THE convener of the Communist Party’s political economy commission, Stewart McGill, has had a chequered career.

He used to work in the financial sector – he assures me that he was young and needed the money – but has made a living over the last 20 years as a martial arts teacher. He’s also an author, but more about some of his forthcoming work with Manifesto Press in a later piece. 

Over the last few years Stewart has run several “Strikeathons.” Basically he hits the marital arts/boxing strike pads for 8 hours and asks for sponsorship. The Punchathons have raised nearly £25,000 for various good causes including medical relief for Gaza, refugee charities and the Venezuelan Communist Party. 

His last Punchathon — McGill is 63 and admits to being “way too old for this schtick” — will be at the end of this month and will be a “Strikeathon.” Stewart will be punching and kicking between 10am and 6pm on Sunday July 30 to raise money to help striking workers in London on behalf of the London district of the Communist Party of Britain. All funds raised will go to the union strike funds of the London workers currently in dispute.  

This is a great opportunity to help striking workers. Please show solidarity by giving to the Strikeathon here.