Labour Briefing no. 35 (second copy)

INSIDE

Black women in the unions @Peace and Defence

eAIDS

eWAC AGM

FRENCH FIGHTBACK — LESSONS FOR US ALL

R HERON AMPUTEES

The French raitworkers have shown the working class in Britain how to deal with right wing governments who impose austerity measures in the economic crisis.

Following hard on the heels of the successtul students’ demonstrations, workers on the SNCR (equivalent (0 BR) rave been st since December 18th against the introduction of a greater degree of merit-based promotion, having had 0 pay increase for 18 months, and threats of redundancy.

Less unionised than in Britain, the railway workers fave set up rank aad file “co-ordinations’ to onganise the strike at 3 loca level. The CGT (Communist-led Trade Union federation) has been gaining members, 2s workers recogaise the need fo organise against the attack on their living standards.

here have ao been

workers amo and. bu:

Paris. The situation in France is different from Britain. The uneasy cohabitation between the Socialist President Mitterrand and the right wing Chirac government is holding the goverment back from carrying out their full Thaicher-like programme of vrivatisation and attacks on vorking class. living is. And the success Of the students undoubtedly gave the railworkers ‘confidence that they could win, Nevertheless the French fightback is 2 lesson for us in Britain.

Kinnock and the Labour leadership would have us believe, that waiting for a Labour government is the culy ancwer Briefing doesn't agree. The best way to ensure 2 Labour victory to fight the Tories now. Although the Miners’ defeat {eftcus dejected and lost for solutions, more - recently there have been exariples of 3 fightback. Teachers have been organising for over a

wing backlash in workers like

spure, anti-union bosses ndancies; and most the Tube workers in

‘wait for @ Labour government

‘election from labour

| PHOTO: sot cnapmen

‘PHOTO! John Chapman

PHOTO: Job Chapman

—~.* Ir

<about Briefing Jon 15-28 1987 page 2

Home News tha Achat ofce Wk Sic nou Aa 35 pC Series oacewe ete ese" Sisto Pay! Conkiceaes aed Ropaaiap AADN athe Sere Stoning hs otesional coun” "othe, mys, Game ofemingtaecied dows poly shoud be adage pension, | OS —eeigeyscgrenttens! cies the ted, the cuss oti Ufe ug. mere isa ot “deccesiiwion Senin AID condemnation of thecontent The “etal profesion cont contracting AIDS are increased become’ blood donors — as caries or hgh rik groups Tn Of hig SOMME. ingly “ea 10 aatee om the extent of the more sexual partes you lesbians arethe leas affecied by Seas such as employment and Not surprisingly, James. gerognory comments about feretly on’ who should or iF you're carcew though you reports esbian AIDS caries, urgent A wale ohestee ot Anderton, Manchester’s sections ‘of the community should not donate blood. can get knocked down — or with AIDS transmitted in the mine who is in the process of

police chief's, comments whose rights it is his job to that AIDS victims were phold, and were quite clearly “switting around in a °° -

of their ‘own Far trom defending our were taken up policy on lesbian and gay rights,

by the right wing press statements made by some of out with relict leading oltcians ia tent

, months ‘(for example, Nel ‘The Daily Mail followed —Kinnock — "I'm old-fashioned

up their initial splash om the when it comes to marriage, the topic with a double page — family and such issues”) could

spread claiming an ad ‘one think thar the fi TRS Se ; ; Malauche of letters Labour Party wan right Behind Neveles, many facts are coniract AIDS — the very first Wet fom man o man or fom buying a howe with a male aan Me Anderton? Anderton's “moral crusade", <leily esabluhed. We know time The only real way to man to” woman, the Labour (iend was recenly forced fo rere 7 the method of tansmission of cnsure safety & to take the Party. leadership sould even pay a higher premium for is The right were quick (© Labour Pacty had a clear and these methods of transmission time —-i-e. practise safe sex. arguing AIDS is yet another the grounds, that he could make political capital out of openly campaigned for policy could be virtually completely "As for AIDS and. gay ifecuon men give women. contract AIDS. At no time Was the antigay bandwagon, on AIDS and AlDSclaied clminated ‘by taking simple sexuality, is trac that until Imagine the Labour’ Party he asked. whether ‘he. was’ an

and the moral bigots seized iSucs —a policy aimed at path safc precautions such asa ow inthe Wet therehave been romoting lesbianism as the AIDS vrier or evn mhther he jet another opportunity to preventing the further spread of sexual’ practice, using <l far more gay than heteroserual only way over half” the wasamember of oneot the high peddle their’ pronuclear t= AIDS virus, and at hypodermic needles “for AIDS vicuims (in Africa the population could stay AIDS- risk groups (he is neither as

RO-ANCIES SYopathecaly helping the lnjeton, screening blood sed revere Ws we, for reason thet ret (So al oa family, ant-sexuality views. finareds of cxising “AIDS bidod. products and wearing are as Yel not early The plight of hundreds of discinination against inte Jn contrast, the Labour Sufferers and the thousands of gloves for ter handling ndertgod) To extend that 19 sufferers and thourands| of men

Party's response was one of Sars of the AIDS virus The sao tye, tt ete eee ee ees res ee A et a vanes nae, almost toral silence. There ““Thereis a desperate nond for promiscuity and’ gay sexuality therefore wrong and should be counry, eat preten being pad and- much more han the £900 was hardly a murmur of amativecampalgnto pu over that came “AIDS can be oulawel qui Mlogcal <* seantatienion, Yermuch coud being spen by the goveramert

Sia downright ssi Be done to help then nits presea campaign (6 good

‘The bigots who use AIDS to The chances of a virus carrier deal less than they spent telling

denounce gay sexuality ignore contracting AIDS have been Sid!)

fhe Tact that AIDS has spendin variously Smad at Besnecn

the gay make community —not 10.and 90%. In ther words tis posible that there wil be thelesban community AIDSis we don Know: More esearch sanGUine Stage in pe someone of the same sex, but as involved in activation of the vighlight the S issue. This Ssopuallytansmited dacnee'e AIDS vires, aswellasinfo ways yetugt™ {06 AIDS ite, This by definkion wil spread fit of trating "AIDS" suferas, Shye,nat,e msesay: Tat

Z Kinnock and our Councils

' Restore our grants! ‘ effe tt year’s Connell By Cay Tan Harrison bos, Cou der nl

gel keer camanag to «HH ith & Fulham —secrevencss reveals a. base A twlingness co ead real fight

‘seta rate om the grounds that

r Tue against Hattersley" and cuts could be avoided by the "These gaps arise because Cunningham jn the Man-up 10.4 ae use of “creative councis fave found ways of Gunera Blction /

asleftwing Councils which have term. borrowing which falls basis of defending and

2 a used creative accounting to outside the government's system —_impros services. Alread} Lab technician with AIDS virus (211¥) sample defend jobs and sereies are of capital contols. A principal some "et i

Viraj Mendis in sanctuary tarewillseno pork bare! for aficatiom. It thus ests ite years — and their capital Home Office immigration ssionete fectors’ ignorance of, or indifference to, years to come. This will mot way. The result will be Minis Deva. By Kate Adams sty VioParightto stay.and — (fe°Cance ag narure of thar bankrupt Council but could poxponement of new housing ‘Waddir oft Ni has deliberately ignored the financial problems. yuire massive rate increases or schemes, 4 squeeze on revenue

laddington refused Viraj Hackney North CLP Amnesty International report . not " 18th — the worst Vials case alsorevesis this Sri Lanka of those who have Eisvin Si) Saapees fallin "The wirategics pursued by next General Election we have Seen message Piccola —— Es sary ica caro aaa expenditure of 2%. Massive rate Haringey, Islington, Brent ‘to show a real determination to

elated scene Leh ae to tteme’, yt Ceton sis oon ‘epime, ‘Vital Ie threatened Black pogple ‘nd which the coincidence Delt eeencae Serves Teseay aiemetes a beedetene aie i eas with death. He has chosen to Tories will continue to use to Waddington is prepared to see Labour commitments 10 <reative accounting is massive become not only politically stay ond. fight: ‘wilt not their _advantge to whip up Viraj Mendis die rather than i publi o d—sbetrayal f oe fii Yokintarlly return to my deatn facial hatred and detract from concede on this issue. ae podinuniaoese ss combeestiy "cc wt ay tineemeny coat in Sr aa the real lesugs in the coming Only, 2 massive, fuitic billion — more than Stimes the Ifeutsaretobeavolded inthe from hypothermia can Labour

in Decemt th he went boners een b meepacgediosir gt “a reported £900m gap between future a public campaign needs Councils stand before the public Intosanctuaery inthe Church of Viral Mendis. as Office to retreat. The defence TINS) Son chy “otra to start now. Secret caucuses of outcry turns on them?

Inoeangtany nthe eet Vachon nll was Mesinanae ones Manchester. His iawyers are as rane Gerad oe 19 orperion senkt nl Mendis’s two and a = racism. ‘support Viraj's right to stay ees: arate eee Ne Sarg etal eli ees Ses. Sas ee Se oe tetera te eee Soom eee Sey vin pena a coor, Theories feces contend Ved Se wdocs roth Ghosh o Gorgon has rcv ms Mer OW, ere Se oes haa i) eee fee

Throughout the country the Party should be screaming. at the Labour front bench for their appalling attitude towards Tocat government. We should ‘demand the restoration not only ‘of local democracy but ofall the Tory cuts and for an end to all restrictions, particularly on capital investment,

Motions to CLPs and union branches shoud demand that &

support “trom abou poveramsce wil st lust Gaunt. vade untons, discounted his frst 3 years | @wre letters of protest to end all ‘restrictions ‘on capital Ghurches and temples slover (they were lege end Ns last the Home Office. ese oy eal sane

halt yeors lapent in @attend the weekly VMDC

Binsin and restore céaral government Five, hundred people cempaigning) London" Support" Group ant 10 local authorives, and responded to the call for an Waddington has stated Virsj_ mestings — Thursdays, festore central government

@mergency demonstration in has “no roots in the County Hall, 7.20. Manchester “on” "December community”. ignoring the @send donations tothe 20th, and the regular weekly Scope ee ees onrn ae are met can We start to hope that picket and, all night | vigh rom Group, a uts will be avoided by Labour Outside the Home Office have Manchester City Councl He London «WCIN XX." 837 pivk record! homelessness, Tory cus mean-a record-low of house-- Councils under a —-Labour ager wall atgencled: ‘alleges: that “‘no competing 1688. butting sovernmenit

{rant to local authorities (0 1979 fevels, Only if these demands

Labout Briefing Jan 15:28 1987 page 3

Editorial:

With Labour bouncing up and down in the

jon polls and the Tories om the attack, it looks General Election sooner rather than later.

Labour supporters must wonder how it is that the Tories — having suffered a series of national and international seandals. — seem so buoyant and are stil seen as a more serious party of government than Labour. They must also wonder how it is that ‘Thatcher — doggedly persisting with her unpopular support for Reagan — scores consistently higher than the allegedly likeable Kinnock in the polls.

Last year saw the Westland land British Raver fiascoes, the ise of US bases in Beitain to hom Libya (without so much asa by-your-Jeave to the British Cabine), and a series of spectacular scandals erupting in the City: most recently, the allegations of insider dealine and the Morgan ‘Grenfell/Guiness affair, with is direct links 10 Tory Trade and Industry Minister Paul Channon (whose family own a ‘major interest in Guiness).

Yet Labour sill lags behind

the Tories

Opinion polls show that unemployment and defence are the (wo. main issues ‘Undoubtedly, these will be the ‘ovo Key political issues in the coming election. How do we solve Britain's economic problems and “get Britain back fo work"? What is Britain's role in the world and what do we do about our position as a nuclear power?

There are apparent majorities for getting rid of US bases (as well-as nuclear power) and a Sizeable minority in favour of tunilateral_ disarmament. There ate also majorities for increased spending on the Welfare State social services, and education, and in favour of investment to Feduce unemployment

‘On these issues, Labour would appear to be it tune with the electorate. Yet it fails 10 command decisive | support ‘Thatcher remains the _ most popular leader and the Tories the most popular party

Inthe United States, there are ako popular majorities againse ‘early all of Reagan's policies Mcuts in welfare, inereases in armaments, including Star Ware, support for the Contras, and intervention in Central ‘America in general. Yet the Reagan presidency retains popular support

‘Of course, there is no

BRIEFING

TASOUR — TAKE THE POWERI

Why we fight for a Labour victory

<cauivalent to the Labour Party Inthe States. The Democrats a 1 second bourgeois party, aki to the Liberal/SDP Alliance in Britain. Bur there are parallels. The basis for the apparent contradiction between the ‘pinion polls on Key issues and the fesults im elections i the huge rate of voter abstentions. In 1984, barely 508 of the electorate voted. Reagan was thus elected by 308 of the cleciorate (self not a ive reflection of a highly-mobile, under-registered population). There are now signs of a Similar development bere — ‘which Labour and the Trade Union movement would do wel to heed. In some innet city areas, ‘only around 30-35% of those ligible actually bother to vote. ‘A large proportion of the abstainers come from the most disadvantaged groups — Black youth, the unemployed, and Labour Party members ar all too familiar with the doorstep refrain: “They're ll the same.” When you think about it, Kinnock's promised one mir jobs in to years stil offer ‘othing to the millions who will remain unemployed or lunderemployed. So. why vote Labour rather than Tors? Why voce at ail? The economic policy proposed by the _Kinnock

leadership and adopted by Party Conference — with its pathetic attempts 10 Jure finance capital ito investing in Briain (hrough a National Investment Bank with lower interest rates than elsewhere) and its refusal to contemplate any controls over the banking and finance houses — isn't credible. People don’t want to vote for Thatcher, but Kinnock remains an sanconvincing alternative.

's the same with Labour's defence policy. What was once @ radical, unilateraist policy has been given the Walworth Road tyeatment — and now pleases no fone. Getting rid of our nuclear arsenal only 10 spend the money fon conventional weapons begs

fhe questions, Who really i “our enemy"?

If we need to spend so much fon tanks and guns, the enemy ‘must be pretty dangerous, and if that's the case, i it really wise 10 junk our nuclear warheads?

Labour’s current policy pleases neither the- peace Campaigners — who want 10 see the money saved on armaments spent on education, services, aed jobs — nor those ‘Sommitied to a stron ‘defence of Britain, which they still believe depends on nuclear ‘weapons.

Kinnock's attempt 10 appeal fo the middle ground is a disaster for Labour, It excites

pone of the major constituencies whose support Labour needs and will lead 10 dismal elecoral failure.

Yet Labour could. win the next General Election if it offered a genuine alternative 10 Thatcher. By looking at just one small area of employment Policy, we can see how a truly radical policy can start 10 change the politcal balance of forces — and work in the Jnteress of the oppressed rather than the oppressor.

“Today in Britain there are 4.5 rillion parctime workers, of sehom a¢ least BS are women. ‘They are without employment protection, without» benefis, low-paid and unorganised

TE Kinnock and his team were really “for women" (as they claim) they would address this problem. Nursery provision for all who want it to (ree women of child care restrictions; abortion land contraception facilities 10 enable women to choose ‘whether and when to have children; a shorter working ‘week For all with no loss of pay {o undermine the material basis for the exploitation of part-time workers — a programme of this Kind would be of immediate benefit to millions of women workers and others.

But, of course, it would also ‘cot profits. And. that is the ‘crunch. Nothing can be done for the unemployed, for the

7 €

low-paid, for the parttime workers ‘without attacking the profits of capital. A sonfromation would’ be inevitable — but it is. this confrontation which Kinnock fefuses ta face and will do fversthing in his power to avoid.

So the prospects for 1987 look gloomy. What should the Left be doing? Despite ‘everything, se must campaign igorously for a Labour victory ‘Only a Labour victory can open the door 10 any of the political initiatives to which the Left Is committed. A third Tory government would be a huge ‘defeat for us — and for the ‘cause of all the oppressed. I ‘would make our struggle in the Labour Party even more difficul

But as we fight for the alection of a Labour ‘government, we must say clearly that we have no faith in the capacity of the present programme — or leadership — to solve any of the severe problems facing the working lass.

We call for a Labour Party and a Labour government ‘which will ight for the working. Glass withthe same determination as Thatcher fights for her class. This is the answer to Labour's etisis, and ot capitulation to a mythic middle ground.

Looking at the last Labour government:

The

price

of betrayal

A concerted attempt is now being made to rehabilitate the political record of the last Labour government in the eyes of the Party.

Most important Neuberger’s. com piece im the Guardian.

The common theme is that the achievements of the '74.°79 Labour government have been unfairly traduced by loony Bennites and Trots intent on the destruction of civilised values. But the real purpose of the press. offensive is to persuade labour movement activists not to be 100 critical of a future Labour government.

LL is important (0 answer these arguments, as many Party embers may not recall the Tull facts ofthe Labour government's. performance — ‘oF may not have been active in the Panty ac that time:

Henry Neuberger is economic adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, and he’s held this position ustder both Foot and Kingock,

Neuberget’s revisionist arguments are Or As with most Labour

governments, it takes some time for their achievements to be recognised”

‘iba the _ government's economic performance was well above the international norm on growth and job creation, and that Denis Healey as Chancellor fesisted deflationary pressures

‘ethat the __ goveenment introduced specific measures

ich were’ progrestive OF increased equality;

‘ethat if the real value of North Sea oil had Been knows, that the government's attitude fo deflation sould have been ‘itterene

By Reg Race Tottenham CLP

"To answer these arguments it is necessary 10 place the government of 197879 in Ristorial perspective. ‘The Wilson government in 196470 had been & disastrous failure; it had squandered a huge Parliamentary majority _on support. for the. American bombing of Vietnam, savage deflation of the economy, and attempts to place legal shackles fon the trade unions.

During this period collapsing of the manufactur base’ accelerated dramatically. After the 1970 General Election defeat the Party reassesed its economic strategy and adoped 3 radical socialist economic Programme, The basis for this tras thal enormous sructural faults made the economy tancontrollable sithovt major {including public ownership, planning ‘agreements, and fmport controls, These Tabour was to. secure, in the swords of she party programme,

“a fundamental and irreversible shift in wealth and power in

wvour of working people and their families

This was the policy context in February °74 in which Labour ‘was propelled into office by the ‘miners fal action, with

‘csablishment

they would have to pay f three day week

‘After promising start Labour “government rapid reneged “00 is pol ommitments. The industry Bill was destroyed by the

National Enterprise Board and starving i of cash Large numbers of Social Contract "commitments were abandoded. The commitment 10 control prices, especially of fessemtials, was jettisoned and food subsidies worth £408% ia 77 were” phased ou increased at of the were. massively eroded by Feducing the” umber of upratings of

“saving” the 500m in 1978

Prescription charges, which were to be abolished, remained Charges oa specs, false teeth and. dental tieaiment were increased, New tax benefits for the rich gave huge sums 10 those caring over £25,000 4 year The. commitments inthe programme on housing finance Sore met by the repeal of the Housing Finance Acts, but sent wnere forced up by over 40% in three years by cute in public spending. The housing Sonstruction programme was slashed aftes initial increases

or working people, Caleghan’s

and many thousands of Constroction workers put on the dole,

‘Worst of all were the buy cuts in public expenditure made in 1873 and on theee occasions in 1976, which amounced in ceal ‘around £8,000 milion prices. Virtually every Sf was affected and

35. the. hospital

Building programme, were viciously attacked. Labour ministers also made

reat efforts to divide the trade tinions by arguing that i was in be inerests of trade unions in the manufacturing sector 10 cut public expenditute. Foolshly. many trade unionists believed

and. it mas not until

8 that the support of the

movement for the Seflaionary and. reactionary policic of the government was Broken.

‘On wages, the government behaved “cisgracefully. At i cad of ts term of office, Labour Ministers in particular Chancellor Healey and Prime

‘beter way" curned sour quick

Minister Callaghan — ignored the decisions of both the Party Conference andthe TUC 10 oppose the 5% pay policy. The sovernment then offered the fowest paid workers in Britain a wage rise of 60p per week before tax. The outcome of this erase stupidity was the “winter of discontent” involving "major strikes in many public services.

This smal ecord proves the follow. Te truth is that the Labour government of 1974-79 abandoned the full employment policy pursued “by successive povernments since 1948; Stacked the low paid: ecimated public expenditure: agreed 10 wildly deflationary terms from the IMF which led sy: and introduced farism to Brita

It is a fallacy to argue that Labour Ministers would. have acted differently if they had Known the scale of real cash ‘benefits. from North Sea: Oi.

iy

They did know. They even published a White Paper on the Subject (Cound. 7143) i 1978, in ‘which they specifically rejected the creation of an olf fund 10 finance social and. economic projects. This was proposed in Cabinet by ‘Tony. Benn and ‘defeated. Instead, cash from ol] revenues was to be channelled by. government into private industey t0 raise profits, whilst ‘wages and the social wage were held down,

For a government that came to power on #_ soxialiste programme like 1973 thie was & Gismal performance. Labour's policies often appeared to voters 8s cold porridge stirred through, a wet Blanket. We must not hhave such a government agai

what is’ ‘needed are clear Hrategies, a determined attack fon the powers of capital to st the economic agenda, and solid commitments to the oppressed Which ‘wil be honoured. There iS no inspiration for the fuxure in trying to exhume a, corpse,

PHOTO:Andew Wierd (Report!

3 Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page +

Trade Union Briefing

Union News in Brief

Wheelers

‘The Wheelers Restaurant strike by four Chinese workers in Brighton, now into its eleventh week, has sil received no more than "reluctant support from T&GWL regional office. Litle attempt has been made to enlist the suppart of other branches and Sonattons towards the Wheelers Four Hardship Fund have gone towards administrative costs eather than directly to the srikers and their families. Ip addition, the Union sill efuses to pay Interpreters" fees and travelling expenses

Despite a voluntary undertaking by the Union to limit the ‘number of picketers to six, Wheslers' custom has been cut by half ‘The initial heavy-handed polising of picketers has continued.

The decision to dispense with Chinese members of staff Is not an isolated one. Since the Kennedy Brooke company took over ewnership of the Wheelers chain, at least two other Chinese kitchen Staff have been dismissed from separate branches in London. This historic strike — the first ever by Chinese workers in Britain — will have considerable impact on the struggles of other black migrant workers, who comprise some of the most vulnerable sections of the Sountry's workoree

Picketting of Wheelers’ restaurants in London and a public meeting are being organised in order ta raise the profile of the Strike in the capital. Trade Union bratiches and Labour Party wards should distuss the fsues arising {com the strike and ways in which ‘members can give support. These four workers are up against not ‘nly the racism of their employers, but also the racism of the «rade lunions. Its important that black organisations, particularly those within the labour movement, show solidarity with them.

For further information, contact the Wheelers Four London Support group, ¢/0 CIAC; 152-156 Shaftesbury Aveaue, London WC2H SHL. Tel: 836 8291

Ai Meun Lim, Loadon Support Grou

Guiness Directors Won’t Go

Behind tho fast-broaking, headline-catching saga of Distillers ang Guiness and Morgan Grenfell and Ivan Boesky lies the crucial fealty of ownership and control of one of Scotland's major industries and one of Bntain’s major exporters

Manjpulated share prices before and after the Guiness/Distilers}

it windfall profits for a range of insiders on both|

of the Atlantic investigated but

nt of Trade and Industry. But for the workers employe ‘the multi-national gients the merger mania mean: rationalisation, redundancies, closures, and asset-stripping,

For details and analysis, read the next issue of Briefine — in af fortnight’s time.

_NCU

National Communications Union Telecom workers go into action

National Communications Union members in British Telecom ar starting a work to rule and overtime ban from January 12th, Thi follows a 4 to L ballot rejection of BT's 4.5% plus strings pay offer ‘The strings include abolition of higher grade, greater managemeni| conttol over promotion, and the exteution of the normal working day (0 7pm.

Johit Golding; the tight wing union General Secretary initiated this conditions-for-pay bargaining to which the membership is nov| fiercely opposed.

'BT senior management has clearly decided on a showdown with thd union and has dismissed the NEC's right o desperate fast minute plea for a little bit extra to sll the deal to the membership. Privatisation and competition have entalled major changes in working condition: Without additional rewards, and BT's sta are in militant mood

Union” activists believe that management may respond by suspensions, This wil escalate the situation, as branches have bee Instructed to respond by calling one day protest strikes, But these ma) prove inadequate to achieve reinstatement, and the question of all-ouf Action may well be posed. The militant London branches have bec ‘campaigning for such a policy, but the national leadership has so fa turned a deaf ear

‘The management and supervisors’ union, the STE, is calling its ows] work to rule at the same time. Providing they aren't bought off, thiy fan only strengthen the union's hand.

‘Pete Cooper, NCU London Wes|

lHanger’s management 1's also alleged that Graase should receive. the 1986 Woody a key wines inthe an laward for hypocrisy, fought aff. Mr Woods wat Jdeception, subterfuge Sacked, ‘tui then ceinsated land cruelty. because be had already arranged

It turns out that Stan East, the personnel director, has been conspiring with Peter Bausch (sacked maintenance fitter, not imbmaker) for some time. Peter Kendall, at a mass meeting on January 9th 1987, fevealed that he had been initial iy tricked into a conspiracy by an invitation for coffee because he lives near Bausch, When he farived he found Stan Fast in the living room. He asked Mr East if he didn’t believe ie as

to go to work in the Cardiff Plant, before the dispute Started. He was then’ sacked again because Stan East did not realise the implications of reinstatement, for the other Sacked ‘workers, "He allegedly Said that he was prepared #0 fie atthe industrial tribunal hearing if Woods told the truth Bausch ‘and. Kendall helped Identify the men on strike and the activists. Management ha prepared a hidlist of the acincluding those who

immoral to "sack the 300 vst, Hanget’s workers. East replied belong to the Labour Party! ihat-fbeshadn'r dove it, so- Kendall also. revealed. chat

cone else would have- workers. are. being vcoerced 0

CPSA re-run

Defeat and After

Christmas turkey took on a new meaning this year with "the announcement that John Elis had won the re-run election for CRSA, Reneral Secretary, crucial. Lewtas cat dist Bilis was the candidate of third in the original elections, wing which had previously and thvsby Gooey Spi the Gverturned the election of iit vie Broad Left candidate John tisclear that Broad Left "84

By Alastair Wallace CPSA Broad Left

The candidature of Geoff Lewias, a supporter of the Kinnockite Broad Left "84, was

Macresite: Despite stood their candidate primanly Seaurenme increasing Bis Cie pimple os Tenelonts "Eine deemed 2%, prominent members x pias aol _ argued that the group should his support and won by a Schycn Fils int eran clear margin. Ay an indication of what “his defeat was partly due to might have been, tis worth vicious redcbaitine campaign looking at the result of CPSA's Beast” Macteadie inthe General Treasurer lection,

which was run ia tandem with

‘ational press. More important that for General Secretary” Ia

perhaps, were the changes in

PSA's balloting system this. case, the Broad. Left Introduced by the right wing for candidate stood down in order the rerun. These changes to preserve the original viciory allowed the right to collect votes of BL "84 supporter Christine from. normally inactive Kirk. Kiek won the re-run by

some 3,000 votes

The Broad Lefi must nonetheless face up to the reality that the election result is 2 defeat. The ability of the right ‘wing to overturn the original

‘members concentrated in arcas ‘Such as the Ministry of Defence.

nico

PHOTO: Jez Coulson

John Elis — victor the second time around

The election of the CPSA NEC takes place in April and if the events of the past year have taught us anything itis that we must control that committee The reassertion of CPSA's democracy must be the key

10 split the left for purety sectarian purposes. The Broad

Left mus be wary of indulging in similar tactics, We must fereles on wresting control

from the right wing and the

Bleak future for teachers

‘enough; and that he would lke to see wider differentials amongst teachers. His Bill urently going through Darliament “ako contains {egislation that will “abolish

"Advisory Commitee” ivi iret power to the Secretary OF State

Rather “than launch a <anpaiga Of action against what is another potential “GCHO

NUT leadership, armed with its own sellout deal, is likel¥ (0 ‘adopt 2 softly, softly approach hoping for compromise with Baker. A. Bleak future. faces teachers.

‘agains: (a 42% “n0" vote from 2 poll supported by just over half the membership) fas clearls ‘shaken the Union's leaders.

By Martin Allen

At 2 meeting on Thursday

‘Alliance January th,

representatives from The_voie illustrates the. London. schools _ voted divisions remaining fn the NUT” Qverwheliingly: 10° suport

‘and the opposition from the SS roots 10 any atlempxs 10 Sell off teachers" conditions of

2 one day strike to protest ‘agaisnt the Baker Bill on teachers’

Put alongside the pay and ‘S deal by conditions. aifilaed trade The strike, called by the union, the NAS/UWT, itshows inner“ London Teachors

‘Association (ILTA. the London section of the NUT]. 18 due to take place on January 13th. This followed hard on the suspension of all the ITA Counc delegates — numbering over eighty — who

fnatsoen the deal on

there is no mandate ‘or the imposition o classroom teachers The NUT. leadership the backing of the sea beadteachers associations £0 8 the deal through the Burham

Committee, the teachers’ voted for the strike, by the negotiating machinery National Executive of the

Baker is sill maintaining NUT. who declared "It the ACAS agreement, 1220 unofficial. The NUT executive after lengrhy negotiations with has taken thie drastic action

Labour” dominated because they are determined

ween FIAT and TASS and the company. They announce that part of the agreement wat that the unions would recommend acceptance. Graham Croucher, Of the disputes committer, said, "this is an outright lie.” ‘Management believe that of:

By Kathy Pick Tooting Councillor, Putney CLP

‘Sow the pick Tne newt week,

for at least one day and then recommended to take sick leave

afterwards fering 80 permanent posts and

The Hanger’s management 60 temporary posts (il the end are "desperate 10 havea of Mareh) is acceptable. At the workforce in place so that they last mass meeting it was Can receive the DHSS contract unanimously “rejected. by the

Sacked workforce. Management ow say in the January Mh letter that they will now only offer 80 permanent posts.

‘Workers at Pilkington's, the lass company threatened with a fakeover by BTR, are fighting back. There will be a Delegates Acton meeting on January Ith, with a lobby of MPs later shat ‘afternoon,

‘which hasn't been reissued a: of ate

Ih their leter of January 7th to the sacked worklorce they announce they “have made Senuous efforts to find a solu toa te the Rochampton pro. lem”. ‘They write that 3 number of ACAS meetings culminated: with an. agreement ‘on “December 22nd 1986. bet

By Ann Potter

10 get rid of the main source of oltical opposition to both the Nottingham Agreement and the Baker deal rom within the lunion. if the suspensions are ‘upheld it wil not only remove the whole political leadership of the ILTA but will also remove wholesale the union's erganisation in London.

The Executive are worried. that the strategy proposed by WTA‘s. leadership may ‘encourage other parts of the tinion to take effective action ‘2geinst Baker's Bil

The National Executive

“strategy” to improve teachers” pay and conditions ‘is to cuddle up to the Labour local authorities in the hope that & period of industrial

Management mole comes clean!

A Pilkington march is planned in St Helen's on Saturday January 10th, However, the Hanger’s workers will not be allowed 10 march with’ them. ‘The police are vigorously enforcing the Public Order Bill and refusing to allow people {com other disputes atthe march!

Links with shop stewards of BTR and Hanger's are being forged, throughous the country An inaugural meeting of @ Join Shop Stewards Committee wil be held om January 24th in Condon.

Graham Croucher said that 2 majority of the artificial limb work being done elsewhere, especially at Kelly's in Dundee, hhas been substandard and re jected by the Inspectors, due to the lack of "equivalent ex ‘perience and expertise which ex

Defend ILTA!

peace will precede the election of a Labour govemment, which will supposedly ‘solve

teachers’ ‘problems automaticaly.

WTA and some other teachers’ associations ‘have

rejected this strategy in favour Of a determined fight against ‘the. Boker Bill whose central feature removes tha fundamental right of teaching unions to negotiate independently thelr own pay and. conditions. The ‘implication of this Bil for other ublic sectorunions cannot be nderestimatad.

Other NUT Associations ‘should follow the load of ILTA by. calling industrial action against the Bill — this is also the best way to force the NUT 10 drop its disciplinary action against ILTA council

ists at Roshampton. Pressure should be pul on the Labour Party 10. incorporate the at tifical mb’ industry. into the NHS. 11 i ervel to the patients who. desperately eed the ar tifcial limbs thar such a. company is allowed to put profits before the needs. of patients throughout the country.

‘After four months of strike pay of £22. week the sacked ‘workers and thele Families aren dire straits, Excellent efforts were “made by. Wandsworth Labour Parties and local trades souneils (0 ensure the families had decent Christmas but donations are now urgently needed, Please send messages of Support and/or financial assistance 19 Steve Blease, c/o TASS, 520 London Road, Mit cham, Surrey CRA 4Y.Q.

Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page

Trade Union Briefing

Don’t forget the miners

A year ago, 10,000, em ctimised workers ftom ers and supporters By Ed Fredenburgh Hangers, Silentnight, and Wapmarched through London Cana give sneaiy 0 . bene at Wembey Conference on the anniversary of the Gfagvance funding. Cente. This will amos. certain strike. But at the last NJMC ly be on Sunday March tst at

MPs and leaders of the meeting, ia Durham, we were. 730pm. AS s00m as ar NUM and other unions presented with a fait accompli. — rangements are finalised, Brie/- Spoke aciherally.along with Rather than act on or even ing supporcr wil Baked fo Tepresentatives of Broad S8N¢ agninst edemocratc deci. lp us in making the event a ‘water Farm and other major TO the officers of the NIM =

(including the secretary, a sup- We have also organised on campaigns Porter of Socialist Action) ex: Friday Jamvary 30th a joint ‘The evening concert sold out plained that “regional events” discussion mecting, hosted by the Albert Hall and raised a ould replace a single national the NIMC, with Hangers, hhuge sum for the Miners’ focus, The London event was Silentnight and printworkers on Solidarity Fund. Most impor- demoted to a resional concert the platform. Peter Heathfield tant, the victimised minctsreaf- gnd-counterposed to another im will presen his overview of the firmed their strength and deter: Shetfield Common attacks faced by thse mination in. public, and the "Clearly the approach of the groups, andthe need to orgamise Bourgeots press noted this seneral election has. concer {ogether in defence ofa realistic ‘Why not again this year? Not trated the minds of those who policy forthe trade union movebecause the miners arc not ac- pull the strings of the NIMC at ment, There will be discussion tive or organised — they are. Its bureaucratic level. This sno from the loor, and this meeting Not because the NIMC was in: way to defend the NUMas its will also. be a valuable sep Capable — itis stronger, better leaders face tial for their ac- towards mobilising for March Knows, and more orgatised in tions as trustees of the union's Ts. the regions than a year ago. At funds; and no way to mobilise Bring your support and your

its last but one meeting, the fora Labour government, or (© contacts {0 both events! NIMC. voted unanimously to commit it to act in the basic in-

Grsanise'a nations anniversary ferens of the working cass demonstration and concer this "The Soulh Eat Region of he <= March: Brene Counsi agreed to NIMC it now working hard toot’ Wanblgy Cosfaence tah Kest NUM std WKN The Rational Justice for Mineworkers A Campaign ituar (South East Region) ” Joint public meeting with : P NUM, Hangers, € Jack Collins is dead. We erosion of pay through "292 printworkers, Silentnight € have allfost @ comrade and Sitferansaie — z fighter; and the Jack’ was notable for his Speakers: : Kent miners have lost’ s stiong suppor of international Peter Heathfield, Irene < eer ee tot ey age inves: Nesregue, Bove, end Scott (Silentnight), Alen A symbolised the militancy, 0'sbly Chie: ie wes Bares (Hangers). Liz 2 class solidarity and Suyaged by the Crean coup Short (printworkers). s ernationalism of the Ghiean working cass, and he 7.30pm : Kent mining community.” ecar.y'aciva suppor ot Feday 30th January “lack wentdown the pits 2 the Chile Soldarty Campaign. Cerweey Hall, Red Lion ‘teenager, during World War II, ‘We saw him many times ~ npbisen pene

Resemary Hicks, wife of jailed SOGAT NEC member Mike Hicks, leads the 2,500-strong march on

‘Square, London WC1 fare

at Chislet colliery neat with the miners on. the Canterbury. There he rst Grunwick picket line, and out developed his political in. support of the nurses’ education and at 15 joined the strike.

Communist Party jat atime He was of coe 2 got ———==

when the 3rd Intemational fighter in the miners" strikes of

‘on fascism). ‘women’s support groups for ‘Sacked Printworkers 5

increasingly critical party of their work. “He gave usa ational Justice fer

member until he broke away lot of support,”” says Kay

‘The Ministry of Power” Sunday 24th January

Some three years ago. Src. He’ was’ bighty Mineworkers present documentary :

vale losure of Chale in. respected and wil be. sadly Campaign footage of the struggle: Strike Anniversary — a year of struggle bate dain amr gem ie coe ay all cs os = ‘the inimitable Test Assemble: Arundel St, Temple Tube, 4om the avast’ posed Gy ef working" viewiead and SouthEast Region) | p-nartment: veteran Rally: Wellclose St, El, 6.30pm Gosures, He ‘tanafered wo yooted, to the women ot me MINERS BENEFIT | campsigners Pegoy. Clete Speke. OMe Scowdown ‘Callery, sod 2 osifaid. communides, and in Seeger and Ewer McColl - on

Yess lator was leciea, oe partly tous wile ona : eee ae Ne wepetineed is

NEC - the only lay member. deeply felt condolences for a Printworkers: ‘Communards/Happy End;

th 1980" he. was "elected comrace. ands man whose Wonbler Conference | and many others.

General Soctiary of aha Kent lone ea measure of he vate Wembcy Conference | opm, Fiday 23rd On the anniversary of the print strike was akey iguto—end-one ot The funeral of Jack Colins 7.30 Sunday 1st March | January, Hackney Empire Briefing calls on all its supporters and the last — on the NUM's will take place on Thursday (date and artistes to be re, Be K:. joir i National Broad’ Left, anda morning, "lanoary. 18th a London £6. readers to join the strikers’ demonstration

at Wapping.

Close friend of Joe Whelan, Assemble at 10.30 at his the CPleaderfromNotts Area. village of Hersden, near Jack gave evidence to tho Canterbury, or at 11.30am at Wilberforce committee on the Barham.

Briefing spoke to Claude de meat age. Chiracts very firm agamnat he

Public sector strikes 232252 SSopces, eer

The strike started on “Seri the students

. December 18th at Paris ment of wage levels and of the rallworkers could set off 4

Nord maintine station. srorking conditions stike wave for wage increases

Te was iitiated by a group of “The government at first This hav aady started to ha

uunionised and non-unionised misunderstood the scope of the pen in the gas and electricity indrivers. They worked out a set movement, which it took to be dustries and in the Paris Metro. fof demands which they asked an ordinary strike. It calculated These stnkes, however, have the three unions, the CFDT, On and hoped for a crumbling been called partly because the CGT "and the” independent of the strike. But the strike has COT seeing that it cannot condrivers union to support ‘gone on for along time now. trol the railworkers, is attemp-

‘The CFDT gave warning of | ting to surround’ themsin a strike action, but the other two The stadent movement against” wider. movement. There is no

loss of 10,000 jobs ommtees on the rail at 2 ‘ment is that in reality there are

Sis folow immediately. The the Devaquet Higher Seer fences ecyrapciy rus deca Naber flcecet ers Sond Eich Sector tho the tliverker The Contant Party flay benches ‘The workforce of the SNCF porting ne ke: Te Sociale Sasiry icaied modiags Grenchmutecal amnion Party aes," so of skers sppeard vey quick: eettlet younger over tient cectty becuse It ca Lu ampacckas stemciaecarn OG | | Crammer tester Ecewol’ the conduct ‘of ike bave seed over te lat fag more nappa and both SP & Strike. the demands and the decade and have been replaced and CP councils are giving i now. tn @ mumber of i tyyoumel teammescras maura ad’ tg the oon ances, site comminces have Me omens There is 00 stke pay. Biter 8 Seen dosed ‘the sodent movement Tand, for example, by reesiving é The ralworkers have been provoked set of Gacuaion 5 dekgatign of aiorte subjected to Emongat them. The student” tying to domondrate hs dee 3 ‘othe government's austerity strike commilies had some for a'dalogue withthe workers Le policies imfluence on the organisation and to distance himself from the 3 @no wage increase for 18 of our strike but there: ‘Chirac government’s hard line. . moaths already experiences of "The danger facing the move 8 é

natural wastage over the last local but not {wo strikes on the railways. The per ‘Young workers in France are Drivers are primarily concerned

‘On top of this Douffragues, mot normally usionised. They with working conditions the Minster of Transport, an’ believe that the unions dom't whereas the less well paid stalt pounced changes in conditions look afler their interess. Isa are concerned with wage levels. of employment such a8 prosno: ised generation than This poses the question of 8 tion by “me public-sector: -general strike

Socialist Party leaders: it seems “ to seniority Eesinss low pay.

Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page 6

Defence and Disarmament

Looking at CND: Contradictions in a Trojan Horse

demonstration against Reagan in NATO. Outside CND it

Since its inception in the disarmament remained on

The current state of CND (2,0 came vary from the — ee, ene “decin “nen ropomms alia acti the

campaign's history. As we accommodation to the Cold emergence of the mast pease

the Miners’ strike’ and disappearance of national move towards a general War diversion of test ban movement in Brain, but this oe Swale

Tinks were made between demonstrations in favour of

tlection in which “defence” Segodations "” widin’ "a. time’ 'withparails“in othe 2 suggic trough the smal local aclons, "and a is one of the main issues we — ™uitlateralist framework. The © Western European countries “Mines Not Missiles" repeated failure to campaign on must. analyse the current [2Pidgrowih of thecampaign it and in the US sell, mcs. Many Of the withdrawal from. NATO. relationship with the Labour {ne lft, who saw litle poimt it Giewhere Gave tapes to tne ‘mBETS also went to Greenham, policy for 20 years Party. In order to defend working within and alongside movement. The revommitment EPOIRE (Oe women there, | However unilaerthm and extead unilateral policy the Labour ary where Tete ofthe Labour” Party to (ersgamiswemzmade visleon semaine CND poly and the we have to organise in both appeated 10" be’ coef nilatralism was the rsue of (05 GeO Well. where many freeas movement has, died a e Labour eon: the pressure fram CND but was jut this major demo was not jemonstration in April "87 and Aine ate "Ss and cary fepesto he mcd olsk Aad imed ote emereace of yb dma was oy Gaon in Ape and sean "CRIS “Ropidartal poll demands’ io ome sarong ieftwing. ody Bean, "Mecusy Feige tegen YCND tay ated & cess West. Theabiityto mobilise war was waurd. whi the movement andthe -lasour foauetpt who fecouniea he patties have, sll aot enue mass demonstrations and ¢o Labour’ Party" was terealiog movement "mobiiced "in impmmameeofisble opposition taken_over in CND and the Win the Labour: Party to io the camp" of American ppetion to Crane At the Wit oll politcal suis, Sanne? in ate Lather pat unilateralism, albeit for a boos eae Cooeniel aeschae | me reronren here. seceats ie activities of such groups This year's CND Conference ‘very short time, made uestion of unilateral nuclear adopted the “Nuclear Free with clear links to the labour saw a shift from a. political Britain the only country @isarmamient was submerged Zones" policy; at the national movement prompted and built attack on progressive aspects of

Outside Japan where ‘The escalation of Cold War piace, including the massive apsinst nuclear weapons ever Rack designed 19 promote the

seen in Britain Same coalitionist "objectives,

Since then, and particularly Only five mations were debated, since the defeat of the miners’ the bulk of conference being strike, there have been no major devoted wo workshops. This anti-nuclear demonstrations. A removes policy making from few thousand people sauntered ordinary " members {0 the around Barrow shipyards n"85, national Council, which and fikewise at Coulport in’86 heavily influenced bythe ideas CND’s leadership would have of the Communist Party. Il also is believe that these were dissipates the energy. of ational mobilistions. Yet fes conference into. hundreds of

attended and few even heard small workshops, ‘plus a few

that they had taken place. Why major ‘ones addrewsed in the

hhas this happened and what can ain by representatives of the

be done about it? middle” ground and. other ‘Vor a number of years CND cular ser Mdeolopees

has been dominated by debate "Another move over ihe Ye

between diferent sections of the to make CND more “popular” movement, some aligned within far focused "on alternative END itseil (LEND, Liberal defence strategies in an attempt

END), some with Kinks to other {9 respond to the criticism that pea gevion apoinst Libwon

Political groupings. The most rilateral disarmament — will Politically influential but asi eave Britain defences. Peter Will be campaigning fora “non- ‘overt of these groupings has Taichell has been @ promminem! nuclear, peaceful, autonomous been the Communist Party Advocate of this position and foreign policy

A.campaign as wide as CND has. even. produced detailed To challenge these ideas i 4s fertile round for the politics options of ‘different military CND and the Labour Party we

of the “popular front. This Sossiblices. must always ask whether any means making alliances with 'h'nor the job of CND or policy. campaign or action anyone who is vaguely the'lefe in the Labour Party 10 designed to mobilise. people Sympathetic and of necessity prepare the state’ arguments around unilateralism "and watering down your demands, Ind policy for it — it is over- withdrawal from NATO, or appealing 10 the middle ground, quipped. both teshwically and whether it is another attempt to i order to maintain the paliially to do-that for self. appease or placate forces alliance. In CND this middle Unfortunately CND Conference opposed to CND and Labour round incades molilateraliss, was seduced by the idea of a Party policy.

Sed uniatcralsts who think hat ary rather than a poical Secondly, we mus uy twin ‘ Britain can ditch clear answer’ 10 "the ""defenceless back waverers in the Party and ‘Newbury women link arms around Greenham Common weapons and bases but remain Britain” ‘argument. So 'CND_ the Trade Unions. Labour CND

The Russians aren’t coming! [=

Peace

Neil Kinnock’s defence dust) can keep the Kremlin

Teminiscent of the fanksandlanding croftst bay. By Jack Doberman Duresucrsts in the Kremin toops fom oversees, ond Seana secant re ee ee ee el ee on beers Kingsway

repellent” over the Severn | S4ore even hanker after the working class fesistance in resolution. for immediate Allende’s Chile and Maurice Bridge. “But there are no ‘ovch cover goal of the other act "Germany. Poland, invasion of Westem Europe!” Bishop's Grenede. | In July 1986 a number elephants around rel”, ait of Gormany? Hungary and Crechoslvatia "By arguing for a generous Such # workers’ | way the US raid on

protests an onlooker: “Nol Experience shows that witout tying forby to spnfking of “conventional” government " would’ “need bility of Britain tq Shows how wall the in"ine WincGane porwat lege. ons Noonain Yoew Soha’ dint Kil Seo Song aa oulSg 4 Vulnerability of Britain 1 powder works, don’t t?”, setiod, with the mpeniaist teritories thoussnds of mies diverts om an important worth "defending" not | Following the meeting a

Teplies the advoc Powers i disarray and ermed distant. The prolonged agony threat which "would against the hypothetical sree tional dctoreree.”| Communistied ” resistance of the 80.000 Soviet toopsin undoubtedy” face @ Britain aggression of Gorbachev's # resources fram military to forces within reach of power Afghanistan — from which which embarked "on a Red Army, but against the | their struggle for peace an

Many British sociatsts are jn"France, Waly and Greece, Gorbachev now seems to be programme of socialist proven “dirty wicks” and = movements, support the

howe that the US public Sim ordered thom to dean ooking for @ dignified ext — _ feconetcton frutary teats of the USA “This conference fe being seems to, swallow Reagan. thomeeives, and directed the sums up. the nonsense of Areal workers’ govemment and Denis Healey's mates in | 40. 4Gamn te Gorn. Kingewn Rambo, “fed Dawn’. St! Communist Parties into _ invading a hostile Western in Britsin which set out to NATO, ystetione are bela se Department notion ‘of ihe conlton | capitalist ee ee Trade Unions and Solidart USSR edging way into the 9M There has never been a i

USA through Nicaragua, which the USSR would give Hy ment and the influence of Fb0 miles Sy Struggle Sry suppor to revounionery ationa | ocaea

Vd die for my country’ Since then the Kremlin existing political status quo © from NATO, by Ben Lowe, fank and file stil believe in Parties “have, “if anything. of influence” > The Conference will be of hobgoblins — in the form of hostile than Kinnock to under certain conditions, BUC 6 Pent oa a Hevea wor mymiosy of Seta Te, a te an, emonstration from the Peace Movement “threat” from the East. more committed to the and economic help to Cubs, Workshops will be organ]

Kinnock is not alone in capitalist. status. quo in. his successors have counted and Indian Oceans, Ireland

mary." capalat sytem apa’ extension "ot "Sovet_ fasiw One estan why toe 1987 waged) to. Campaign for

st home and its economic influence in Easter Europe Soviet support has been

and that only continued bureaucrats have had eno they. will not support a defence spending elophant Puieaucrats have had enough If they wil not support = Details to be announced

Britain out of NATO!

Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page 7

Defence and Disarmament

“A. Modern Britain in a Modern World”

Labour waves the Red, White and Blue

The Labour Party leaders rolled out all the advertising gimmicks in the book to promote their new campaign document “Modern Britain in a Modern World”.

‘The glossy folder has bold visual images designed to give the impression of a arty ready for government with a strong, credible defence policy set in a powerful patriotic mode.

nuclear bases will go: Probably only 4 out of 138 and certainly ot the NATO. nuclear surveillance facilites. But tverything will take a very, very Jong time and only. after negotiations with our alles,

‘What are we to make of ial? The response from Labour Party members has been a horrified silence. The Tories are delighted 10 have source material for Labour's many ‘contradictions. How can we be a non-nuclear member of a fhuclear alliance? How can we

focus with swirling lines of joe up aude weapons? intense light. Open up the cha ean anyone take of he

upon it in the shape of the British Isles. A cheeky litle tip of Northern Irel red, white and completes the picture. Gre

not aimed at harming American interests, we ate not asking them to dismantle their strategic nuclear weapons... Mrs Thatcher's polices have ensured

Britain leads the world — that Britain is regarded by many

Hip, Hip, Hooray! fsa transatlantic outpost of the Mace United Seates.")

inside. St How can the Labour, Party

‘cle round most of the woe, share their wealth with the

developing world when they will be selling conventional arms 10 them te support research and evelopment programmes, just like the Tories?

protecting the Western Hemisphere and the South Adlantic in particular. The symbols dip coyly away towards the

i Alf Dubs MP and CND members surround Wandsworth Council 10

= seend £10 billion on renly with conventional defence spending? ~ Welfare, imbings By Joy Hurcombe And since 95%» of that defence med to precipitate nuclear housing, yes — but under the must make withdrawal from coalitions promote the sort of Chair, Labour CND budget is spent cn ‘our suicide for the sake of London —_ Tories Britain’s defence budget

Sean acid thiwsears conference voting for @Persomal capacity) arinership of democracies”) _ With out European Fighter European countries People in the labour movement a defence strategy; secondly zooms over the whole of the support for the great alliance. of ‘the Rhine and RAF assumptions, of | Conférence may be the last major anti- ments of the establishment white hands surround the whole for no first use of nuclear — Guided Munitions and document hard to swallow, nuclear event before the general whose interests cannot extend! Yoctg in ane section and in weapons, but in the meantime computerised barriers all along Nuclear disarmament was lection anid will provide a good Britain leaving NATO — a Soother right gold coins We sheller under the US muciear the Central Front and of eourse’ always thought to be thesstarfof

he good disaemament. appear

eND i, 10 promo ‘a "The teft must build and win Hemisphere. The chains of

‘aspects of Labour policy aad Strengthen them inthe Party. the political argument snd not

NATO nuckar siategs, As bomber edition of Tornado confrontation Between the Heale ‘said at the press (eater than Trident, but who superpower blocs: Independent, Comierence, “NATO strateny is cates?). Wecan confine thenext unilateral action was the bold

Ifyou are sill in any doubt be fooled by Trojan Horses —

shoul why to oppose the ideas however alluring they appear at indivisible. ‘war (0 Europe — just ike the break-through 0 a reduction in ff the popular front, consider first sight. fot expect the pack to mention _‘Thecampaign pack includes a fast timet world tension, The next step two things. Fist, such cehsceal ouckeer disarmament booklet setting out the policies Somewhere inthe would beroreduce conventional

iy greater detail, NATO must accompanying leafleis there is arms spending. Never has the

| words continue as long as there is a an oblique mention of the US Labour Party stood fora

we have fots

Si A OR

through non-alignment ie top om isso scty sate th US muda thepene movement es turday January 24th [rary of real pasion, The up sucka weapons and, Mc (wih a, its Sto ovr thet producing “socially dele rinceton College, London WC1 FE cxpensive wea Soviet Attack "on US mice weapons, we can consmes such a large share of

#f organisations met to record their abhorrence of the ibya had threatened peace and demonstrated the | US foreign policy. i he House of Commons a statement was issued which called | ritish policy towards the active promotion of peace, divert jeaceful purposes, co-operate with non aligned countries in disarmament, maintain support for popular independence | ited Nations and work to disengage Britain from NATO ld to give further impetus to the Campaign. It will be from fy Princeton is near Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations. f to all Peace Organisations, Constituency Labour Parties, | Organisations. i Ime when the need for a serious discussion about non align- © INTO over Srteh foreign policy hes been more relevant or BE

Jed Peace Through Non Alignment, the case for withdrawal © hich has proved to be a valuable source of reference for the |

boned by Tony Benn MP and will have participation from the reens of Germany, Nicaragua. There will also be speakers

jand the Non-aligned movement.

jsed on: Middle East, Central America, South Africa, Pacific US bases in Britain, The case for leaving NATO, Eastern

me, address, organisation and £2.50 (waged), £1.50 (unfon-alignment, cio Jeremy Corbyn, Red Rose Centre, 129 'N7 70G. {Lunch may be ardered for £2; a copy of the Peace phlet for £1.50.

puoTO:Androw Wi

Jobs:not Bombs!

| Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page 8

Building Briefing

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Write to Letters Editor, 26 Wattisfield Road, London

ES. Dear Briefing, Jeanings, this third option sill The December Briefing looks the least bkely. All the

more reason why we need 0 campaign actively for it now.

Periscope's caustic sidessipe at the ASTMS-TASS merger talks,

oreaucracies as

equally

‘sppalling. Their common self interest and lack of suppor for ‘workers in strugele needs little Sxplanation in the "pages of

Following another appeal court hearing, and the direct intervention” of Kenneth Baker, Brent Council has been prevented from holding

Briefing. But 2s trade union any inquiry into allegations militants we should not remain of racism.

Reutral about the current The Tory press, NUT leaders, choices for mergers and andthe leadership of the Labour Party are all responsible that ASTMS for enabling a Tory minister to indeed merge in disrupt directly the running of a

1987. A single union for Labour Counel engineering staff throughout “Whether or not McGoldrick

much of industry will be. it should have been suspended in

‘many respects, a major Step the first place, or whether there forward "both, “Tor thek houla have. been lester combined membership and for political direction from the the many non-unionised “‘high- rem Labour Group,

tech” workers the new union has the opportunity 10 win

The options open to my own union, APEX, also show the ‘need for militants 10 have a

nonetheless, important lessons ‘must be learnt for the future Unfortunately, some onthe Lett have drawn up political ‘balance shect that sets back the

ive and act on it. Snuacit struggle. Effectively APEX, down from SWP are now arguing 150,000 to | 90,000 (mainly pat critical support should have

clerical) members im 6 years, has been given to. the NUT.

Ieadeship, and that if there had been a need for further strike action to end. MGoldrick’s

woe Suspension, ‘this should have developing porate heen supporied by the Left Fealism” well Known {0 workers (December Socials ‘Teacher, in Japan; Shaun Doherty). Would they

‘emerge with the GMBATU, taking over their clerical section MATSA. This ‘would help the

then have been prepared to ben ce with a leadership institutionalised

current” APEX Executive facism and cafrying out Council cling on to their Gisciplinary actions against positions, but it would do litle NUT members who aligned {0 build a strong clerical union themselves withthe" Black

{im engineering outside North East England (where GMBATU does have a base in this sector). ‘@ join ASTMS and TASS in a Sway merger. This would

‘The SWP have failed to understand how to build a rank dnd file movement ‘within the NUT that can politically oppose the bureaucracy of that union, fight for a clear anti-racist line, and learn to distinguish between 4 Tory and Labour Counell Calls for Black and White unity within the union are all very well, but this requires defending the autonomous rights of Black teachers in their fight against

create a single staff union in factories

levating their otticisms of the ‘Council's handling of the Issue above the need to defend the Council's anti-racist initiatives,

In all the resolutions they pushed, ‘which were” only Euccessful in Brent North, they

condemned the Counc without Offering one line of defence af Brent's right to hold an inquiry in the first place.

For socialists to look back on the McGoldrick affair sieiply as another case of bureaucratic bungling by a Labour Councils inadequate. The Black community has waited long enough for Labour Councils 19 deal with institutionalised racism. That is what is at the heart of the Brent dispute. If comrades on the Left fall 10 Fecounise that, then they need £0 reconsider thelr ovn anti-racist perspectives.

Alf Filer, Brent East dooooooeccoce

Dear Briefing,

Tam afraid an error crept into the London Bridge cesolution published with my article in the [ast edition,

London Bridge isnot opposed to all in-house tendering except where such Tenders reduce’ workers’ pay, hours or conditions, Clause 2¢ of our resolution should read:

(London Bridge is committed to) refusing to submit tenders as ‘ade unionists and. preventing the submission ‘of any ‘management in-house tenders ‘which would mean loss of pay, hhours or conditions, by taking appropriste industrial action.

Apologies for any confusion caused

‘Yours sincerely,

Johanna Fastkes dooogcodsc00e0 Dear Briefing,

T refer to Oliver MacDonald's article in the December January fisue entitled "No, Prime

Minister

OF course, we're all worried about the lack of accountability in’ the civil service and in particular the security services but

fhe proposes drastic

up of committess to. monitor Joyalty"” may sound fine in principle but 1 would suggest that in practice it would lead 10 ‘more sserery and uncertainty

However, itis his second proposal that really amazes me. Have 1 missed something, oF hye really proposing to "sack all administrative grade Civil Servants over 40°"?

In the interests of an open and efficient civil service there ‘may be arguments in favour of this, but do they really justify

ia ee ei sacking trade unionists? to, join ia t00. “The LCC, as expected, took Andy Gibbons Ustcxtemtely, Socom of tie he sock approach, Wales ee ere

Briefing New Years Honours

gene eee aoe pea cat ns Bass eat Waraeude Bene eae este ae ie edie Bt po Spel oes Sea pion er “eee a heed ae Pak A sn Sy eared Beeline ia aera ea eee [a i Acre

the, prize goes to SOGAT leader Brenda | Dean who emerged strengt! ary lunanimous vote of the SOGAT conference, despite having just suffered 2 heavy ballot dafeat in her attempt to sell cut the ‘News Interna Hlonal dispute. She is expected to share the prize with the Morning Star.

‘@Our PW Botha award for blows against opponents of apartheid goes for =. second ‘year to top TASS tankie fand honorary President of “Chub 19-56) Ken Gill for his role in the continued victimisation of David Kitson after his release from 20 years in a South ‘African jail,

‘eThe Jimmy Hoffa medal for contributions to. union democracy is shared this year between the CPSA Execative (for their refusal to accept a left-wing ballot victory) and bby those merry, macho LCC

Eigg for the Birdbrain of 1986. But a late, st ranting try foes MancheSier Chel

james Anderton,

“"pmer calm’ by” hysterical blaming gay people for <a made ‘him the unanimows choice.

for careerist climbers, which

Miriam died on Sunday December 14th after a life packed with political activity and struggle, at the age of 69.

Many who had worked with her wore amazed by her tenacity and energy despite bouts of il heath. When she was taken ill at the end of September she was about to travel to Labour Party Conference with the Labour Committee ‘on ireland to expose the inadequacies of the Anglo-Irish Accord.

The year before she had seconded one of the motions on Ireland ‘at Conference and many will Stil remember her moving. speeches at public meetings sround London. For she brought. not only” fine political understanding to Sebstes on the need for 's United keland, she also was able to speak as an Irish women, who knew only too wel the hardships of struggle that lie behind the easy Phrases of solidarity

‘She joined Cumann na mBan when she was 14 and later helped to found Cumann ne Callin. In 1934, she joined the newly formed Republican Congress, During the Second World War she was interned for nearly 3 years. She then moved to London, worked for the BEC and retied in 1980,

However, the GLC's support forthe Irish Community in Londen brought her out of retirement and she

New degree of bankruptcy

Many reveaing facts are incuded| In Marsaam Today's new public | Biorb.

what is presumbaly an-2ccurae relecoon of the current ‘emehar tele", 618 of MTs renders have at leas one degree Sod 12% are fulsime sudents 34% of readers are members of al ‘profesional body" 25% of rtaders earn over £15,000 year! W any of Briefng’s readers earn cover £15,000 a year, please lc us Know on 2 postcard, iochding ‘ernie of bank account, cred

“One minor fact missing from MTs lealee — nowhere does fe mention the fact chat i i the ‘magazine of che Communise Party (Of Great Briain. Are they asham-| 2d that 99% of ther members are| polialy bankrupt?

Obituary Miriam James

went to work at the Battersea ‘and Wandsworth trish Project, and then ‘became 3. valied member ‘of the Irish “Team within the GLC's Ethnic Minorities Unit. And up ‘unt her death she continued to work with a wide range of krish ‘groups from the Race equality, {group of the London Strategic Policy Unit,

‘As wall as all of this, she found time to be an active member of Kensington Labour Party, the North Kensington ‘Amenity Trust and the Labour Committee on. ireland.” She was the London Secretary for the LCland algo its delagate to 2 range. of campaigning Groups. She is being sorely missed,

will be difficult to. find anyone who will be able to fave her grasp of Irish history and culture and her Gommitment to bring about frish self-datermination. Like Connolly, she understood that the cause of Ireland and the couse of the working class were inseparable. She once Seid. thet "I fit that the Republican Movement had 10 begin. with — the poorest people... Whether they. were living in'a republic, an empire of a"Free State’ didn't mean anything to. those people Unless they had somewhere decent to. live and enough money to live on.”

In memory, Nadine Finch, Chair, LCI.

re se F . gee

Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page 9

Labour Party

Labour Women’s Action Committee AGM Foxhunter

i ‘ . turned Blowing in the wind petri ag Er

appalling tack of organisation discussion. WAC supported the

ks" with Labour

By Barbara Green

Islington South & fri uee! oes een beieea bateent argc oe Finsbury Women's “Problems” rire Basically the By Dave Carter on a te ee a Section WAC’s campaign on the Message Middlesborough an experienced focal councillor Traveling up the, et wat ieccnethcmimberltom stom Exer'vat oud sad'cess ihr [Following the Knowsley lst ye Hehav fine eond of ‘on December 13th for the — Marjoram (secretary), Jude | WOmen"s conference; and the women with different views and | curtailments of the right of a sons ee oer ane

Labour Women’s Action Woodward (assistant scretary) vote to be divided 30% for the opinions. ‘They consistently [CLP to choose its 202. serv

lp: Complicated Somat. Simply because hey did |“ joka Ryman MP recently’an- sown. ironically, Ryman oaly

‘Guesionswhizzed around ceed 10 th the my head what resolutions feprseuatives | from West orn © wold be dicunedt Whe Midlands who” promptly The discussion on the division WAC"s pest ould be: discussed? Whe” ‘opped uni resolution, Aol .»of woies iter the mace am

Exec? What will the officers “fhe SC Pee ue tt reports contain? of nominations for the exec (he

You sce, even though I’m printed ones were stil-on the

od his. retirement from gained the solid Labour seal by iment, despite his recent the natrowest margin. in. Oc = and support jon. One of his main.» tober 1974 from the fate Eddie ext radical women within | Challengers, Ronnic Campbell, Milne, Milne had been thrown party sat an alltime low. It] ‘eas selected in the second selec: out of the Party after his stand 05.28 teal over the period | thon ‘contest. Ryman. then an sgainst corruption in the labour ofthe “review” of the women's | nounced thal Campbell was not movement in the North East,

sation. IF WAC takes the} Sn acceptable successor because and had held the seal on an ant

ae deseprrsatt ‘ioe * Dositions ane ol St poh x alien Prices platform “in

democfatic rights have been isha No : - dans fond least some of them. Now was your campaign brings | the _Briefing's pages are open to | consiuency as 4 resll of his tolerate Blackmail in slecting « rampled on? It’s not the the time to geusome facts. The necessary pressure toforcethem ste WAC Exes ond eyagreed | oulburss. The ‘seietion wil Parllamentary” candidate “tf i membership, Secretary report demands. last year to coke up our offer of | almost certaily have to be e- Ryman insists on carrying Fee ee Sheu gie 20, ThE WAC Exec elected atthe writing @ column of their own | rum, as Campbell's majorly was through is threat to farce a

more AGM is very similar ‘rezularty in he paper. We hope | only one and the NEC shovid be ye-letion unless Caraphell

Stranded aceurie bees all the papers one. The proses of they will reply (0 this article ina | ableto-come up with at least one dropped — which many. people prea ce abTiaotscaiags: | of wind! the peetious erching ‘Campbell has been Bccused of unite around Rontie Campbell

would inevitably start lace. But funny — WAC is tiny. While alas no! All the AGM material members raised this as a big Was stranded somewhere problem, one got the impression

<= - Knowsley North update

up to wha shout have been 8 ms he Inadequate

Ghamber-The fist resoluion, _Pethaps the most diswessing By Ny from West Midlands, was to aspect of the day. was the BY Mike Maguire cancel the AGM due Yo the inadequate ‘ime for potest (Secretary, Knowsley

North CLP)

Streatham Heese or,

selection ge

x principled opposition to the LCC's choice Kathys an imposed candidate in

By Michael Calvert Riley. last year’s bye-election.

Streatham CLP EC Fie et tech hehe ona ieee IGaled oe

laeavialicapeiy ical osay few mec. by the NEC i due to report en he eee eee ae

recommendations to _ the impose January NEC meeting. This «- Anna Tapsell: follows a postponement <wisham forced by the CLP officers, who demanded to. know ‘in "Zwhat_ charges would be ‘AS. Briefing readers wilt, shortlist of Anna Tapsel brought against them Leah, he lace Streathaet impose a different When the CLP offices: outside the” Labour Party candidate Constitution, even though Just 1% the present climate it is two GC delegates out of 75 were ifficull to speculate. The NEC from the Black Se meeting is on Jamuary 12th (as wee go 10 press) — hot om the Despite the adverse press heels of the result of the nature of any com

Streatham's parliamentary selection went ahead in December, with the full participation of the Black Section,

every ward. Anna Tapsell, a note that as the General little than gossip. = Lambe employee cad Election gets _ ‘wearer the once wast ; NALGO rep, as eventually vt begin “to a = seen ote thee “pe ot gations Scions managed to sedsce'a | Trade Unionists for Democracy in Knowsley clear mandate as Party Streatham GC continues 10 Ope of the more serious breclevuen eosin | North Rady Daley local democratically ansce Naas fon parte, gen Se New MP struggle for democracy

asked Joyce Gould to give 4 Swarth, has since attended's | didate. In 1983, Robert Kiroy-Silk was imposed upon us by the

LOWTRY LTD (TU) | seieeanrs bse oes Chic mcaing to sve a report | NEC. in 1980, 5 wel'as excluding. Huckield, 4 other people

We can print your leaflets, newsletters, RSMeMuraesticic pumice i MCSE Tt members in ‘our. strength SDsemter: ilroy- fe need money urgently. .. Please do all you can to ensure that FESS laser ‘ou seg Howene Howarth, as | your CLP or trade union branch makes a donation. Copies of Quotations also available for Web offset toually, changed the political Gc Hs personal views are at | Nasolutions,” Gat your Labour Party and tase union branches according to size and run. ‘The reselection reforms were} please send donations to: Mrs | Rowe, Tr ‘Charade designed to achieve greater Unionists for Democracy in Knowsley North, 12 Linsdale Cr

Tel: 01-274 8459

democracy and accountability cent, Northwood Kirkby, Liverpool. PI

make cheques

Lowity Ltd., 21-25 Beehive Place, Brixton, The ‘Inqory is charade hich es sacred mon ia | Revenue? Toads Untonets fo Cernncracy fr Knots Aor

‘excuse for punishing Knowsley North Pree wecrcaraia vite

=e il 2.

Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page 10

Debate

Sex, class and race:

Don’t split our fight!

We are writing this article to relate some of our experiences as black women activists within the black community and within our trade union branch.

We believe that these experiences are a microcosm ‘of developments within the black socialist and labour movements in this country. ‘We hope this article will act as a catalyst for debate within these movements in ‘order that clearer demands can be made of white socialists, especially those who subscribe (0 the evergrowing race industry in this country.

‘Although the incidents which wwe will be describing may not have been identically reflected elsewhere, we kos that similar struggles ‘are presently. taking place and have taken place.

These struggles will become more cleatly defined as our politcal analysis grows with Increasing debate and discussion, We Feel certain that ‘our cumulative experiences have raised Key questions which must be addressed if black self organisation is not to be diverted in its aims to promote the class struggle of black people

‘We begin with our own trade union branch. The combination of an increased involvement by Diack activists plus the confidence afforded’ them by the growing strength of Labour Party Black Sections resulted in ‘lack members starting to make demands of the Branch, particularly in relation to black Selfrepresentation and self ‘organisation.

‘Alter the defeat of the ‘miners’ strike, the eft within the Branch were so demoralised and the left generally -so ‘Weakened, that many key officers (we had up tll chen bbeen exclusively white) resigned from their posts The Branch was left immobilised for several months, However, because it ‘was felt important that the fight for black self-organisation should not lose its momentum, black members had no choice but to take up: vacant officer pesitions

Thus For the first time in the history @f the branch. (and probably in any trade union branch), 3 black women stood for election to prominent poss. They did 30. with the ‘understanding that their acuity wwithia the branch would draw its support and direction from fan active and. powerful Black Section. This understanding was trucial aot only because of our commitment to black sel: frganisation, but also because a black socialist, black feminist leadership was coming to

10 years after black women led the Grunivick fight: has the trade union movement learnt ansthing from that struggle?

prominence in the virtual Absence of left-wing base ‘within the beanch, and in. an increasingly right wing politcal climate withia the trade union movement and elsewhere.

‘Que occupation of these officer posts prompted in a very short space of time 2 notiseable Increase in membership by black

By Anita Patel and Ai Meun Lim T&G ACTSS 1/208

women workers, and in the number of black women workers bringing forward problems affecting them in the ‘workplace

The fight to secure the interests “of | Black women workers necessitated operation writin a radical framework if i was (0) suceeed “rather” than merely pacify. And in the early days, this radical framework ‘and. the collective strength of black members brought | us significant success. The right's

challenge to our leftist, amtiracist policies remained ‘stifled because, in light of the considerable gains made by the black movement in the branch, they were both unable and unwilling to. be seen in ‘opposition,

‘However, our leadership soon ‘came under right wing attack from two black men, opposed to our radical, campaigning approach, who couched their ‘opposition in anti-racist thetorie. The flood gates were thea opened.

‘Whilst the white right were provided with a cover for their ‘atiacks, and were able to reinforce those launched by the two front-men, the white left pleaded confusion. They we reluctant 10 come in behind us, ‘despite the overt sexism of these attacks and their clear denial o socialist principles.

In the absence of strong black ‘organisations within the labour movenient, anti-racist. rhetoric is increasingly being used as an arbitrary and convenient tool by

right wing blacks, and more Significantly by ‘right wing ‘whites, to. exploit the lefts weakness on the issue of race. This thetoric in no way reflects 2 senuine concern to take the Black struggle forward. It wasn't “until black women members mobilised behind us that we were able 10 effect 3 successful fight-back.

These experiences are neither exclusive 0 us nor the i tunion movement. They have implications for black struggle and for socialist movements

nd, black self organisation appears to be on the increase in the form of local authority and government ed community roups, and black issves seeta 10 2 higher priority

c setting up of Council ‘Race “Equality. Units opportunity policies.

On the other hand, class polities is increasingly being shelved in these white-controlled “black”

We feel that this is no accident. The race industey has responded to the fierce demand for black self-organisation by setting up parallel institutions and structures which materially Contradict the struggle by black people 10. organise autonomously, and which Promote instead a race Imovenieat devoid of any clast dimension

We are not critical of the race industey in its entirery. We are concerned, however, that black Struggles "acknowledge more widely the fundamental way in Which this booming. industry can and does undermine black Seltorganisation at the direct expense of the black working

Im general, the white left has, up till mow, failed adequately co resalvethe questions of race and class, and failed co align icself in any ‘significant way with the struggle of black socialists in this country.

This has left a gaping hole in

their commitment to and strategies for class polities, and they can do litle. more than ‘moan about their very Vulnerable position whenever back, left wing activists or they themselves come under attack from the black right

Black self-organisation has itself been exploited by. black people who pay lip service to it bat’ who, in using these structures” for their own purposes, do so at the expense of a relevant, class-conscious black strugale. The existence of right wing elements is of course, common to. all movemenis

However, it is Becoming even mote important, i9 the face of both increasingly uncompromising anti-racist

demands and increasing moves to subvert these demands, that black activists undertake. the task of exposing these right

clements and developing a more well-defind class analysis of the nature and execution of our strugsle

PHOTO: John Str

De A oe en thar eae canara

iHow Green is

Amidst all _ the controversy about nuclear power at the 1986 Labour Party conference, a very thorough and radical policy on the environment —_ slipped

1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 through almost i ! 1 i ! 1 1 !

unnoticed. If the policy, backed by everyone from Kinnock to the Left, is implemented in full it ‘will stand as a significant milestone in the history of environmental campaigning in the UK.

In brief, Labour's policy would create a new Ministry af Environmental Protection whose role would be:

to monitor the environmental implications of the policies and actions of, other “government departments.

@10 sce that economic planning takes environmental factors into account.

@i0 ensure that environmental groups are represented on the boards of

our Party?

national economic planning bodies. The policy also commits 2 Labour government (0: ‘echange the system of agricultural subsidies to

By Andy Porter SERA

favour conservation and ecologically-sound farming. @alier the approach to ‘overseas aid, supporting ‘only programmes that take full ‘account of

environmental impact.

‘®employ radical measures to tackle water pollution, acid rain, lead in petrol, pesticides, food additives, and so on.

In short, it is the most radical and comprehensive statement onthe

environment ever made by a British. political party with any chance of getting lected.

Unfortunately, the Labour Party "leadership remains committed to the old mixed economy package

Red and Green

of profitted growth stimulated by government spending. This has been tried and has failed in the

Whatever its ically economic consequences, itis clear that

the environment will suffer. Once again Labour has been prepared to adopt radical policies in all but the most important area — how to organise the economy.

How this conflict is resolved in practice will depend on who the next Labour government is most

scared of — ie Left and the environmental movement or ‘the multinationals and the British ruling class,

The adoption of the Environment Statement at Conference is just’ the beginning of a long struggle. Us implementation by. the next Labour governmet remains at best doubtful, But the Statement docs ai least give us a Foothold in Party policy from which to Iaunch future campaigns.

Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 7987 page 11

International Briefing

Where is Gorbachev going?

Gress approaches, 9 "C24 autumn, the significance sia Yet im domestic ponies, on & new course. ‘oasis an ae “ine new Alta Ata following the replaceleadership, Gorbachey sought *PProach toy p . ‘irst Secretary of the Kazakh

the. urgency of radical new BY Oliver MacDonald Tes) eppeaet tran yout

gramme ratified at the Congress years the centralised economic appointment. Seems designed to emphasise System washeld tobe sacrosanct [tis sill too early to say that

continuity with the past, and earlier attempts to decen- Gorbachev rules out any far-

At the June plenum Gor- —{ralise had been crushed reaching democratic change in bachev indicated dissatisfaction "There hasalso been anew and the Soviet political system. As with the $ yearplan and directed much more liberal. cultural yet there has aot been 8 move

PHOTO:Andrew Wierd (Report!

remarks against patty resisting the new

ose within the policy, as well as the much from words to deeds: no move, ‘Beater openness about ‘pro- despite rumours, to change the

Brosch', "but beyond. some Blam, dsasers and. offal eetoral yntem not cvens Mint

father shinor changes in the failures — from the Chernobyl Sf allowing tendensis fo com

System ‘of economic manage: catastrophe, tO" abortion pete for office within the CPSU Gorbachev

Ment iis hard to sce what this facies and practices. Gor- ho. signs. of change” in the

few approach really meant. In bachew has clovely associated nomentlatura system ing on working clas opposition has been avoided, theleadership Western Europe — and Gor.

the political field it seemed to himself with. some of these But docs Gorbachev's tothe social inequalities that prepared 40 preston aah Cache Lane hanno

mean fttle more than a change changes, continually demanding poiical reformism extend no would accompany the economic reform more tolily, openly, actShesetael

in psvchological ‘auttudes that the policy of glasnoxt™ farther than tactical Hberaise- feformst and” a) radical, cridcaiag Brecher, Ts too ealy 10 say which of

amongst party members (Gpenness) be pursied"con- ton plus some nes, more leg democtatsing current, This seems to be the Reagan these imerpretaions f cores, Since "the Congress, the sistently in the pres. be methods of social contro adimiistraion's ‘view. Nobody, tncluding Gorbachey

leadership has identified tse The Western press has made The intelientsa seem to think The politburo majority ‘Wasiteston i terified "ini hiweele'mine ae sooreache

‘represents a “centre tendency reform involving real elements the USSR is very far from being seeking political change while of democratisaion could bap- a coumtry where one leader oF avoiding open rupture or social pen — with calasiraphic conse- ane politburo ean dictate policy Upheaval. Sincean open rupture quences for the Right in and pla the future.

with a slogan frst heard in the much of | the release of Chernenko period: forward 10 Sakharov, suggesting that this NEP — Lenin's new course marks a basic sift of policy. It from 1921 is the ideological was ceriainly of more than

SCS AL AO I AE A AE Se oe ES RE See aR

French students in revolt

Workers’ action

NUS take heed! against apartheid

uth Movements scale afd impact, about the movement. is that Moe ieee gee Gc ke pesrenci es Saracuoeeenm mete

last November and gaine from Organised in unions o¢ political q 4 r e. 4 December is still being 22422 ____ organic in untons or polcl as I ST ee felt in French politics. By Patrick Baker fee ibe movement il has ee me As wall as the withdrawal Labour Briefing Youth been wound up e Noncthley there are many z

of the reactionary Devaquet 7 Eanes Tae tibet ne esreens | Soeaeetaneee Grains measures proposed by the ‘Sociatiste”” group, a group of massive attacks on higher Chirac goverment have been ex-OCI (one of & number of education over the last yous, postponed; incuding a racist Trotskyist groups in France) and now the ducussion of

Tothismay postive lessons for the student

immigration fay, members now in the Socialist introducing a loan system 10 privatisations of prisons, Party, who control the largest replace grants, “the” French ped ole French student union, student _ movement highlights

Inspired’ by the successes UNEF-ID. They played a very the scandalous lack of action on of the moter, uCeeSSet important role in organising the the ‘part OF ihe “Democratic thowands" of Spanish Riteanimymatcsonceans Lek! dente of NUS. students demonstrated soon “One of the resasons for this in a much Deiter postion 0

after, and French rail. and lack of identification among the organise a fightback than the metro workes are taking youth with the far left is the French students. “The. studeat strike action. ‘continuing secatarianism of unions in France are tiny

“cohabitation” with Mitterrand * has been weakened, and he has Hi been tinder attack from his right é ‘ing Coalition partners. :

The student movement ise i had many positive and inspiring 5 democratic local and. national : Strike commities, the é ‘ceupation of many” colleges, these forces. Though this may compared to NUS, since they 6 and the continual mobilisation be something of a have a0 automatic curcicment 5 Of hundreds of thousands of senecalsation, they ‘end to system = Youth and students on the project themselves as the only But, of course, itis the will reels answer tall the cather'than the. ability that is

This later spect was the key sSocal/economic problems of lacking. Vicky Philips, ike Phil Dunes Stores Strikers from Dublin picket South Africe House {othe movement's success, the working class, much as the Woolas before her is Keca 1 Pettis ses lie ag? of fort dom hep roving ict a nt On December 13th over South, Alcan goods and work withthe AAM wherever Preparation "was also “a Britain to rook Nels Boat. Atleast the in services. Possible, and is encouraging Significant factor — especially Though they have historically election of SSIN and SWP 80 people met in "NC rence also heard fuppon ntor meouraaing when compared with Thatcher's been stronger in France than in representatives at _the last Birmingham — at _ the of ‘action taken by trades resolutions st the coming reparations for the miners’ Britain, uch an allude is not Conference was some indicator Conference for Trade unionists in Britain such as the AM Anus! General Meceece Soke really” credible rom of discontent, Socalist stazents Union Sanctions boycott of "South, Atvoan

Given the moment's Organisations that are tiny mple of th inst goods in Leicester hospitals By Pete Firmin undoubted political impact, and compared” with the mass Against South Africa. "Sid the. demand by tucas Wateder ent NUR

Kathy O'Reliy. one of the Stewards that Lucas disinvest

Y Dunnes Stores striers from from South Africa. The value

ics, how was it that so organisations of the working

many of ihe students involved class, tefetred 10 it as “apolitical”? Communis Dubin. addressed the of direct links with workers in The conference elected a The use ofthis term relied a unions STS eam, Tule ae ‘leo ‘sessed, stesing committee 10. coteal feeling among the student some organisations tudent Tour hell year strike against the with the particular example of ordinate the campaign, ted youth "a ick of a posture ine Briefing Student Tour fang of Scum Aitcan tks ‘bull batwosn Pietesy inching the soccer's ‘demification with any campaign, but iis unlike Jan 19-23 goods. She explained the workers in Britin and South newsletter, and adopted, en “politcal” group or parry, the French far left will mal Meetings in: Oxford, harassment’ they have met Affica, extensive ‘list of proposal including those on the left. b headway i from the police and the lack of Delegates stressed that the designed to develop solidarity. ‘This. is where’ comparisons Sussex Uni. Leeds Uni, “sipport rom many, including campsign for drect trate "Gat your worse amas and church leaders. who verbally union’ action s_ not _ branchllabour movemant heap

with! May "68 "ca

Widespread idensifcs = < _ apartheid. From counterposed to the sctiviies to. affisate to suas saparamee the far en Sit veatheiich of the anteApartneia a =

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Labour Briefing Jan 15-28 1987 page 12

j the “Peter Wright” court ' case in Australia with @MIS was plotting to bring

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grave threat to all our liberties

full sale enquiry into the work of the intelligence services, and MIS in particular. should be very high on our list ‘of peorities in 1987

placed on 2 military sohition by the British Army:

OMIS were responsible for leaking documents to Loyalists when they thought British governments were t00 soft on Republicanism; ‘Anyone inclined 20 doubt this

‘emany of the people in MIS should ask themselves whether who acted” beyond their they find the — following legitimate powers in the past are scenarios credible: in prominent positions in MIS @During a Loyalist strike today British intelligence had

‘Wallace states that one of his information linking some usi’s “main tasks was to Loyalist para-miltaries with

Undertake operations which sexual assaults at a boys’ home

would diseredit organisations It thought of ‘using ito and individuals who, by their undermine the sinke | but fctivities, were hindering the thought better of it because it

thought i was more important {allow the strike to succeed ia order to. help bring down a Semocratically elected Labour ernment in Britain; (0A Tory Prime Minister sent am intelligence chi to Northern Ireland who was opposed 10.2 policy of assassinations by the Ermy. One section of British imellgence ran a campaign ‘against him, claiming that he was gay, and prevented. his Fetura 10 the Six Counties. feMIS. ousted MIS” from control of intelligence in N. Ireland and sought to make 3 ‘quick name for themselves by Pursuing hard Tine policies

‘work of the security. forces.”

By Cllr Richard (Chessum

Press Officer, Labour Committee on Ireland

MIS included in their list of targets organisations and parties duly elected to power in Britain 235 well as organisations in the Six Counties

‘Wallace sill supports Britain in Northern Ireland, although he objects to many of the ‘methods used as a threat 10

Semocracy: Not surprisingly, which would get quick results ince been jaledYor'6 years for POU, lavetgated by Job

‘manslaughter, a charge which he always denied, but is now out fon parole, and recently held a press conference

allegations ruined his career 25, Senior police officer.

Credible or not, it has been

The recent edition of asserted that all of these things “Labour and Ireland”, the have taken place. Could we be magazine “of the Labour approaching situation “more ‘Commmittee on Ireland, critical for the British State than

Contains an. article by. Robin Ramsay, detailing some of Wallace's ‘story. All” Briefing readers should obtain it and

‘Watergate or the Iran arms scandal in the US? If so, 1 is likely that the Key {0 the ‘unfolding ofthat scandal will be absorb its contents. A secret the long-running war being State unfettered by political fought out across the Irish Sea, ‘Accountability and raging aut of conspicoous though it may Be Control of even some significant by ite absence in the reports Sections ‘of the political emanating from the South establishment represents a very Pacifici the Peter Wright case.

Published by Labour Briefing, 26 Crofton Road, London SES

Wright still secret on 6 counties

A scene fram eversday life in the Six Counties: troops conduct @ house search

Printed by MPS (TUI, 188 Acre Lane, Landon SW2

Yjn4} SuLEsse}s ayy

Labour Committee! ion Ireland

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