Opinion by Mathew Carr
July 15, 2024 — Could this Bethnal Green Working Men’s club, now used by drag queens and disco lovers, become the new face of community capitalism? I’m asking.
The club is planning what might be its final gig later this month.
Instead of closing, perhaps it could be bought out by the community under new models of capitalism being explored after the July 4 UK elections?
The club was featured in the recent Netflix hit series Baby Reindeer.
The ruling UK Labour party has a loose affiliation with the Cooperative Party, which is exploring new forms of capitalism based on community asset ownership.
Perhaps the Bethnal Green establishment could be purchased under these plans?
See these snips from the party’s website:
What is the Co-operative Party, and how do we work with Labour?
The Co-operative Party is a political party. We stand candidates at elections at all levels of government – including local councillors, metro mayors, MPs, Members of Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members.
Since 1927, we have had an electoral agreement with Labour, meaning we only stand Labour and Co-operative joint candidates.
Our candidates come from across the broad church of the Labour Party, united by their belief in the co-operative values of sharing wealth and power.
About (emphasis added)
We are the party of the UK’s co-operative movement, committed to building a society in where power and wealth are shared.
Democratic, public ownership of the services and utilities we all rely on. Tackling the housing crisis through co-operative housing. Fans having a say in their sports club. Credit unions as an alternative to rip-off payday lenders. Shops owned by their customers that give back to the community.
Whether in government or opposition, for a century the Co-operative Party has been a voice for co-operative values and principles in the places where decisions are taken, and laws are made.
Check out these docs below of the historic club:
(More to come)
Most recent accounts
Most recent published rules
