist gathering would be complete without a full discussion on the current economic crisis and the necessity of a working class based response to th crisis. History has demonstrated that just because capitalism has a crisis, even one the scale of the current one, does not automatically mean socialism will be delivered. In a session entitled CRISIS FOR CAPITALISM—OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LEFT?, a full discussion on the current situation and strategies for the future will be a session few will want to miss.

Alongside this, and obviously linked, in the session CHALLENGING IMPERIALISM, SAVING THE WORLD a wide ranging discussion can take place hearing from contributions from amongst others, Maya Llamazares .

Throughout the weekend a number of other issues will be thoroughly discussed including understanding a little of our history and the role of the Communist Party is previous struggle. This will focus on 'CLASS STRUGGLE ON TWO FRONTS—THE COMMUNIST PARTY IN BRITAIN 1952-64'.

Of course, the crises will be used by the Capitalist class to further oppress workers. We see around us the rise of fascist forces spewing hate and bile, whilst offering no solutions. We know however, that the capitalist class will happily promote fascism in order to maintain control of power and wealth. In light of these continued attacks, we will be holding a full session called: FOR A CHANGE OF COURSE - FOR A MASS PARTY OF LABOUR. We are very pleased to have Speakers in this session including Bob Crow, John McDonnell, Moz Greenshields and Robert Griffiths.

On Friday October 17th, on the eve of the university, a social evening demonstrating that in addition to bread we need roses too. We would welcome all to attend the Rally on Friday evening, free, FIGHTING FOR BREAD & ROSES TOO 7.30pm-9.15pm

The Communist Party of Britain is also using the occasion to launch three new pamphlets: A new edition of Women and Class by Mary Davis, a new pamphlet on Local Government – a Democratic deficit, and Global Health by Theo McDonald.

But there will be little time for reading at the university itself, where social and cultural activities will also be taking place.

Back by popular demand, international cuisine prepared by our crack team of Chilean chefs. Some of them were outlawed in Chile under General Pinochet - but not because of their cooking.

We are also providing a KidzSpace service for all participants, where kids can be entertained whilst their parents attend the sessions, fun for all the family.
The 2008 Communist University of Britain will be bigger and better than ever, with a warm welcome for socialists, progressives and communists who want to discuss the ways ahead.

For the full programme and to book your place go to Communist University

www.communist-party.org.uk