May Day Belfast 2026: Annual May Day Lecture: The Threat of Global Imperialism and Building a People’s Response – 30 Apr

“War is a game played by maniacs who kill each other. Locate the man who profits by war and strip him of his profits – war will end.” – Woody Guthrie

The inevitable economic and social crises resulting from years of neoliberalism have created an unstable world. Rather than seeking peaceful settlements, conflicts are being fuelled and are escalating towards a global war.

While the Far Right creates threats from the internal ‘other’ to achieve power in the interests of big capital, many centrist governments are only too happy to create external ‘enemies’ in response to the failure to solve the crisis in their economies inflicted by the demands of global capital. Indeed, Ireland’s historic position of neutrality is under threat.

As imperialist aggressions escalate across the world, war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing and occupation, is becoming normalised. International solidarity and unity of the peoples of the world in building a global movement for peace which flatly rejects imperialist barbarism is our only hope to save people and planet.

Clare Daly, a well known international politician and activist will deliver this year’s May Day lecture on perhaps the most pressing issue of our times. Clare will be joined by local Trade Union Educator, Brian McAnoy and BDTUC Vice President, Kerry Fleck.

Part of May Day Belfast 2026

  • Thursday 30th April
  • 6.00pm
  • Irish Congress of Trade Unions Building, Donegall Street, Belfast

Find out more about May Day Belfast Festival and download the programme here

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