Labour Briefing no. 43

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© Gorbachev reforms

@ Marcus Garvey cententary

®@ Tory Britain @NUT Conference

@ The tractor story

We won’t shut up!

BLACK WOMEN WILL 5 BE

Reinstate

By Sharon Atkin Sharon & Phil! Campaign for a

Nobod: hallenge loyalty to the — by the NEC of our Party. One can only assume that Mr Kin- . Isha fatty My 20 yea mendes Seeger eer | LAbQur victory!

speaks for itself. understand Mr Whitty has received complaints, on the By Kingsley Abrams

That is 20 years during which | have seen ‘ F Biack people sidelined, under-represented and pesgeinerte ed gg pede a erg oooh In mason ignored. During that time | have seen Labour i twas | Executive met on Sunday sgeinet_sacam inside ‘and governments introduce laws on immigration “removed” without being able to speak for myselt. | May, 2 cust ue ‘oven ur sunt for which were racist, and opened the door to in- 4 {2bew",MP Frank Field is even less supportive of Latour con. | Pc for Nottingham East, Ia°k peop to organise nid

stitutional racism by immigration officials and for them, but for the Alliance. With all my criticisms, | have | and the suspension of Phil "Tne Black Section Executive ti i | Murphy from in was also attended by Avtar

| |

other servants of the state. : : Birmingham City Council ‘Wat is to heppente Mr Field? A quiet word between | Birmingham City Jour “General Secretary “of

Thave nonetheless remained fighting for change in gentlemen the W's office, | udertaa. Labour Grow. akin canta or a my constituents, white and black. As a shop steward Hack people by this action? The message is otaek moms | on Black Section andthe lack the Labour |Party. who ’ Pa Gh Giese ec oa ak. Aeon ait get back where Yas belong Give us your vtes but | monty. Suc actors dae support for” Shren represent 5 black. keep Jour opinions to yourse. must be vigorossy opposed.” ‘Amin’ nd. Pha Murphy, snd But, | repeat, | must and will make representation To Nottingham you can only have | "The Slack Section Executive described the actions taken by of the views and needs of black people a priority, “5, 'the risen “Tres eunch pubic mestings “Tho Asien Sobony Wales whatever political role | am in. the message i svn speakers trom the Black have lo dosebed the NEC's The Labour Party wants black people's votes. But. Tus cya putin af Mr Kinec's sly continuation ot | ETT" 274 5 Sack STEN SATE, gy

London’ and’ Birmingham, to the attack on natural justice

it seems they want them on their terms. I cannot ac- = ‘capping, printers. campaign for ‘sur e Sharon Atkin

cept that. i i sili the working cls in Britain are race, ae tetietnn of Stason Ast sno Pen” Wongey Bienes My comrades in Nottingham East Labour Party know fooled by the Tories — or, perhaps, John Cleese. and for the lifting of the Campaign. The Party

F ‘ "do not agree. |have great confidence in the working clas in | suspension” on. Ci’. Phil leagereip should be told in nd

that speaking out for Black people is always going to be a : ee p should be tld nn0

iy for me, ise et Tato ee ie | ae cca eae

pr They never thought that would prevent me also being ahve Party has shown me. And when "the Politics of style", | 0) ©, Suppor 3. defence tye”, | campaign which is chared by

beat the Tones at Election, not Black

their committed and hard-working constituency MP, sed""tnc miele ground” and "keeping your Read down’ and :

representing the whole community in Nottingham East.” that dreadful ale pink rose have faded, there will til be prin- | ‘wcrnaly for "the Scpport Shao Atkin’ and Now that winnable seat, I repeat we were going to win _cipled socialists, black and white, fighting for a Labour Party to | renstatoment of Sharon Atkin Pal” "Murphy's defence

that seat, is thrown into disarray — not by my actions but represent working people oe Ph rp campaign!

LABOUR- TAKE THE POWER

Labour Briefing No, 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 2

: Home News

Verdict on Michael Delaney

Michael Delaney was 3 young man of 19 who went out for a drink with friends on Saturday night, January 10th.

By 11.30 he lay dying on an iey road, crushed (0 death by one of Murdoch's seab ‘TNT lorey drivers.

The police refused to let his friends. help him. They arrested a sacked printer who went to cover him with a cost.

‘They let the lorry continve driving for 25 miles before it ‘was stopped.

"The police made every attempt (0 obstruct the fight by the Delaney family to get at the truth of what happened on January 10th. They even refusfd 10 let the solicitor represen fing the Family ave copies of Statements which they were intending to use. When the Solicitor objected to this on the first day on the inquest the cor ‘ner justified the police action by saying that he ana fair

"AC the end of the inquest the coroner instructed the jury that the most appropriate verdict to find would be accidental death ‘or death by misadventure

The jury" ignored. the cor coners instruction and instead found that Michael Delaney had been unlawfully killed. In the coroner's own words this ver ‘dict means that the jury fle that the scab driver “had total disregard for the consequences of the at.

"To Tower Hamlets residents and. supporters of the prt ‘workers the aisregard™ of the Torry drivers tor safety had been apparent from day one of the dispute

The drivers were under insiruction from TNE and from News Taternational 10 speed through the strets and not to ‘Stop theit lorries under any ctcumstances, was for

Broadwater Farm t

Uniawfully ki led!

By Andrea Campbell Print Support Group

The Tocal constcuency party had passed a resolution in ‘August pointing out the danger hat the lorries presented 10 local people and ad sent the resolution to Commander Wyn Jones, ia charge of policing Wapping. He wrote back dismissing the fears and saying thar he was not aware of aay dangers

‘Meanwhile people were wat ching the loreies _careering faround Light corners into busy arrow streets and printers who had. anti-Murdoch stickers in their car windows were being i timidated by the lorties on ‘motorways. Early inthe strike 2 Torey had deliberately driven in to the picket line in full view of police who took no action Seainst the driver

Like many people in Tower Hamlets Michael Delaney was fot “actively” involved in the tispute, but he was affected by fe After coming out of = pub, And waiting to cross the road, he Shouted at the scab drivers.

For this act of solidarity he was killed. The driver knew he twas there, He also. knew the angers of turning a large locry faround a corner. He deliberateTy Kept moving knowing there was danger to a pedestrian,

Following Michael's death the Tower Hamlets Print Support Group organised a petition {nd a visit to Douglas Hurd to resent over 2-500 signatures Protesting at the use of our Streets in such a dangerous way bby Mardoct's lorries. The fami Iy and local people campaigned {0 get at the truth. The jury at the inquest found the truth and Pointed the finger at both TNT End the driver.

"The case will now be referred to the DPP, but most people do not have any illusions that the Department. will prosecute and the family are going to consider taking a Givil action against the company and the driver.

“The print dispute showed how ouch weight the state is Drepared to pur into a backing a Company which Is prepared 10 ‘Smash trade unionism. Whole ‘Sections of Tower Hamlets were no-go areas for over @ Year: approximately £6 million was Epent on policing the dispute: flor police on many occasions [stacked demonstrations; traffic fegulations werre scrapped for the company: Hives were daily pat ia danger and an innocent South was Billed.

‘Local people ate determined ‘hat the Ksues raised by Michael Delaney’s death will not just be buried beneath a pile of papers in the DPP's office.

Is continue

“They weren’t interested in the truth, they just wanted

me to admit things

‘The Broadwater Farm trials continue. Here is an update on some of the latest verdicts.

Winston James's unanimous acquittal verdict on a charge Of affray was a welcome relet for the community in the wake ‘of the outrageous murder Convictions,

“James, 19, was subjected to severe interrogation, this time at the hands of the in. famous duo — D.C. Rex Sargent (who stil cannot 2 tend court because his brutal post has caught up with him and. the equally “monstrous BLC. Brendan McAlister.

‘When it was put to him that he had murdered P.C. Keith Blakelock, James "‘confess~ fed" to. throwing a hundred bricks! He said this was the least serious sdmission that the officers would accept, “They had tried to make him ad mit to making and throwing petrol bombs, tuning over ars, etc,

‘James Preston, another in nocent youth denied access to 2 solicitor, was jailed for 3 years for affray by a misin formed jury, amid all the Blakelock hysteria,

Clearly the jury did not believe Preston, who insisted that he was threatened by tor turers Sargent and McAlhster, who forced "“confessions”

ut of him Th°court, Preston said that

he was threatened by Sargent, ‘who smashed a cup against 4

NS ES OE

wall to imply that if he did not Confess it would be his head next.

was frightened,” Preston said. "T wanted to go home. | ust told them what they Broadwater Farm Defence Committe 12/16 Tangmere. Broadwater Farm, Tottenham. London Nay 01-08 16671885 3752

wanted to hear. They weren't interested in the uth, they just wanted me_ to "admit things. 1 thought If | didn’t | would be kept inside and perhaps I'd be charged with ‘murder

Patrick D'Aguilar, 24, an in nocent Broadwater Faim ‘Youth, was sentenced to 2%

‘at the Old Bailey for

diy causing sn attray {and handing stolen goods

Len Woodley, the Defence Counsel, had asked Judge Machin to adjourn the case because of the obvious ‘adverse impact the murder teal atmosphere would have. Machin felt there was insuffi cient grounds and ruled that the case” be heard

‘The only so-called evidence against D'Aguilr wore his own supposed _ statements. DIS. Hager admitted that DéAguilar was not in any of the more than 1,000 police photographs of the night in

‘question, ‘Stephen Bernard, 24, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, for allegedly making petrol bombs, and affray.

‘Uke most_of the other Broadwater Farm Youth he was teked into signing 2 ‘atement saying he did not want 2 solicitor.

‘Again, ike oihers, he was asked about his involvement in Blakelock’s death. Frightenfed, he had to make something Up, and. “confessed” to 8 lesser offence in order to get ‘out of the police station.

‘Some sort of justice was ‘done for Trevor Carmesie, 18, ‘who had to wait anxiously and Unnecessary for his acquittal

[Uke others, he was denied access to legal advice. In ‘court, the custody officer sehose job itis to look after the welfare of the suspect in 2 Dolice station, said that he did Rot bother to film the custody fecord, a6 is his logal duty, because he knew. Trevor Cemegie would not get 3 Solcstor anyway and it was 3 waste of time!

Clearly the jury did not believe Preston, who insisted that he was thvestened by tor turers Sargent and McAlister, who. forced “confessions! ut of him

th court, Preston said that he was threatened by Sargent Who smashed @ cup against 2 ‘wall to mply that it be did not Confess it would be his head

More News on Sunday, please!

News on Sunday is a valiant attempt to correct the abhorrent imbalance in the British press. For the good of us all all it needs to stay the course.

The project has absorbed ‘a considerable amount of energy and has £6.5m of trade union and local authority cash riding on its

‘One should always be cautious about first issues. Publications take a while to settle down. That said, 1 found the first issue a mixed bag. Enjoyable to read, for the most part, but lacking in substance.

By Geoffrey Sheridan Hornsey & Wood Green CLE.

Tt is certainly fulfilling some of its promise. The writing has a light touch. It

is accessible. Muc of the coverage — across a broad Tange of social, interna-

tional, and cultural issues — thas a radical approach

The anti-sexism which has featured (in a dubious way) in NoS’s pre-launch publici ty features in the newspaper too,though there were no stories in the first issue that related to British blacks or to gay people, so far as I could tell

The newspaper is much nicer than any other tabloid, but there are several evident

zaps.

There is very little hard news for a start. Most of the news is in the sports and international stories. While the fatter is a welcome innovation in a tabloid, a paper that is called News on Sunday needs to do more to live up to its title (not that

the News of the World bothers). Surprisingly, British

capitalism did not come in for much of a_ bashing. ‘There was a good page-three piece on an unemployed punk Labour Councillor in Buckingham, and a spread on nuclear power dangers. Bur that was about it

‘On the same day the (politically unsavoury) Observer gave three quarters ‘of a page to comparing a day in the life of a nurse to that of a tycoon. And the (no more savoury) Sunday Mirror had a three-page report fon rent racketeering — in response to NoS’s launch?

‘Most worrying, especially with an election around the corner, Party. politics was

virtually ignored. Aside from the punk councillor photo feature, only one

Story was by-lined. by the paper's political correspon dent — an item on Labour's plan co expose the “raving fight” in town halls, together: with a brief item

supporting education in Brent At the very least NoS

should drop its drippy “Not the NoS" diary-style page and turn over the space (0 a guest columnist each week.

It could follow the example of Tribune and the London Daily News, with their (sometimes overlapping) guest politico columns. Or better still, NoS could add some “ordinary” working Class folk to the guest list. About time they had a voice,

In brief, NoS’s claim that ic would ‘win some of its readership from the Observer always was peculiar. Why should people who like lengthy articles want to read a tabloid?

But NoS has to come up with more meaty material for the hundreds of thousands of working class people who, one hopes, are looking for articles worth thinking about

‘Whether, in. these sober times, there are enough of them with a radical bent to deliver the 800,000 readers NoS needs remains t0 be

‘@ Footnote on first issue sales (print run £1.6m): ina white and black working class part of Tottenham, a

newsagent told me at 3.30pm that he had sold out his 25 copies, Ina middle

class part of Islington, a newsagent’s 10 copies had ‘gone by 10am.

Statesman joins

stampede to the right

John Lloyd, the New ‘Statesman editor, has announced

intention to sack the only out lesbian and gay journalists ‘on the magazine, Jane

Dibblin and Andrew Lumsden. The stated reason is

“economy measures” required to finance the new post of Deputy Editor to lighten Lloyd's job.

‘But Lloyd has also made it clear that the choice of

journalists to be axed follows from his wish to cut the magazine's coverage of gay, lesbian, women's and black

By Jamie Gough

politics, ecology and disarmament, and “Third World” ' issues — the issues which have been covered by Andrew and Jane.

Uoya’s wish to return 10

pre-1968 politics is @ part o: the Kinnock plan for a tamed Labour Party. It is no. coin idence that itis out lesbians and gay men that get in the Way of this wishl

oyd has refused to issue a public. statement of support for Andrew's stance as arrout gay journalist and the Statesman’s previous. record of coverage of lesbian and gay fssues, and Andrew 1s therefore no longer propared to be on the staff of the paper.

‘Jane's case is. stil being fought, with the support of the NUJ chapel

Scottish Labour Briefing Putting the Assembly the agenda

Scottish Labour Briefing supporters recently held a Dayschool on nationalism. The debate there has aroused interest in many quarters — not least the Scottish pres.

mooted ot the weekend by 8 Usbour MP... Speaking in Glasgow at 2 forum organised by Labour Briefing, which brings together several groups fon the left of the Party. (Denfis Canavan} ssid ‘We should {90 down there (Westminster) fon sporadic raids and a deter ‘mined group of 50 or so Scot {ish Labour MPs acting collec: tively could make things very sifficutt, if not impossible, for Sny government to get its

legislation — particularly Scot. ‘ish legislation — through’,” (Scotsman, Monday April 6th.

“Perhaps they {the Tories) underestimate the growing imPatience of many people of al politics rsussions

Scotiend for some form of

rebels. 10 ‘bring. shi r {Scotaman editonal, April 6th.

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 3

Editorial

BRIEFING

Vote Labour and defeat Thatcher! No tactical voting! — no coalition!

The = NEC — which to fill Sharon Atkin’s place deselected Sharon Atkin, shows that forward planning PPC for Nottingham — must have been at work.

East, also refused to take a resolution calling for the Party to support only Labour Party candidates.

What is, in effect, a call for Labour Party supporters fo vote for another party, now being touted by Frank Field, MP, Stuart Weir, editor of New Socialist, as well as Marxism To Eric Hobsbawm, The Guardian and Today, is apparently condoned.

But a democratically selected Black woman PPC fone of only two Black women standing for the Labour Party), who thinks that the Labour Party suf

No ordinary “‘moderate”” candidate, Aslam is an obvious Kinnock supporter. He is known locally for opposition to such things as lesbian and gay rights — but clearly his major attraction to Kinnock must be his opposition to Black Sections. What better way for Kinnock to undermine a caucus of Black MPs in the Commons than to find a way of getting a black MP who opposes Black Sections into Parliament? Suil, the NEC ‘majority hopes have to stand the test of the ballot box.

So now tactical voting, or TV ’87 (not a new television

fers from institutionalised channel as you thought), racism, and is prepared to supported, according to say $0, has to be replaced by Weir by ‘many loyal

Labour Party members”, is, flavour of the month — the “only way to defeat Thatcher.”

a candidate more acceptable to the leadership.

‘The speed with which the NEC came up with a name

Although Kinnock and ‘Campaign Co-ordinator Brian Gould disavow it now, tactical voting (and its cor ollary, coalitionism) is in fact the logical outcome of Kinnock’s success in leading the Party rightwards. He may protest before the elec

with the Alliance. Remember where the Gang of Four came from and why they left! The dropping of all left policies, the attacks ‘on the left, on Black Sections, the centralisation of the Party — all these make coalition with the Alliance

tion that he wants to see as easier. many Labour MPselected as But for the Labour Party, possible — but this is just to both tactical voting and

‘put him in the best bargaining position with — the Alliance after the election!

Never mind that Owen says he'd prefer a coalition with the Tories: ignore the Alliance chorus that echoes the Tories’ desire to expel socialism from Britain — Kinnock’s road to the right aves the way for coalition ‘with such forces.

Make no mistake about it, tactical voting represents an attempt to break up the Labour Party and no doubt there are many Labour MPs ‘who would feel much more comfortable in an embrace

coalitionism are a disaster. In the short term they are electoral liabilities. Already itis clear that in many Tory ‘marginals, Labour is now se- ‘cond where they were third in 1983. Telling Labour Supporters to vote Alliance in such places will lose Labour thousands of votes and let the Tories in not keep them out

But the longer term consequences coud be even worse. Tactical voting and coalitionism are the logical outcome of the “‘anti-Thatcher alliance”, advocated by the Euro-Communists since the

PHOTO: Gath Tate

ST Pecan ee

defeat Thatcher is to vote Labour. The only way to rebuild Labour's support is to have confidence in working class struggle, to offer a clear alternative to the Tories, to offer socialist policies to deal with the crisis of unemployment and despair and to refuse any deals now and after the election with any anti-working class party.

to the collapse of the Labour vote, the likely collapse of Labour as a mass party, defeat for the working class.

Briefing believes that, on

the contrary, the only way to

Witch-hunt

An inside view

‘The NEC meeting was 2 Wher husband and child farce. Debating the ‘were both il. How ‘touching!

‘And when Tony Benn moved that the NEC ask “tactical voter’’ Frank Field publicly to call for 3 vote for all Labour candidates, David Blunkett attacked Benn for being ‘divisive’

‘Next business was moved. In the chair, Kinnock gratefully accepted, and Benn’s motion was not put

The right wing male MP Field can call for a vote against 150 Labour candidates and the NEC refuses to act. The left ‘wing Black woman Sharon ‘Atkin is dumped as PPC for correctly calling the Party racist. So much for Kinnock ‘opposing tactical voting

Right all weighed in to

would do the Party. Then, in a pre: stitch-up Sharon was dumped as PPC for the “crime’" of damaging Neil Kinnock’s ego and pointing ‘out that the Labour Party is racist. Despite the persuasive

arguments of Kevin

the test of the NEC had closed minds: follow Neil whatever the cost. Exiefts excelled ‘am Dalyell ned whether Sharon could stand as PPC anyway

“1 find this move by the NEC appalling.

“Local Parties must have the right to make their own decisions about candidates.

“This type of action will only provide comfort to our enemies in the Tory Party and the SDP.”

Russell Profitt, PPC,

Lewisham East RETESET RE AS

Nottingham East:

No confidence in Aslam

At a special meeting to discuss the NEC decision to remove our PPC, Sharon Atkin, Not. tingham East. Executive ‘Committee voted no confidence in the imposed candidate, Mohammed Aslam.

Contrary to a number of press reports, Aslam

By Rick Simon Vice Chair, Nottingham East CLP

(personal capacity) permission to begin his deselection as candidate, the only constitutional way of dealing with i and is calling for Sharon Atkin to be reinstated as

was not runner-up in the our democratically selection process to _ selected PPC.

Sharon, and was mot even _The defence of Sharon shortlisted. He has con- Atkin and other Black acsistently opposed Black tivists demands a camSections, and the rights paign throughout the

of lesbians and gays, and his imposition can only be viewed as an extreme provocation.

Nottingham East EC is asking Aslam to resign as

Labour Party and trade unions. Hopefully, Nottingham East's campaign ‘can be co-ordinated with those established in Birminghan and by Labour Left Liaison in London.

PPC, asking the NEC for

“1 too repeat that the Labour Party is racist. Sharon said it, | now repeat it. It is.

“| don’t think the Labour Party is any worse than any other institution in this country, but I don’t think it is any different.

“Within it are practices, procedures and even individuals who adhere to racism. Black people were the right people to recognise racism and point it out.

“‘As yet there has not been a word of public criticism of these prominent people (who criticise Party policy), one of whom actually encouraged people not to vote Labour. Sharon and I have never done that.”

London Daily News, 30.4.87

Linda Bellos, Leader, Lambeth Council

Defence campaign launched

action against Sharon and Phil, for their immediate reinstatement and for the right of the CLP to select its own PPC.

A statement from the Black Section, endorsed by the meeting, called for 2 vigorous campaign involv: ing public meetings, leafletting and a pamphlet.

The Black Section in dicated that they saw their primary objective to be mobilising the Black community.

At a meeting in Birmingham on Sunday May 3rd around 70 activists agreed the basis and structure of a national ‘campaign in defence of Sharon Atkin and Phil Murphy.

Following @ report from the National Black Section which had met earlier in the day. it was agreed that the basis of the campaign should be directed at opposition to the disciplinary

Birmingham, _ Nottingham By Rik Simon East. and. National "Black Vice Ct Nottingham: Sections. It was agreed to

East CLP (personal capacity) ~

‘Sharon and Phil, and that the national ‘campaign

have equal representation for each,

Clare Short agreed to be the Chair of the campaign. A model resolution is being drawn up for circulation to Labour Parties and. Trade Unions, and will be published in Briefing as soon as available.

The campaign can be contacted at 10. Park Lendon NW11.7SH

should play a parallel role within the Labour Party and Trade Unions.

It was clearly felt that, although @ national cam’ paign, its steering commit:

its

tee should reflect

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page ¢

Trade Union Briefing

‘The 103 day occupation

of Caterpillars Uddingston plant ended on April 27th,

Compulsory _redundancies will now begin on October 18th, instead of May Tith — one of the few concessions won from management

Hopes now rest on fin: ding a new buyer or lessee for the plant.

‘Sit Monty Finniston, Chair cof an obscure company called MPAT Holdings, claims he can ‘gave 400 jobs; but much scepfioigm surrounds this outfit. It Ig claimed to be an R&D firm,

By Jim Niblock Glasgow Central CLP

‘employing 22 people: but one Sunday paper quotes the brother of the company’s founder as saying only 3 bovs are employed by itt

Moreover, Caterpillar contacted MPAT in the eleventh ‘week of the occupation about the possibilty of tiem taking over a part of the plant. Two weeks later Monty Finniston was suddenly desperate to Start production at Ceterpillar

‘which could only begin, of course, if the occupation ended.

‘Mick McPake, 2 senior steward at Caterpillar, said

"The whole thing Is 2 joke, more warthy of Monty Python than Monty. Finniston.. The Shop stewards regard this 35.3 fed herring, an attempt to get ‘Some of our union bosses Tike ‘Simmy Airke.and Gavin Loied off the hook.”

‘On the last day of the STUC conference two days before the occupation ended, John Brannan, leader of the occupation, told delegates of his disappointment st the role of

tunion — AEU — in. the strugale

“ask this question: why should a punter be subjected hot only to legal pressure oF Government pressure, but Union pressure as well to fethink the strategy, Surely that pressure should be 2p. pied fo the employer?

Expected

Perhaps naievely, Brannon, like the majority of his union members, expected _ more from their union. They certain. ly didn't expect they would line up behind the company to rush the accupation!

“Jimmy Aire, Scottish leader af the AEU, rose to ‘answer Brennan

"We have an agreement which may not be the best in the world but was the best fone possible in the it cumstances. There are ten: sions, and emotions obviously fun high, but at the end of the day we have achieved 3 magnificent victory. (?)

Caterpillar occupation e

SELL-OUT!

“Workers get enough defeats without “giving ourselves" seltinficted (hounds. This i the end of Stage, The second port is to get the maximom umber of Fis ot Unger

it's magnificent victory ha bear "achewed,. Sraonan’s besten would not have made setse. But in fact the AEU ieasorship, hed clearly tGasfenea him — either vou Types mass mening no SScommend 8 return to work Orme wil

St the 1,200 jobs at stake, fewer thon’ 100 wil be retainSo 'wnen MPAT. Holdings move in; but_ most informed Docorvers don’t expect MPAT Sven to get olf the ground faetess to buid up to 400008

‘arte’s statement that workers” get enough defeats Without settanticted wounds S'S veal choker coming 95 doce from tne man who ald 3 patel at the voceupation’s Frad!

"Tra leading Euro communist hes lost. all ‘Seatoity nthe rank and fe {Goour movement His role 253 Taft messenger Boy for the poltics of te, AEU right pro led. the essential medium and cover for the sellout

ifonly alight wingers had 9 Jimny Arlen the Cupboard as Mariam Tocay and Seven Days preach, the new Feaist Gommunst Party c0Uld ply gn'important role. for the fant wing

Lessons

One positive and two negative lessons ae clear from the experience of the 0°: Cupation. On the positive side it's clear that when workers: take the decision to fight and Stick firmly to it, then public ‘Support iso problem. The political parties and Union feaders, as well as manage. iment, must take this broad Support into account.

‘On the other hand, broad support is no good unless it's translated into clear political demends on the union and Labour Party — 3 process the bureaucracy fears above all ‘others.

The demos in support of Caterpillar were strange affairs, with Tories and. SOPeral speakers on the plat form. These mini “popular fronts” effectively suppressed any move towards raising Clear political demands, as this ‘would “undermine unity"” and the brosd support,

Instead of using the brood support as a t001 fo isolate the ‘Tortes, the Labour leaders do the opposite. They embrace the Tones and SOP. with Cynical talk of unity; and leave the workers, with no political leadership, watching the real Unity that exists in the factory being slowly suffocated by the “anity”” of popular frontism.

“The other negative feature of the occupation was the lack

of organised support. This is Obviously linked to the last pont; but stil. much more Pould be done to establish Tinks at rank and file level

‘The STUC called 3 west of Scotisnd shop stewards’ meeting early in the struggle. ‘where 350 attended: but this Was, 3 oneoff exercise, dominated by the bureaucracy ‘Gnd held more for face-saving feasons than anything practical

Rank and file links must be reestablished to lear the lessons of recent struggles: and avoid repeating mistakes 235 well a8 preparing to extend solderity with future Struggles

Tractor crisis

"A Masse)-Ferguson combine harvester at work at Ali Gidir pl

Gecreases in Britain: need increases throughout the world

international solu

antation, Ethiopia, Tractor production

Tractors not Trident!

‘The following article was written just before the announcement on Aprit 15th of 1,000 redundancies at the Massey-Ferguson tractor plant in Coventry. The Canadian-based muttinational has also threatened pay cuts on the remaining 2,500 workers.

‘The current crisis in the tractor- manufacturing below, has been presented starkly in the [atest announcement.

ROD SWEENEY charts ‘an answer for workers in the industry. and potential purchasers alike.

The tractor industry faces huge world-wide problems.

UK sales last year fell by 2 quarter to fewer than 19,000 units, the lowest for twenty years,

‘There has also been a price war raging, with Case International Harvester of Doncaster be-

ing the most aggressive. offering discounts of up to 40% off the official price in some areas.

In one freak case last year, an unused actor was sold two years after it was made — st 62% discount

‘The market leaders in the UK are Ford, New Holland (24%). Massey-Ferquson (20%), Case 1H (18.5%! and ohn Deere, a US company it3%e1- (Source, FT, 17.2.871

in Coventry "Massey Ferguson has the largest trac: tor factory ia the Wester world. in its heyday, in the Seventies, it employed about 7-500 workers. At present. it only employs a dismal 3,500.

"A Sday week nas Deen i. troduced on the shop floor and as recently as March 12th it wes announced that 90 staff jobs are to be axed.

“There will not be any wage increases for any workers in 1987.

‘As if all this was not bad enough, the ME workers now fece 2 new problem. Eight ‘separate companies under the ME umbrella are being set up. ‘ach responsible for their Own profits. Four distribution com: panies lin the UK, France, Ger many and N. Americal; one

spares, two manufacturing iFrence and Banner Lane, Coventry) and @ manufactur ing plus distributing company in taly

‘Workers now not only have to compete with other tractor Companies, but also with in: ternal corporate sub-<ivisions. it'is obvious if ME has, let's ‘say. an order for 2,000 trectors, it will invite its. three manufacturing units to tender Separately for the work with the most competitive offer sure to win the order.

By Rod Sweeney Coventry S.W. CLP

Ts soclats, we recognise that. capital has no national ‘llegiange, and acts in an internetional manner to secure maximum profits. It is time Tabour understood. this end acted In the same manner

‘Why should, for exemple, Batish end French workers Compete with each other t0 in grease the. profits of multinationals?

The British oF French workers who “win” this articular battle, will doit only By accepting lower wages and Cenditions than the "losers

‘Tractor manufacturers say that demand worldwide is fall

Scottish Trade Union Congress 1987

ing, This is absurd.

“Third Ward countries. a crying. out’ for agricultural machinery to combat starva: tion and their dependence on the US and the EEC, who engage. in “The Politics of Hunger’ to bolster capitalism.

“Their tine, to put it crudely, js: "You do as we say. of Starve.”’ The demand is the the abilty to pay isnot — such is the “indebtednass'” of most

‘Shop stewards committees sociaists, and al Labour Organisations, should unite in 3 campaign for world-wide workers’ take-overs of tractor factories with the averall Strategy of making. the third world countries self-reliant in food,

’& Labour government in Br tain could make a start, We should employ more workers in the tractor industry, which Would reduce unemployment, thus reducing the wage involv fed in benefit payments,

‘But the real benefit to any country participating inthis Strategy ‘would. be goodwill from. third. world countries, ‘who should be given interest Hree, long. term loans to finance the purcha

"Compared to Trident.it’s the bargain of the century.

Fine words - shame about the action

‘The 1987 STUC annual congress was dominated by the publication of

their document “Scotland — a Land fit for People”

This is am assessment of

Scotland’s economic climate, and how the trade union movement could reverse the degeneration and, de-industrialisation of ‘Scotland's economy

Whilst ‘many —deleg: praised the docu

hardly offered radical solu-

rovide some kind of pletform 10 campa

The sypical Council ‘composite both the NUNY und the AEU)

By Alan Pow Delegate, Sterling District Trades Council

(personal capacity)

calling only. tor. a moracorsum fon the contruction of new fuclear power ations in Scotland,

‘Considering none are current ty planned, it can bardly be

fegarded as very forward: fooking! delegation was greatly pointed. that the_motion didnot include Torness

Tomess has yet 10 be commis: soned, after a delay for further Safety checks, so” this. shoul have been the ideal ir cumstances for the Scottish fade union movement 10 cam paige against the power station

©» 0 conere ‘eas the decision fo" oppose the European Demonstration renrocessing

plant at Dounreay

Congress aso decided 10 op pose the Job Training Scheme Bad theie‘ore hopefully i

fluence the TUC 10 alter its policy on the question

The motion was carried over whelmingly, but 1 felt that Should "some compromise ar fangement come forward, giv ing ateater ade union par ticipation in approving and monitoring schemes, the STUC may give ip, So it will be impor tant for trade union activists 10 take sure that their union eam paigns for this policy sationally

However, Congress did- aot ‘oppose the YTS, which Sterling Grades Council’ had argued it should da, We were only supported by two national unions: COHSE and the NCU.

Assembly

‘The STUC has always given strong, support to a Scottish

‘Assembly with proper economic and revenue raising powers. but it was interesting tO nore that Congress agreed that any assembly should include a

Ministry. for Women structure Comparable toa ational

ry set up under a Labour A Ministry for Wome as proposed by the Labour Party Sas adopted, calling for women ip the Trade Unions to Have a

say, but bearing in mind itis essential chat the Ministry work with and on behalf of working lass women

There are 3 women on the STUC. General’ Council, all ested from the women ‘workers section by the whole Congress

Caterpillar

Finally, Congress was greeted with the news of the ending of the Caterpillar oceupation, which dampened the week's ‘On Friday morning, John. Brannan, convenor of" Cater pillar shop stewards, addressed Congress and told delegates that inion pressure on his members had been unacceptable. "This pressure should have been on The employers," he added Simmy. Aiic, National Ex: cutive member of the ABU, Sd former leader ofthe fartous Ucs workin, defended his

tnion’s policy in calling for an tnd to the occupation Therefore Constess conclud

ce with another depressing sory Sf national union tailing 10 dive is members continued supBore tha, 2 hes 59, fsb deserved,

Labour Briefing No, 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 5

No comfort in nurses’ deal

Norman Fowler must be feeling well pleased with his nifty escape from a tight corner on nurses’ pay.

But the pre-election government pay award will do nothing to prevent the flow of nurses out of the NHS and the desperate shortages that are hit hospitals in the big cite

‘Even the DHSS now ad mits a 20% shortfall of {qualified nurses in inner London, and an overall shortage of 16M across the capital

Fowler's objective was to be seen to. do something to stem this growing erisis, but without spending (00 much money. His ideal "cover in these’ ce- ‘cumstances has been the back: oom deliberations of the nurses fovalled “independent pay Tevew Body” whch Was Set Up Biter the 1982" pay dispute ‘elbecately to remove nurses!

m normal union ‘heath unions have helped in this, by falling utery silent on the issue of nurses’ and NHS pay — and by failing (0 challenge the. status of the review body” which now pro-

with the unchallenged ‘of the Pools Pane! Worse, the Unions are now ‘even demanding that if management will not agree an accepfable "increase" on ancillary Workers" pay, a new “indepen

Trade Union Briefing

Tory NHS pay concession

By Jack Doberman

dent” body should be set up 10 pronounce a "fair" settlement! ‘This would effectively wipe out traditional union negouatioas for the vast majority of health workers.

“Having tied might and main and failed) to. Bludgeon the fnurses? review body into awardings minimal 34% pay increase, “Fowler was quick enough (0 recognise the poten: tial electoral damage of being ‘Seen to oppose the 9.59% average offer he saw looming up.

While the unions remained tongue-tied, and the Royal College of Nursing was allowed to make all the running with its ‘empty calls for a 17% increase fincladiag a £1,000. minimum increase for every nurse), Fowler simply defused any em barrassment by agreeing 10 the review body's proposals, and

dipping into” Chancellor {Lawson's money box 10 pay uP. Opposition

The opposition was _gobsmacked.” Michael "Meacher wwho had made loud noises that Uabour would fund the full feview body award, was challenged 10 say whether a Labour government ouls pay ‘more than this “independent” body had recommended, Fowier then put the boot in withthe obvious jibe that even if Meacher

“The RCN, which had made

Joud rhetorical noises about possibly calling a mass meeting (Of all is 160,000 members 10 discuss some Kind of action, lamely accepted Fowler's han” dout and ditched its calls for 17%,

No action on pay from Bickersiaffe: oh, Rodney — ‘what @ plonker!

The unions, who had done nothing to” mobilise their members (a majority of murses) before or duing the pay review, began making irelevant belated moans and groans — after the increase was announced.

“The real losers in the whole

NUT Conference

"PHOTO: Job Chapman

it OF course are the nurses bemsclves (not one nurse could be found to sa¥ she was satisfied with the increase, despite the ef forts of teams of eager media hacks prowling ospital corridors) and the patients. Patients will suffer the conse quences of continued and Worsening short-staffing on wards, a5 aurses, who. were jven 0 lead for a collective ight, vote with their feet as in dividuals, and walk out on the NHS in search of a living ware land jobs bringing less stress and better working conditions

Generous?

Patients and other staff will also suffer from the apparently Small but sill significant short: funding of Fowler's apparently generous offer. Between the acjal £714mm cost of the review body awards this year and the government funds (0 cover them fa gap of £30m nationally, ‘seeraging out at £150,000 per fRealt authority — more or less the cost of running a ward for a

Norman Fowler claims this could be easily covered by “eff Sleney savings": but up to now ‘almost all of these “savings” have amounted to cuts in ancillary services, job and pay packets.

Allin all, the deal offers fitle comfort to health workers, 10 patients, or to those who saw the posibiity of making NHS

pay central to 2 concerted Challenge 10 the squalid. Tory record on the NHS.

NUT and Labour leaders tighten Tories grip!

‘The NUT’s Easter Conference debated action against Kenneth Baker.

"The left narrowly lost — swith the result that there will be no national action against Baker, and that there will be ‘no support for those who {ake local “‘no.cover" action to defend their working conditions.

Instead, members are en: couraged to ‘work to rule”, accepting Baker’s imposed conditions but applying them to the last absurd Tetier

‘This approach will be linked with half-day: protest strikes, nd eventually with pressure on local authorities to deliver conditions that are an improvement fon Baker.

‘The dangers of this strateey fare that it leaves Baker 10

dominate the national scene and ‘weakens the action that members have been taking, in the more militant areas

Baker has achieved his year. Jong success on the basis of na-

tional union inaction. The pre sent mild approach "looks unlikely to challenge his domination

‘Nor are Labour leaders pro. viding such a challenge. Educa tion spokesperson Giles Radice hhas asked the teaching uaions 10 ¢all off their action, pending an section

‘Labour authorities will most probably’ be implementing the fnew Tory conditions. And in Tondon, the ILEA continues ‘with its plan for large-scale fedeployment and for coniron- {ation with the London NUT.

Faken together these party land union responses are 9 1eX book example of how apparent tmoderation serves to strengthen the Tories’ srp.

1. yeat ago, fo the wake of the teachers’ action, the Toties Standing on education issues ‘was low. The pay campaign had highlighied the government's whole atitude to the resourcing ‘of education and tothe teaching force. Twelve months later, the rift of teachers” leaders away from action — a move in which pressure from Labour {Employers has played some part SThas given back the initiative te Baker

NUT milicants have a dif ficult few months ahead. In

situation greatly changed by 0 ‘Tomes’ law and the conference decision, they will need 10 find the right tactics to continue the defence of working conditions No-cover action will be impor

tant in this. It can_maincain members’ morale while the pay and conditions campaign is be ing rebuilt. There sil also be dozens of local disputes about the workings of the new condi tions, in which militans will be involved. The aim will Be 10 demonstrate that Baker's dic tatorship has not broken teacher At the same time, there is a reed for a longer-term perspec five for rebuilding the union. Ia this, unity with the otber TUC afftiated union, the NAS/UWT The polarisation among teachers during 2 years of action ied pot only to a growth in wy, bul to a gromth of sional unions”. To stop eis an urgent ‘Sather those teachers to-ac in defence of their

need 10

PHOTO: John Arthur

Nurses’ pay: when will she trade unions take it seriously?

Hanger’s update

‘The sacked limbmakers agreed on April 21st to vote on the last offer of Hanger’s management when it was put into writing,

At the meeting on May 1st there was still no written offer on the table

‘As we go to press, the next meeting will be at 10am on’ Thursday May 7th in Roehampton — after a mass picket from Tam — and if there is @ written offer, they will then vote.

‘On May Ist some members of the disputes committee met the Education Officer from the Metal and Allied Workers Union from South Africa. They represent the Sarmcol Metal Workers who were sacked two years ago ‘on April 30th by BTR in South Africa for requesting union recognition. Ten of the sacked workers have been murdered since. :

Plans to do some fundraising for their South African comrades are being discussed. Graham Croucher of the Hanger's disputes committee wishes to encourage fundreising for the Sarmcol workers — he says that the Tshirts they have for sale are absolutely marvellous!

The Department of Employment cancelled the appeals scheduled for Apri 28th for some of the men who were appoaling against fot being allowed to claim unemployment benefit, even though they all received their P45s several months ago. Their excuse was that they believed that Hangers was about to come to settlement!

Please send messages of support and donations to TASS, cio steve Blease, 520 London Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4VQ.

PHOTO: Wayne Faanton

Civil Service pay campaign

We have the

It's crunch time in the 1 Service pay campaign.

After the rolling programme of industrial action ‘which has hit every region of the country over past weeks, Gelegates to. CPSA™ and SCPS Annual Conferences will be asking: what next? and when?

"The right wing CPSA NEC have already. commit- {ed the Union to a ballot on all-out action, with voting t0 begin on May 18th

This ise the Monday im mediately following the end of Conference; and with the whole of the bureaucracy and the ac fivists in Blackpool the preceding week, the intention is clearly t0 lose the ball

Within the Broad Left thece is vwnanimous acceptance that all ut action is the only way to ‘Win; Dut that this cannot be achieved without a campaiga,

Two tactics have. therefore developed to make sore that this

‘@ 0 pul the start of the ballot back By one week:

‘®t close “down the’ Conference after the fist day

strength to win!

Although the Broad Left ‘officially opposed to this latter ‘option, it gathering momenftlm among activists and should in my view be supported. Apart from the practical reasons for not taking Key activisis away from thelr branches in the mid dle of the campaign, the closure (of Conference to fight for

tory in aa all-out strike ballot

By Alastair Wallace CPSA Broad Left

ould dearly demonstrate our

Tn SCPS the debate is taking 2 completely different character

The controlling “secret” Broad Left have, i seems, totally re jected the all-out strategy

They are toying with various ways of repeating or escalating the sclective action. Although they may well wait 10 sce what (CPSA decide, the probable out ‘come is 2 split in the campaign.

This would be very damaging and there are bound to be those who argue that unity must be preserved at all costs (Indeed this is already the view of some members of the CPSA Kin nockite BL ‘84 Group). Bet ‘hile unity is important it canDot be held as 2 gun against the beads of CPSA members.

sould ears be wrong. Both the member: and’ the Tones a a fave nor scm the current 2 Dian end in tect, but as @ reliminary to someshing bie Ber Continuing with more of the same simply pus off the {uestion of where he sonest.. militancy, and the resulting lack Similarly, escalation shor’ of St confidence in our abit 10 aucout action will be soon as succeed, smeang. activists will tnacly delaying the inevitable, have an uphil task wining such hile all the time undermining a vie Sor ably to achieve Yar the objective strength of Ti uniy 10 be preserecd civil service workers maker Us then the onus most Geom the smongx the most powerful ih SErsis fain wath CRSA and thecountry. The rick will be ro SSmpaten for out scion. recopnite the potential we have Tee eck of a tation of “thon we can win!

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-i9th 1987 page 6

Labour Party

The National Labour ‘Women’s Conference is due to take place in Blackpool on = May

By Barbara Green Islington South & ssbury Women’s

16-18th 1987. (ie Siaae Of course, if an election is Jon throughout he womens called for June, normal life organisations frst.

Tf Conference adopts a resolution in May, the views of just one gathering of women ‘will have long term repercas Sons for the women’s organisa tion as a whole

fas we know it in the Labour Party will cease, and all Conferences, meetings, etc., will be cancelled.

But let us for a moment assume the Conference will “72am let's look at one 0 ahead. particular proposal backed by

"There are 14 out of 146 the Labour Women’s Action resolutions going to. National Committee (WAC) Executive Labour Women's Conference This secks to restrict delegates fon the question of the review of to two per Constituency, rather how women should be organis- than two delegates per Women’s fed in the Labour Party. The Section or Couneil which is the ‘debate is extremely complicated existing rule. The consequences land has so far been restricted to of this would be to reduce the few women. Ie is therefore in qumber of women from the many ways only just beginning. CLPs attending the Conference

The National Labour as delegates, ‘Women’s Committee (NLWC) has recognised this, and will be Representation

proposing to remit all these par cular resolutions 10 a special Conference in September. This ‘wll allow more discussion in the ‘Women's Sections and union organisations.

This is @ good proposal. If any changes are to be made, we ‘must ensure a thorough discus

For a block vote at Women’s Conference!

“This conference calls upon the NEC in conjunction with the National

We all agree that women in the trade tutions should have mare fepresentation, but is it necessary to reduce the par ticipation of women from the GLPs to do this?

‘Nothing I have beard from the WAC executive has convine

ad

By Jane Prust Chair, Deptford CLP

Labour Women’s Commit- (personal capacity) tee to provide for (.-) stem of voting at the Na~ organisetions and CLPs.

ional Gonference of WAC base this proposal on Labour Women, after the principle of “parity of 1987, which esteme for the two wings of umber of women the movement.” represented by the respec- _This system has the advan tive delegates.”” tage of giving increased

jepresentation to the trade tunions without necessarily Significantly reducing the fepresentation from the Women's Sections,

‘The underivins, principle of “party of esteme’” is more problematic. tis probably true fo say that most trade unions do not have structures which ‘adequately represent thei women members” views, and that the way their delegates vote st women's conference ie determined by policy laid down by men.

Tn the future, hopefully, this will change! We should. be Supporting women ‘union ac: tivists in their fight for 2 more democratic and representative Structure in their unions.

‘That was the view of women at the 1986 National Labour Women's

Conference. The system of epresentation at our National” Gon-

‘Voting takes place on the basis of one vote per delegate. Women's Sections, Wom Councils and CLPs without 2 women's organisation can ‘two delegates and af organisations

fia {ineluding trade unions) can

sent up to 20 delegates. ‘The trade unions have never been very happy. with this aystom, arguing that it doc: fot. faily represent the Union delegates could be humbers ‘of ‘women trade voting very differently if they Union members. Under the were voting in fine with Present. system a CLP” policies decided on by women. Women's “Section delegate If this were the case, then Who may represent 60 women the best way to build sn ac- ‘and 3 trade union delegate tive, campaigning women’s who represents, say, 60,000 organisation might even (dare women, each have one vote, | say it) be for the unions to Glesrly this is ridiculous. have more than 50% of the Ir seems likely that the vote! review will end by recommen it would be a mistake to {ding the introduction of some engrave the figures 50/50 and form of block vote at the principle of “party of

Women's Conference. At the esteme” in tablets of stone as ‘moment the main proposal on unchangeable command. hhow this should operate is the ments.

‘Whatever else comes out of the consultation process on the Review, hopefully some of the artificial barriers between trade union women and CLP women will be broken down. 42nd. we willbe able to go. for ‘ward together 2s sisters. in fighting for socialism

‘one put forward by the Labour Women's Action Committee WAC "suggests that the ‘votes at Women’s Conference ‘should be spit on a 50/50 bosis: tha: is, the total votes cast by affliated organisations should have the same weight as those cast by the women’s

Women’s review needs more discussion!

Women’s Organisation Review

ed me that the so-called “rs fionalistion’” of the Women's Sections delegates will increase democracy im the women's organisation

We should start from wanting to increase participation of all women in the women's Organisation. We should be en Souraging the establishment of in tarn would be able to par ticipate actively in the National Labour Women’s Organisation and Conference

The WAC proposal would hardly encourage this, as within a particular CLP it would not fatter how many different Women’s. Sections existed — only two delegates would be en ‘tled to go to Conference,

Accountability vm

‘The WAC proposal does not deal ‘with the question of ac countabilsy “of delegates. On fanother ise, the election of the National Labour Women's ‘Committee, WAC back 2 proposal that’ the committee be Glected direct at Labour Women’s Conference, rather than — as at present — in various regional women's coo: feronces. The argument is that

As we move into. the

“consultation” process Tee ane acne oi over the reorganisation of ‘which it istheExecutive—-nota. the Labour Women's by regional conferences, organisation ‘many

"Yet the effect of two delegates shared between various const tueney women’s sections has the same drawback. How sould these delesates be mandated? By the Sections of which they are members? To the Sections a5

women expect there to be a great deal of support from Women’s Sections for LWAC’s proposals. Yet_on the central ques-

don of the voting strength of a whole? (If 50, what i the , Honor =

srhole? (f. so- shat SIM - women’s organisations and Eos wah thes trade unions at Labour

Hons with the scope for having Sifferent policies?)

Perhaps women in time will bbe convinced by the WAC Executive position, but it is obvious that more discussion i

Women's Conference, the proposal emanating from supporters of Militant is ‘worth some consideration.

Militant, as personified by Margaret Creer on the National Labour Women’s committee, propose that there be' one vote per delegate, with the following. being the basis of delegation: Women's Sections and CLPs, 2 delegates; Women’s Councils, 4 delegates; Trade Unions,” 2 delegates per 1,000” affiliated women members, or part thereof, up to 5,000; then one for every 2,000 after that.

"The discussion must start from what kind of women's ‘organisation we want and need fo win more women 10. the Uabour Party and have a more celfective voice In the Party as 2 ‘whole.

“The constitutional changes ‘should flow from that — not the ther way round

WAC. should accept_ that women feel that more discus ‘on is needed, and not attempt to force theit proposals through at the May Conference.

Streatham reselection

Labour Women in action, Labour Party Conference 1386

Consider the Militant proposal!

If all Women’s Sections, LPs “without Women's Sec: tions, and Women's Councils took up heir delegate entitle ment, there would be around 2.700 delegates. And sf all af fiated ‘rade unions took up their fll delegate entitlement there would. be around 1,000 lade union delegates

"The consultation paper argues that this would ‘assist in Grawing a wide layer of women nto activity ia both the trade ‘union and the labour women’s organisation. Voting would be linked to active participation by Jinking it (0 delegation strength. It would also mean attention 10 the raising and allocation of funds. in both the women's organisations and the trade

By Jane Connor Hornsey & Wood Green ‘Women’s Section

(On the surface, this appears a very. positive. proposal, which ‘sould encourage women in the {rade unions 0 take forward the Struggle for representation and democracy. For instance, under this system, NUPE would be en tiled 10 185 delegates (at pre

sent they can have 20),

Tt would be much harder for so many delezates to be “appointed’ and could provide big: push for direct election of delegates,

However, many of the trade union bureaucrats have already Stated that they ‘don’t have the money" to. send even 20 delegates. N's also_clear that ‘women's otganisations could potentially still have many more ‘delegates than the trade unions, @ situation which the trade unions are highly. unlikely” to accept.

in theory, Labour Women's Conference could. have nearly 3,000 delegates. Whilst” we might be in favour of such a large. conference, those with their hands on the purse strings fat Walworth Road fare likely 10 say “no way"!

"That said, this reorganisation poses us with the choice of ther going for what is most principled and jn the long-term Interests of labour movement ‘women, or going for the Teast Worst option that might have a chance of winning. stil think that the Militant proposal is probably the most democratic, but has the Feast chance of suc” cess. What do you think?

Still backing Anna Tapsell!

Anna Tapsell was selected for the second time as the PPC for Streatham on Sunday April 26th.

The selection follows the NEC refusal to endorse

By Graham Topley ‘Streatham CLP

‘ofa “shortlist of one” woud also be unacceptable t0 the Bureaucrats of | Walworth Road.

In the event there were three candidates: but Ann Pet ufor's cynical attempt to stand against Anna Tapsell came to nothing — Anna won ‘overwhelmingly on the first ballot

The task now must be to

mobilise the whole of Streatham Party, to build on the groundwork’ done during John McDonnell's ILEA elec tion campaign, to unite behind Anna Tapsell and go all out for 8 Labour victory whenever the ‘lection comes.

Anna after her original

selection back in December, because of the involvement of Black Sections.

The NEC had threatened non-recognition and possi ble imposition of a. can. didate if Streatham did not have what they called constitutional selection”; that is one without the par

At its last General Committee, Brighton Labour Party discussed the

tigpation of Black ; Sections Labour leadership's Streatham Black Section | feaction to Labour's

defeat in Greenwich. Brighton Labour Party was united in its opposition to Kinnock’s retreat to the right. In particurar, we:

reluctantly decided for tactical easons not to participate in 2 Second selection, but openiy Geclored ite ful support for ‘Anna’s nomination.

‘Janice Muir, Labour Party regions! officer, 2. frequent

Wsitor these’ days. 10 | @rejected the Hewitt letter: oversee! ‘Streatham | we testfirmed our support for meetings, warmed delegates | lesbian and gay nights and

‘tthe selection meeting in 00

agreed 19 sponsor the Lesbian and Gay Pride March,

By Bryn Grif Brighton Labour Party

Sopposed the. watering down of Labour's defence policy on the question of Cruise missles: ejected tactical voting:

‘supported Sharon. Atkin's right to stand 88 prospective parliamentary cendidate in Nottingham East.

The resolution also commit: ted Brighton Labour Party 10 campaign for a Labour vic tory at the next election on the basis of socialist policies pass: ed at. Labour Party Conference:

Brighton rejects Kinnock’s retreat

We rejected _Kinnock's strategy of distancing Labour from those involved in strug: le stating instead that such {groups must be “...an impor tant’ element of the campaign,

The resolution was referred to the two constituency. par tes so" that practical ‘im. plementation can be, discuss ‘ed. Labour Briefing supporters will be fighting to ensure that the shirt of the resolution Is kept {0 and that the genoral ‘lection campaign is fought on the basis of tadical, socialist

‘PHOTO: Andrew Wierd/Report

Labour Briefing No. 4 May 61h-19th 1987 page 7

Labour Party

Is there a new realigment on the way?

Ken’s left turn...

‘With the rapid approach of the General Election, and Labour's disastrous showing at Greenwich and in the polls, some of the tensions which would inevitably have surfaced after the election are beginning to break through now.

Tt has been clear for a long time that If Labour woo a majority there would be a stepping-up of the witehbunt against all those who demanded a Labour govern- ‘ment should take steps in the interests of the working class ‘and oppressed.

In the event of a hung Parliament no one has ever seriously doubted (despite the denials) that the Kinnock leadership would be willing to doa deal with the Alliance for a coalition or some kind of repeat of the Lib-Lab pact,

In such circumstances it would be even more imperative Tor the bureaucracy to silence those who wanted Labour 10 maintain its independence from the junior Tories

If Labour lost the clection then a battle royal would for the succession and over where fo Tay the blame. IC Is highly “unlikely that -Kinnock could survive as leader it [Labour lost the election and he ‘sould not deliver 2 coalition

"The right have already make it lear whom they would blame for sich a defeat — the “Lon. don facior”, Militant, Black Sections, violent piekels”, the Soon left” etc. ~ in effect al those who have in any way fessted the drive tO the diaht They would move quickly to eplace Kitock sith their own fandidate — John Smith being the most favoured name in press speculation.

"After the Liverpool witch hunt the leadership hoped that the media would give Labour 2 beter press. OF course, all they did was point out that other subversives™ (Scargill, Bernie Grant, Brent Counsel, ete.) were Still present!

Now, sith it beginning to look as if there is nothing fi ther to Lose, the Fight seems 10 be pushing for a full-scale ‘witch-bunt, with attacks on the Black Sections AGM, ‘on the Birmingham Black Sections ral fy, and on left. wing activists around the country.

In this situation the pressure fon the "soft left” has increased. The dividing. line between the “hard” and "soft left since Kinnock became leader in 1983 has been a fundamentat one

"The hard left have solidly supported those in strugale against the bosses and the Tories (uch as the miners and printworkers) and. clearly ‘rtiesed the direction in which Kinnock has taken Party policy On the other hand, the soft left" have hada ‘project of

‘keeping Kinnock out of the claws of the right" by swearing ‘undying loyalty and attempting by backroom manoeuvre 10 Keep some semblance of left wing policy

Denying from the start that Kinnock was in fact leading the right in the reversal of policy and the witch-hunt this “soft Jett” have been the main people arguing for “unity” in order to Win the election

‘This fence-siting has proved foo. uncomfortable for" most leaders of the soft left. One after another they have made their peace with the right and abandoned "wholesale any pretence to being on the left (Meacher, Blunkett, Sawyer BeIng the most prominent).

“They have thrown in thee Lot with the witehshunt and. denounced the hard left in the Same terms as the Fight. The ‘organised tendency of this soft fett, the Labour Co-ordinating ‘Committee. has ‘attempted 10 hold together an alliance of all

those who signed up for the project of “cuddling upto Kinnosk’

“This while leading the witeh hunt in’ Liverpool it opposed some other expulsions (such as those of Amir Khan and Kevin Scally). Whilst supporting. the miners: strike in words while it was taking place, ie soon de nounced. it for “violent imethods’, and the lack of a ballot once it was over. It was ‘the ‘main protagonist of unity behind Kinnock and not struga!- ing against the ‘Tories’ and bosses" attacks.

The LCC's major “coup” was to recruit Ken Livingstone fafter he was disowned by the hard left for his role in selling (out the ratecapping struggle at the GLC. Livingstone, always fon the lookout for @ fan club ‘and never choosy about his friends, was seen as the big catch.

Noi having the kind of pressure ‘which the “‘soft lef” feaders on the NEC have 10 face, Livingstone has stood fem fon many issues important to the hard left: against the witch-hunt {after much prompting over Liverpoo)) support for Black Sections, and lesbian and gay

jahis, and for British ‘withdrawal from Ireland — although much quieter than uring his early GLC days.

‘Yet whenever it has come to the crunch of having to imple ment policy oF put his per sonal career ot the tine Liv ingstone has backed down.

‘As leader of the GLC he made “socialism” popular and Suck his neck out on some issues, particularly Ireland. Yet ft the same time he refused to Challenge the courts over Fares Fair; failed to support demands ‘which ‘could have’ gone some ‘vay'to getting rid of low pay for London Transport workers: and stabbed the fight against rate ‘capping in the back. His fight to

save the GLC" relied solely on lobbying the Lords for support rather than any thought out action against abolition

His. support for _ greater representation of women and back people amongst Labour parliamentary candidates eft ‘one exception — Breat East — which he sew as "his seat by fight.

Foe someone who has mastered the aft of ‘manipulating the press to make Sure his views are known, he Kept very quiet oa the miners ‘and peintworkers' struggles

'AS it has ecome obvious 10 everyone, except those ho

‘dont want to seit, that Kinhock is firmly against any left ‘ving policy, tension has

Geveloped within the soft left Gnd the EEC) between those who. are prepared (0. continue own the road of unity'at any Sos and those who have belatedly bepun to realise tha they have no chance of influene: ing Kinnock and have beau to fasisr inthe diching of left policy.

Not long after joining the LCC, Livingstone announced at 1986 Labour Party Conference that the project had failed and that he wanted a new (second) “realignment of the left", consisting as he saw it of the Cam: pain Group, Tribune, the LOC nd the right of the hard left leaving the “Trots™ out in the oid),

‘Since then divisions” have developed inthe LCC: over ‘working with "Labour Left Tits (ic was rejected), over whether 10 defend the present System of reselection (rejected) and. British withdrawal from ireland — passed by a “co sullative conference”, but yet be considered by LCC ‘con: ference itself, (tis worth noting thatthe potiy paper, written by Peter Hain, which was agreed sees everything in terms of a Briish solution, ie.” Betain drawing up a constitution, Br tain guarantecing civil iberties, tnd "Bein siting is troops in icland.)

‘PRingstone 1 this year standing forthe constituency section of the NEC the stood for

By Pete Firmin Brent East CLP (personal capacity)

treasurer in "86; but is refusing fo stand on the LCC slate because the LCC declares its ‘maip sim to be kicking off Bean and Skinner (Livingstone wwekcomed Helfer’s defeat last Year), Yet he has mor resigned From the LCC Executive Committee. Livingstone claims, with Some justification, o have been On the. right side in the ‘arguments in the LCC, but this ignores the fact that as'a promi nent member he is identified ‘wih their decisions and actions.

Livingstone, when pushed, admits that he is unlikely 00 be fon either of the maia left slates for the NEC this year (Campaign Group and LLL) yet

and talks of

tieves he can wi nity of the le ‘What be in fact means is that the can appear as all things 10 all people, picking up votes across the spectram from the LCC to the “softer” wing of LLL. His ‘ersion of unity of the lefts of tity around ‘him as a_candidate, not of a united left sate fighting for maximum representation on the NEC

‘While swearing undying loyalty to Kinnock, Livingstone "no doubt. participating in ‘caucuses 10 discuss who should be the “left” candidate in the fight over the succession; and it jst not only Guordion feature ‘triters who see him as the only Viable candidate against the Fight’s John Smith,

Here again rather than prepare a strong and democratic Fett opposition 10 Kinnock’s politics now and for democratic

discussion of who would be the lefts candidate, we see the same method as the Tight — saying fone thing” while organising 10 Step in with the minimum of fuss and democratic debate

‘Livingstone has been making leftish noises of late, This has less to do with a recognition of the tasks of socialists than with the realisation that if Labour loses the election his opportuni ty to stand as leader is going 10 Come sooner than he previously ‘expected and he has 10 repain Some credibility amongst the fet

“The hard left was taken in by Livingstone before. Yet his politics have never significantly Changed, He did not suddenly Sswing (0. the right” 10 capitulate on ratecapping any more than he is now moving left. The. determining factor

throughout has been the eateer ‘of one Ken Livingstone.

‘The most significant thing about Livingstone’ politics. is the total lack of any conception ff what the agent for change is in “society, of the organised working class achieving Zocialism. Such a concept ‘demands an openness and accountability which are ‘anathema fo Livingstone.

idricjing must NOL ignore developments amongst the soft Teft: of the growing realisation amongst many rank and file labour movement activists who Sallowed the “unity” Tine that iehas led to disaster

We have to be willing to work with them and ther leaders such, as Livingstone on specific issues ‘where there is agreement. But Jet's not resurrect illusions in the likes of Livingstone,

Ken (right) and the Queen (left) join forces to admire GLC achievements: opening of the Thames barrier, May 1984, Eleven months

later. the GLC was no more

The Queen — and the barrier — remain.

Positive Images

Haringey

Bigots disrupt Council meeting

Tory councillors and supporters exposed themselves for the homophobic bigots they are at a Haringey Council meeting held on April 22nd.

‘Supporters of lesbian ‘and gay rights turned out in strength to oppose the anticipated presentation of 2 Tory-sponsored petition attacking the Council's policy of promoting positive images of lesbians ‘and gay men in schools.

In the event, the Tories cocked up their publicity stunt by addressing the petition not to Haringey Council, but to Haringey Labour Party — so it was not presented at the meeting.

This did not stop the bigots from. attacking Clr Philip Jones during a debate on the Tory Social Security Act.

‘When Labour members 2ppealed Tor quiet, ight wing ‘Tory councilor Bemard Dehnel said he wouldn't be quiet because he had ""no respect” for the councilor in question = then. proceded to. attack “pomosexyatty” 19 general

Haningey's Community Affairs ‘Committee. The Labour Coun cillors then voted to exclude Dehnel from the meeting.

‘But this was only a signal to the raving right in the gallery fo take up the attack. One wellknown Tory. activist Screamed that “queers have fo right to tak about the fam I" and refused to leave when Ordered to do s0 by the major ty group on the Council

Police were called in and escorted the offender off the premises. However, in the ‘meantime, local Tory activists showered Labour councilors ‘and members with ¢ hai of sp: palling verbal abuse — calling

Red

aes Bastards “Perverts”, “Queers”. and {the ultimate insult?) “You're ‘not British”

The Tories have tried 10 claim that they ate criticising the Council's lesbien and gay fights policy on “educational Grounds. This has now been shown to be 2 le

in collecting signatures for their petition on the streets, they have abused Labour Par!

ty_members, sttacked ad Wocates” of lesb Tones " "degenerate, fiers and 80 on. “They are attecking the very right of lesbiane and gay men to exst. The fescist huge ‘Sheltering under the Tory label are intent on dstupting Coun Gir mestings and. anyother public gathering at which we fy to advance our policy. However, calling in the police to remove them from fre Couric galery Is not the answer. The Labour Counc rust itself take necessary Steps 10. protect our sup porters in the gallery. The Sbuse to” which they have een’ subjected at meeting atte meeting is intolerable

If we cannot protect them, then we should advise them not to come.

A Labour councillor should be present in the gallery at ll times, helping with — the Stewarding of the public and Controlling admission. Known bigots, fascists and other people with a proven record of a {eckson councilors and members of the public must be excluded at the doot

Briefing supporters on the Council will propose that. we ‘amend the Council's standing

orders to enable us to do this, ‘which is entirely. within out legal rights.

“The bigots were sided and abetted by members of the Revolutionary Communist Pa ty (RCP) who soomed to be following the Alliance line of attacking Labour end Tories with equal ferocity.

Their behaviour in the gallery — far from offering Support to lesbian and gay Tights, — assisted the Tones ‘and demonstrated yet again that ‘this group is only. interested. in scoring cheep points at Labour's expense,

‘Wrong as the decision to call in the police may have been, the response of one RCP member, who shouted abuse Bt Bernie Grant from the gallery, was inexcusable. Cal Ing Bernie “'scurn” and iikening the police action in the gallery to the attack on Broadwater Farm incensed the Haringey Council leader, who responded with understan: ‘able anger.

This incident was misreported in the London DaiJy. News and elsewhere the following day. Suffice it to say that here again we have proof the media hacks can't even see no less understand — what's" gaing’ on under’ their

Labour Briefing No, 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 8

Feature: Tory Britain

While

Tories sell us “popular capitalism’’, it’s.

Time for some popular socialism!

The Tories have never set out to please all of the people any of the time.

From day one in office thelr aim has been to please some people —

latively few people — all of the time.

The prosperous, the smug and the reactionary have. been the Tories’ target audience — and boy, do they know what turns them on.

‘They have beon feasted on a red meat diet of tax cuts, tmiltary spending, and law and order campaigns, laced’ with Ready spices of racism, chauvinism and ant communism: for those stil hungry there has been a side dish of Victorian values in 3 bigotry dressing

But the chef's specialty has been prime cuts of nationals: fed industries, served up to the ‘wealthy handful. Successive portions of shares in privatised Corporations have been dished ‘out et bargain basement prices ‘even. some workers could afford.

Al this — coupled with the additional device of "employee share issues"” has helped create the myth of 2 new "popular capitalism”. in ‘which "a contented, ‘Sperous Body of working pe0ple share equally in the fruits ‘of industrial expansion, while ‘2 mere handful of ne'er do well, ‘Scroungers look on in envy.

‘Of course itis a myth: while

‘banks and corporations Up with record profits,

‘million. working class families ive below the poverty fine; four’ milion are unemployed — despite the ‘Tories’ orchestra of statistical fiddies. Against this 2 mere 2.3m comfortable individuals Signed up for British Telecom shares, and now that the

hullabaloo is over, less than 1.5m have held on to these shares

While 2 relatively small umber of workers have been ured into buying tiny parcels fof shares inthe firms. that employ them, their “voice” in the frm iz dwarfed by the financial institutions which continue to decide every spect of management policy By John Lister

No amount of garnish can conceal the bitter reality that ‘were workers consistent in Pursuing their interests as Shareholders, they would be pressing for measures to make Shemsolves work ever harder for make themselves. redun. ants at which point they woud ‘need to ‘sell thoi Nicierously tiny quota of shares — which in any case ‘wouldnt provide enough “aividend’” to live off — if they were not to fali foul of ‘Social Seourity.

Tt. ig self-evident that workers who buy 2 few shares have not become capitalists, ‘any more than workers. who buy their own houses become landlords, or those who buy Bemi steaks become ‘gourmets,

In the 1960s, some defeatists argued thet owning fridges, TVs and cars had eradicated working class con: ‘Sciousness: then came new explosions of working class ‘Struggle in Britain and in Eurape

‘Now, a then, the real probiem is not “capitalist” workers of the blandishments and con-tricks purveyed by the ruling class, or even the slick Tory presentation. The problem is the leadership of the labour movement: it is they who have rejecte: kind of class response.

"For milions of working class people in miserable low-paid

‘ony

jobs, sweating on production fines, ‘paying. sky-high mor tgages, or facing the grim realty of fe on the dole, ‘capitalism is not popuser stall. Socialiem could be made popular tor them

‘now been taken in by the ‘mythmachine, and never heard @ real aliernative,

“The potential popularity of

‘bash the rich” campaign waged with vigour by @ Labour Ieadership pledging real action for the oppressed has never ‘even been tested

Renstinaleation propagsn da, targetted at the real pro: fiteers, those who have now carved up the majority of the shares — slong with their vast holdings in other industries — ‘could be popular. Dennis Skin. hherand others prepared to oreSent such policies. in robust knockabout style to working class audiences can win ‘tremendous support

W greed. end individualism are the weapons cynically us- ‘2d by the Tories 10 divide and ‘confuse sectons of the ‘employed working class, then hostility to class privilege, and Class solidarity canbe weapons af the workers’ movement infighting back — ‘and attract the best elements (of the middie classes, revolted by Thatcherism.

‘stead, Omid Labour Jeaders have responded by declaring many of the Party's traditional dishes are “oft” Commitments to. rena: tionslisation and even verbs! sspirations to socialism have been quitely scraped into the bin. The chet has forgotten ‘even the names of almost everything except an almost Constant diet of humble pie ‘and marshmallow.

‘While dreaming of plessing

‘of the yuppies af of the ime, Kinnock fails really to please anyone any of the me. ‘That is neither popular, nor socialist.

and for |

The Prime Minster constantly attacks other countries on the issue of their denial of human rights, but what is her ‘own government’s record ‘on human rights?

The most basic right for any person is their right to live a useful, creative life; to hhave the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having an important and necessary role in society, in association with other human beings.

That right which gives moral stature can only exist if the person has a job doing useful work which pays a proper wage. Everyone must have the Right 1o Work with wages that are just. That basic right is denied by Mrs Thatcher's government to four million people.

‘There are more people ‘unemployed today than during the economic crisis of the 1930s More school leavers, women, ‘and members of ethic groups

Organising unemployed v

Human Right the Unemplo

By Ernie Roberts MP

are unemployed today.

Even though there are such massive numbers of people ‘unemployed there is n0 united ction by the unemployed for the Right 1o Work such as there ‘was inthe 1930s by the Nacional Unemployed ‘Workers! Movement.

Twas an organiser of ‘the unemployed in the Midlands, ‘sith Tom Mann and Wal Hann: ington, in the NUWM during the 1930s, We have many had massive national and local emonstrations of all kinds, inluding hunger marches and o° cupations of the Ritz and Ox ford Street,

‘Attempts were made in those days to keep the unemployed passive and unseen with tea and biscuits, cards and darts clubs. They were told 10 wail for a change in the economic climate, fas if thelr condition was due 10 Nature, se. Unemployment From natural causes.

The situation is not much dit ferent today. The millions. of unemployed have been cajoled into accepting unemployment as natural and told t0 keep their

Will spycatchers revelations be

Callaghan’s downfall?

As Jim — Callaghan deliberates over whether or not to admit that his inquiry into allegations of MIS plots against Harold Wilson was a farce, a number of very serious questions arise.

The first concerns freedom of | information.

Briefing has enough trouble paying its phone bill, let alone a contempt of the

High Court, so I will be careful what T write.

To serve writs on the Independent and two London dailies for merely repeating sections of a book by a senior security officer that will soon be on sale across Australia smacks of 1984 at its worst

Tt also smacks of a cover up. ‘The further you delve into the ase, the more you wonder just, ‘whai’s Behind it

“The second question revolves

By Dan Carter

‘around US involvement. 1 is now thar much of the MIS/MIG insurcestionary work was being done following CIA disquiet at Wilson’s election as Prime Minister. The best one so far is the CIA's theory that Gaitskell was assassinated by the Soviet" Union to let the

Sympathiser Wilson in —

ughable ifthe CIA wass"t ‘The third question revolves

around the associated “revela tions" that the Chief of SIS twas gay. In addition, a GCHQ worker who. admitted he was ‘openly gay has been the subject ‘of national press speculation: is hea security risk?

‘Well, if its all over the na sional pres, it's hardly a security isk because you can't be blackmailed over hiding Something fifty million peosle Know

"The whole debate is a chance for Labour's leaders to promise 42 transformation (0 2 society

where you can’t be blackmaled Tor beiag. gay because its not regarded as something you have to hide. Some chance

‘The fourth issue is, mind, the most worrying. Most Briefing ceaders the sale

fare on the side of “the

Seainst "us", But just how far ‘mould the security forces go 10

Wes, impossible 10 believe he didn’t Know that something was going oa under Wikon. Yer his enquiry. that Thaichee quotes constantly. at all questions was merely into bugging of selected offices.

‘Why was that? The big ques tion has to be: was Wilson fore fed out 10 enable Callaghan 10 take over; and if so, dig Sir Jim ever know?

‘A final thought as you bole the door and check your phone for clicking noises. If" they thought Wilson was such a threat, what would they dof we ‘got elocied?

PHOTO: Androw Wiard (Feport)

he meant.

beads down and wait for q teonomie climate get bette ‘The stale Of then

economy fs the responsi the elected government, hi controls a ‘major area of through taxation and expe diture The Tory governme for the petiod of 1987-88

£144,000" millions 10 spe

land certainly not to solve problem of unemployment, They are wasting thovsar ‘of millions. of pounds Spend it in their own interests 1@£18,200 millions on arms penditure and Trident; 1©216,000' millions. om taining unemployment which their reserve. poo! of suri labour to use to reduce ws and conditions of those in wo (@£17,300 millions in inter to the userers who own the ol jority of the National Debt ‘©£5,000 millions to hold on: Northern Ireland and. to Falklands as military bases; ‘© £800 millions to remain the international capit Common Market.

‘Al this expenditure (£54, million) distorts the econoniy ‘The productive resources misdirected and misused to p duce Tor private profit and

‘enforce capitalist class. po ‘ver the working class

‘We need a government whi

will take into public owner All those areas of the econo Which are necessary to sal the needs of the majority of B tain's people — the work elas.

Massive

“There is a massive amount work that needs. 10 bed Which the four mila lunemployed could do. There. ‘over one million fam without. homes: there are o three milion homes in need fepair; 600,000.» people hospital waiting lists; thous of slum schools and. hospi buildings; thousands of miles pavements and roads in need Fepair; thousands of | kid Imachines and other medical 3 pliances are needed.

The social, welfare, ands health services are in need of considerable nutnber Workers. Great areas of Bri industry are in need technological improvements

“Transport of all kinds nee smastive investment t0 make li and work more comfortable f people, In fact there more work that needs 10 one than there are workers Britain to do i

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 9

Feature: Tory Britain

PHOTO: Richard Atkinson

There is no real excuse for tunemployment. The £70,000 milion taken out of Britain and fnvested abroad should be to: vested here in British industey and services. ‘The £18,200 inion arms expenditure should be cut and the money used to pay for. more useful and necessary goods.

‘The nation’s wealth in. che bbudger "of £174,000 milion should be so allocated that the Feal needs of the working class fre satisfied, The Gross Ni tional Product of £230,000 tillion should be distributed in the interests ofthe working class ‘which creates the wealth

Opportunity

Wages, hours and conditions ‘of work can be so arranged that All who wish to work have the ‘Opportunity and right 10 work. ‘That means. there must be a reduction of hours in the working week, as demanded by the TUC, 10°38 hours: longer annual holidays; and a reduction in the retirement age

‘There should “be adequate time off to study and so. im prove oneself, and consequently Improve production

‘All this will mean that a considerable’ number of extra ‘workers will be needed. ‘This Will cause. the thousands of Imilions of pounds which at pre Sent goin profit tothe explolers ‘of workers to g0 instead to the ‘working class itself in wages and Salaries. This, in wen, wil Greate a great demand for more ‘goods and services and create feven more jobs,

‘This can oniy happen if a Labour government has real control over the means of production, distribution, and ex change. That is, public ownerShip of the economic centres of poner which must be managed Semocratically by all those who Work within ther

Unemployment is a human condition created by. humans ‘and canbe cured by humans. Gniey of the unemployed with {the support of the employed can bring to Dear the. necessary pressure upon government and employers 10. solve the unemployment problem and give everyone the Right (0 Work.

To unite the millions of unemployed in their efforts to achieve the Right 10 Work, over 200 MPs, MEPs, Trade Union ieaders and local leaders of the Unemployed called a meeting in the House of Commons on ‘April. 27th to consider the brganisation of the unemployed nationally

Watch out! UDCs are coming to your area!

JOHN TURKIE looks at Tory plans to extend the “experiment” of the London and Merseyside Docklands Development ‘orporations to other “depressed” areas, and studies the local and national Labour Party responses. Don't believe the “favourable” treatment given to London will be repeated in other places!

Hailing Urban Develop- ‘ment Corporations (UDCs) as the saviours of the inner city, the Tories are, for the moment, setting four more in motion.

UDCs channel public money in 2 “pumppriming” operation to attract private sector investment. The chosen areas for ‘extension of the opera tion are Manchester's Trafford Park, ‘Tyneside, Teeside, and the West Midlands.

Labour-led councils _in these recession-hit areas are “reluctantly accepting”? Ridley's offer of a UDC and around £150 million over a seven-year period. As Trafford’s leader, Barry Brother ton, says:

We may not like the con: cept and prefer local control ‘and more democratic accountability but we have to Face reality. ””

Barry has recently ac cepted a seat on the Board of the local UDC.

Regeneration? UDCS are unelected and unaccountable quangos. The Lon- ‘don Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) and the Merseyside Development Cor oration (MDC) — which have Snsted for six years — have faken control of planning and redevelopment away rom affected local authorities, resulting in an irrevocable loss Of local, and often regional, democracy.

Political control of the corpporations is firmly in the hands Of the Secretary of State for the Environment. To date, every Secretary of State has supported al UDC planning applications ‘oF supported the corporations at Local Plan Inquires.

‘Since 1981 the LDDC has received around £400 million ia grant from the Department of {he Environment (DoE). Over the same period, Docklands tunemployment has more than doubled to an average of 30 fas land which once housed {traditional riverside industries hhas been gobbled up by proper ty speculators eager to build private luxury” riverside ‘Swelings.

"Commercial and _ private developments have stimulated incredible. pressure on. land Values, with land in some parts of Docklands currently changfing hands at £5 milion per acre

IF the gigantic Canary Wharf goes ahead (East London's SWall St on water"), Docklands’ descent into a paradise forthe rich will Become complete. (Europe's largest office development will

Contradictions of the LDDC: high tech swing bridge and builders’ rubble. The industriat landscape of the 1990s?

‘ot be subject to planning per ‘mission or public scrutiny, and the developers behind this ex slusively private project are 10 enjoy. around £2. thousand ‘milton in public subsidies).

‘The net effect of | the “regeneration” of this once heavily industrialised area is 3 radicaly altered local economic base which squeezes out local people and local industry. The EDDC's marker-led_ approach comprises a dual

the woelds of high finance and high-tech. As Dig money has rolled im, local people have been Dashed cut.

Labour leaders, who favour co-operation with UDCs, argue that this process will not. be fepeated in other areas. There are principally two reasons why Londoa’s Docklands have’ 3 tracted so much private invest: ment: iis proximity to the City {and the benefit of huge amounts of public money available via the LDDC.

However, these Labour leaders, who also. argue. that UDCs are useful ways of using public “money. in a pumpPriming exercise 10 attract eivate sector investment, car fhot have ¢ Both ways. London's Docklands will attract more private investment than other reas, but the same pressures on evelopment. will exist in all areas, if not to the same extent

Merseyside

As an indication of what we ‘an expect ouside London, let Us take brief look ai the MDC (which over the last 6 years has received around £200 million of public money

The private sector has been loathe fo invest in Merseyside ‘espite the available public subSidies. So far, the achievements Of the MDC consist of the upmarket redevelopment of the

London Docklends

“Albert Docks into a shops, of fice and cultural complex interspersed with private luxury housing: and the building of the International Garden Festival

“The property company behind the Fesival Gardens — Transworld — eventually col lapsed with £5 million losses and $00 creditors.

The Ieisure-orientated developments may have at tracted some new tourism, but they have made absolutely 00 impression on Merseyside's chronic unemployment: the only MDC-created jobs being part- ‘Ume, unskilled service ibs.

True, there has been litle or no disruption to existing com- ‘munities compared to London's Docklands, but there never was going 10 be. London's Docklands has @ population of ‘around $0,000," Liverpool's Socklands a few hundred

The Labour Party's response

Discussion about whether to cooperate with the proposed UDC has 30 far been limited to the respective Labour Gi Indeed, leading Labour dillors ia all areas have accepted Seats on the Boards of the new Upcs" Gust as Mellish and (O'Grady did in Southwark and Beasley in Tower Hamlets).

it is hardly. surprising, that these areas have n0 idea what is ‘about to hit them. However, i is not yet too late for the whole ‘question of UDCs to become a ‘major political issue within the Tabour Party nationally

“This will mean taking on the leadership of the Party. Cunningham and his friends seem ‘quite enamoured with UDCs. They “may be unelected, undemocratic, and_Unaccoun” table quangos, but they possess ‘quite extradordinary powers far greater than any oe authority. A Labour Secretary of State ‘could do remarkable things wich such a tool with the right people on the Board — or So the argument goes.

OF course it is par for the course that there should be such Labour Party co-operation with these Tory Boards, Political ‘debate must begin inthe Labour Party, up and down the coun. ty, to ensure that the aim of the Party is to campaign for the abolition of these unelected {uangos and for the restoration OF focal democratic control

‘The Tories know that their chances of taking political con: {rol through the ballot box) of turban local authorities are

slender, and therefore see UDCs new UDCs — like the MDC —

as replacing “anti-__ will generate a minute amount evelopment” and “antic Of private sector investment, but fnlerprise™” councils. To ensure ata high cost to the area. If past

{heir eficieney, the UDCs have experience is anything to 86 bY been granted tnormous powers and i usually s-~ then the SF “Seating” aking) public new "developments wil tke {and ‘and “purchasing private place atthe expense of both the land through Compulsory Pure local communities andthe Ghase Orders policies of local councils.

"At present Development Cor- "The massive amounts of porations have sweeping powers public money going into the cofBeer planning, land, and fers of UDC go largely to sub fedevelopment. ‘Thatcher and side private developments Senior ministers are studying Land zoned by local authorities sways to exend thelr powers to for existing industry and public Sihcr “problem areas such as sector housing is taken over by Rousing’ “and education One UDCS, prepared. with public

Source hasbeen quoted ss money, and then sold of often : Nery cheaply) to. property the "loony let” running things. developers Itwecan' get id of them, then The’ Tories’ concept of shat powers 60 we need to take “regeneration” is defined. not Bray from them? by focal needa, but by the needs othe property market. For the about Parry fe shouid surely ‘ _ private mean meeting local needs and Public money — private fegenerating the local economy profit —not pandering to the property Weis move than likely thatthe market

PHOTO: NALGO News

No Budget tax cuts for me!

Did You Know:

‘@ This government says employer subsidised childcare is a

perk

‘SPorents using workplace nurseries face massive tax bill

‘SMeny Conservative MPs, the opposition parties, leading

employers and trade unions oppose this tax

‘e Nigel Lawson refuses to scrap the “toddler tax" in his

Dudget, preferring to offer election tax cuts in other areas, “+ For further details about the campaign to abolish the ‘oddler tax” write to: Workplace nurseries campaign, Room

208, South Bonk House, Black Prince Road,

London SE1 75.

“ee

| i

NE Sa

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6ith-19th 1987 page 10

Building Briefing

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‘Send snippets and info to Greg Bassett, Periscope Column, Labour’ Briefing. 26 Crofton Road, London SES.

political intervention shows once eain. the hypocrisy. of Tory

Health chiefs’

rT criticisms of elected local councils, sich joke area aes

pointed health authorities — a na onal network of quangos, which fu bealth services with no hint of ccoumtability to residents of the locality they cove.

Cloak and Dagger Road to Socialism?

‘we relly wane xo gee rid ofthe

Tories, more of us have got <o

become Knights of the Garter. “This & the shock conclusion of

shrill “Tory complaint when Taboug councils make any anempt (o ctttise government polices, ‘What, then, isthe correct label far pré-goverament propaganda pumped: out. by a, nomelected Fealth-authoeiry in the run-up to the coming General Election? “Members of Barnet dsrict ‘ealthrauthority — which ci ‘Margaret Thatcher's Finchley oneatuency — have been sent draft "briefing notes" which ‘management want 1 distribute to Candidates forthe four” local parliamentary seats.

‘Surprisngly for adiscict which Professor Eric Hogwash hss silfered heavy Bed losses writing in the latest Masochism substantia cut’ in. finding and Today

"IC's no use clinging on to the cold hidebound clseicden view of ociegy: more of us shows hang on Creatively to hidebound scabbards, Swords, cloaks, funny has and blue fibbone Wwe realy wane to he ‘apiealam where hurts — in che Pace reception rooms.” urget the veteran Masochse scorn.

‘ow boasts one ofthe Fastest grow: ing waiting lists in London, health chiefs have chosen to concentate fn justifving the closure of acute ‘ede in the district!

‘Angry DHA members may yet prevent these “briefing ‘note from playing their clearlyIntended role of defusing political debate on health services in the Souch “But the stemge sal a

__BcPinche Chappedbum:

Briefing election news

‘ur plans for publising Labour Briefing in the next few weeks will be shaped by the election announcement. We originally intended to publish this issue on May 12th, Dut brought it forward when election fever hotted up. This is to enable us to bring out an “election special” issue for use during the campsign.

The Election Special will be shorter than usual; but also (if it’s possible!} crisper, more hard hitting and of ‘even wider appeal. It will be saleable to all labour movement activists, but also of appeal to a wider audience.

As we go to press now, we are still waiting for the election announcement to decide the exact publication date. Briefing sellers are therefore encouraged to phone in to find out further details as soon as you receive this issue.

But before you phone, think about increasing your order of this extra-saleable issue. If the election ‘campaign is short, we may not publish again until after polling day, so you will have more time to sell You'll also need to check with us to establish the exact date of the post-election publication. As we'll be rushing to print as quickly as possible after polling day, printing may not be on the usual weekday

Of course, if the Tories decide not to cut and run, the usual Briefing will be with you again. But keep in touch to find out what's happening!

Briefing AGM

The 1987 Annual General Meeting will be held on

Saturday July 4th at Polytechnic of Central London Marylebone Road

Admission by Briefing supporters card: available on request to shareholders in the 500 Supporters Club or on payment of £10 (waged) £3 (unwaged)

(cheques payable to Labour Briefing) from: 26, Crofton Road, London SES

SAT/SUN JUN 20/21

EVENTS + Sisterhood & Solidarity Gwards an antismperiallt &

aptay ae Snil-racist women's labour

movement. LWI'SWSC

AManist discussion torum Weekend school, Camden

tly: Cube & Latin America

Speakers Jaime Lopez, rep. Town Hall

FOR/FMLN, Ei Salvador; SAT JUN 27.

Mario Mann, Sec. Latin ‘Lesbian & Gay Pride Week America TU. Association, carnival

Columbia. Bryant St Church, Bryant St, off West Ham Lane, Stratford, E15, 7.30pm. Disabled access Gincl, wheelchei); disabled toilet

SUN MAY 24

‘Lesbians & Gays Laying Down the Law Conference Details: LCLGR, 01 226

Kent Miners Gala Assemble 11am, Market Square Aylesham for march & tally. Invited speakers include Tony Benn, Peter Heathfield, Bruce Kent, Kay Sutcliffe, Mick McGahey. Aiternoon: open air rock concert. Evening: Showdown joint choir & band,

SAT MAY 30 Sponsored by Kent NUM poodle SEI Se Ic fecccnion eee ocr ths

tesccreen, Soneeeter "Se SUN JUN 28

heath, 930.8,00, The ‘Keon inors ala, Devt Counc Howe Bits Gtorere Seon evens

Geil,

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Road, East Finchley, London” | Ssad-30p + stamped oe addressed envelope to 35 Internationa! Brafing con be | Quebec St, Brighton, contacted cio 26 Crofton venus

Road, London SES. A gripping read for all Briefing Ector! Board serious socialists,

contact cio 26, Cretion Essential reading for all Road, London SES humourous ones too.

‘Autee: they anored over Lord Wison's Diaries bus now Cataghan’sSaighedood. “has "Ard to Choppedtum, brought everyone to attention Ke Cathar nseil was the 3s Bs ust aot enough to win the YoP- fant im the conspiracy, and re fies and the wets we MR wet” [al toons dap s marber ofthe lefeiearing sections of, the Srryat “Workers Intelligence mrsocracy, the Royal Famly and League”, an extreme pro-NATO ‘eles of the Round Table over co better 20 o= the Broad Popular Afiance,” the "The sim‘of the conspiracy was Od windbag waffles on to. cust Wikon and fatal ‘combination ofSefn's deep Cataghan hunseif as Prine rary work with my Boe of Saba Minater knowing that he in arn ‘cal Voeing (whereby only colege would Geverly prepare Ow. way lecturers on leave get co vote for Tor dee 1979 tory vecory the Aance canddite of ther The’ ony iference. between choice) could. bring! trimmph eis"and many other conapracet

Wwitia the next.” (here the Lmveded by Chappedbum that i Imandscripe beaks 510, worked

Wes the bd on Callaghan’s role in the whole squad affae

Fielder found on sticky wicket ‘Wh ely sec for wy i hc

Panty, part 37: MP Frank Field

Slipping on the Garter

Stay down on your Knees, Sir James: that's how se remember you best”

“Thank you, your majesty; may [ick your boots while Tm here?”

(coro

‘candidates fighting difficul sears

He's called for voters t0 "ac tically ote” Alliance in areas ‘where Labour came thied at the General Election

As this includes Yays Moo, where’ Kinnock's brother inlow ‘Stands 2 real chance of winning Keith Best's od constituency, we ‘avait with bated breath che same

ELS 'e"Scgimy aces Evening Post — fen eee ce

Dc scooped!

Briefing has ht the headlines spun.

The eve-of pol Yorkshire Even ing News repraned Clr Garth Frankiand's arecle from the ism ‘swe of Briefing on the Counc ‘Secon campaign on ther front

Sir Jim’s secret hy is en Callaghan 0 rh je ef ahamster Sie hi coe ea rod Wes povernment?

Periscope has laid hands on 2n ‘exclave preview of 3 new book

page.

‘Che Frankland’s arvce in Brie lng — a lbour movement paper — sipporting Party democracy was presented by the Post asa massive.

drsive pit a the Council Labour Group

‘The pages of the Pose carried comments on thi allegation. im lading one from Clim Tricket, ‘who seemed to have undergone 3 Swift conversion to the moderate ‘wing Of the Labour Group — hee {are not overtly co deny the splicis snyching to gy

‘Anyway, the trouble the Post obviously’ took to research and write thei in-depeh analysis of Cir Franklind’sarecle, and’ slice comments onit — especially inthe face of local policy not to talk to. the Tory rag. — was obviously vwhat held up che appearance of the article just 5 wel they made belore the election, eh? CM.

Rats desert?

After recent hygiene scares and 2 sustained boycott of the doctors fanteen by Koowedgesble mirobologisth, rats have been Seen angry leaving the kitchens at Fulham's St Stephen's Hospital

‘A spokesrat told Periscope

1's disgusting in there: we jst can't take the fith any more. My embers have decided to turn ca We hear that at least one mole has lefe the heath authority, other rodents are weaseling out; even the cockroaches are fed up and beeding off

When is a group nob a accups Broad Popular

Ticatcoed —_witchinniag Alliances (Part

Seep acion net Hae 23) me keener s oe ern and aon oy boots feed tonya Sreing quote cig the London Day pee ete eerie rns ‘ibrar Sect Lee aera inte ba us eter See pales eater hacen ‘ined oe and cen Soot aime mea ee en Se ee oe aoe Se ee or bow do you prove man Shuster Barat Seas eo

their policy on safeguarding sta Jn takeovers and merges (of com: panies by other companies rather fhan one union by another) Tagine their joy when retired judge came riding to the rescue! ‘That grand old friend of the labour movement, Lord Denaing, has apparently putin a good word forthe policy in the House of Lords. Now 2. special ll colour reprint "of selected highlights ffom his speech is be {ng rushed off the press, together

‘That should guarantee success forthe campaign.

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 11

Letters

Youth Briefing

Write to 26, Crofton Road, London SES.

Whose “right to chose” is it?

Dear Briefing,

T felt F must comment on the current debate "surrounding ‘women’s right to chose, in the ‘wake of the Court ruling that @ ‘mentally. handicapped woman ("Jeanette") must be sterilised

Sue Arnall asks what happens if women like Jeanette are not perstiaded (0 have abortions Should contraception fail: 1 can five two examples of exactly ‘hat happens.

Seven years ago I nursed a woman’ who was classed as “high grade” subnormal. (This terminology itself is disgusting and degrading.)

“The women iad requested the insertion of an IUD since she was pursuing an active sex life (o the hoeror, I might add, of

the people in the Home where ‘he was being cared For).

‘When she came to the hospital for the insertion of the coll a procedure which was Undertaken under general anaesthesia (in case she didn’t co-operate”), it was discovered, after the anaesthetic had been administered, that she was in. fact twelve. weeks Pregnant

“The surgeon immediately per formed an abortion. This ‘woman woke up after the opera. tion never knowing that she had been pregnant, and never hav ing had the chance to decide ‘whether oF not she wished 10 Keep her baby, or opt. for

Talso delivered the baby of a ‘woman whio was mentally il (35 ‘opposed to mentally handicap ped) and although it was clear that she would need a great deal

‘of support from various agen ‘Ses in order for both her and the baby to survive (and in my ‘Opinion, the sires. “normal” Sromen ‘go through when. they Undertake 10 have children is immense ia any case), this ‘woman's child was taken into the care of the local authority when he was a week old

T shall never forget the 1ook ‘of grief and bewilderment oo the woman's face as the Social ‘Worker took away her baby.

‘Who does have the right to chose? Certainly not women! T might add that of course it ‘Sould be wrong to force perma- ‘nent contraception suchas the Pill on handicapped women, but enforced steriisation 8 not the answer either

‘And who are judeing whether cor not particular women are fit fo bear children anyway? Male judges, male obstetricians, male partners of women who wish 10 have abortions.

This i a sick and disgraceful state of alfairs. Sisters, we have along way to go. We don't have 4 right to chose anything,

im sisterhood,

Tess Kevley,.

Hornsey, London

Wales View

Annwyl Briefing,

Recently there's been some aiseussion of Scotish Ne tionalism and the need to cam: paign Tor an Assembly in the pages of Briefing

‘As a socialist living in Wales, 1 “would — support selfgovernment for Scotland and Wales, and like im Niblock Unternational, 0. 9) 1 agree that “the fight must be. 0 fstablish a socialist. federal Tepublic and the vanguard of this struggle may well exist in Ireland, in Scotland, in Wales rather than the Souih East of England."

Unfortunately in North \Wales that vanguard doesn’t appear to be in the Labour Party The Party moved (o the right & tong time ago, and like Scotland the main opposition is from the Nationalists.

T would go into great detail about constituency. problems, ‘but I'm glad [can sul vote in Oxtord!

Dafydd Elis Thomas, despite his “recent support “of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, is

‘avery good MP and Labour wil, never regain the seat when they talk about “personal” voting 8nd regionalism

ive_paper on

reform calls for “a single tier of mostpurpose focal authorities. and 2 directly elected regional body for the whole of Wales,” with hardly any powers

Hugh Roberts fs atypical safe Kinnockite prospective _candidate and, possibly forthe first time in 2 peneral election, will be supported bya (aonpolitical!) NALGO campaign.

He finds it easy to express ‘concern on social issues But will

rot win back the working class ‘ote by lobbying travel agents in Birmingham.

Incidentally, if the profiteering Keith Best had been forced toresign and cause a by-election in Yays Mon, it would have been an interesting test case for the new found organisational strength and NALGO's reluc- {ance to set up 2 political fund.

Tn my opinion, the future of the Labour Party. in North Wales is bleak — but it's only made worse by ignoring the national question.

“Andy Gibbons,

Merrionnydd ‘Nant Conwy cur

K.K. - OK!

Dear Briefing,

‘We fully support Briefing's attack on “Kinnackism”, which 4s a reactionary ideology cannot advance the struggle for Socialism in ether the short oF Tong term.

Tf the left build up now.’ hopefully we will come out of the general election much Stronger, having captuced ‘deotogical territory and being

Tm a better position to fight the ght andthe Labour bureaucracy.

"The analogy with a kamikaze pile is g00d, except

(a) he was a strong believer in his cause, and

(b) he used his life 10 gain advantage for his cause.

Neither of these apply 10 Kinnock

Best wishes,

Peter Bowing

Devon Labour Briefing.

Where is the Political clarity?

Dear comrades,

Declaring itself as. ‘hare left”, the Labour Briefing pilot issue’ (July/August, 1986) declared that itis the intention Of LB to “develop a serious Challenge 10 the” rightward drift, and. also. fight “against all those who obstruct that fight." This is a clear and lunegivocal declaration that £8 intends 10 fight for the utmost political clarity and to win Ieadership,

Far from attempting to “develop a serious challenge’ ec seems t0 me that the LB Stnard left” are in reality soft — especially when it comes 10 2 Tight against other “hard lef ist” elesbents who in reality ac tually “obstruct” the fight against the rightward drift?

‘In LB No. 31, October 1986, Erie Heffer MP (page 3) claims, among other things, thal Labour governments in’ Britain since 1985 have created “some ‘oases of socialism’. Thus even with the likes of Atlee (@ Freemason), Wilson, Callaghan and now Kinnock at the helm, it's possible, according to Herfer, 40 create "some oases of socialism’! The fight for real poltical clarity and leadership is thus minimised.

The LB “hard left" were clearly So impressed. with Heffers previous article that they save him the front page of LB fo, 32,

Heffer now says. that_ it's possible to "eventually build a Elassless, socialist society”, via the method and practice of broad Leftism! That is, by “all the left groups. working together, whatever their if erences,” by organising left educational aroups. in every area", BY ising 8 Socialist book of the month club, ete". andy. ‘stepping lip the campaign in the Labour

Party 1 get the leit organised.”

‘The British Tory ruling class will already be trembling n their boots at such a prospect! My point is that no dicect criticism Ar all of this centrist mish-mash ever appeared in LB.

‘Also, despite an’ “in-depth feature on the Labour Party Conference” there was 90 criticism at all of the utterly Glabolical actions of | the Militan-led “Liverpool 8°" on their refusal to. address ‘conference and defend themselves against expulsion from the Party

"The actions of Hatton and 0. were of course eagerly defended by Militant and yet ia Feality t amounted toa real stab in the back for all those Party activisis and trades unionists who argued at CLP and TU Branch level for a position of non-expulsion of the “Liver pool 8

1 would like to refer readers to the writings of Leon Trossky. the “guiding light” of Militant supporters. He wrote:

"The following elements of these (Lenin's) tactics are of special importance: (i) the necessity for Communists 10 ‘work in the most reactionary trade unions in order to fight 10 twin over the masses under con. ditions. of all kinds; 2). the necessity for Communiss (Le. Trotskyiss) to enter the Labour Party and fight azainst bing ex: pelled from thar organisation. and (3) the necessity for a strug ‘le against the right opportunist, deviation as well as against the uliraleft.™ (CTrowsky"s. Writings ‘on Britain, Wot ll, p. 193 — em Dhasis added).

‘And yet the Militantted “Liverpool 8” actually withdrew their appeals against expulsion from the Party! So much for the "Trotskyist" of the Militant

Doesa’t £2 see these actions by Militant tendency as an obstruction’: inthe. tight against the right wing? Ap.

paeatly not

LB no. 33, Dec. 1986, carries an articie by Euro MP Les Huckfield (page 3) in which he defends the joint legal moves by Knowsley North CLP and himself in an attempt to prevent the NEC. imposing Georee Howarth as the PPC onto the constituency.

'No criticism at all was ever put forward b;- Briefing on this ‘guestion — and neither was any Grtical support offered 10 Knowsley North CLP activists for theit decision to abstain From the election campaign,

Shouldn't £8 have urged local activists in Knowsley North {0 mount their own in dependent” campaign for 2 Labour voie — and yet at the same time urge local activists 10 Fight for positions inthe official ‘campaign in order to embarrass Howarth & Co.

78, 00, 36, Feb, 1987, carries an extremely woedy interview ‘with Bob Clay, “newly elected Secretary of, the. Campaign Group of Labour MPs" (page 10). This “special” is as much sickening as fis unreadable

“The LB interviewer didn't even ask Clay how he felt about ‘Tam Dalyell’s vote for Kinnock instead of Dennis Skinner for the position of Vice Chair! Was this question “too embarrass Ing" for our intrepid “hard left interviewer? So it seems.

‘Comrades, real political clacity and leadership can only be achieved by waging, inthe words of Trotsky, a “struggle ‘against the right opportunist deviation as well as against the ulerateft™

The alternative, of course, is the present cours of the LB “tuard left” which is the crea tion of & centrist movement — which ‘appears lef” ut Fefises to criticise “leftism™

‘Yours fraternal

Alan Scott

Victimised ex-NUBE shop.

steward

Halifax

The LPYS needs some answers!

The escalating attacks on the left from the Pi ty leadership, of which the Sawyer proposals ‘on “reforming” the LPYS form a part, increase the importance of a forthright and united response from the ‘87 —LPYS conference.

Unfortunately. this did not occur.

On the contrary, the conference marked a fur- ‘ther step in the decline and political. degeneration of the LPYS. While the former is partially attributable to the attacks from the Party leadership, ‘the latter is not.

The YS majority, supporters cof Ablitant demonstrated their Inability to develop a strategy for defending and building the YS. eis lorgely as a result of this thet the number of voting delegates had fallen by 20% since the previous year

a the aftermath of the defeat of Liverpool, the com trades had no example to point to — this was their showpiece in previous years. At this Conference we were treated instead to viumphalist declare tone, with no. supporting evidence, thet “thousands of Yyouth’" were going to flood in to the YS; and crude attacks ‘on al other tendencies.

"There was siso 3 reversion to the worst aspects of Mil tant’s Labourist politics — we were informed, for example, that Black’ Sections were ‘similar to apartheid. and that either the Lebour leadership ror the Party were racist.

‘A. further retrograde development was the cancel! ing of any debate on lesbien ‘and gay rights, which added to ‘the sence of deje vue of many delegates.

Resolutions condemning the use. of stip-searching - and plastic bullets in Ireland were 51s0 voted down.

This political failure was ‘compounded by failure to defend the YS; no proposals were forthcoming in the debate on YS structure on

defending the autonomy of the VS: rather, the principle of reform by the NEC was accepted at the same time as purely ‘thetorical - denuncia: Bons of the Sawyer proposals 2¢.a.witch-hunt

The conduct of opposition tendencies such a8 ‘Socialist Organiser and Socialist Action ‘gove little ‘more cause for Sptimism

“They likewise secepted the principle of this witeh-hunt, in fealty using it in an oppor tunistic way to attack Militant without ‘the inconvenience of 2 real political struggle within the YS.

‘Socialist Organiser mounted @ campaign of sectarion st. tacks ‘on Militant, combined ‘with pathetic personal slurs on its individual supporters.

‘Socialist Action, on the other hand, made sure that hey. ran the whole of the Usbour Left Liaison campaign, to the exclusion of all others, to suit the needs. of theit mythical “allance for ‘Sociaier’”

By Patrick Baker Youth Briefing

Yet they could not even manage this efficiently, failing %0 produce any Conference bulletin for the final day: this ineptitude was confirmed by their failure to produce the Conference edition of their ‘own paper until most of the Selegates were leaving on the final day.

The Black Sections NEC candidate, Steve Jomos, ran a feasonably good. campaign ‘with the ‘support of SA_and Briefing, but achieved a rather Sisappointing results of 17 votes (as compared with 13 for SO, 4 for Workers’ Powe 161 for Militant

Briefing produced a daily conference bulletin, taking up the debates, and helped to organise 3 successful LAW "86 fringe meeting. Forty comrades — including Miltant and Workers Power supporters and it dependents” — heard John Wilton, PPC for Birmingham Edgbaston, describe the background of right wing corruption to the closure of Birmingham LP, and the left’s

PHOTO: Steve Rapport Photogrophy

LPYS Samyer-siyle?

response: Greg Tucker, from the “Lambeth 8" on the at tacks on the “loony left” Council; and Steve Jomoa on the attacks on Black Sections.

fran Rayner, on behall of LAW, opened a lively and constructive debate on how 10 fight the witeh-hunt and se-

‘thus be said to have been pretty disappointing. It confirmed the picture of a declining LPYS, battered by witchhunts, bickering over largely. stagnant and irelevant politics

Yet the need for intransigent defence af an. autonomous. Labour Youth organisation remains as great a6 ever: itis not {through Party interference, in fact aimed at decapitating the YS, that it will become more felevant and attractive to youth. This can only be achieved through political Struggle within the parameters ‘of the YS.

Yet the conference, taking place in the context of an escalating witch-hunt against the left — particularly Black Sections — ‘should also confirm the eed for all Lebour ‘and trade union activists to Unite against the stacks from the right. The need for the loft to put serious resources into the campaign in the YS, and to Dulld a campaign against the witch-hunt asa whole has ever been more urgent.

Review

Awelcome

Well, after all the fuss and "hullabaloo, Paul Simon's _ controversial Gracelands tour reached Birmingham on Saturday. April 4th — and it most definitely was an anti-apartheid concert.

‘The entire concert was devoted to the music of ‘Africa, with Simon himself only taking part in roughly half of the stage show.

When all the advance publicity had died down about whether the Stalinist-controlied _ antiapartheid movement would give the tour its blessing, Paul Simon in troduced @ glittering array of African musical talent.

Simon should be congratulated on _ bringing together Hugh Masekela, Miriam — Makeba and Ladysmith Black Mambazo all on one stage. And it was their performances that made this concert one to remember.

Masekala’s trumpet playing, particularly the Song evoking the suffering of the migrant _ black workers travelling from all the Southern Africa states to the goldmines of Johan: nesburg, was especially poignant.

By Alan Pow Stirling

The contribution of the South African township's Ladysmith Black Mam- ‘bazo, and their charismatic leader Joseph Shabalala, was particularly moving, with "their rhythmic movements and — tribal vocals, @ highlight of the concert.

Simon himself perform: ed reasonably well, only showcasing two songs from the Gracelands LP, both played to an African beat, but to my mind he was’ outshone by his African musicians.

While | enjoyed the con:

relief!

cert, it is debatable whether it enhanced the

anti-apartheid cause; the audience was predominantly white, liberal and middle class, and was older than those who usually attend pop concerts.

‘At £15 a ticket is wasn't surprising ‘that unemployed, __ working class youth were very much absent, so while | wouldn't accuse Simon of hypocrisy, the effort to publicise the cause of apartheid was only surface-deep with this sort of event.

Still, in the overwhelming morass of crass ‘American music this was a welcome relief, and Simon's attempts should at least be applauded for trying to reverse the trend.

Finally: my most abiding memory will be the haunting notes of Hugh Masekela's trumpet, and fhe should be more widely heard and appreciated.

Paul Simon concert.

Labour Briefing No, 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 12

Feature: Marcus Garvey

Proposals are now being drawn up for a programme of events in London to commemorate the centenary in August 1987 of the birth of Marcus Mosiah Garvey by the Association of London Authorities, the London Strategie Policy Unit and other organisations. NARENDRA MAKANJI looks at Garvey’s life and Ideas,

London, as a metropolis, offered Marcus Garvey a telescopic vision of ‘x new world of black men, not peons, serfs, dogs and slaves, but a’nation of sturdy men making

civilisation and causing a new light to dawn upon the human race.

Ic was in London that Garvey resolved “that the black man would not con tinue to be kicked about by allother races and nations of the world.”

‘Garvey first came to London in 1912 after journeying through Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Nicara” gua, Honduras, Colombia and’ Venezuela to study and compare the conditions of “Negro” workers and observed with great indignation the inferior status of blacks on the plantations, in the mines, tobacco fields and construction sites.

Ia Costa Rica, | Garvey became so distrauaht with the Conditions of “Nero” eld ‘workers tha he protested to the British Consul ver the Treat sent of Jamaicans working on fhanana_ plantations of the United Feit Company.

“The British official's nonchalant indifference convinced Garvey that no white person ‘would ever "regard the feof bikck fan eqal to that of &

Ttsvas it London that Garvey learned what he could about the sondition ‘of blacks. in. other paris ofthe British Empire, snd Became Interested in the. post tion of Blacks in the United States.

Jamaica

It was from Garvey, with is Set forth to his country of bieth, Jamaica, and set in motion on ‘August Ist, 1914, a mass mosement. The Universal Negro Improvement and Conservation Association and African Com ‘munities League, usually called the Universal Negro. Improve ment Association (UNIA), had ‘Become the most compelling

Marcus Garvey centenary

The compelling force of Garveyism

force in the life of Africans ané people of Aftican descent Spreading across four

‘Between 1912 and 1914, London provided a fertile ground for the nurturing of Garvey's idea of an organisation and 2 programme that would work for the general uplift of Black people of the world and “to do all {mn their power to conserve the rights of their noble race and to fespect the Tights of all ‘mankind.

‘The kerne! of this compelling force is Pan-Afticanism, which calls for the total liberation of ‘Africa's labour and resources from. international monopoly finance capital.

Pan-Africanism also seeks 10 destroy and. prevent the development and refinement of functional racism — an interna tionally operating predatory ‘system of capital accumulation ‘with the attendant spread of Segradation, falsehood, Violence, ‘and. confiscation of land,

Garveyism

This motivating force, PanAfticanism or Garvevism, has Propelled many political” and foeial-economic movements and Stimulated worldwide opposition against racism and discrimination as epitomised today bythe | Anti-Apartheid Declarations

Tt is important to recall the fact that the Civil Rights legisla tion in the United Seates and the Race Relations and Equal Opportunities Acts in Britain were the responses of these two nations (o this compelling force.

Awakening

Out of Garvey's vision of Africa was nurtured a political fand cultural awakening with is ‘own vitality and independence propelling “anti-colonialism in the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, crysalising later in Britain and in Azania.

These idea provided the political base for the politics of Mahatma Gandhi, Kwame Nkrumah, Malcolm X, Steve Biko and Maurice Bishop (all downed by imperialist intrigue land violence).

Garvey's vision forms. the dynamic. of the Rastafarian movement which apart from its nursing grounds in Jamaica has

Marcus Garsey, New York, 1923

found 2 home in London. An expressive development worthy of mention i the drive of the “lack Sections"” movement in the Labour Party for” auto- ‘emancipation.

London gave a home 10

Garvey in his last years. After he had been “framed-up"” by the US government be was imprisoned in Atlanta and later Banished to Jamaica. He was forsed to leave Jamaica. In 1935, Garvey. transferred the

headquarters of his movement to London.

‘That same year, Mussolini's htaly launched predatory: at ‘ack on Ethiopia, Hyde Park tnd Marble Arch provided Garvey with a platform 10 de-

PHOTO: James Van De Zoe, courtesy GRV!

ounce Htaly’s late imperialist mbitions in Africa

Garvey. died in London on June 10th, 1940,

"The force that Garvey unleashed. opened up anew Jurisprudence of Civil Rights the United States and” Race Relations in Britain destined to establish new forms of redress for blacks and successively other victims of "functional Facism including the. Irish, Travellers, Migrants and Refugeees

"This new jurisprudence, while allowing victims of racism to be able to claim special, compensatory rights, ‘would also. i creasingly be available co yout the elderly, lesbians, say men, and people with disabilities,

Legislative

The State response t0 these increasing demands isthe Equal Opportunities and Sex Descrimination Acts, These compensatory "legislative measures by the British state have tended to contain. the threat ‘of the status quo! and shied away from total structural Shanges of society Unlike the US, the British state cleverly “liberated” iself From direst responsibility the Jaw where

Marcus Garvey, victims racism, whilst respecting the faws of the land of their oppressors and exploiters, must at times struggle reentlessy against “equal justice under passive law

He cautioned that passive laws’ are passed only (0. sur Focate black resistance ad not te uproot racial malefactions in 2 white dominated society

He warned that Blacks have every right to suspect and resist, by any means necessary, any new laws designed to. achieve equal justice" which does not centile and enjoin a specific art Of the government 10 be the sword and propel itself out into the streets, communities, towns and cites and all places of ‘work, education, recreation and leisure. There, i must discover and. prosecute injustice and tfiminate all racist practice and

Tunetion — for it is only the poveenment which has the abil: fy and tesourees to do. 50 effectively

Red & Green

eft

Economic policy poses increasingly difficult questions for the Labour Party and for the Left in particular

When it comes to ‘economics, Thatcher appears to have it all sewn up.

She after all can run the economy in the interests of internationat capital without having to apologise for it — and by equating overall profitabil. ty with the common good she can even argue that she’s acting in the “public interest’

The Labour leadership does not have the luxury of such “‘honesty’’, and has to balance economic constraints against demands

without a strategy

By Andy Porter SERA

Convenor of Brighton Labour Party/Trades Council Economic Development Committee

for social change from its supporters.

Currently, Labour's com mitment is to create 1 million jobs in 2 years. Kinrock has _ stressed, however, that this will not be based on a significant increase in public spending and that at least haif of the jobs are expected to be in the private sector

Recently both Hattersley ‘and Kinnock have taken to playing down the role of local authorities. in

Labour's economic piens, and the package is looking more and more like minor tinkering,

Thatcher at least ap: pears to be aware that capital has no national loyalties, and is set on

ating the conditions Ge. low pay and high unemployment] that will make investment in the UK look attractive (1).

Kinnock and the Labour leadership, on the other hand, are appealling to the loyalty and integrity of 2 nationally based capital that has largely ceased to exist, and which would have litte interest in a partnership with Labour in any case.

The Left's response to ‘this. situation has’. been

predictable — we criticise the leadership and we call for a programme based on higher public spending, na: tionalisation, higher wages and a shorter working week.

Deliver

It's hard to disagree with this — but it's something none of us expt cts either capitalism in general or the Labour leadership in par ticular to be able to deliver. Surely it's time for the Left to go beyond such a familiar -headbanging approach!

The crucial issue we have to tackle is that whether Labour wins or

tion, We don’t so much need a programme for a future government as a strategy for action for ourselves.

One way of bringing “economics” into everyday life and away from the policy makers is to challenge “profitability” and “lack of money" as criteria for, _decisionmaking every time the argument is put — in work, in local authorities and so on.

The socialist ideal of production and services for human need has to come down from the realms of thetoric and become something that we actively argue for — not just in general but about specifics 2s trade unionists, 3s

Council tenants, as. parents or whatever.

The green movement in West Germany has gane @ Jong way simply by reasserting old socialist ideals like this one, and arguing that it represents an alternative logic for society whose time has

For many on the Labour left the Party has become a bolthole that provides a semblance of political ac. tivity whilst having little impact on the world outside — if we learn one thing from the Greens it should be that talking to ‘other people about our ideals and striving to put them into practice is more fruitful than endlessly talk. ing to each other.

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 13,

International Briefing The Gorbachev reforms in the USSR:

What does ‘‘glasnost’’ mean for workers?

— , {snot possible ro build socialism Do the — Gorbachev eos EWhor ts paso isto main reforms open the way for 4 hh. tain the power of the working

socialist regeneration in clas in that country as a bastion the USS ot the world struggle for

If they do, the world-wide SPenth hae coum 0 sary

fin deciding. the plan and the

possibilities. The reforms political mobilisation “of the

may really be cosmetic and

fiiguificant or thy, way) : Workers in. implementing. it. Herein eaves teuanes a This requires a complete break

: with all forms of bureaueratism, marketisation, e.g. in 4 ‘rth attempts to solve problems Yugoslavia, be the prelude by administrative decree, and toacrisis of the bureaucratic j vith the cult of the expert and regime j the technocrat — all of which is

afar cry from the interests of Gorbachev's intellectual and ‘@the extension of elections lechnocratie supporters. In. 0: land permission to have several day's USSR it means the violent tandidates in certain elections is destruction of the. political important; but organising Power of the state/party ‘round alternative political plat Bureaucracy and the removal of forms remains protibited: its material privileges

‘@ censorship remains in force: 4 ‘The bureaucracy, left and many political prisoners remain right, claims to be the guardian

in the camps and psychiatric of the “national” interest — hospitals; bat its classless schemas can

‘@ Gorbachev's adical produce nothing except stagnaspeech" fo the Central Commit: i ton and attacks on the interests

The political reforms are ex tremely limited:

‘PHOTO. Joba Arthor

[ee feta woe oe of te . ofthe mocking cas, ‘ray (0 prase the work of the i Inernationaly tthe same: Keb. both tepdennies win the

Sey oe oe ee By Sue Owen tog ce tees oes ie ode Coltaboratont pols, which

fan only end in defeat and i crease the. isolation of the ‘workers’ states and the pressure Of capitalism on them.

Its a profound testimony to the bankruptcy of the Stalinist

‘PHOTO: "Report

Tin this context, ik is obvious that What” Gorbachev means then he. calls for. openness Crglasnost”) is nor to unleash

‘Gorbachev: shifting to the left, or shifting 10 the right?

the ‘creative potential of the masses schemes in the capitalise coun- reformers are launching an st- sions On the fingers of one has come —asit came in China bureaucracy of the USSR that The criticism” the Soviet tries, in. “giving 2 collecixe tack op “itational” subsidies. hand. The common goals and after the {all of the “Gang of the policies of the Left Oppos!- leadership is interested in is not guarantee of productive low {arpeis thar we pur in front of Four"" — because of the failure tion, first put forward im the criticism of its own policy, but icipline” (Pravda, Feb. 25, The ‘ur children lead in their minds of the “leftist” policy of 1926s, retain all ther relevance Siilciem ‘of Whe past, at ts cited in ImternatiOnal View. market” involves a small cle- {0 a sexually neutral self bureaucratic central planning in today. The obstacle to. Gor: burescratic "rivals, "the poiar, Feb 23). tment of criminal prosecutions evaluation.” (Guardian, March @singie country. bachev's reforms is the sock on Brechnevites, Even “when it” The “workers” councils that and alargeelement of extending. 25, front page) Claiming 10 "build socialism which the Bolshevik Right of Comer to the eruiism of the are to be set up will “brine ihe legal market in food and." Thus “homosexuality” is us- in one. country", the ‘Bukharin, Rykov and Tomsky Stalin period, the "'elormers''* together representatives of the ervces ced.as.a bugbear to reinforce the bureaucracy sees itself as above foundered in the 19208, Sites has'a define slat, admminsiration, the Party ‘This leads to 2 sharp rise in Oppression of women. classes and above cass struggle. Pursued systematically, theie Selective, quotations from organisations, the unions and prices and deepening social ne: "In imernational_ policy Its “eft” offers something like policy would lead to the estoraLenin's Testament are publish: the Komsomol (CP youth) 2s guality. This & why one of the Moscow continues to deepen ts Morrisonian nationalisation tion. of capitalism. “It thus Sia rehabilitation of well'as team councils efc..°” first demands of the Gdansk orientation of peaceful coex- with its flaws magnified a hun- threatens both the job security Bukharin, leader of the Right (Nouvelle Revue Internarionaie, strikes in Poland. was food fstence. ‘The proposed deal on dredfold; its right, ike the Kin- of the bureaueracy — and the Opposition, fs rumoured to be Oct. "86, cited in FV, Feb 23). In rationing. intermediate nuctear forces, for nersley leadership of our own class interests of the’ Soviet inthe pipcine —“butno general other words, they will have In social policy the orienta- allthe embarrassment it has dear Party, accept the economic working class, The policy of the Tehabiltaion of the leaders of representatives "of the tion of the reformers i 10 caused in Washingion, amounts terms of reference of the “‘Brezhnevites", on the other the Revolution murdered’ by bureaucratic organisations, not strengthen the family. im fact tocapitulation 1o US im- capitalist clas. hand, amounts to no more than Statin Of therank and file. Strikes fe Bureaucrats talk of “frecing periaism’s demand that disar clinging to power by force and iis fairly. clear that main legal ‘women from physically hard mament_and "Star Wars" be Market manoeustes — a policy for ‘democratisation’ isa lever (0. The main burden of the and harmful work,” i.e. cx. separated paralysis force “through the’ economie Soviet leadership's proposals + cluding them from “men’s” The statements of the Do. the reforms then show "The Gorbachey reforms will

reforms that are proposed to-give more power to the fac. jobs (/¥, March 23, p9). An ar- bureaucracy continue 10 sup- that those pro-capitalistpoliti-. not solve the crisis of the USSR, ‘against the resistance of vested {ory managers: and the question ticle on “homosexuality” i the port the proponents of reform cians and theorists are right who but they may lift the lid off it, iierests entrenched in sections is openly ‘Being raised of firing Moscow Komasol paper blames and clase collaboration in the claim that the market isthe only _ereating, as in Poland, working

(of the bureaucracy Surplus workers, insufficient differentiation of capitalist countries, and even 10 and best way of organising the class resistance — which is the ‘The key to understanding the Anartcle by Tatiana Zaslav- male and female roles for the right wing bourgeois forces. economy. and that fuller steps only basis of solving the proGorbachev reforms, thes, is skaya in Seplember in Kom. “disease of homosexuality” Conversations of Western cor. towards the restoration of blems of the USSR. their economic content. Is this munisr reports plant managers The overwhleming domi mndents with foreign policy capitalism —or at least a"*mix- Bul even such an alternative in the interests of the working 4s saying that where there was ance of women leachers in Our alsin Moscow suggest that €@- econtomy"" of the sort we can be no more than a rebelion, «lass or nol? more auionom} for an enter schools contributes to the grow- the Kremlin would prefer a were supposed to have here ina protest which ends in defeat, "The speeches make fulsome prise, itwouldbeboth necessary ing equalisation of sex roles. Thatcher viciory inthiscountry, the sisties, according (othe unless it finds the way to. the referencesto workers participa. and possible fo reduce the Who, according to teacher isthe asa Labour victory might Labour Party leadership — is polities of the Left Opposition, tion, But itis not participation numbers of workers. So the best boy in class? — 2 quiet, “destabilise” NATO. inevitable? the polities of the Fourth Inter: ineffective decision making direction of the reforms is 10 obedient one And the best girl? ‘The ““Gorbachev reforms” ‘There i an alternative, the national, and. forcibly. over:

hich is proposed. ‘Rather promote speed-up and Onewhoisenergetic and active. therefore represent astift oto alternative pul_foward in the throws. the bufeauceacy and ‘workers are being asked 10 par- unemplosment And we can count the purely the left but to the tight. This 1920s in the USSR by the Left takes the power into ils own ticipate, as in’ participation "At the. same time the male or purely female profes- shift 10 the right in the USSR Opposition: 10 recognise that hands.

CND Demo, April 25th A photographic record by Ann Flowers

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 14

International Briefing

| South African elections

Apartheid confronts

the working class TH AERA

ay cTory iv

labour front. Of all the mass organisations fighting» apartheid, the Black trade unions, ‘specially those affiliated to the Sant Confederation of South African Trade” Unions (COSATU) have stood up best agains the state's onslaught 'COSATU has found that its democratic structure has been 4 source of strength. A wave of militancy has swept through

As the all-white elections draw nearer, the ap:

showing ns of panic. ‘The elections were called, two years before they were due, because the ruling National Party wanted to consolidate its position with the Afrikaner volk and to stem ‘what it saw as the growing threat Co its hegemony from the far right of the white potitical spectrum.

PHOTOS: Wayne Edginton

COSATU is now considering first people in South Africa 10 hhow t0 respond to this atest act be charged with treason for run eC tabour the tea monn oF sate broalty. For the Botha ning people's cours, street eee ane ‘cea secuor, feelme, failure to meet this block ‘and areas committers, wi ied. Sy “Te ieeasek —shallenge with a show of force and for forming an ation com Sead Blass hue been would have Jed to a further mittee. The state describes these Followed by thesike oftailway Hdemorrhage of iis supporters structures as “organs of peoworkers. to the right. I is this fear whch _ple's power”

By Charlie van Gelderen The Botha government saw 0 ied fo the sialon! The) ae expected oapear in cng, Bota government So" llegediy “errors” targets in court on August 36 Brent South CLP sige cages Te Zama % "The labour movement in Bri-

State-owned railway is the only institution in the country which ‘employs more whites than blacks, When the National Par- don’t come much tougher than fy first came into power, with ™e!

Ifyou want it tough, Botha is tain and internationally must be saying to the white voters, they galvanised into solidarity action sa with. the railwayworkers. ia

South Africa and with Moses

‘The emergence of a “left"” revolt of Afrikaner intellectwals made it all the more

necessary for Botha to thelcip of the athe Labour itis thissame fear of growing Mayekiso and fis fellow accus demonstrate to the right that Party, io’ 1924, i filed jobs on union power which has now led ed. Resolutions from trade the future of white domina- tke Tuilwaye with dhposewed 10 the charging of Moses union and Labour Party bran.

‘poor white” peasants Mayckiso, a leeder of the ches must fil the post bags of

tion was safe in his hands.

‘The closing weeks of the election campaign has been marked by increased repression. South ‘Altica's prisons are overcrowdfed. with thousands of people

This "together with white COSATU' affiliate Metal and the South African ambassador. miners, has provided the Na- Allied Workes' Union with high

tional Party with a solid core of | 'Yeason after months of deten

‘white working class support. ton without trial HE The Ambassador, ‘The suike' started with the Moses Mayekiso was a South African Embassy,

SiS, Be te TRE Neading clement in trying 10 Trafalgar Square,

fel witout charge, under the British workers in solidarity with South African workers minor nrngement ead Combine ade union aciky London NCL

teens or younger. subject 10 harsher matter except the Bible or other Bas OES enue SIU! Oo Th. mittes; launching rent BovcoU; Box 7430, “Thowsands of people, none of iar “pesoners Holy book or selected magazines $q¥zqhe hamded it in on the FS ples cours; cc: Sohannerbun

them sceused of anything, have swaiting trial and convicted supplied through prison. Study- MOnsaY F Dut M sove become Together with four other Alex: South Africa”

fe ae ti pene es ere ae ce ee EL metal alled Werke tainted lohannesburg stiorscys without" permission’ fromthe Despite this increased repres- [ecole uieiadeunion head, autfority of the sate with 268 Jeppe Street,

is particularly true on the - SahSts 30, Johanne eEiied They are believed ro be the South Africa,

Free Eleuterio Gutierrez!

Kah

Don’

The media and Namibia conference

ovitz are subject to censorship. This

ignore Namibian struggle

For many decades, for over one and a half years.

For a enttcades: From Free Eleuterio Saino that, Fn the sm ‘According to a recent depensen: sack wade union _Jourats, cent ottars | the most exploited coun- Gitlerer Campaign _ asa" re to South African news fcceratons apeciaiats, poltons, ave | tries of all by world Tem wee vlemed prompiy many problems with this cases it felease (Reuters, Feb “The soma cont be sad of unionists and acacemice wi | imperialism. when [aoc ets out of Hs jurgtin, athe release (Reuters. Feb aroar"tha ie cespas tne be joning feoreseraives of | TE whole ecomomy rests Tuer but nol Eluiio— easels no In rece” wih he - fectthet, unite herestaf the the United Nevons Council for cs against whom accusations of possibilty of it going to the against the illegal South {2c thet, unlketharestof Ne Ne ses Naty memcrs of | O& €xports of din largely (o jhe were thrown by = toclly highest cout inte land tthe Airican occupation. of 220". %,'5,00 gintemationsl SVAE9, elegetes trom tre | the USA: 75% in the 1920s wel-knowa petty criminal capital city. of Sucre, Much Namibia has been all but sibiity Sf the United Nations Namibian Council of Churches | amd "30s. Recent figures Rufino. more is going on here than wiped out. atecialy'ol the permanent 2nd others to Giecuss: Showed that tinexports were The sate mining company, meets the eye mas peCialy 2 the Pemecry «— @why the media should | over 50% of Bolivia's Comibol, enforced the arrest The press release claim- eine" Such'as Satan cover Namba: economy. Sot ininediatey a "workers Get involved in the cam- \d that during the war bet- “The Media and Namibia con- _-@the South Africen pro. Me vow.the collapse of meting assembled which scorn —paign. Get your trade union, eet Rtreen mere tere Mame god Namibia con, Serco war and the Nam |, And pow.the collapse of Cf the accusation of self. Labour Panty or other organisa forces and the People’s the Nembie Support Commit. bien response atket is resting oppery_ of the mine and tans to senda representative Co and the People's the Ne ccecacr he ebrimrsrolemNembie; | ¥en Mare havoc with the demanded te reasn ‘ue campaign meetinas. TANI semak United Nations ‘Council for Sbetter reporting of the war | economy. Elcuerio Goulet has been Tel 01737 7930 Namibia (PLAN), the aed Kos i wal engage sec: in Nembia nd Angole The enormous. superpfofits incarcerated in a Bolivian ail wing of the South West tons of the Bish med that @fmng fo Namba {ot psn rom the about Africa People’s Organisa- sim seriously to cover _and other questions. ‘of Bolivian tin-miners produc i a TavineO) she teres ele Sean | Whee ae Premed te: | ee ot emt cee of me etter Aveda. Eleterie: Gutelrrez fad ost 10,350. Seutne Alan ates i oe ther ‘detats about the ‘con- | Gusiased unions eve known Comrade workers of Britain, combatants, Seam acer At eng sour request | snd was the foundation of the With this letter I heve the honour to send you revolutionary stants sont 10 1% “Eanes Ue rolable news wir detale of your nome: | sharp case sruele that fas sci greetings from all my worker convades Ree: | know about the Bele cet Cookie normeson- RU Stee, “lewapeper "or | the toncof Balvan polis this oneiderable economic help being organised and about the many Cn re ron o, eup tothe minute repocing programme: address and | century * UNS [obileations and pressure agaist the Bolivian Embassy in London the country (600,000 up. ir nacee flephone number” tothe | The curentPrade, Vcor and about te pubeation of my cane mary newopnaty and : , (events 2s they RAPD | Mecho "and. Nambia Con. | Pas Estemorr, through large how you oe fighting for ry immedite release, am sending You equivalent terms!) hirdepn analysis of socal (Wee, "Nomina “Support | debi and the need for more my sincere thanks and olson the ame of my family, which oe at it the South Atncan gover- Su ,Pea tia [eeShawe PO Box 16° Lon. | Sorroving from the IMF, Test thlgmoment in a state of abandonment ment made such statements dion NWS SU. the beck and call of worid im- “"As's mineworker for the Balvian Mining Corporaton in the min

pefiaism and has placed str- ing site of Bolivar, {must tell you again that [have been falsely ac fngent “austerity” (fead "star- cused through slander. under the pressure of the government and vation””)_measures upon the the company where | used to work

orkere and poor peasants. The "They have been using 8 well known criminal and anti-social ele Bolivian workers are fighting ment to accuse me of something | never committed at any mo ‘against a ruling lass terror bas 3. This s only because of my participation and because lama ed in New York and London. leading member in the union over many years and | have been

Eleuterio Gutierrez, a skilled known as 2 "‘dangerous element"” for the managers of that engineer, has worked in the company.

Bolivar mine for 17 years. In At this time Lam detained in the public geo! of Oruro since 30th response 10 yet another atiack September 1985. Until now no solution has been produced for of austerity measures by the teeolving my problems, becaue the whale judicial system is very (IMF) government in September slow and because of the incapacity of the judi

1985, it was yet again miners As you can see, comrades, | am totally innocent af the crime of who’ ted. avery. tenacious which 1am accused. Comibol and the government are involved in 2 ‘esistanice by the working class, manoeuvre against me an they are trying cover and obscure the ‘hrough a general strike political meaning of these problems.

“Throughout the September "Without more details | again send you my high regards and | “state of seige", many trade think with proletarian world unity we will go forward for a better lunion leaders were arrested, in- future for the workers. cluding Fleuieno. Almost al of Eleueurio Gutierrez M,, 1.1.87

[bout their miltary operations

South Arica itself, this Claim would be seriously InVestigated by the press. Yet like so many aspects of the struggle in Namibia, the issues raised by this claim went Unreported in the British media.

Events in South Arica regularly grab the attention of the news media in Britain, Despite the South African Qovernment’s severe repor {ing restrictions journalists and news editors from Rewspapers, TV. and radio Cover all current affairs issues from the whites-only slections to the formation of the in

Labour Briefing No, 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 15.

International Briefing

The true face of S

[ would like to comment on the article in Briefir no. 70 on the elections in Ireland.

I was @ member of the Irish Labour Party for six years before I came to England.

By Mairtin O'Brudair Runai Exeter LPYS

I find it incredible that you have, on the one hand, the right wing of the Labour Party supporting abi artisan policy with the Tories on Northern Ireland, ‘and, on the other, supposed lefiwingers like ‘yourselves ‘giving support to a sectarian party like Sinn Fein.

Ii the Trish labour and trade Felt that if this was the only Position cither section of the Rabour Party. could offer, ye should say nothing,

Individuals in the British labour movement who give support to sectarian partes of any folour (green or orange) do nothing to help. socialists in Ireland who are, in spite of di ficulties, trying to create workers! unity.

“Bent British”

When { lived in freland Sinn Fein members used to refer {0 the elements in the Labour Party who supported them as “Bent British". OF course, ten the republican movement isin Britin it adopts a different approach co lettwingers

‘The Briefing article contains

yme incredible passages

raditional bourgeois na ‘ionalism, in the form of Fianna Fall, remains the political framework to which other Torees must relate

“The ‘only "way a0y socialist could relate to FF is vigorously to oppose it.

It is interesting, considering Briefing’s considerable em phasis on the questions of Facism, lesbian and zays, and ‘Nomen, that ic supports SE Sinn Fein is not very forward ooking on these issues, and this Understatement

SF is a nationalist pany who refer 10 people in Briefing and similar. journals as. “Beat British” — not a very non-racial attitude.

During the recent divorce referendum the advice of the SF leadership. to their_ supporters ‘was: “vote ye, but if your conssience dictates against divorce {do-as you see fit® — hardly the advice a socialist should ive

T come from Limerick and during the divorce referendum the party which your article describes as “building a revolu onary challenge toa reac. onary state" was completely absent from the campaign. This Situation was repeated im many parts of the country

Tn the forefront of the cam. ppaign were the Irish Labour Youth and socialists from other parties and. ordinary trade Snionists. But T suppose Trish Socialists who do not indulge in Killing protestant workers are rot worthy of your support.

Referendum

During the referendum to prevent abortion being available in ireland, SF ia certain parts of the country campaigned actively jn favour of this. Again, it was, ‘ordinary’ Irish trade unionists ‘who were in the forefroat of the campaign

‘The Irish Labour Party, asin the "divorce referendum, of ficial” supported the" pro. gressive campaigns. Two members of the Irish PLP were expelled for their ative distent.

Sohn Joe McGil, SF can didate in Sligo-Leitin in there ‘Sent election and a. vociferous Supporter of Gerry Adams. at the last Ard-Fheis, was prom nent asa rabid reactionary dur ing this eampaign, Is this an ex ample of “building a genuine Tadical alternative”?

Women

IF you are familiar with the book Ont) the Rivers Run Free: ‘an Account of the Women's War in Ireland, ou will know thatthe satus. accorded to ‘womten in the Nationalist movetment was disgraceful, Positive tiscrimination fs not practised jn SF. The only partyin Ireland Who practice tis policy (which your pape the Labour Party “The position of lesbian and

gay men in Republican areas is dictated by the Catholic Church Wwhich SF does nothing 10 challenge. Gay clubs do not last very long in Belfast or Derry ue to the bigots on both sides Of the sectarian divide closing them.

Twas an active campaignee ‘against coalition when 1 was in the Irish Labour Pary. SE members used regularly (0 tell ime there sas never any chance Of Ireland becoming socialist

You ask in the article how much longer can Militant late {fo the Labour Party as a force fepresenting working class politics in the south? I think the ‘Question must be asked of Brief ing how much longer will ie be hoodwinked by the sexist, homoplobic and racist party of Se?

Socialists

Serials ig the Ish Labour Party who have managed to break the party from coalition offer the most radical alte ative for Catholic and Protesfant workers in Ireland. Far From ignoring the national question we confront i and polat ‘out that under capitalism there will never be a united freland.

A united capitalist Ireland is ‘ot of any use to Irish workers. SF and riefing would have us believe that iis. Even if it was, would ye seriously hold up a oesi-ridden republic as an focal?

Tt is a fact that SF have many sides. In rural areas in Ireland where thet support is greatest ‘conservative party. Tn turban areas they adopt 2 more

‘socialist” approach.

‘This Jekyll and Hyde act only convinced 22,000 people in Republic and in the Norte

‘only convinces about 30% of the Catholic population, which is only 12:15% of the {otal population.

But tis obvious SF have done 2 good snow-job on Briefing Never mind the pub bombings ‘which ‘Killed and. injured 50 fmany working class youth in Birmingham. They were, a5 SF puis it, "regrettable Civilian Casualties”. T would say, com: fades, that these were our brothers and sisters in the Botish labour movement who were the vistime of the mindlese dead-end of individual

fet

inn Fein?

‘The British labour movement hhas to address the question of Ireland — but it has to be in & class fashion, Ik must seek 10 Support those forees which are attempting 10 unite the trish ‘working class. It cannot align itself with either ofthe sectarian groupings who throw up the barriers to working class unity.

“The national question has to be raised in terms of jobs, hous ing, education, ct. Can a United capitalist freland hold any hope for the Irish working lass? Only by a socialist cam= paign by the labour and trade Shion movement with the su port and solidarity of the British Labour Party can the bigots be defeated,

“The British army will not be bombed out of Ireland, The Protestant working class cannot be driven into the sea. Only the labour movement can force the withdrawal of the army and the disbandment of the RUC and upR.

1 is the labour movement which ‘will unite the class and defend it against sectarianism. Only the labour movement can tante Ireland on a socialist basis and prevent the descent of my country into a barbaric and Lebanon-style situation.

Tiocfaidh an ta —~ ar aghaidh leis an fucht oibre, Le ghach dea

Anyone mention Ireland?

‘A couple of weeks ago the Labour Party tional Executive issued a policy statement on the North of Ireland — but without the glossy brochures, red roses, or patriotic ' speeches | we have come to expect from Neil Kinnock on these occasions.

Unlike other NEC policy statements, this one was presented "quietly, almost shamefacedly, as if mot to draw attention (0 the fact that the Party has anything to say on Ireland.

The — statement itself reflects this atitude.

It had been promised for the Party Conference last October. ‘When it didn’t appear it was explained that this was because it Aeeded to be so substantial, far feaching and detailed that there hhadn’t been time to prepare it

‘Now, it finally emerges as li tie ‘more. than a cobbling together of selected conference fesolutions, current misconcep: tions, and past prejudices.

Clearly, Ireland will figure ‘oot at all in Labour's election Campaign: at Teast, not it the

Party leadership has its way

‘The Labour Commitice on Ireland has different ideas, and hhas now sent oUt t0 every” prospective Parliamentary Labour candidate @ questionnaire on Ireland, taking up such issues as British withdrawal, the Prevention of Tercorism Act, siipSearching, non-jury courts and the disbandment of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

By Geoff Bell Election Organiser, Labour Committee on Ireland

Tn many instances twill Be up to constituency activists 10 ersure that candidates reply 10 the Questionnaire and do so in a ‘Way that corresponds with prin ciples of Irish self determination

‘Those principles the NEC statement at best avoids and at worst denies. As with the previous statement in 1981, foken support is given to Irish tunity, but practical support is ‘given to partition.

“The NEC says that unity can only come when itis supported by a majority within the Nor them Ireland state- In other ‘words, majority rule in Ireland can only be allowed when 3 minority. — the loyalists agree (0 it

Achieving such consent, says the NEC, “will not be an easy task,” which is one ofits more realistic utterances

"The NEC also promises “to defeat the scourge of paramilitary violence,” by ‘bic ic presumably means the TRA, by seeking 10. “deploy security forces. effectively.” ‘Whether or aot this will be "an casy task” is not said,

“The NEC's other plans in volve applying the Party's in ‘Gustral and investment strategy to the North of ireland, as well as strengthening economic Tinks between the north and south of Ireland.” This is to be achieved by trying to “har fmonise the ecodomic and ‘welfare systems throughout Ireland.” ‘The government of the South of Ireland will thus be pressured to construct its society {5 8 replica of the one in Britain {and the North of Ireland,

Absurdity

‘The absurdity of the NEC statement is most apparent ‘when ie turns to the Anglo-trish Agreement. Labour supports the Agreement, says the NEC, because it “helps to promote Understanding between the (*O parts of Ireland,” — an obser ation which Blandly ignores the increased Protestant sec

tarianism the Agreement has produced, as well a5 the lack of ny progress towards equal Fights for Catholics.

All ofthis suggests there is ittle good reaton why Irish people {a Britain should vote Labour ‘with any enthusiasm. However, there are sections of the NEC Statement which do reflect the {gains Irish campaigners in the Party have made in the last few years. There isa commitment 0 Fepeal the Prevention of Tertoriem Act “in its entirety"; 10 Send the humiliating and degrading regime of stnp searching”; and to end the use of plastic bullets.

‘And while the conference policy of ending Diplock Courts Riwatered down — there i only the promise to "work towards" jury cours (iq the meantime there will be three judges instead of one acting asa jury) there isa pledge to end supergras tials.

“These are reasons enough for Irish people ia Britain 10 vote Labour, "but these. willbe strengthened if. individual Labour candidates speak out unambiguously ie. favour “of Irish. sef-determination, “Most important ofall is the fight 10 make Ireland an issue in the election. The Labour Commit tee on Ireland is determined 10. 40 jus that in the weeks ahead,

Sisterhood and Solidarity

Women’s discussion weekend

The days of June 20th and 21st are dates to book in the diaries of women all over the country.

‘That weekend, Labour Women for Ireland and the SWAPO Women’s Soli ty Campaign are hosting @ major discussion school.

Held in Camden Town Hall, London, it will be entitled “Sisterhood and Solidarity — Towards an Anti-Imperialist_ and AntiRacist Women’s Labour Moverent.””

Ie will cover various topics such as. British colonialism, womens resistance struggles, Strategies for fighting racism. and the potential of the women’s labour movement.

Each of the main themes, introduced by 8 panel of speakers, wil be followed by Block workshops in which al

women can participate.

‘Speakers include Amrit Wison journalist), Jenny Bourne (researcher for the Institute of Race Relations), Bernadette. MeAlisky (ish Republican), Councillor. Martha Osamor (Tottenham, Lon: don), Liz Short (SOGAT), as well as representatives. from Southall Black Sisters and ‘other women’s groups.

There will elso be rapresentatives "from. resistance movernents themselves, in ‘cluding Sinn Fein, SWAPO and the PLO.

The discussion weekend has been supported and sponsored by 8. number. of women’s groups ‘and Labour Women’s “Sections and individuals’ — Joan Ruddock, Joan Maynard MP, and Christine “Crawley, | MEP, amongst others.

For further information contact Ros (01 267. 1941 Saytimes!; Alison (91 986 2326, evenings). ,

H ti 5 = 8 é

Labour Briefing No. 43 May 6th-19th 1987 page 16

Positive Images Demo

Thousands march against bigotry and racism

Smashing the backlash in Haringey

Over 3,500 people joined the ‘Smash the Backlash”’ demonstration called by Haringey Black Action and — Positive Images on Saturday May 2nd.

Both organisations were formed last year to fight the homophobic and racist onslaught whipped up in response to Haringey Council's policy of promoting Positive images of lesbians and gay men in schools.

‘The “Parents” Rights’” Group, some religious sects, the New Patriotic Move iment, and of course the raving tightists of the local Conservative Associations have been disseminating vile propaganda not only against the Council's policy (part of the manifesto on which Labour won a decisive vic tory last year) bur against lesbians and gays themselves.

This onslaught has fostered a climate of fear, hostility and violence in the Borough.

“The mere fact that thousands succeeded in marching safely through the streets of Haringey js @ major victory not only for those immediately under attack —iesbians and gay men, black ‘and white — but for all oppress- ‘ed people in the capital, and for the socialists batting with them

Credit goes to the march. organisers Trom both spansor-

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By Mike Marqusee Haringey Labour Briefing

ing bodies. With little outside support, they spread the word across London and much fur ther field and built united, disciplined “and well-organised ‘demonstration in which a great variety of organisations and people took part. The substan tal Black presence on the march Was one of the key factors in its

[Lesbian and gay groups from all over the country joined in. Banners proclaimed support from. sumerous women’s groups, “from NUT. and NALGO branches, from_the Vira} Mendis Campaign, CND, SWAPO support groups Troops Out, Anti-Fascist Ac ion, Labour Party groups, SWP, CP, RCP and many

‘The march was led through Wood Green Shopping City and down Lordship Lane” by ‘Quadrophonic Sound. System from the Broadwater Farm Estate, More important perhaps than the numbers emonstrating were the hunibers. watching — whi must have fun into the tens of thousands as. the procession ‘ade its noisy but peaceful way through streets crowded with Saturday allernoos shoppers Attempts by small numbers of bigots to goad the marchers were rebuffed.

At Bruce Castle Park

ween the struggles of the people (of Broadwater Farm and the fs ban and gay

Tottenham Cou Osamor, by Cath Gillespie of the Council's Disability” Subgroup, DY the Vira) Mendis

demonstrators were addressed wCampaign, the Legislation

for Lesbian and Gay Only a handful of CLPs from Left Out, by Troops ouiside the Borough attended, d by Misister Barty and the right wing of the local of St Matthew's parties was notable mainly by is, h, Brixton, among others. absence.

Although Briefing supporter The the _macch

shows yet again that Lab

fannot win the lesbian and Fights strugele — or indeed other struggle — within the con: fyasa whole was disappointing fines of the Council chamber

Published by Labour Briefing, 26 Crofton Road, London SES. Printed by MPS (TU), Acre Lane, London SW

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The 20-stcong condingent marching behind the Haringey Labour ‘Group banner have

their work cut out for them in making Labour's manifesto promises on Iesbian an

Fights a reality. That st Tar from over. The “Sm Backlash” demonstration has laid the best possible basis for contiaging i

PHOTO: Pam Isherwood