UCL Roberts Building, Room G08, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE

From the Poplar Rates Revolt in the 1920s to the Clay Cross Rent Rebels in the 1970s, there is a history of left-wing Labour Councillors refusing to implement Conservative austerity attacks on the impoverished working-class constituents who elected them. Poplar councillors, including Labour-leader-to-be George Lansbury, went to prison after declaring that they would "Break the law, not the poor".

We'll be discussing the history of these struggles and whether this is a tactic that remains relevant today, especially after the election of anti-austerity Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Introducing with some historical background will be Janine Booth, socialist feminist trade union activist and author of the history book "Guilty and Proud of it: Poplar's Rebel Councillors and Guardians 1919-25".

All welcome for a lively discussion, whether or not you know anything about the history, and whatever you think about the issue. Afterwards we'll retire to a pub and continue the debate over a pint!