Labour Briefing no. 42

isd

@ Local government elections

@ Campaigning to support Black Sections

®@ Trade Union Conferences

@ Features

@ Politics in

the USA

NO “‘WHITES ONLY’’ LABOUR

PARTY!

The imminent witch-hunt of Black Sections indicated by the NEC resolution of March 25th is moving rapidly into geai

April saw a flurry of activity as the right wing have attempted to gather evidence to nail Black activists within the Party. On April 6th, excerpts from a letter from Roy Hattersley, Jeff Rooker and other right wing Birmingham MPs to Linda Bellos and Bernie Grant who had been invited to speak at a public ‘meeting in Birmingham on April 7th, mysteriously found their way into the pages of the scab Times.

In their familiar patronising and presumptious tone, Hattersley & Co. declared that they did not want Bellos and Grant's advice and told them not to turn up. A more disgusting display of apartheid within the labour movement would be hard to find,

The involvement of Linda Bellos and Sharon Atkin, PPC for Nottingham East, in particular, in the Birmingham meeting have become the focus of NEC attention with the possibility of expulsion for Bellos and deselection for ‘Atkin being aired in the press. As so often happens with the right wing, it does not declare its intentions openly but whips up a campaign of vilification in the bourgeois press through rumour, quotations torn out of context, and so on.

These actions do nothing but assist the attacks of the ‘enemies of the labour movement and drive down Labour's electoral chances.

The fact of the matter is that the Right have given up hope of an outright Labour victory, probably didn’t want ‘one on Labour's current programme anyway, and are moving to remove dissident elements from the Party in the event that a coalition with the Alliance is on the agenda.

The need now is for a united campaign of resistance to these attacks and to prevent the NEC taking any action at its next meeting on April 29th. It is unfortunate that four Black PPCs in London felt the need to publish the statement they did. Keeping heads down so as not to “provoke” further attacks is a recipe for isolation, division and defeat.

In contrast Nottingham East CLP has issued a a public statement defending the right of Black Sections to organise and in full support of our PPC Sharon Atkin.

‘Sharon was selected from an all-Black shortlist in full knowledge of her record as a Lambeth councillor, as a supporter of Black Sections, and as a socialist. We have no intention of deserting her now.

By Rick Simon Nottingham East CLP (personal capacity)

Page 9: Nottingham East CLP statement

RESTA

pHoro,

Labour Briefing No, 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 2

Feature: Tory Britain

Surrey docks: once a centre of working lass employment; under the Tories, rapidly becoming 2 paradise for the rich

Urban Development Corporations:

Paradise for the rich

‘Thatcher's answer to the decline in London’s docklands has been to take ‘over the land and local authority powers, and hand them over to an unelected quango. JOHN TURKIE Tooks at the changes this fhas brought and future changes in the pipeline — particularly the Canary ‘Wharf development — and draws lessons for the Labour Party and the eft.

‘Watch out: more Urban Development Corporations are planned. Your area could be next for the Tory (treatment.

The London Docklands Development Corpora tion (LDDC) was set up in 1981 to “regenerate” 8.5 square miles of London’s disused docks.

All executive powers for the area were taken away rom the three democrat ly elected local authorities and handed over to an tinelected and. unaccounlable government quango.

“This experiment has set the pattern for other Urban Development. Corporations now proposed as a remedy for decline and decay up and down the country.

Enormous powers of seating public land and par chasing. private. land through Compulsory. Purchase Orders ‘vere aranted tothe LDDC, and In "Enterprise Zone", owned Outright by the LDC, created Sm the Ile of Dogs, this enab ing the Corporation 10 by-pass the planning process which tight interfere withthe natural flow of the Market. Here the ganic Canary Wharf developtment — 12 milion square feet, Of office and commercial space = has attracted more private i vestment than the whole of the Channel Tuanet

if this development

mmission whatsoever

"The LDC's pockets are linfed with public money from the Department of Environment.

SS SS SE

‘The proximity of Docklands to the City of London has made it Prime development land: 2 perfect, recipe for private in Nestors! ‘Not. surpesingly. the ‘Tories have hailed the LDDC as the saviour of the Inner City

“The net effect of the “regenera ion" of this once heavily in dostralised arca is a radically faltered local cconmic base, ‘hich squeezes out local people and local indestry. The up. market” approach of the TDC combines private huxary housing. and offices serving the financial and high-tech worlds AAs big money has rolled in, local people have been pushed

The Isle of Dogs in Tower Hamlets. is) almost certainly becoming the “best” example fof this process at work. Since 1981, unemployment has more than doubled from 12% to neae Ty 308. as traditional Riverside industries ‘employing predominanily local. labour have been forced out by proper I developers

The pressure of existing com mer and. privat Gevslopments on the Isle of Dogs is such that residential Jand is now changing hands at nearly £5. million “per acre. Canary Wharf will ‘not only compound and accelerate this process, but will stimulate fur ther farteaching pressure on land values

The biggest scandal of all is that this exclusively private evelopment, promoted. by a highly, profitable US/Swiss banking consortium, is. 10 be Subsidised by up to £2 billion of public money, made up of Enterprise zone rate and tax Sllowances — and — supporting Transport infrastructure.

‘Canary Wharf — which is opposed by Labour local Euthorities and the London Labour Party — will change the face of London and have a evastating impact on the predominantly working class Communities of East and South East London. Yer the Minister is refusing a Public Inquiry ‘The Choice for Labour And what, one may wonder, is the” Labour leadershi

response to this Tory offensive? ‘Fodate, a Docklands’ represen tation to Cunniggham and is ‘colleagues has. failed even 10 move them to demand 2 Public Inquiry into Canary Wharf, ever mind commit 2 future Labour government to abolish the LDDC.

tis essential thatthe issues of the LDDC and Canary What? ate forced on to the national political agenda, and that the Tabour leadership. throw its weight behind the demands of the, grass roots campaigns Throughout Docklands, ‘which involve Gn a haphazard way) many Labour Party members

What is desperately needed at this eleventh “hour is for’ the Froat Bench publicly to demand 2 Public Inquiry into Canary ‘Wharf and to mount an offen ‘Sve against the Tories" plans for Docklands and other deindustrialised areas of Britain Uarorunatcy Labour leaders seem mich taken in by the myth that the four new UDCS. proposed for the North ‘and the Midlands, will be able

{ attract as much private inYestment as London's Docktands. This is highly tnlikels

Nor will they be gi

anywhere near_as much public money, as Nicholas Ridley has Siready made clear. Per year, the (our altogether will receive 3 (Quarter of that given to the EDDC. Afterall, for the Tories, Londoa i the Centre of the Universe

Part of the leadership's dilemma lies in its confused at titude to the property market land the City, which it conShtenily refuses to confront, thereby colloding with » the Tories and the LDC. They are either opposing the creation of more UDCS, nor campaigning for the return of democratic control 19 Docklands.

in this pre-election petiod, the question must be asked: what exactly is Labour's ‘alternative?

The Docklands communities, {for their part, are of course nol ‘opposed f0 regencration, which Surely means regenerating what is already there, ic. the local ‘economy. What must be oppos 8, however, is the suupplanta fioa of the existing working

‘lass communities with new and totally differeat ones.

The demographic reshaping ‘of East and South East London that is beginning 10 take place should be ringing alarm bells even in the Shadow Cabinet, only because these inner city Seats should be “safe” for Tabour.

The relative ignorance that ‘exists concerning these issues is 2 potential political disaster. It i "hardly. surprising that the areas picked out for more UDCs {ail of them Latour) have so ‘ea what is about to bit them. However, ie fs not set t00 late for the whole question of UDCs {o. become 2. major political issue inside the Party nationally

UDCs are vote losers for the Labour Party, in ll senses. the ease of 2 UDC such as the LDDC, the objective is for the area t0 become a paradise for the. rich, resulting, over number of years, in 2 decanted ‘working clase which has tradi onally voted Labour.

Even in the short term, aot ‘opposing UDCs is a vote loser for os. it is true that in 198] local people welcomed the crea tion of the LDDC due to the failures of the old Right wing about councils.

But after six years of Tory regeneration”, the people of Docklands know only too well that the LDDC are only” interested in allowing speculators to make vast amounts of profit, Deincipally at their expense ‘They want the abolition of the LDDC and the reurn of democratic control 10 Docklands.

However, Cunningham & Co. seem quite enamoured with the LDDC. It may be an unelected, undemocratic’ and unaccour. {able quango, but it possesses Quite extraordinary powers, far greater than any local authoricy A Labour Secretary of State for ‘the Environment could do quite

mmarkable things with the ight” people on the Board — ‘or $0 the argument goes.

Ifa future Labour Governiment were not 10 abolish the EDDC, but were to. tinker around with the Board personfel this could be the death knell for Labour in East and South Fast London, The Left must make sare the lessons from Docklands are learned.

PHO

Ready to blow!

Grangemouth in Scotland is the site of a huge petrochemical complex.

Had it been situated in England recent events might have evoked comparisons with Seveso or Flixborough.

This small area contains a BP refinery, a large BP chemical works, a BXL chemical works, and an ICI chemical and paint factory; as well as docks, a container base, and several large timber stores (including. Muirhead’s).

‘A. sas pumping station supplies Moss Morran, a petro chemical complex. across. the Forth in Fife using pipelines through old mine.workines lunder the river.

"Also. across. the rivers are Kincardine on. Forth and Longannet Power station and Inverkeithing and Rosyth naval

By David Fowler Asst. Secretary, COHSE 929, Larbert

personal capacity

dockyards, which repularly Service nuclear submarines Large residential built-up areas are interspersed throughout the TL is rumoured that managers of BP at Grangemouth arranged 2) meeting with the local constabulary to discuss ‘arrangements fora major disaster. When they went into the police station they asked for a:map of the area. The police red with a siveet_map of

| swe ned ‘a map that includes

South Queensferry." (Outside South Queensferry, at Dalmenny, is a tank farm" of crude oil storage tanks) ‘Anyone who knows this area will” understand immediately that the disaster which these Borie were contemplating son

Memorial

On Friday April 10th, at the insistence of the workforce, BP held 2 memorial service for the three workers killed at the fefinery the previous month. On March. 13th, James Bruce (40) from Cowdenbeath and Phillip, Mellon (33) from Shotts were Killed when a pipe carrying hydrocarbon fases exploded. Nine days later, on March 22nd, Speits (32) from whe worked for a subcontractor, was killed when 3 hydrocracker exploded. Fortunately for BP, the hydrocracker, hich operates tinder a. pressure of 3,000psi, exploded "towards the river, ‘away from the bulk of the other installations and on a Sunday, when only a skeleton staff was present. A day later, and the

carnage would have been: horrific

‘An office block near the cracker looked as though it had been peppered with shrapnel, A piece of metal weighing’ $ tons tras in the ait for 30 seconds!

Huge pieces of piping were stuck like javelin into the banks of the Forth, Crews of workers are still digging them out

So what went wrong? In 1986 nobody’ died, though a release fof gas required Grangemouth residents (0 stay indoors for an hour or two, and op one occasion "hundreds af employees! cars were damaged by localised acid rain

Complacency

Employees say that BP. Grangemouth's previous record had’ encouraged complacency amongst the staff, Voluntary Fedundancy has decreased the hhumber Of older experienced ‘workers “and replaced them Sither with young workers. oF Sub-contractors. — Flesbiicy Agreements have meant that flectricians and. welders. have been exnected 10 fill in for each other as required,

‘Al this wats achieved with the full collaboration af the local TTGWU bureaucracy, which has row combined late in the day (hth focal MP: Harey Ewing 10 Sall for a public enquiry

‘Amongst other things, an enquiry would have to deal with the contingency plans made for ‘dealing wih” accidents. | For ‘example, it seems that naval fte tenders dispatched from Rosyth land Inverkeithing did not have ‘stachments that matched BP's.

Appliances

BP's own fire-fighting appliances ‘can load up. with foam as they are. pumping, whereas ICUS, whieh. were falled for assisance, have 10 Fetuen repeatedly. to. their ffigisal factory to Yoad up, thus losing valtable ime.

‘Also. unaccounted for are radioactive isotopes used for testing pipelines

BBP are conducting an internal enquiry, but they will not make fany public statements until the Health and Safety Executive have announced thei findings.

Workers involved. should ‘oppose this secrecy. Workers in the NHS and. Fire Brigades linions and” Jocal residents Should also demand to know exactly what chemicals are involved and what contingency plans have been made.

Yet local reactions to the events at BP have been muted, perhaps because it is such a Farge local employer.

Nonetheless, if ean spend millions 10 take over an oil company. (SOHIO) which in turn spent millions building an artifial island off Alaska ‘which produced nothing but salt water, BP can surely afford Yomething 10 secure the safety at local residents and Hs employees,

Labour Briefing No.

42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 3

Editorial

The attack on Labour Party Black Sections activists reported in the last issue of Briefing has been followed up with threats of deselection against Sharon Atkin, PPC for Nottingham East, and threats of expulsion from the Party against Linda Bellos, Leader of Lambeth Council and Phil Murphy, 2 councillor in Birmingham.

Unfortunately the uni necessary to fight this witehhunt has been broken by four prominent Black PPCs in London: Diane Abbott (Hackney North), Paul Boateng (Brent South), Berfnie Grant (Tottenham) and

BRIEFING

TASOUR — TAKE THE POWE!

Stand up for Black Sections!

Russell Profitt (Lewisham East) — all previously active supporters of the Black Sections.

Their statement, issued in the face of the leadership's witch-hunt after the Black Sections Conference and the Birmingham Black Sections

meeting, represents a capitulation to the pressure of Kinnockism — that all

politics must be dropped in order to win the election.

It is to be regretted that rather than support the Black activists under attack, the four are now using the Familiar rhetoric of Kinnock —"our overriding interest is in getting Labour into government” — and have effectively deserted others who are prepared to fight

against racism and for socialist policies»

“The left must step up support for those Black activists ‘under attack and the leader: ship of Black Sections com: ing under fire because they are fighting the right wing course of the Labour leadership.

Briefing supports the Black Sections on two counts. First, because we support the rights of the oppressed as a principle; Secondly, beause we know Tike them, that the ditching of all left-wing or radical policies by the leadership is an electoral disaster, not a

‘But the Labour leadership seem prepared 10 lose seats rather than support Black

and left-wing candidates, or “unpopular” policies. ‘The issue of Black liberation, like lesbian and gay liberation before it, is now a “vote loser"”, despite the support which the overwhelming maJority of Black people give to Labour at election time.

Itis ironic indeed that on the very day that the four Black PPCs got cold feet, the race relations institute the Runnymede — Trust published a report accusing. ‘ai the major political parties Of ignoring Black concerns in an effort 10 appease white racism. As the author points ‘out, the Labour leadership's public attack on Black Sec tions, after the Greenwich defeat, is an attempt to stem

oss of white electoral

support. Once again, the racism of the Labour Party is exposed

Against this, we should positively promote the right of Black MPs to meet and discuss how (0 raise Black issues in the Parliamentary Labour Party and in Parliament, just as the Tribune Group, the Campaign Group, and Solidarity have the right to meet and discuss what they think fit. We should argue that Sharon Atkin, if elected, does have the right to speak on behalf of Black people. And what's wrong with that? White men have for too long believed that they can speak for women and Black people in Parliament. Out of 210 seats held at present by Labour,

only 13 are women and none are Black. Such underTepresentation is a scandal and part of the Black Sec: tion’s success has been in challenging it

The left must therefore: defend the Black Section’s right of representation in the Labour Party;

@defend the Black Sec- 's leadership; @defend Sharon Atkin, Linda Bellos, and Phil Mur” phy from the witch-hunt;

‘@support the Black Section's Conference decision to fight for anti-racist and socialist policies; uupport the Black Section's defence of Black comiunities and especially the Black youth under constant attack from racist policing,

Tory share scandal

Tory MPs line

‘The privatisation of BT was supposed to. help realise the Conservati Party's dream of a proerty and share owning “democracy”.

Great inducements were offered (0 potential "i estors: a give-away price of 130 pence’per share! an i stalment plan for payments: and’ the possibility of Tree telephone bill vouchers or additional free shares.

Applications for shares were at record levels, and, to increase the number of small investors, personal holdings were restricted to a maximum of 800 shares, Yer profit-taking reduced the numberof individual shareholders from 2.3m just after sell-off 10 less than 1.5m by November 1986,

But the publication of the LRD's analysis of the BT shares ‘Rsue'showed the public that the greed of Tory MPs is boundless. Having voted the privatisation of BT through the House of Commons. themselves, it was tlearly the done thing. to get fone's snout in the trough.

‘A staggering total of 91 Con servative MPs bought shares: and a further 34 MPs! spouses purchased them.

The list of MPs who bought imo BT includes five govern ment ministers, iicluding one imember ‘ofthe cabinet (the Secretary of State for Wales) and the wife of the Attorney General, Sir Michael Havers — ‘who would have given advice 10 the Cabinet over the drafting of the lesislation

Scandalously, it also includes the namies of théce Labour MPs — Betty Boothroyd (West Bromwich West; Ted Lendbitter (Hartlepool), who was sack: ed by NUPE from its parliamentary Panel: and George Foulkes (Carick, Cum: fnock and Doon Valley), who is 4 front bench spokesperson on Foreign affairs,

‘On the first day of trading on the "Stock Exchange, BT's shares realised a premium of 45 pence, “As with other share

By Reg Race Tottenham CLP

issues relating. to. public com: panies — such ae Amersham International and British Gas the price was fixed $0 [ow a5 10 {guarantee massive cash killings for investors on day one

As reported in. the national press, two. Conservative MPs fhiade multiple applications for

shares, Accountants Peat, Mar- ‘sick Mitchell were brought in to ‘need out multiple aplications at the time of issue. When signing the ‘pplication form, “applic: tions agreed to be bound by the ‘Sondition that “no other ap Dlication has been made on your benatt.”

Tt is beyond belief that a lawyer such as Mr Keith Best MP for Ynys Mon (Anglesey ‘ean argue that he did not know of this ban on multiple applic: ons and of the possibilty of being prosecuted under Section 15 of the Theft Act 1968, which deals wth obtaining property by deception

However he made six applica tions for shares using different parts of his name and using dit Ferent” addresses in London, Brighton, Holyhead, and Sussex. Accordingly, he was allocated 4,800 shares in espect 9f the applications.

thas also been reported that Mr Best has mutiple Shareholdings in the recently privatised Jaguar Motors

Mr Besi is 2 jurisprude ‘graduate from Oxford, 2 former fecturer in Law, and author of Popular legal guides such as EWWrite your own will”. He is a barrister anda member of Lloyds — which means that he has the add £100,000 spare in l= uid assets which could cover any losses on the underwriting SYndicates in which he is a

Tory “MP Eric Cockeram (Ludlow) received wo alloca ions of shares, He is also a member of Lloyds, a Director of “theee companies, and a Trustee of the Trustee Savings Bank

There are even three members of the Royal Family who must be ‘short of a Bob or 0:

Princess Dian, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew all have is ividual shareholdings.

How is it, thea, that MPs such as Best and Cockeram can ge away with purchasing shares, im companies. that they have ‘voted 10 privatise?

Unfortunately, quite casly The Register of | Mem Interesis, set ap in Jone {does not do the job for hi ‘was intended, namely: "to proVide "information of any Pecuniary interest ot other material benelit which a Member may receive which ‘might be thought 10 affect his, conduct. as a member of i. fluence hi actions, speeches or lem arises in im plementation. No. one. checks

returns made by MPs; there

{smo requirement 10 disclose the amount of any. payment oF benefit; nor to declare the in

‘2 nominal value less than one hundredth. of the issued. share Capital of a company

These loopholes, coupled

with the reality of our ant uated and litest inheriance Tas and the fact that it 1s 90

(one's job to police the financi fand business returns made by

MPs, means that the Resister is almox yseless

Ve should demand: fethe immediate expukion of

Bes and Cockeram from Parliament and their ‘proseeu. tion under the Theft Act;

‘@2 toughening up of the Register so that all MPs" tax returns are made public, together sith details of ail shareholdings and finar

‘@the introduction of @ Standing Order of the House of ‘Commons prohibiting MPs and their spouses from owning shares in company which they have voted to privatise

It should also be illegal for any Minister of the Crown 10 ‘own shares in a. private com: pany whist in office.

‘And how about Labour Party leaflets in each constituency, ex posing these facts and the con trast with the Thatcher govern. Iment’s scandalous treatment 0} the poor?

their pockets!

Ts Mon irmingha

Dudley

Nortotk x

est

emp Wn

Fh Wey

2. Yardley

Wich Frome

Tables reproduced courtesy Labour Research Department

Labour Briefing No. 42-Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 4

Trade Union Briefing

Civil Service Pay

All-out action

to achieve the claim is one For the first time since general strike of all civil ser

which is accepted by activists {ranslating this acceptance in 1981 there is a fight on vans inthe a0.

to 2 mombership vote will be

Seross the unions. However, ‘Obviously ‘the strategy is on uphil task.

pay in the Civil Service! ct eal: however, in contrast. The right wing of the CPSA ‘The three unions involv- to previous years, ithas meant _ have locked the union inte 3

good. Even” management's

che total number of civil

Feekes put the response rate THis makes the job of the

servants, ar eYSSee with some miltant Broad Lefts @ tricky one. On strategy 9 Steas being even more sold. the one hand we must regional strike action in Also, there have been several fecognise that only aout ac ‘Support of thelr claim for reports of previously non- tion will win. We must. be

prepared to campaign and ‘argue for this position. On the ‘ther hand we must recognise that simply to go straight from the regional action to 3 ballot ‘on all-out action with no camaign will. almost certainly ‘mean defeat.

‘While it is up to the left to maintain the momentum which akteady exists by en: Couraging unofficial ction Spholding the overtime ban and. withdrawing ‘good wil there ts 2 need for some Cen: {rally organised national action to bring some cohesion 10 Sspute. To this end worth considering the sugges.

UUmonised workers joining ther Union rather than scab. Al of this points to a real mood of militancy. which could be developed,

‘One. problem with the stratagy is that it is divisive By parcelling the unions up in fo regions the effect has been to isolate members in action

For example, despite the near total response in Liver ool and Manchester in. the Fst week of the stike virtua ly nothing was reported in the Condon-centred national press. A further problem is hat as each region takes its tun, those involved at the beginning have to go back to work and await further involvement.

Mine "danger is that eny out action momentum which has been Whether or nat this is possi generated wil simply remains to De seen. Sissipat jet, with ‘or without

‘The biggest __ question ‘campaign rust now however is where do we go saving that all aut action is.

‘only way to win!

£20 a week or 15%.

The mood for industrial ction is the culmination of eight years in which the Tories have forced down wages and worsened conditions for their own employees. The result is that civil service clerical workers are now among the lowest paid in the country.

By Alastair Wallace CPSA Broad Left

‘The strategy of action cur rently being pursued involves ‘each region of the country tak ing a week's strike in rotation. For the first thee days of each week key deaprtments such Bs the DHSS and Department Of Employment are beng brought out, while for the re maining two days there is @

Jim Gee

London DHSS workers taking industrial ection

But

“One is a black person, to is a conspiracy, and three is a riot,” said Linda Bellos in hher opening speech at the SERTUC Women's Rights ‘Cemmittee Open Day on Fighting Racism on April Mth,

Linda outlined the need for black people to organise within the labour movement, and went on fo | describe how much of a threat this was to the white domination of the trade unions and the Labour | Party

The recent attacks on Black Sections witha the Labour Par ty by the NEC. and particularly ‘on two prominent black women | (linda "Bellos and Sharon

Atkin), were of considerable ‘Soncern to the omen present

However, when black women im one of the workshops talked about the need for self Srganisation as a precondition for sombaiting racism in. the Uaions, the extent of resista soon became clear!

hollow gestures...

women in the unions

constantly fall. back on. such

Ageoll objections were thrown up by white women: black support and solidarity biack sections” would “There was 0 strong and clear

demand fram the black women trade wnionists atthe Can ference for sel/-organisation of ‘lack people at all tevels within the trade uman movement:

‘Qut of the Conference it became ‘lear that the rise of Black. Sections within the Labour Party has had a major impact on black women it the trade unions. It has prabbed the hearts and minds of black trade union activists. ‘This is an_jmportant reason why Labour Par fy Black Sections have been the subject of such vitriolic altacks from the NEC. 1 aso makes the defence of Labour Party Black Sections ome of the most urgent Tass facing black people in the labour movement

‘At the concsion of the con

separatist and divisive — black ‘women should join with white ‘women in their sirugele against he mate dominated bureauera sy, rather than undermining

By Anita Patel T&G/ACTSS 1/208

The black took up forcefully.

K people have 10 organise just as women do, to formula Eemands on the labour move

effectively. As the discus

black women can:

ine achievements af ‘women within the unions forward their own,

whi fo. push

Semands ference, black women made Black women at the Con- their message 10 SERTUC eee ent on to relate ther Women's Rights Committee

crystal clear: welh meaning ait rucisi policies are but ‘hollow gestures. until. the Unions recognise black people's righ fo sel-organisation.

‘own experiences of organising So black women within the Trade Unions. They talked of the strength that. had given them, and of how they rely and

Build trade union opposition!

plans to use the MSC par argon da = designed to {Manpower Services _°f new technology. fedetine the “needs of the vehicle for the main tially hostile to the MSC. ting the Tory belief

unemployment.

‘There is now an everexpanding “menu of options’” for the long term unemployed, ranging from

ight. and to restructure the

By Maggie Arkwright Secretary, Joint Trade

the Community. Pro- Unions Group opposing gramme and Voluntary the MSC

Projects programme to

Jobs Clubs and

Training Schemé

through the compulsory Restart interview

‘Unemployed youth are asked to take 2 place on the two year YTS or face loss of benefit

The TUC’'s position on MSC schemes is hustarically rooted ints role in setting up the MSC. The Heazh government OF 1974 conceded to aressure

with dealing with the symo Toms of high’ unempioym:

tend not st al with job creation Not only hae the MSC been

MSC has been directly respon. Sible for the latest offspring of the MSC Special Measures Department: Restart and the Job Training Scheme,

Restart embodies the ele ment of compulsion, with the Threat of benefit sanctions for those who do nat sttend inter Views at jobs centres, and the oe Training Scheme is litera iy. earning. state benefits These ideas have been inv

Worktare

‘context of vent strategies for 2 ised, privatised, low fonomy — anid the role

‘pounds

nothing’. In order to reverse the damage they sre doing, the unions must demand train ing linked to job creation as part of a national planned pro:

@ dispute 2 years ago, in which Community Programme Workers opted to return to the dole prematurely by forcing the closure of their project

Gramme end that does not wher basic demands were not Mean asimple endorsement of met. the Labour Party's plans to The workers set up. an

unemployed section of thelr ‘union branch (NALGO} and 2s well a¢ this. conference. are Planning to fun fringe restings at the national trades union conferences this Year and are currently making

Create 2 milion jobs in two years!

“The conference on May 2nd is simed at sharpening trades Unonists” understanding of this issue and promoting the policy of TUC withdrawal rom

Fhe MSC. itis being organised video. by 2 joint. unione steering Speakers are available for Sroup, which developed from meetings!

MSC: WORKING FOR THATCHER

Conference Saturday May 2nd Hampden Community Centre, 150 Ossulston Street, London NW1

Registration: £2 Affiliations and donations to the steering group are very welcome. Details: Maggie Arkwright, 30 Pembroke Road. London E17. 01-521-4130.

Labour Briefing No. 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 5

Trade Union Briefing

Little life in Blackpool

the best that could be hoped for

‘The National Executive fas censured, and the 735_2 Sable door losting right wing lost a little of fn the event. a wel

its. cocksure arrogance: but still there was little life in this year's Annual Delegate meeting of the NUS.

intentioned bot largely toothess rtution oa the conduct ofthe pute mas carted, while tere songs worded resoks toe condemned the NEC forig noting he wishes of 1986 ADSI Held. inthe cavernous, sn sled pon the ncoming pete c sees ot to “ake ummedine steps Blackpool's Winter Gardens 10,25) out scp poGwhere, it was ater reveled, Sore ao wet into Wane Staff are subjected to hor: fig: yeqardien af any seulement endows working conditions SFie dupurc

‘with the tacit collaboration This motion was cared DE BETA. union leaders) despite a carcfuly orchestrated NNDMII987 was a contrast, Preparation forthe, dba, in Duala area of the more ar ony Dubie 2d ees neil in tne suast SOGAT chet Bends Dean to of the Wapping dispute. F-compacen speeches, each of

After @ tooth and nail

‘which ‘contained almost idenfight, a slim majority had ~ praising Harry

Tical passages

battled through and won Conry's role in the Wapping

against NEC opposition a dispute!

tall on the Executive to take, While. the, NUJ_ had us.

Eipiary acsidn. againat — donttctty cbt the Key 0 the Wapping. dispute, subsequent

the four NUJ chapels scabbing on the printworkers’ dispute and defying NUJ instructions.

‘The NEC promptly reneged ‘on its commitment. (0 respect the ADM. policy, and who have in many cases opted prevaricated for months, before for redundancy rather than join Prentually instituting half-cock with the NUJ in the fight for proceedings — which resulted in jobs Ftcrally hundreds of known It was with some trepidation scabs escaping scot-iree that ADM recognised that on

‘While delegates could correct- top of this challenge to working ly argue that the NEC line had — conditions the collapse of the failed abysmally in its claimed national pay agreement hich ‘Objective of persuading the scab has for "years. covered NU} chapels to take action against members in the provincial Murdoch, the sting was taken newspapers sector _means that Sut of the fight by the fact that next year every chapel — large the dispute ts now over — and or small — will be effectively

moves by management (0 force in new technology. espectally in the provincial newspapers sector have been able 10. exploit -a Substantial collapse ia the role of NGA members in particular

left to fight alone azains ‘own employers.

This was far {ror the dark shadow of the present fand the threatened anti-union laws, new local government legislation, and altacks on press Freedom rani the Zit com affaie 10 Tebbits on fon the BBC all helped 3 sombre climate jobs have largely fact during the yes

'So, 100, did the grim the extent which the union's branch. sructure’ is in_seve rst, with 31 out of 17 bran ches barred from ADM for not Complying with the financtal re

Sending delegates to the ADM ‘One reflection of this is the financial plight of the Union,

with an accumulated deficit of Over £400,000, worsened by lating legal oss andthe i

pact of the Wapping dispute However, there some positive developments, one of

‘which has been the incieased in ternational involvement of the NUS, not least with the if unfashionable | issue Fighting Zionist zepression ‘occupied Palestine

The platform boasted speakers from Palestine, South Riviea and Hong Kong, and ADM passed an excellent com.

posite resolution os South Africa ‘which among other things:

fecondemned the state of

emergency, and the failure of the British peess to send black reporters to cover South Africa ‘supported the call for workers’ sanctions. and “any ‘ction taken by trade

PHOTO: John Cho

“Left to right: Erie Hammond (EETPU), Terry Dulfy (AEU) and Robert Maxwell: chatting over the future of the newspaper industry?

f@urged NUJ members 10 in:

campaign of NUJ member Som nels, and for their replacement

Se coverage Of the liberation Raj and condemning press by elected and accountable conSiruagle io Namibia, which bas coverage of the death in trolling bodies, to. include Bast largely suppresed by Wolverhampton of Clinton representation. “from media censorship: McCurbin. ‘workers at all levels.”

‘eealied for all media unions.” And there was renewed op-

‘enite on 2 strategy io OPPO position to sexist publications, With the _ SWP/Militanr.

tion to apartheid and censorhip:

Tecequested chapels whose companies trade ‘with South Africa to consider ways. of breaking these links,

Sith specific condemnation of Sunda Spor.

‘While taking a strong line in defence of press freedom, and Teporting the $,000-strong BBC Soppage over the suppression of the BBC's Zircon film, ADM went further and endorsed. a Composite resolution calling on the NEC to report to next year's conference with: “concrete pro: posals for the abolition of the Present unrepresentative Quango bodies which control established radio and TV chan:

dominated Broad Left virtually Sead om is feet, and with less ‘overtly political discussion than for many yeats, the Blackpool ADM sas a faie reflection of the present state of mach Of the ‘wade union movement

“The. battles yet 0 come in each sector of the union could Fadically change this by the time the next ADM comes around. Meanwhile chapels and bran: ches have a. lot of basic Spadework to do justo keep the base structure intact,

By Harry Sloan

‘Other resolutions covered Poland, the Philippines, Chile and "Third World” reportage

ADM ako strengthened the NUS's stance against racist immigration laws and racist feporting. “supporting. the defence

Hanger’s management under pressure

‘April has seen Hanger’s management make their third and fourth “final” offers to settle the seven month-long dispute.

“The third final offer — £4,650 for those with 20 years or more service and £1,200 far others — was rejected. The fourth offer merely brings the £1,200 amount up to £1,700, and is being voted on as Briefing goes to press.

Management are refusing to negotiate over jobs, although itis common knowledge that they plan to have a workforce of 30 to Goat Roehampton, They are also insisting that any union member iho sprees (0 @ payatf must sign @ form agreeing not to pursue Untair dismissal claim.

‘The industrial sibunals of the 4 originally sacked workers whose digmissal caused the stoppage and subsequent lock-out have been Gostponed Irom mig March to May 29-30th at management's re Guest, and there are fears that they will seek to postpone the tribunals for # second timo.

Pressure must be mounting \pon the management to make 2 settlement soon. Some of the McColl Report recommendations ave boen effected, and a Special Health Authority has been set lp to oversee the artificial ib industry — to which Hanger’s Management is now answerable

(Other recommendations inchide the prompt delivery of limbs. Delays experienced before last September [when the dispute Started) have beon exacerbated and are now infinitely worse

With fespect to fitting Imbs, the prasthetists are not knowledgeable. In the past there was no collaboration between {the surgeon, prosthetist and general aftercare before any ampute tion. Such collaboration has been recommended by McColl and Shoulé engure Detter limbfitting

Finding the craftsmen to da the skiled work isa problem for BTR singe the Hanger’s sacked workers have the monopoly in both quality of work and in skills

“The Scottish Area Health Authority, with supposedly less str ingent standards than those in England, are acceating work which Manger's would consider sub-standard, according to Grahem Croucher of the disputes committee.

Pressure on management to reach a settlement will mount fur thor, Many disabled patients wil be using their spare limbs, and will be gravely concerned about how they will replace the spare [ddltionally, work hes nat been completed during the slack winter period; and soon workers in Kelly's and Vesta will be taking their holidays

“The Women's Support Group have planned @ social on May 29th. Their jumble sale on March 28th raised £238!

Please send messages of support and donations to TASS. c/o Steve Blease, 520 London Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR& 4VO.

kathy Pick, Wandsworth councillor, Putney CLP

DEMONSTRATE

Saturday, May 2nd. Assemble Telegraph Road, Putney Heath, London SW15, 11am. Supporters and sacked limbmakers and their families will march to Bishop's Park, Fulham for a rally from 12.30 to 2.30.

Invited speakers include Arthur Scargill, Ken Livingstone, Alf Dubs, Peter Hain, Cathy Wilson. ‘Sponsors include local Trades Councils and

local Labour Part

NUT Executive at its Conference in Eastbourne over the Easter weekend managed to convince its members not {0 rock the boat too much in the schools coming up to the General Election.

Locked in the framework set by Giles Radice, Labour's Shadow Education Spokesperson, who called for 2 moratorium on strikes in schools. when he

addressed a fringe meeting

on Saturday, the Broad

Left-dominated_ leadershi

won the vote for a token

protest only against the e

Despite sharp attacks from the platform the left in the union led by the STA provided a clear alternative and on the key vote on Baker won 41% of the vote for stepping up the action.

Fighting against Baker

Support public ownership of Hangers

‘The lockout at JAE. Hanger’s, Roehampton Lane, has entered a ew and vicious phase in its seventh month,

Below is'a fesolution for public ownership. Move it at your ward meeting this month! Help pressure MPs to gat the front bench to inake 2 positive pronouncement of support and action,

This ward'GC:

‘erccttims its commitment to the 300 sackad limbmakers at JE" Hengers in their continued struggle in te dispute since Seorember 16th 1986;

reaises that the lock-out by mengement has not only caused severe hardship fo the sacked workers and thei! families, bu also ines caused considerable distress to the disabled patients awaiting limbs,

‘erecognises thet BTR is callous in its treatment of employees hore and ebroad and puts profits before patients

“@calls upon the NEC to make a public commitment 10 the public ownership of the artificial imb industry, to ensure that patients and workers are treated decently in the future

“The commitment should be included in the Labour Charter for Health

NUT Conference

beter than conditions. The left in the union was able to record several victories in the face of this retreat, however. On several curriculum issues — the iicoduction of testing, the

the imposed

This amendment, from Coventry and Thameside, ‘on Labour Councils and the Baker Act was passed at NUT Conference. Use

By Valerie Coultas Vauxhall CLP

TAs we g0 to press itis unclear whether the resolution eafficming 2 commitment 10

no-cover will win a majority. protection of the education of it as a model resolution!

"The Exccutive came, to children with special needs, and Conference welcomes the Conference having worked hard on the need to have an overall declared opposition to the foucm the tide of miltancy of Tramework 0 resist the Tory Secretary of State's. teachers that has developed over orsaught — rhe Ieft won the proposals on pay and the lat 2 years. The officers Conference ote. Even on fonditions from Labour

Secided to steal the banner of Baker, an amendment moved by

Party spokespersons at both

Goity with the NAS/UWT, a. delegate from Coventry, ‘Originally imtroduced by the efi calling on Labour. Local ational and local level.

Se amolesrcen for winding Authorities to refuse 10 We call on all local Soun the campaige on salaries implement the provisions of the authorities, particularly

Labour authorities, to refuse {to implement the provisions Of the Act, and to refuse to take ‘any punitive or disciplinary action against

‘and agains! the Baker Act

‘Even. before the Conference began, on the joint campaign commitice with the NAS/UWT they bad agreed to “guidelines”

Baker Act, was passed

“The leadership had come 10 ‘Conference having tried to stem the tide of militancy by taking action against the leadership of

te the operation of the Baker the loner London Teachers’ Au The document clearly Association. There is no doubt, teachers arising from the Slated, despite protestations 10 however, thatthe stronger At.

ihe contrary, “that teachers Associations throughout the Seems

Should comply with the Baker country will continte to fight Mare Wadsworth, speaking

sense athe document Sakeandthecampeign wile? at the STA Tinge meeting, = expressed Black Secti ibe NUT leadership Hate 20 Solidarity withthe TLTA 8

Bhead. They face a. strong, : Steanised ili which wil bs Of the Black Section 3 with them.

arguing or a strong campaign

should be provided a the imposed » conditions

‘employment except where there am extant agreement which {5

Labour Briefing No. 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 6

Scottish Labour Briefing

No matter who wins the election:

— ‘Pres Paid. Vila Scouish Assembly Rooms

For a Scottish

Assembly!

Despite Labour's com- whilst commanding @ ma mitment to devolution jority at Westminster

‘Scottish Labour Briefing and the central role Of © eid = Dayschool on April 4th

Scottish assembly in oo discuss how to prepare for creating jobs and expan- such an oventuaiity whilst stil ding the Scottish fighting for a Labour victory.

economy the Party i8 schos ‘was. aeaponntng

not campaigning On wich may reflect the Labour the Assembly, nor ex- cstabishmant’s unvilingness plaining what Labour {o discuss me possibity of

twill do in the Assembly. %efeat. However, the disse,

Small wonder __ that many practical initiatives were Labour has fallen 8% in proposes ‘opinion polls in Scotland "The lead speaker was Denis ‘over the last month, with Canavan who outined |= 4% gains by both SNP and strategy for setting up. an the Alliance. Unofficial Assembly whist Labour MPs. disrupted Westminster. Denis also. in dicated that though the pre ‘Sent proposals represented an improvement. over those of 1975. they stil offer made quate control over industry {and the economy to deal ef fectively with multinationals such as Catorpila.

By Gordon Morgan lasgow Central CLP

However, Labour still has the support of 39% of those polled with the Tories only on 18%. The Tories are increasingly like- "Marion Davies trom Labour ly to be reduced to ahand- CND noted that with more! ful. of Scottish seats, than 50 American bases,

Scotland was virtually an occupid terntory. As the oto: posed Assembly would have fo powers over defence it mould be impossible 10 remove these bases by legista Sion without a further Strengthening of Assembly powers. It was, however, felt {Ghat the Assembly coUld force 2 change of energy policy ‘away from nusiesr towards Coal and hydro power.

The afteroon sessions con. centrated on the more genral Sttude of socialists to Scot- ‘ish Nationalism. Gunter Mir hherup took the vigw that the Tesurgent nationalism in the peripheral regions within the Sdvanced industrial states of Europe e.g. Woland, Basque Country, Weles, Scotland was, pimost siways proGressive and contaned 2 Socialist dynamic,

‘George Kerevan pointed out that the accretion of power to Westminster under Thatcher was no accident. Mercantile Copital had benefited at the ‘expense of industrial capital ‘and further centralisation of

power would accompany Srother “Thatcher victory. Strong national movernents in Scotland and Ireland are Sweats to the entire capitalist

‘The following proposals were made:

"epess resolutions demanding @ vigorous Labour Party ‘campaign on the Assembly:

integrate the Assembly campaign with other cam: paigns and say what the Assembly will do:

‘pressure local MPs to support setting up an Assembly even if Labour lose and to ‘make their views known to the Scottish Executive:

‘@demand the NEC give the Scottish Executive control of the ‘Scottish secretariat and epparatus:

"Sperticipste in the campaign tor 3 Scottish Assombly

‘e resurrect the Labour car paign for an Assembly.

Wis hoped to produce a pamphiet based on the debate Biong with other contributions ‘and to hold further schools throughout Scotland.

Democracy

Labour Party Head position” of, the BDLP azises Office, in the form of fom the deision by, four

: fot constituencies (Northfield, Director of Organisation Siyail Heath, Sparkbrook and

Joyce Gould, has closed Yardley) to withdraw thei down Birmingham delegations and from the non:

Aa’ ry pattcipation ofthe init Labour Party Birmingham Labour Group.

‘The functions of the BDLP have been put in the hands of the West Midlands Regional Organiser. Ina letter to constituencies in Birmingham Gould said that The reason given for this the decision had been taken _ ™0¥e was the presence of Bob ioe eh Ken Whitehead asa BDLP nvarnse iy aber Spice Management Committee

of te BDLP, which she said fictee "Bob whichead’s was (no longer 2

dcpaton was wither “representative” of the Febuary whale Party in Birmingham. Edgbaston CLP_ has twice writen to. foyce Gould Sopcsrin ober in ‘An Annual General DLP” The last oxcasion was in Mecting isto be convened in Pebeaary. folowing IApril by the West Midlands wihdraval of Bob Wisichead’s PUonal organiser iT, as the delegation, when” = resolution er States, wasnt calling forthe NEC to Neterisratively and ensue that the BDLP received deere” possible”, ReTeSaTy suDpOCE and that

onally possible Nonhfcid, Small Heath A poly conference for the” Sparkbvonk. and Yarder CLPs

ek ee

Sifter the AGM (presumably “Edgbaston also requested that ‘on May 6th). the NEC” supported BDLP. The unconstitutional “holding a Policy Conference

By John Wilton PPC, Birmingham East (personal capacity)

and

and that, following consultation Berween the BDLP and the Labour Group, a statement of Election Policy be published in line with Policy "Conference

decisions. Edgbaston CLP has reccived no reply to either of

[As far as we are aware neither the letters nor the esolution has fgone before the NEC or any NEC sub-committes, as was requested

AL its April | General ‘Committee meeting. Edgbaston CLP. passed unasimously a resolution Fequesting Clarification from the NEC of the constitutional grounds upon. ‘which the letter suspending the BDLP is based.

‘Constitutionally be BDLP ‘Annual General Meeting is Supposed to be held ia. May Head Office know: that, and so Go the Labour Group. It is ‘argued thatthe NEC can

ride that

However, | fail to understand how even the NEC can take Such a decision if the matter of the BDLP has never come before it. It is interesting that Joyce Gould's letter never once telers to the NEC, let alone any decision it may bave taken.

‘What all ths fixing is about is getting a newly formed BDLP. ‘with delegations packed by the

Birmingham DLP

right ing. Then a policy conference will be held and a Slatement of Election Policy for the Birmingham City Council clections on May 7th published, fn line with the politics of the fight wing in the Labour Group.

Last year the Labour Group walked out on the BDLP and published its own policy as the Parey’s manifesto for the local dlectons. Evea Labour Party Head Office wasn't happy with that course of action!

‘This year_ different means have been adopied 10 achieve the same ends,

‘Action ouside the constitution of the Party is what

‘all-about: not. by. the

ing claimed, but by the Perhaps we Should ask for these acuons to be referred to. the National Constitutional Committee?

It appears that even the NEC has boca by-passed by the ight” on this ovcasion. Secret groupings making _tecphone falls around Birmingham, and fo London, have managed 10 persuade some people at Labour Panty Head Office 10 ignore completely, the Party Constitution. Even the closing own of Liverpool, and the Subsequent eaguiry thers, was areas instigated after a voreon the NEC

Fight t

‘As Labour Party members throughout the coun: try swing into action for the local elections o1 May 7th, the Labour Party leadership see determin d to persist in their efforts to shoo! the campaign in the foot.

This is not an easy task, but they must be con gratulated on the gusto with which they've ap proached the task.

The Tories have devastated local government since the came to office in 1979. Ratecapping and privatisatior have reduced services in many areas to an all-time low. It difficult to see how Labour could fail to make substantial ‘gains in these elections, but the right wing are doing thei best to make sure that we lose.

Instead of concentrating on fighting the Tories, the have chosen to start a witch-hunt against black comrades in the Party, attacking Sharon Atkin in Nottingham East ‘and Cllr Phillip Murphy in Birringham for supporting Black Sections. Further action against Black Sections activists i the Party has been promised

“The right wing, including the Party leadership, are clearl prepared to throw away all chances of victory in the local élections and in the general election in order to persue thei vendetta against the left

The scenario runs like this: Party leadership, aided by the| media, scream “‘loony lefties”, no effective election cam paign, Labour loses the local elections and the genera flection. The right immediately places all blame for the} election defeat on the left, and opens the way for a witch: hunt of massive dimensions.

No way does the present Labour leadership want to enter office, and be forced to confront capital, They are

Leeds Cou Low key pat

Since 1980 George Mudie, the Labour leader of Leeds District Council, has pursued a low-profile policy of steady expansion based on rate increases and borrowing.

pepe Sployment ona inte ey Sete connate os cee it Both laronee te alias who recat tare ty bath aly Es we eaie Ceiewe rat ele Oe Leeds after May 7th, yet Leeds Be Group Lesdar a ee ree rine Distt says fection tok the

‘At each election George Mudie has been able to point to new libraries established, new hurseries, new sports Centres, and increased provision for the elderly This has been combined

There were absolutély no, Those of us who ate out grounds “Tor "the four knocking on doors every day’ of Freees nam ‘constituencies. to the week can tell them it vital amine to. with.nold. then we win. We can also cell them

Seeoas from. ibe BOLP- that people are no concerned Heo psoluely no aboot Convention Cenires, road {Bands for the continuing non Faces, Olympic bids, and the BRundance of che majors of other gimmicks s0 loved by the the Labour Group. majority of the. Bimingharn Tabour Group

There can be only one reason, People are concerned about behind, the actions of Head desent houses, housing repair behind. the acon DLP and decett schools, education fk Office in suspending HOC Sntrol heir childen, day nurseeies and Of the Party's. focal-gection 50 6 thanifesto cess with the Labour Group ‘Authoritarian GhcoRaitutional manoeuvering any interest o Nell Kinnock and Has boon used cocnsure tha the Roy Hattersley, people 08, the Msjoury ofthe Dsirkt Party s doorstep are n0t impressed By {tnored once agai, Roy Hauersley talking to 250

Tr order torieep their ova bankers at a luich atthe ttl power bases some people Manson “House in Condom within the. Labour Grou ae

Finally, just in case it is of

fecently” and” reassiring them: Prepared, to, override, the thal we are going (0 be!

‘economically prudent” People om the doorstep are not impressed either by roses and Tabour Party spokesmen (and ‘Cionng down BDLP at this they are overwhelmingly men) time is am act of gross stupidity. resembling Tory bankers in Weare in the middle of local press launches in Londo.

Section campaigns and in the They want a decent NHS. funup toa General Election, 1 deceat schools for their fhas 10 be asked if right wingers children, decent homes 0 live really want to win a General jn,arid jobs fo goto, And iftkat Eiewion, or are. they merely means stuffing the rich Tory inerested in tuaintaining theic — bapkers and. the like, they are own positions? {uite prepared (9 se ss do that?

Party's constitution, with, the assistance of Labour Party Head Office, And they call us sandemocratic!

Labour Briefing No. 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 7

The witch-hunt and campaigning in local government elections

e Tories!

only confident to take office if they will be allowed to tinker cosmetically with capital — as their predecessors have done. For that, they need to crush the left, the force in the Party that continually pushes for a Labour government to act in the interests af working people

They have decided that losing a few elections is the price they have to pay in order to achieve the eradication Of the left and the re:moulding of the Labour Party in their ‘own bankrupt image, and they're prepared to pay it

There is no doubt that the Labour Party leadership is ac tively looking towards a coalition with the Alliance as 3 road to office To prepare the ground, they have to get rid of the left.and all the “left’” conference policies. Once you've done that, the Labour Party you're left with is Temarkably close to the Alliance’s own image!

The effect of these tactics upon grassroots Party members, the people who will face the hard slog of can yessing and leafletting, has been one of massive demoralisation. Up and down the country lacel parties are finding it harder and harder to instil enthusiasm and get people onto the streets for the election, Members are ask ing themselves what point there is in working for Labour When the Party leadership persists in stabbing them in the back.

Briefinghas looked at local election campaigns in several different areas. Everywhere, the picture is the same — District Parties and CLPs in disarray and contusion, forced to divert effort from elections campaigning in order to de: fend themselves.

We must make sure that the blame for this is placed firmly where it belongs — on the shoulders of the right wing,

‘On these pages, Briefing prints a selection of articles

ncil elections Briefing threatened for | _ to disaster . . . attacking all-white selections ee eee Briefing supporters im was judgcd an acceptable No Black comrades were The luckf Blick coun

Mudie was then able to goverment workers, the | threatened with legal ac- cletions”, |_| None was considered as diares is a symptom of ee ellie te contrat tie Fee ne ne our Party, solicitors acting on behalf of — to have enough Coventry and in the Labour

_ of the local government Tories in solidarity with A oteatey t eee Ee rt Laren Cent ol “omic: > sad x= Pasty. sartonaliyy: Coveniy a Evepenl enitte London |< Covenuy < Caeal” Eo Cocarry iatoar “Party, cpericace’” to, be ready. (or. Coun has tailed ty poy pee se toate Poroughs at wi come | Laboar-controtied, bat ina aicecsthat Coventry Brief, Selection by a Ward party. serious attention to

rk by Councillors and home to roost along with | city with a large Black com- ing bas knowingly lied. Two Black members, both discrimination and racial atDistrict Party delegates. ‘the massive rate increases | munity there are no Black is of considerable political ex- tacks in the City. Nationally, This means the election needed to cover loans Labour councillors and m0 Certainly _a number of perience, were excluded the Party leadership is laun’ will be fought with from international Black Labour candidates Black comrades were from the Panel entirely. Five ching a witch-hunt against politics kept to a bankers. standing in the Council elee- amongst those nominated by more Black members were Black Sections and their minimum, leaving Labour The left. organised in an | tions im May. affiliated Party organisa~ among fourteen people supporters. ‘open to Alliance attack. independent Campaign ‘Coventry Labour Briefing tions for the Municipal — “‘included’* on the Panel on-

Behind these Group (of which Labour printed an article about the Panel. Nominees were then jy on the condition that they Under these circumstances manoeuvres lies the Briefing is an active Municipal Panel, from jewed by the District attended a “Local Govern- _ itis not surprising that Black fight’s real dilemma: how component), is fighting which Labour's local elec- Party Executive which pro- ment Course” from which people are not putting to deal with the left after back. We will ensure that tion candidates are drawn, duced its recommendations they would apparently gain themselves forward Kinnock loses a general a proper socialist stating that “‘not one of the for ratification by the the neces: ‘knowledge potential councillors. Th election against the most alternative is built in Black comrades interviewed District Party asi Situation will not change

subjected to the kind of hurdles set up by Coventry Distriet Party

We should be fighting Many Party members against racism and in favour

Brighton Council elections The ‘‘Liverpool of the |=: =" South East’’?

Party represent Labour, Brighton Labour Party support for Irish freedom, Council should stick to the expects to maint To its credit, the Labour Party's policy of "No cuts, no control of Brighton Group stood” firm and we mg &

Eoume ontey Fn” see re tises and no privatisation.” | Lessons of ae oe Crave forcing even the Liberals to By Bryn Griffiths sé 4 ” moderation

By a Coventry Briefing supporter

0 rely on the Chair’ . Pasting orks, We hota sciticise Chope’s decision. Brighton Labour Party

Ee rote: We Neos te intortunately, the aptly by'wierieg back with hunting stmosphere "we wat be pomoung con The attack on the “loony left in London diverts See Peers ace in the Labour Party ond gdutas"tr tae Cater ap attention from the damage being done by the right wing Fees oes and Hewitt's use of the offen- ~\eadershis who ae cometocd of the movement: Callaghan's regular Say sive term “loony left” only to following Pony poly and on defence, the failure of “moderate ee, cccets meh Tay etnchs’ wn ve mela to recat Somorides eo unt tie cies shore up their vote’ by Bae atthe Group AM to Labour-controlled South Glamorgan County Council is labelling Brighton as the a d 2ecountabiity ae ot only implementing Tory cuts, but Is unapolopaioaly “Liverpool ‘of the South ‘ateca justifying them. They have decided to clase one 0 ei a best and most populat comprehensive schools in Cart, Christopher Chope MP. Thos intrested in righton situated inthe most marginal constiuency n Cri, top Sie Sales iaha righton Councit was rate. Counell should wite of for Of the Alliance list of target seats. Deserts eerie’ capped for the fist time in Brighton Labour Brieing's The Alliance were very active in the campaign against 1886 and the council bought “Local Government Speca” closure of the school. They are able to present

ment, refused to meet our

time through creative accoun- ‘Send 30p and a stamped »mselves as defenders of local services. We know this Stanton because of his porters will argue that the Quebec Street, Brighton. Briefing

EES ae ae ee ee len sane nas

Labour Briefing No. #2 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 pege 8

Building Briefing

500 Club Winner

We stay in London for the 500 Club Lucky Draw prize winner this issue. Congratulations to the holder of lucky number 260: Councilor Tim Barnett — Lewisham’s first Like many Briefing supporters, Tim’s been entering the 500 Club almost since the start. But it’s not too late to join! Simply fill in the standing order form below, send it Off, and sit back! Of course, you'll have to keep reading Briefing each fortnight to see if you've won.,. But what better way of supporting the paper you read so often!

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Deadine for articles for issue no. 43: notify EB by Friday. May 1st. articies in by Wednesday May 6th

EVENTS

‘SAT APR 25

Benefit for LWUSWSC

| Schoo! {see Junel. Disco at Lambeth Social club

(downstairs in Brixton Town

Hall, entrance Acre Lane) @

Bil late, with bar extension,

rattle & light refreshments,

£3I£1.50 lunwaged!

Disabled access.

SAT APR 25

“+ CNDiFriends of the Earth,

March for @ Nuclear Free

Britaint am, Vietoria

Embankment. WC2: rally

2pm. Hyde Park.

cogus Solidarity Campaign. London 10 Oxford, finishing at Oxford Poly, 9ig in the evening +Hangers march, support the locked-out Emibfitters, Roehampton-to Putney though we hope it won't be ecessary!l. Assemble Roehampton Lane, W15, 10:30am, march to Bishop's Park, for tally 1pm. Details:. Steve Blease O1 646 0260. + National Demonstration for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Haringey. Sponsored by Positive images, c/o Reading Matters, Lymington Ave, London N22.

SUN MAY 3 ++ Briefing Teachers’ Group. Contact Anne Potter, O1-274 3551

WED MAY 6 #Mecting for Briefing Zupporters in NALGO. 6.30pm, County Halt

‘SUN MAY 24 ‘Lesbians & Gays Laying Down the Law Conference Details: LCLGR, 01 226 1097.

SAT JUN 27 ‘+ Lesbian & Gay Pride Week Correval

SAT/SUN JUN 20/21

“+ Sisterhood & Solidarity: towards an anti-imperiast & ‘anti-racist women’s labour ‘movement. LW/SWSC weekend school, Camden Town Hall

Send snippets and info to Greg Bassett, Periscope Column,

26 Crofton

At the feet of Clay?

Bemused and angry health un embers could be. fore Delicving char it was a patie rl toss blunder. by NUPE acd COHSE that allowed the Royal College of Nursing 10 grab the limelight and pose 2% pacesetters

‘Nobody fas done more to hold down nurses’ pay than the RCN, ‘wath is ant-anion stance and the inbuilt ao-stike clause init con

tution which so delights NHS management

But compared co the stony lence from COHSE and NUPE leaders, RCN chief Trevor Clay sounded Uke a red cevolutionaty ‘when he called for 2 £1,000 a y

‘Why? In COHSE’s case, the cockup theory seems well founded. But NUPE chicf Tom ‘Sawyer took a conscious decision to say silent. Offered the chance of a parliamentary debate around ‘which NUPE could air eviews fon sures! pay. Sawyer replied that now was “not the right me” to fase the temperature on public sector par!

‘As one NUPE activier pur i: UPE under Sawyer hes zone com low profile to no profile

Comrade Charles?

Talking of “broad popular siiancer”, what could be Brosder ‘or more popular than 3 inicup bet sneen the Stait led whte eottr Union TASS (General Secretary Ken "Jaruzelski” Gill) and the Bosh monarchy?

This mind-blowing coakton — ‘one nthe eye for Ron Todd. who coniy recruited the Queen Mother bor Rar not involved her in any campaigns — hat apparently got together — on the poliieal pro [gre of the monarchy.

“The March edition of the TASS News and Journal proclams in 3 Danner heading

"TASS and. Prince: Charis say BACK NEW AIRBUS. ‘A bresthiessy excited lead ar ‘de hammered home the point Prince Charles says Europe's Aber 3 wamer, TASS knows ‘Arbus ¢ 3 winner, che aircrafts US rinie know Abus ie 3

Write to 26, Crofton Road, London SES

Other issues hau ies the ason for the involved St around 5, Whar omer fie

{year old do we know who could fake a meaningful” decision

Dear Briefing, about having sex? Tm not at all knowledgeable The point is we are here talkJabout mental handicap. but it ing about heverasexwal sex,

~eems to me that Sue Arfall (let- Since this is the only form that ers, lastBriefing) overlooks leads to needing contraception’

some important issues, Tam not convinced any five year Those. who currently look old female mind can take — in after "Jeanette fel sterlisa- the form of society we have at

tion is” best because Jeanette the moment — meaningful deci sannot use other forms of con: sions about heterosexual sex.

raception reliably. They make ‘Sue says Jeanette may well many points about how “inade have a right 10 “free enjoyable quate” a mother she would be. sexuality without fear’ of [Sue makes better points about pregnancy"": sexuality. yes — how someone who cannot take but the kind of sexual activity meaningful decisions on con- that might ead to pregnancy i traception cannot take any more what we'ce talking about here meaningful a decision about the Heterosewwal sex with a abortion possibilty that Jane possibility of conceiving for

Kelly leaves her with five year “old” female would However, how can someone mean sex with a mich older in these positions take-a mean- man. Can a five Year old judge

Ingful decision about having sex the motives of such an older

‘man? Cope with the emotional Semands the. average man makes? The oppressive qualities Of even a right-on “"sociabst ‘man? It's difficult enough at

They tell us at the moment not {© g0 round having “free, enjoyable” sex anyway, but 10 have free, enjovable safe sex. If Jeanette cannot chose her own ‘contraception and use it, are we to chose sterilisation for her and give her no help with chosing hhow “safe” she wishes her sex life to be?

(This may be topical, but 1 think it holds in general — other things were around before AIDS.)

‘The telling point for: me is that Jeanette was in institutional care, neared eighteen, was due to Keave it, and wa showing signs of “sexuality”. Inthe current climate of “community Gare", no one could guarantee ‘what Lind of resources would be Available to look after Jeanete, and at least they'd better Sterilise her quickly” while she sas sill 2 minor.

The really wocrying point about that is less the sex side, bucif Jeanette might wander in {oa Sexual encounter because of Jack of care, what else might she wander into? “Any five. year

‘old who could wander into a

free, enjoyable sexual - en

‘counter could, 1 would think ‘ander inte anything from the Toad to any one of many more

instead of being left t0 Thatcher-sivle community care, Jeanette lived in a real home — her. “natural “one oF not, nuclear-family based or not — where those” sho. loved her ‘ould give her the kind of profection and care any such mentally handicapped person deserves, perhaps there ‘WOuld bbe people” around who could work with ber to facilitate a free ‘enjovable sexuality. in every

Ts not an exceptional re- ‘quest. There are many women around who have relied on the Support of others — parents, relatives, friends, profesional in all aspects of exablishing sexual relationships. IF this the kind of support Jeanette needs, why can't she have if? T dos't’ think Tm insisting on “caretakers watching Jeanette's social life, supervising her con fraception and forcing her to fhave an abortion when they fail”, bur for different Kind of attitude to the people behind the mental handicap.

‘What do comrades think?

In sisterhood,

Jenny Fisher.

Tower Hamicts, London

Who can resist this combina Lion! “Apparently only. Margoret Thaccher

“The Britsh government won't bes generation

Why should TASS worry? Prince Charles really supports the TTASS Ine, perhaps there an feaser answer than trying to per Sade “Thatcher to. change ‘her nine

‘Why noe gee him to cap his mam — the world's richest individual — for a few hundred milion quid £0

"our share” and gee the

Project off the ground?

Comrade Thatcher?

While Charles and Diana graced the pages of the Borish TASS jourtaly the Russian Test Bewsagency was wetting 25 fracious vist of Margaret That- ‘her to the USSR.

Even the Tory leader's mest slavish British press entourage om ly’ presented. Selected. highiights from the tedious exchanges. betwween her and Gorbaches

For real Thatcher fans, the only source ofthe full teat of er ou Pourings was the hardline Stalinsst publication Soeur Weeki

A whole tedious page was turn edover tothe unabridged, riveting Speech she gave at the Kremlin ‘Sinner on March 30th. Periscope has’ learned that copice of the April 4th edition of SWV are sll salable

Perhaps Soviet Weeki will now follow up with regular reprints of Tory Central Ofbice press releases: and with Gorbachev plainly rooting for a Tory victory fn the next election, perhaps the ‘Kremlin's turgid orgam wil go on to seralse the collored works of Nocinan Tebbi

Standard mistakes

How could they have got so much so wrong? < That was “the question nowledgeableleests were aking about the recent vicious witch fhunong. feature on Hillingdon Briefing supporters in the London Seandsrd

‘Sondard aft witeh-honcer Richard Littlejohn had. play done letle work on the finshed arSele, which appeared 20 be Sssembled form 3 jobvot ragbag of prejadices and hearsy from 3 one-too-well stormed source

Better informed trcles 30 now pointing the linger of suspicion 3 GMeAaTu otic Paul Kenny 3 the mort likely origin of ths seory Recendy Kenny was wanessed nosing around among NUPE and ther union offs covering the West London area, asking quer ions a fr afield se Hammersmich 1 Fulham while he compiled & ‘ossier on left wing atts

‘Maybe 253 true amateur, Kenny bi a ei for the love of burt 2ry__money changed hands in return for the handme-down Tabrcations publched in the Stan dard, Litjohn would be yustiied in'demanding 2 retund!

Flying doctors

i cewen rcs

helicopter landing-pad on the 10p atthe London Hospital, Whitechape!

The “pilot” scheme is the batnchild of consultant surgeon

Alistair Wilson that. Ambulances are serious accidents be fe often Blocked with tatfic ‘Very true: bat the eats in La don's’ ambulance service have already meant patients waiting wp

» who points out

sirable in roads

06 hours for x one and a half mle mbslaace transfer fiom Whitechapel 10 Mile End. How long. would you wait for a helicopter?

The cost would be sky-high and the scheme seme designed for ch yuppies dropping. in for peivace treatment, oF for cot saltamts thinking of hopping fom, Whitechapel 0. private. practice eleewhere

Bur don’ boat itr suthority oe

et too. wound up

cording 10-4 health

WRP’s Flying Circus?

‘A Brion clephone box hasbeen the Workers Revolsonary Party (Workers Pres)

‘iter belscedy booting out tele rapist General Secrentty Gerry Healy 18 months ago, arrogant sorsvors from the ld. Healy ieadershp have regarded themselves a6 the key’ to. the reorgancavon” ofthe Trout Fourth iceratonal

in january they Haued a al for peslng toa Trot organi fons to partite, and for all npanations which agree wth ie ate pas connie

‘Eves clear from the sar hae the main objet of he exerce eras 1 ti up the WRP wich one Dther current —~ Ue Argan Saeed “nceratona Workers representative in. Bran Leon Peres quchly became 3 key igure inthe WRP head office

But when a sumber of oan sions (ram Brian an fran a fae Sfeld e hay sn the USA Role the WARP thee word an ered fer che tee parehg meaty or Apel Ith they found the deors sed ad's range of ey ‘Sta war not well nade the ner sanctum, where. chet WAP Mack Cul" Slaughterprompy fallout wih Pere, who demanded } majority of votes on the new Conic he were co ake part,

‘The mesting broke sp wih he dentock untessived. andthe conference” projecting 3 sambies ‘Dagrcied seciaris marched off ferent rections, each woth ther vn schemes for ur word conterence” tha would Folate al appanents

Slaughier way lel tin Uy wore se around Be woud hve Stagesmanagee the cry afar 3

Don’t call us...

Does your Party need help paying, its phone bill?

‘You could try approaching one of the Labour MPs ho. have brought shares im British Telecom, Three are named by the Labour Research Departmest

Betty Boothroyd, MP. for West Bromiich, denies buyin the shares. George Foulkes. MP for Carrick, says "the information |e not exacily accurate. It doesn't refer 19 me personaly i's a mat. ter for the family.”

Ted Leadbiner, MP for Hartlepool, is your Best bet for & ‘sub, He deseribied i384 "good in vestmen DC

Health care under the hammer

Health camprigners who argved that prvacaation of hospital an Cilary services meant handing over patch are to Arhor Daley -type concrace employers have’ bean proved more correct than expected

"The biggest frm. holding NHS. contracts the gant Hawley Group which owns Crathalle and Mediclean, has just conformed to the Daley stereotype by buying up Brush Car Avevions, the” major car auction network, for £196”,

{ie seems likly they wal pucconsiderably more effort Into Polishing up their range of jalopier than Hawley’ lowcpald employees fre able to put ico cleaning our hospitals

Lets hope the health authorities don't wind up buying secondhand Smbulances from the out!

= Briefine Nin 4? Anr 22nd-May.12th 1987 page 1

Labour Briefing No. 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 9

Labour Party

ting? meeting? Birmingham Labour —W€re speaking.

campaigner in support of Black

Councillor ip Sections in Birmingham, and Murphy hasbeen his is why. he is. being suspended, and will Victimised

The leit_must_ mobilise in support of the. Black Sections Sipporting hint and calling’ on the Labour Group to withdraw Ladywood "CLP" they are His johby of the Labou bour ey have also without ing wih Dick permission. Knowles, irader of the Labour The real reason behind the Group. in order to put the Black suspension is mot that Cir Seetionscase. Murphy left the mectiog efor the focal eletions, the (many councillors leave fight wing on Birmingham meetings Wabi!) Capsgs = rug hare permission’), but thar he left demonstrated thie contem icin order €o attend @ public for Black Labour vote

probably be expelled by the

By Richard Hatcher Sandwell Branch,

Birmingham Ladywood CLP.

Labour Group Birmingham Counei crime? Leaving a Group meeting

Black Sections

‘The following statement Was issued by the Labour Party Black Section after their meeting on Sunday, Apri 19th

The Labour Party Black Section National Committee declare our opposition to any disciplinary action being taken against Black Sections supporters or any other Socialist in the Party. We will fight any such action vigorously by launching a national campaign involving the Black community and supporters in the labour movemen to defend anyone removed as a Parliamentary candidate suspended or expelled

‘We are appalled at prass reports that the NEC intends to remove Sharon Atkin as PPC for Nottingham East, and expel councillors Phil Murphy and Linda Bellos.

We declare our full backing for these comrades and reaffirm cur support for the right of Black people to hold meetings, organise together, and speak anywhere in the country where they are invited

We are committed to a Labour victory at the next election and will continue to make demands on the Party — and have as much a right to do so as all other mambers = to ensure that an ‘our community's needs and aspirations are manifesto.

“The following statement has been issued by Nottingham East LP.

Nottingham East CLP reaffirms its commitment to the right of Black people to organise in Black Sections within the Labour Party:

This is not a form of apartheid, but a means of drawing Black people into the Party and giving them a voice in the ‘same way as Women’s Sections and the LPYS act to draw jin women and youth into the Party.

Nottingham East CLP is appalied at the resolution pass. ed by the Labour Party NEC on March 25th attacking Black Sections and threatening to mount a witch-hunt against Black people struggling to establish a political voice.

Furthermore, we are disgusted by the letter which ap: peared in the Times from Roy Hattersley, Jeff Rooker and ‘thers, which declared Birmingham a no-go area for Black activists

‘We consider that the highly-publicised attacks on Black activists cause serious damage to the electoral prospects of the Labour Party and in particular of our candidate Sharon Atkin.

Media coverage indicates that the NEC is now preparing to take action against Sharon Atkin for exercising her right to speak on issues affecting black people to bn audience of black and white people in Birmingham on April 7th

Nottingham East CLP democratically selected Sharon ‘Atkin as PPC because of her vigorous support for socialist policies — campaigning for Black people, the low-paid, les bians and gays, sacked miners, pensioners and all those ‘who are victims of Tary policies. The CLP reaffirms its sup Port for our PPC and rejects any attempts at interference in the democratic processes of our Party

Unite in defence of Black Sections!

By Anita Patel

Sharon Atkin is threatened with deselection, although there is not one jot of evidence that her selection is unconstitutional.

@ Linda Bellos and Phil Murphy are threatened with disciplinary action, possibly expulsion from the Party, for speaking at a meeting which Hattersley decided he didn’t want to take place in

“his’” consituency. It appears that the Labour leadership, both Kinnock and Hattersley. would rather lose seats where there are Black candidates, than accept the rights of Black people to work out how best to fight the racism in the Party and society at large. This is despite the fact that there are at present no Black MPs. The left cannot sit back and allow this to happen. The defence of Black Sections, its leadership and ac tivists is of the utmost importance. itis not simply an at tack against individuals who have spoken out and organis: ed against the racism of the Party, but an attack on the Whole of the left: and the whole of the left must respond. All those who voted for Black Sections, all the consti tuency activists, all the trade unions and MPs must now tally in their defence

A national initiative to co-ordinate the defence of Black Sections against the threatened disciplinary action is need. ‘ed — a Campaign in Defence of Black Sections, It should be sponsored by the CLPs whose members are under attack — Nottingham East, Birmingham, Ladywell and Nor wood (Lambeth) — and ‘also by the Campaign Group of MPs, Trade Unions who voted for Black Sections such as, the NUM, NUPE, ACTTS , other Black PPCs and other CLPs with Black Sections.

There should be public meetings in Nottingham and Bir mingham and a London rally with speakers from the Black Section leadership, including those under attack, from the ‘Campaign Group, and from Black campaigns in the o% munity such as Broadwater Farm, Trevor Monnerville Campaign, etc

A lobby of the April 29th NEC should be organised, It should be built in the CLPs, Black Sections and trade unions, but particularly amongst Black activists in the labour movement and in community campaigns,

Finally, there should be a campaign of resolutions to the NEC in support of the activists and the rights of Black Sec tions, and with copies sent to Black Sections (address of National Secretary: 47 Queens Road, London SW19 BNP}

© Defend Black Sections! ‘© Defend the right of Self-organisation!

Daily Mail Wednesday. Apel 15, 1967

se TEM fs ani a

‘Right Neil? — For the sake of the party .

We con't usually “quote

ter press, but this one is so accurate as to be

aimost funny. When is Kinnock going 10 turn his silly machine found and aim at the Tories?

“Kamikaze’”’ headlines hit the roof!

Wandering into King’s

Cross station bookshop BY Jane Prust

Deptford CLP

early on Tuesday morning after the last issue of Briefing. | was had been taken up in confronted by a row of 20st ll of the daily papers. with articles. in Papers aos Tocsay the Guordion; The with the headline independent, the “Kamikaze Kinnock"’.—— FeeBencent tne I blinked a few times. ang even irespectabilty at Had our distributors last!) the Financial persuaded W.H. Smiths to Times! stock Briefing? (Itwas very The accompanying.

early in the morning) No: the Daily Mail had

pinched our headline! Fuming at this breach of

articles made for hilarious reading, with their total disregard for the truth

and total lack of grammar.

copyright, I investigated ~ According to the Sun further. Holding the Mailat_ “‘the paper used to be ‘arm’s length (unfortunate- edited by former GLC

ly Lwas forced to purchase 2 copy), | could see that we had, in fact, been credited. Undemeath the headline were the words

leader Ken Livingstone”: not true — Ken Livingstone has never occupied that position in Briefing.

The Daily Mail described

‘courtesy of + Labour our article as ‘‘the most Briefing’ treacherous attack Neil Further reasearch Kinnock has evar endured

revealed that our headline from his own Party’", and

declares that “‘the hunt is on for the source.”

Even funnier was the Labour Party's response to the attacks. A Labour Party spokesperson was quoted in Today as saying

because they fear a debate in which the bankruptcy of their politics and the logic of their current activities would be revealed, Briefing’ reflects a growing feeling in the rank

“This is an entirely and file of the Labour unimportant publication Party, who are no longer produced by a handful of content to sit back. and People who represent watch the Party leadership, nobody jettison Party policy as it

Strange, immediately suits them, and a feeling previous to this the article among Labour voters. in States that “Labour the electorate, who are Briefing is distributed ...up desperate. for an and down Britain.”” We sell alternative to Thatcherism.

‘an awful lot of copies fora We, want a Labour paper which represents victory in the general nobody. election. We will do all in Of ‘course, Walworth our power to fight for it

Road couldn't respond in any other way. because they have no answers to

Unfortunately, it appears that Kinnock & Co. are prepared to sacrifice our

the questions we are chances; and are more asking, interested in attacking us,

Their only answer is to our supporters and most of launch 2 witch-hunt the labour movement rank

against the left. They are and file.

unable to reply otherwise,

‘Labour Briefing No, 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 10

Lesbian and Gay Rights campaigns

Lesbian and gay rights in Haringey:

Be there on May 2nd!

‘The furore over Haringey Backlash May 2nd demons Counel'sPostive Images By Mandy Muda peas ign fa Haringey Labour Briefing

“The homophobic Parents’, nottemmamt CLE Pepe ae eer urges all socialists to attend Rights "Group, having Haringey Labour See” pete cored oe

repeatedly split and reform: Briefing Sapport for Poskive images of ed, continue to. mobilise iesbans and ay men.

Sgainst Labour's lesbian and "We want 2 show of strength

against Labour's lesbian a aye been involved in the on the vets of aimgey —¢

Hobuietions “in Haringey, Sear indkaioa "that we wil

‘The Tories have stated a Youth wearing swasthas afe sand and fight for sian and

new betiioning campaign on reguarty presen in the public gay iberaion as an integral part

Detitioning campaign on fry atthe Council Chamber. four struggle for socialism

National demonstration for Lesbian and Gay Rights Haringey, May 2nd, 1pm

seat eblans and eye een eas ee ment goes and oppose. thelr reac Called and organised by Ina denon fal ate To toes Posine Tage has com. Were cling for « national HARINGEY BLACK ACTION

make provocative comments tinued to organise. We are mobilisation because what's about “gassing the gays". At- mobilising for a national happening in Haringey is part of tacks on lesbian and gay com- demonstration in Haringey on 2 ational backlash against Jes ‘mumities are on the increase. May 2nd. This is being organis- bians and gay men.

"The Labour leadership, in- ed jointly with Haringey Black Make sure that your CLP. stead of taking a principled Action, a group of local Black trade union, ward or section is Stand, appear to be Dackirack- people'comtmitted to raising the _ there on May 2nd ing ‘on Conference com- tesue of Lesbian and Gay libera- banners and rmltments with ton in the Black community Duckeits, Common, Turnpike Fetter blaming "the lesbian and and o exposing the racist forces Lane underground. London, at ‘gay ssue" Tor losing votes inthe behind those organising against pm. This march should be

and POSITIVE IMAGES

Assemble Ducketts Common, outside Turnpike tube (Picadilly line)

(erie ee, ee ce en me peecaene Smash the Backlash!

Media stich-up denounced

(On Friday night, April We were shown self- best slipshod and itresponsi Oth, Lofdon Weekend 29p0inted community ble, and at worst a calculated Teevisione The London spokesmen who claimed 10 attempt to misinform viewers Proparem: brindsest = (erveotenarectiic pope, © end jocks Qwiier tamed oral

ture on the controversy Communities being in We are.presently preparing 2

Defend Lesbian and Gay Rights! Fight bigotry! Fight racism!

* Mobile creche x % Disabled facilities *

We urge all CLPs, wards, trade union branches and

campaigns to make every effort to sponsor this demonstration and make every effort to attend.

unding Hari

y I's commitment to

introduce positive of lesbians and gay mer

gay rights in general. The following statement was issued shortly after the broadcast by members of

Images, Haringey's Community campaign for lesbian and gay Fights,

We are. appallad and horrified by the duplicity of Jahn Taylor land the London Programme ‘team and express our sympathy for other supporters of lesbian and gay tights who Contributed to the programme.

‘We have nothing ut con tempt forthe methods used by the programme makers: we were lied to about the inten tion of the programme and co- ‘opted into playing a tokenistic tole, thus lending credence 10 what was @ piece of gutter journalism

‘The programme purported to investigate the political im Pact of policies. designed to Eombat heterasexiem and de:

fend gay rights but was | ‘nothing more than piece of |

{nti lesbian and gay propagan a: ond a badly made prece of propaganda ot” that. We Counted: spproximataly ‘wen ty serous factual eros and Unsubstantiated accusations and-e-nai mnstes

In adltion to the numerous unchallenged — homophobic ‘assertions which can only Gontrbute. Yo" the general hysteria about lesbians and gay mon. the programme was iso set Inthe ‘sual racist Tramework

Conceivable to white racists. statement of complaint to G0

‘As such we consider thet the to the IBA Bring a banner!

London’ Programme was at

Le:

lation for lesbian and gay rights campaign

Kinnock’s case of the ‘‘blues”’

In Russia the slang for

gay men is “blues”, By Jamie Gough

because homosexuality is

limited to the well-off would-be aristocracy of Moscow.

‘a kind of thing in the proyea letarian North, The association of homosex nthe hats how

to support the Labour councils who are implementing the Party programme by introducing les bian and gay rights policies in their serves.

“The leadership has not under. taken the education of the Party called for by Conference. It has rot even spoken against Neel views inside the Party. such as

Labour « eadership's 3c jaSian orgay be you tae South Staondshice vio agreed ie = 7 tic sys that he Paty has

ly an unimportant group, they are confined to a ‘metropolitan el

London, “loony”, left that takes this issue seriously

dent on men. Middle women and men have more = chance to chose a job and hi

ing which avoids haras After all, it’s only the and can afford to spen Tesbians and gay men do come s to London,” both for the Joe Ashton was quick to {.,tondon., Poth for

And

appear on TV to say that of “Bur in’ Britain working class ‘course you don’t get that people are actually as likely 10

CONFERENCE Sie” tore oppeenc,

be lesbian or gay as middle class gay men — just what we need

Fakt now. When you ‘give an cit ingh, the Fight always take a Presence i Jess obvi0us. mile.

Laying Down the ee eee pears connate

Law!

May 23rd-24th

Details:

LCOLGR: 01-226-1097 © Rrurtmeiiiaste Concticace’ Tm

numbers, plays on the theme of Labour Party has a strong les the “novmal proletarian fami- ian and gay rights policy pass Jy". it scabs on the most op-ed by 78% at Conference? You preised group of lesbian and wouldn't “know it from the Labour leadership since they el Foot’s attack have ulterly faled to campaign avethe green on this policy over the eighteen jeht to the apii-ay campaign months since it was adopted. Of Fleet Steeet and the fascists, "They have fefused 10 set up the Hewit letter gives the same the working group on lesbian led tor bY have refused

bbeen putting forward is lesbian and. gay policy “out of con text The truth is it has hardly begun to put it forward at al

‘The best way of forcing the Labour leadership 10 act 15-10 build two major events. which are coming up. The first is the emenstration in. Haringey on May" 2nd. in. support of the Council's positive images and anti-racist policy. The second is the Legislation for Lesbian and Gay Rights Conference on May 2ru-2ath

Lot's go on the offensive!

Legislation for Lesbian and Rights Camps Room 221, 38 Mount Ple London WCIX AP. 1-833 3860

Haringey Black Action BM 4390, London WCIN 3X,

Labour Briefing No. 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 1 See International Briefing 2

US politics: A change in the weather?

Notlong ago Time wasn Hormsey and Wood a ees

Republicanism has detected” Contra aid. probably reflected and religious organisations eSying of the pendulum the current limits fo US x: - labour unions.

. foward a new lopiit of rvetion sm Central America Z

era of self-congratulation Siveqiurist sections of the The unions are by far the

patriotism.” Dolageomie, aatkdl. Unetic, Sse tag : It cites historian Ard i renee matey SCPE c pmeraligen 5 serene. Te i

Sctlesinger's _ ‘eyclcal” SoeFpatarse US polio. and WMG, “of he aug workers s

theory of American history. ovug,Pats 1 Pare (eee = Sat em ore ? es ig

in which eras of “private in- Sec gr America’s ru Sorkers, both major electrical 5] g

Jy with eras of “public pur Soi hain ee sie Ey

pose."” Thus, the New De Rambo journalists, clothing and textile a

OF the thirties and forties Norte. machinists, and ny

s. These afe major unions, for Jesse Jackson, pictured om a visit to Britain to build support for anti-apartheid demo. Could his nex!

visir be as President...? dorsements represented an im- the Palestinian question to the

fives way to the Silent Rambo is not the only legacy othe Generation of the fifties; the of the Vietnam War in the US. many not prexiou felivinm atthe sixties gives Today a prolonged and un. crit

activi Ot oe eri yp. pledicable foreign war would Of course, the nat yy tothe Me Decade, Yup~ trove far fess acceptable than it union federatio

the day-to-day oppression felt portant opening for the left. He margins by millions of Black and

ures the Moral major was when US tr00ps, AFL-CIO. — is mos: Predicted a sibstantial union "OF course, both overt and Spanish-speaking Americans. A splitting sociology of this in the pan, and the mass move- _ loyalties is far from ove 1 US involvement in the Middle tinue, None of the early runners, Jackson {theory the. admision that ment agama the war at home Ease as beer noticed ty feos. in the Democraiic presieial

the Reagan revolution fs Not rapidly dissipated a twa, lef The “ckesrespocbllty of primary marathon with the Will Jackson. repeat his

the embarrass! hose campaign sof adiffeceni 1984? Can another quixotic tlt Pollard spy affair ature have shown any at the Democratic nomination feaidiness 10. make US interven: the same deep chord

tion in Central America (or any among the Black masses that i ther aspect of US. foreigi did three years ago? Will aise policy) a major campaie the prospect of areal break ‘Nor sill any of them from two-party rule? Or wills

inevitable defeat demoralise

poverned sconomics oF the supporters and yield nothing brioriies of the multinationals. etter han the usual "lesser waffle about “nes evil” option come the

cated avowals “of showdown with the Republicans

‘Organisation and consciousness

Tower Commission hich would put anew anti-war

§ The Tower Commission Report ericied the ‘ Commanderin-Chie"s man fagement sisle and the mepritude of his advisors. Ina country ‘shece political controversy. 8 constantly sidetracked into {Questions of managerial exper

Use, this i a serious charge:

But by. thus delimiting the ie umourpropre.and the in November 1988? debate around the tangled Con fasifold bullshit im ssbich the Plenty of Americans will tell fragate affair the report has ‘ho real ist- you that a third party is dim Setved US imperialise wel provements forthe working and distant. prospect — and

‘The arms and dollars ail Slace will be on offer deride is advocates as

Jinking Israel, Iran, and the Conras starkly revealed the Feactionary and duplicitous hature of US Cold War

Sownright daft. But as the 1988 Presidential campaign unfolds fe sterile timidity. of US America's brutal racial liberalism may become more ap-

Racial Deadlock

Thetoric. In contrast to the pat- deadlock hovers in the patent. Time's. pendulum isan shenanigans of the background. A revent spate of Ings repeatedly across the same Watergate eri, the ferain ur facist violence — a death in ground. But in reality. even in

covered by ‘Coutragate is. the Sacrosamt common ground of bipartisan foreign policy — in shuding, erucally, Israet’s role Neither Democrats noe Reagan: guiliy? or incompetent?

Howard beach in New York, a America, the ground is always fot at a basketball gamein changing. The Democratic Par Tilinois, incidents at institutions iy will noc forever straigiacket as eminent as Columbia and the tbe American oppressed University of Massachusets

Bush; tied in with Contra headbangers isonly the most sible token of

Austerity in Spain

No political opposition from the left

es ee coronene tha Cabot ater st oct

The relationships within By X.G. Sibegk nine of te Sekar Mi te eum somtore soney tee ele pea mnond tue

the so-called socialist Barcelona Eotromy, hes not lost a services government" turther an. those’ responsible forthe

ae camel tere hrccgwmending tht Se osiy bt rbaty sca Tago howe who mee Economie oeprinen ga

locity APSGRI 3 ies (CGO) ladies oe eee eee Sie an sais Spposed 10 "the austenty subsstute for” them other

Gey rms reser ermal ae wong oy ne aes

the Socialist Trade tcipstedinthelasttwoan- Geeriomantaninetevels of case arese ‘n sesponse te “The cuent caleg “sciatst_ monetat policies but" less

~ Union (UGT) and the ‘wal general agreements. ‘economic growth and inflation —_iayoffs resulting from the in. left’ in PSOE has preferred ‘burnt’’ in their relationships

Government elected im “ThelcadeshncftreUcTis Sates by oo Me pe ce herene cee ne. air ie socal tacos

dune 1986, are going frtvSen' 7.s%° They srgse trontetion between the trades brought closures and Rowever._goes on "There iS no serious political

Through © crisis chiefly a a ey cre te Se socaicd “wotuses of new, empiy: "fume Minster Felpe Gon- oppostion 10 the lef of the

Be ag rapt a Se saree eh nate BU ie pleas aaian Keeani er erie omit, the overs at weeny Pe

cress poley putfor, Siete easy ow goverment foqhonic ate areve"yaic wanes ihe ony dag, he Somer rie

Saves n tclnty eaeeecrue ene Tae st 16: oes users eee eS MOE es Te ee Oe

feerd by: the oFiience power of working class Many other social conflicts 21.4% unemployment come from a split in the serious ‘contender net sees eae ee ec igwes: that moore nea 3 socialist Tani. th order to. govemment.

Se eeeainne ure I | ena oR Gar ot gemre mcs Ge Ce pN SS Deen maemo scihe fast experience of papedsommiccanipoline "SENS FL tiie whom ore tan GOS ate Gute soon see's cabinet been atused by. the To meant" felecurn, ite scoop al the comty. And watoyer” comoanes "ial gu” unemployment regal greene, ot the. former SOR eg eee onet Twsvione there wil be three Prime ster Adollo Susres tmpoyers' organisations 5, Tints iste hove ond "Shoe demensiators of ThastuatonudeibeUGI atest se 'ofweenorm: whole wpe aaa and “he sociale “wade Coaayererpstresatyeq pean oso omarsin ‘whateva lente gual vogonalantevte Gaae the ote fo" he

federation cE Yne vo vebuld” ths Spgostion to Tregugtons plenur of thwsoiaprownt European fener eoemet” pra nies tage cecsctters Sorel nicotine” cena usta" tre Emsne Commer el Netipsoer, wr Wirgemes ben CON Ae tee

possible this year. “Therefore. the take preper- the most important strites The Communist trade ing the genera! agreement in the secondary schools

‘SOE sent, recently. an are already flooded with leaks doubt that the PSOE will win pal citcular to is tegional snd rumours about a new agai.

Labour Briefing No. 42 Apr 22nd-May 12th 1987 page 12

Socialist Society Column

The politics of experience

rist Ronnie Feminism gave courage and such politics suspend all cridcal ‘confidence to countless women faculties and ignore the highly by insisting on the satidity and suspect nature of this “oppress authenticity of theie everyday ed” experience in the

epitomised that “68 move- lives, fears and feelings, im a Instead of drown

fment’s new politics of sub. dismissive and contem of subjectivity, it's wor Jectivity against the crude. world which usually sneered tioning the notion that anything

pone heteoscut Male comrades” prewed group This new humanistic sreryhody could suddenly feel truth now

Marxism was however still orihy at respec, ne tua Marxism, firmly wedded to. how small, earful and tearful historical materialism as the "Black anger equalled jonal basis of understan- women’s at their centuries of ding other levels of con- women are’ bat sciousness and practice; its By Anne McManus sative. (The overriding commitment was and Africans 3 to a rational eritique. oppression West Indians

Later, theoretical interven- he heard and respected. Nobody workers are th many Black wor

Althusser and Poulantaas, pav-_ to the Cause any more reactionary io theie opposition

the way for ditching tis ra." Indeed the people Beoine the 19 abortion and thei defence of

finaly into orbit, released by and the soul-saving we low our SOsalist whatever chic group

aay the problem. TFoday much pobiical practice and poverty is just as kely (ody freedom [ighters defending ed minorities whose grievances principles as the vital criteria Gradually a. new anti: ontheLefthasrushed tothe op- breed corcuption, slime and the wretched ofthe earth become sacred ‘cows — in: against which any experience

rationalism emerged, costal. posite exieme to cconomism, _violeace as it i to purse ‘The Labour" leadership's violable and immune from must be Measured. Only this,

ing especially m feminist prac- and is swamped by the poles purify — rather more response 10 Right attacks is fo erticam. What's common 0 will change the present 86 op

tice, This emotional stuff was of experience aca subwitute for fact. heartily agree with them, and both strategies i a lack Of posed to pandering tothe often

initialya healthy corrective toa any genuine sociast practice st Blind bland support of “op- ditch offending polices ike socialist principles and reason (dare one recall 12} fale eon

hack polities which had reduced al pressed minoritiew” is groles- Support of minority groups 3s of any kind, sciousness a ils most vcimised

terest, and we duly discovered of oppressed) minotstcs and Kinnock and Patrica Hewit's dorsement of anything the what socialism i all about —

Published by Labour Briefing, 26 Crofton Road,

1d by MPS (TUI, Acre Lane, London SW2.

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PHOTO: Bob Naylor