Can't Pay, Won't Pay: The Fight to Stop the Poll Tax

The Poll Tax rebellion was a 30-year social movement that helped bring down one of the most powerful British Prime Ministers of the 20th Century. Simon Hannah's book "Can't Pay, Won't Pay" immerses the reader in the gritty history of the rebellion, focusing on key figures and groups such as Neil Kinnock, Tommy Sheridan, Militant, Class War, and the Metropolitan Police. Hannah demonstrates the centrality of the Poll Tax resistance as a key chapter in the history of British popular uprisings, Labour Party factionalism, the anti-socialist agenda, and failed Tory ideology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 March 2020
Publisher: Pluto Press

Thirty years ago, a remarkable social movement emerged, resulting in the downfall of one of the most influential British Prime Ministers of the 20th century. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Poll Tax rebellion, Simon Hannah takes us on a nostalgic journey back to those turbulent days of resistance, recounting the stories of the individuals who stood up against the bailiffs, rallied for their rights, and defied the government.

The journey begins in Scotland, where the Community Charge was first introduced, igniting the flames of rebellion. Can't Pay, Won't Pay immerses readers in the gritty history of this pivotal moment, showcasing the large-scale protests, blockaded estates, and the emergence of key figures and groups. Among them are Neil Kinnock and Tommy Sheridan, leaders of the Labour Party and the Scottish National Party, respectively. Militant, Class War, and the Metropolitan Police also played significant roles in shaping the course of the rebellion.

In assessing the legacy of the Poll Tax resistance today, Hannah emphasizes its significance as a crucial chapter in the history of British popular uprisings, Labour Party factionalism, the anti-socialist agenda, and the failure of Tory ideology. The rebellion not only challenged the political establishment but also sparked a wave of social activism and collective action that continues to resonate today.

As we reflect on the past, let us be inspired by the courage and determination of those who fought against the Poll Tax. Their legacy reminds us of the power of unity, resistance, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 133 x 216 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745340814