Labour Briefing no. 45

Tories say ‘work for your dole’

YOUTH:

INSIDE:

@ Interview Ken Livingstone

@ Frontline: Local government

@ Trade Union News

@ Manning

Marable column

LEAD OUR ESISTANCE!

Youth have been targetted by the Tories eS

in their drive towards a “‘work for your dole’’ benefits system in Britai

Norman Fowler — the new Minister for (UN)Employment — is busy devising ways to abolish the miserly £18.75 that unemployed under-18s now get. if they refuse to go onto a Youth Training Scheme or leave “without good cause” before 2 years are up.

The new “‘super’’ YTS pays £28.50 in the first year, and £35 in the second. The only training that allot of schemes offer is how-to do the same job as your workmates — but for a lot less money and without legal protection from health and safety risks.

Dependence on your family and a permanent cycle of phony training schemes, dole and low paid jobs is the future that now faces hundreds of ‘thousands of young people. Needless to say Black youths get put on the worst schemes and have even less chance of a job at the end.

Young women are largely confined to “women’s jobs". On the other hand a steady flow of underpaid conscripts with very few rights must be a boost to the Profit margins of more than a few employers!

YTS conscription fits in very well with the Tory strategy of making the young and the unemployed pay for the economic crisis.

ey have abolished Wages Councils, they have given 18-25 year olds the “‘opportunity"” to work for the same money they got on the dole on a Job Training ‘Scheme and they have set up Restart to force the unemployed onto “training schemes’ and low-paid jobs.

‘Their new attempt at breaking up the comprehensive school system is also @ sign of things to come: rubbish training schemes and chronically underfunded schools may be the only chance of “education” that millions of ‘young working class men and women have

By Alistair Chisholm Brighton LPYS

It is not the first time that compulsory YTS schemes have been tried. The Tories got their fingers burnt in 1985 when a flood of protests and a strike by thousands of schoo! students forced them to withdraw similar proposals. And that was achieved despite leaders of the labour movernent joining the Tories and their press, condemning as ‘“daft’” the idea that young people should fight such a serious attack on our rights.

‘As long as trade unionists help the government and ‘employers run these schemes on the Manpower Ser. vices Commission boards, they are not only a millstone round the necks of young people who want to fight back. they are also helping to dig their own graves.

YTS trainees are being used as a battering ram to at. tack trade union rights and the living standards of the whole working class. For example, as part of its at- ‘tempt to repay the increasingly militant civil servants in dole offices the government is replacing lower grade jobs with YTS places. With their limited rights, temporary contracts and low wages YTS workers can be used not only to undermine job security. pay and conditions in a workplace but are also less likely to join a union.

‘The TUC is making moves towards setting up “youth forum’. It must be an open and democratic body which responds to the needs and demands of young workers, and can link up with school students who are fighting back. Similarly the Labour leadership must stop attacking its own youth in the LPYS and instead mobilise the labour movement to confront the Tories’ YTS conscription.

The school students forced the Tories to postpone theie plans in 1985. If it is prepared to fight. the labour movement can get them scrapped again in 1987

LABOUR— TAKE THE POWER!

ee,

Labour Briefing No. 45 July 8th-2ist 1987 page 2

Home News

Urban Development Corporations

Public money: private profit!

“Incompetent London docklanas’ downright. loony coun- “new jobs ore i fact rect ils," sald Environment transfers from the City. And

Minister David’ “Trippler sccording to the LDC. over after the Queen's Speech, 7.000 rainy instal jabs

“aro obstacles to develop. fev" Deen Jost. Ths away to give inner city £350 milion ‘tothe pubic residents the opportunity purse. 10 enjoy the prosperity The bid to sel docklands ‘which is being created.” cheaply to the private sector has font lances soaring The Tories’ urben grant Landis ow changing hands st Programme encompasses Perween £5 to £8 millon per many different elements: 3%, ord the wadvonal in, Urban Regeneration Grant, y"tuxury riverside dwellings Task Forces, City Action gha'otfice developments sor Teams, City Technical Col viving the financlal and high leges, Housing Action tech wards Trusts, and Urban Devel. The Act ths rested Ube oration aso ostabiahed Enterprise saceleacele . oes Eze somes 2 10 year rote tree hob By John Turkle ‘Meg with tax voket on caplet

a Stoke investment in building. Some Fe eS Sieh Ee ae ertcianed cine

Newington CLP UDCs, most are set up just ‘Outside the inner cities.

‘All are designed to use “The reality of Tory urban

public ‘money from various “regenaration”” is: for out-of

Government departments asa town EZs read utof town

ump-primer to attract private maga _or_regional. shopping

Investment. All are designed centres (39 are in the pipeline

to strip local authorities of like the Metro Centre outside

planning, development, hous- Gateshead): and for inner city

ing and education powers — in UDCs ‘read office develop fect to act as public sub- ment,

Sidies to the private sector. cutive” ‘The government's main orientated development thrust is through UDCs, "Five new. UDCs.” have

powerful quangos, whose already been established. in Board members are handpick- Manchester's Tratford Park, {ed from the financial world by Teeside, Tyneside, Tyne and the Secretary of State forthe Wear, Cardiff Bay and the Environment, They are ac- West Midlands. These were-alt countable to no one but the set up with the co-operation of Environment Secretary the soon-to-be disenfranchisThey have (ed local councils. Ridley hes just announced the intention ; to establish mini-UDCs: "more Dublicty owned land end com- than one’ sed less than tons ulsorily purchase privately for our larger towns anc land. They also have cities. Planning and development The silence from the leaderBowers tor all the land in ther ship ‘of the Lebour Party = fea, not just that which they fening. This silence is unwn" Ridley has racerny ey ferplvasle, ac the Tory eect dicated that he wants to see on the inner eitios if an attack the UDCs take over “"respon- on Labour itself — and we sibiity’” for council housing. ave ‘seen the fruits of the The London Docklands “success” $0. far in London Development Corporation and The leadership had been warn the Merseyside Development ed by those of us fighting the Corporation were ‘set up in LODE that it represented the 1981 to “regenerate” the de- Tory blueprint for the inner industrialised docklands. Ac- cities — but they chose not to cording to the government's listen. it doesn’t bode well for ‘own figures, two thirds of the future

‘The innards of News on ‘launched in September — and

wil bec iE might be on the radical side recente) Teo jemr neo 8 nla

microscope for a while to jparkct research company tested come. 2 dummy issue of NoS — half

How could a newspaper funded by the Greater London with such resourcing be so Enterprise Board. The tabloid unappetising? How could it dummy was broadly inline with

the idea for a radical Mail on go to the brink of closure in Sh idea for radical Mail on

barely half s dozen weeks of j.a4 begun. The market research

Publication? fvidence. was that there were By far the most ambitious potesially 1-3 million mainly

newspaper project 10 have WOTHME dass people who would

come from radical quarters =

Since the pre-First World By Geoff Sheridan

War launch of the Daily

Herald, News on Sunday is 1.3 million copies ofthe firs

how in the bands of the iste wee uly ped and

nearly “a milion copie. were

Fecevers. They have licensed ; ion to 8 Property Soir fell bya hall y coreg od ‘The market research findings Oyston, the board member ough to have caused dabetiel who put it into receivership. We are not uplifting tones

If this sounds like familiar Ci- The Herald was launched at the ty business, that has been part time of greatest mass upheaval of the problem. Can the left in Britain in this century. Before {ake n'a multcmillion pound that came the early 19th century

project — £6.5m was raised and heyday ofthe radical press fost by oS — without being leading up to the Chartist move

marginalised by financiers, ‘ment of the 1840s The paper retains a reader "Meanwhile the idea of a ship of just under 250,000, radical Guardian on Sunday

Predominantly in London’ and which GLEB had said should be the North-West, and to some patt of the original feasibility extent in Scotland. NaS might Study and which the Guardian yet stay the course —itistobe itself thought there was room

On Monday morning, June 2nd, police and ‘community leaders were trying to find out why bricks and bottles were hurled at the police in the Chapeltown area of Leeds starting about 11.30 on the Sunday

night, Trouble began when police were calcd toa Nowe

in Chapeltown where about 3 o'clock in the afternoon there was 2 domestic disturbance.

While the police were in the house a small group of youth gathered around the police car.

The police went out to the youth, who allegedly stoned the Officers, and allegedly damaged their car. The trouble was provoked by the way in which the police arrested the youth they laimed had kneed the cat.

‘He was seen to be assaulted by the police, being hie with a ‘runcheon oa his hand, panched in the face and grabbed by the

Plans for the October 3rd March for Civil Rights and Justice are now well in hand.

Representatives of the Broadwater Farm

Meanwhile, a special ‘one-day conference is being held at Broadwater Farm on Sunday July 19th. Topics under discussion will include immigration, policing, housing, social services, ‘and many more.

There will be a report back from the US, the release of US Judge Margaret Burnham's scathing indictment of the Old Bailey frame-up trials, land the launch of the Defence Campaign's own

for, had been quickly shelved. The idea of a mass. popular paper had taken wing and those Involved were carried away with 2 Might of fancy that they proJested onto those who could Provide the funds.

Nick Horsley, who had inherited a food’ business, was taken on board. It was to him that trade union leaders. and others were prepared 10 talk about investing. NOS could not be launched without “commer Gial_respectability. Yer when Horsley stepped in as. the newspaper's third chief ex cutive, shortly before the imunch, he proved to be 10 manager.

‘Gerry Taylor, former manag. ing director of the Guardian and Horsley’s predecessor as. chet ‘executive, was another “respec: table” figure. Given control over the advertising and marketing of the paper, he approved the notorious “No tits bur @ fot of balls”

Gill the campaign. Taylor had set up non-union advertising Separtment at NoS, the only ‘one on 2 national newspaper “The only way | could get the

he said, was

best people

nonunion.” Dur

By Dave Walker Leeds North East CLP

groin. He was then taken 10 Chapeliown Police station to be charged, while at the station he claimed he was assaulted again. His solicitor has made an official complaint

‘Youth in the area claimed = ‘umber of similar assaults took place that weekend. The local Police superintendent, John Ellis, denied these charges and said that the police had to protect themselves with riot shields from stones and bottles,

“Order” was brought to the streets after five hours of skir= ‘ishes. Similar incidents took place on the Monday night. The ‘ain target on Monday was 2 “Sex shop" which has been i Aegalty situated in the district for ro years. This shop was pets bombed. "A social cb had « petrol bomb also put through ite feter-box. Members of the local ‘community put this fire out,

Mitch Lewis, 2 local community leader, ‘said “It is impossible to say what the future San hold Tor this kind of tion. The young people are angry for vatious reasons. Some

By Haringey Labour Briefing

Pamphlet about the trials,

In the afternoon there will be an open debate, followed by a social in the evening. Call 01 808 1667 for more

- information.

Petitions calling for an amnesty for all the victims of the frame-up are available from the Defence Campaign (01 885 3752), or from Reading Matters, Lymington Avenue, London N22 (01 881 3157)

Get hold of these and circulate them as widely as possible!

The Defence Campaign is also asking for Labour MPs, Councillors, and trade union and Party

A sorry mess all round

feel that the police have il tested them, and their friends, while others feel that they are ‘wasting their own time because they have nothing to do in life and no jobs.”

(On the Tuesday night there was a meeting at the West Indian centre in Chapeltown attended by about 150 youth. The meeting was. chaired by Cllr Cedrick Clarke, the only AfroCaribbean councillor in Leeds, and superintendent J. Elis

"The youth made it very clear what they thought of the police 3nd of the provocative attacks the police had made on Black youth. Notice was served on the police to lay off and to keep off

| Black youth fight back in Chapeltown

Too much pressure!

Chapeltown. Also, the police were told we don't need all the Police in Chapeltown, so move them out of welll move them ‘Out ourselves. Tempers were very high and the meeting was very angry

‘The police said that they have only six Vice Squad officers in Chapeltown and two police vans and the officers onthe beat Els said police were not spying ‘on the youths, but only policing fon a normal basis. But he would Took at cutting down policing in Chapeltown.

ie also said that ifthe youths had any complaints about police officers, his door’ is) always open.

Subsequent 10 this mecting with J- Ellis, some 30 youth — ‘almost all of them Black — have been taken in for questioning, and almost all of them have bbeen charged. The local police Stations overflowed, and there hhas even been a special sitting of the ‘magistrates court 10 deal with these youth.

“The way the police are acting {s totally im line with the actions cof Thatcher's inner city" task force. Thatcher said she would take on the inner cities next —

officiats to sponsor the march and movement. No fone who claims to be a civil libertarian — not to mention a socialist — has any excuse to withhold

editorial appointment interview Taylor said in reference to 3 Founder's question, ""Why the hell does that bloke keep going ‘on about politics?"

‘While Horsley and Taylor played clasic boardroom games, there was a dearth of effective management in victually every department, from financial con

fol 10. personnel. Even now there’ is ‘no house agreement Clearly, the left has to ain is ‘own managerial skills.

Some radical publica have succeeded with ac operative form of editorial management, Theit example was never considered for NOS. All ichad was a Founders’ Trost — disbanded ‘when the paper ‘went into receivership — co pro: tect its editorial charter and en. sure that it was not taken over by capitalist interests,

What was lacking was a

Figure who combined a clear minded” political stance with journalistic lair, and who ‘would be able 10 establish sup. port and the authority to carry the project through — editor, in other” words. Ex amples of radical papers which hhave been’ successful without such a figure are rare

The closest Nos came 10 it was John Pilger, who refused 10 be editor but accepted the post oa of editorial director. He Favoured Keith Sulton's. apointment as editor and then tras outraged when Sutton came Up with the formulation of “Teftewing Sun™ with a dummy

Sutton saw himself carrying cout the brief derived from the Market research. Pilger saw perversion of left-wing. values Inthe clash that ensued, the Founders attempted to resolve

By Garth Frankland Leeds Councillor

and_we can see preparations already underway in Leeds Just after the election, a polie cit was, Feported (0 be fouring Chapeltown. announc: ing. “Thatcher's won the elestion — we're going to get you now! We're gong to pu you io ‘We have been warned.

Broadwater Farm

A movement for civil rights and justice

his or her support!

The Black communities are not waiting for the ext general election let's join their fightback now.

the conflict, but Pilger walked

Politics was not Sutton’s strong point. In the run-up 10, the election, Sutton appeared ta Support tactical voting. So did Bran Whittacker, the deputy editor, ‘and the political cor respondent, Malcolm Boughen. Ii took the combined pressure ff the Founders and the stalt Tor NoS to call for a siraight Labour vote

‘Nor did Sutton have the skills needed 10 make a tabloid come tote,

Both the Doily Mirror and the ‘Sunday Mirror covered the eee tion campaign much more im: dginatively than Nev or Si. day. Does that mean there is 10 heed for Nos? Not “exactly Tmmediately after polling day it was, show business as usual in the Sunday Mirror. wih politics back to its slot on page two.

Labour focussed its campaign fon televison, and relegated the Fleet Street hacks 10 the back of the photo opportunities. That Is. fone way to ty 10 dispose oF the arbage that comes. off the Presses But Labour ‘has 10 Break the back of the monster, and atthe very leas that means a stale fund to allow a voice to those who aren't. mult millionaires,

Labour Briefing No. 45 July 8th-21st 1987 page? Wis

Editorial ¥

BRIEFING 4

TASOUR — TAKE THE POWE

Self-defence ¢ against Thatcher

Im Sudo, the art of self eles of French students and Who will reflect the anger of new level of fightback possible _ workers, enants and the work 9 The growing tide of deporte,

nore es of French aden cng the homeless the unemployed, "spanning the unions, the ins clas, or Hine up es docile tions and divided. families ip } ee ae * using Chirac government. = the youth, whose hopes of hous Labour Parties, community and hod-carriers for the Tory cuts. siready & radicalising force in ¥ your opponent's weight 'In"cach case these miltant ing, jobs and. decent education campaigning organisations, and machine Hack commaniles. Campaigns 4 To your advantage. The sivgaies were able to" expose arebeing rampled by the Fores countless thousands of people Council tenants face,_a to-combat this and other racial ) Doce movement could sad'epion latom diffecnces and ignored by the new noe Yet organised or involved in doubling of rents, sles of their harassment by police, the sate ‘ vetleok to thisapproach within the ruling clas. There realists"? poligeal actin Sates tod a sky-high poll tax and racist thugs. can mobilise [ iseedisersedye h eaemy sgt of divergence “Who will peak out forthe Au Thatcher aims ber {hat_beeft he chs Most wide suppor: im repelling the waves of Se SUS mo he pall working class women who will bulldozer at the inner cies, tenantshave nowhereckse (go: If we had an official leaderTory attacks unvelled in een ore rcw cut in jose more jobs in Realy and with a special termination to there are real possiblities for ship that felt strengthened, enthe Queen’s Speech. public spending. local government, bear the uproot, disperse and destroy the mass fesistance if campaigns ar¢ couraged and motivated rather oaicieee rare of the housiig cris, and communities which vored soid- than threatened by these sue: ‘The Tories could yet over- nslaug! any the burden of caring for ly Labour on June Iith, the Ses, there i te doubt that we elibe Tories could yet over The worst response to That- sick and cldedy claves cast chance of anew round of youthand siadentscan Be won could’ quichly see a saute each themscives. Having yar’ gang a they whet theit aside by cals in the NHS and resistance incensed W's ight against Tory plans challenge tothe authority of focussed attention | and (nivesforamew onsaughtisthe Soul services? "Tory plan ‘Sash higher education snd float ew Tory goverament. ae ty 08 ine of total capitulation in ad- "Who will echo the anger and Sif the ploshest mnddle class "“Toweter Kianock and: the cultivating a tame electoral Vice of any fight The recent resentment of the black com- _The Tory plan, barely disguis- schools from local authority TUC bureaucracy have very diflientel among the well-0- Yatcment from Islingion coun- munities facing more racist im- ed in the Queen's Speech, is to conirol. The new, elitist sytem ferent plans for the next five < Go middle classes and some <i cadcr Martaret Hodes, in. igration laws, more dcporta- follow. Wandsworth's Tory would leave working class youth years, The task of fighting t0 GMiplaved workers, Thatcher sisting that Labour authorities (lewvand divided families more council in driving working class permanently at the bottom of link and mobilise local Labour cmoved wottontinced that fustimakecutafcr cul in jobs Gacriminaioninjobeand hows famiies. off whole. council the heap in rundown, under- Panes, rade union bodies, naw apocars convinced that access odin ot gore fac mocace onthe fates, and convert the incr. funded schools wih no chance canpalgns, pes sats and } sobody lee matters» dam. fo olfice fora few mote yess, seca, and more pole Harari wastelands inioa profitable of ape Saniee camerecres 4 She really seems to believe fuctpe muito Tory cars” ment ~ ageing the iter paradae of propery sharks, @Umemplved zouh, schools fal o ihe lt wing Of the i es De maf low: in che ations, too, AEU_ resatance seen" im Chapeltown pentbouss and Porsches Se sseetept neg pred erie paid, the unemployed, and jcagers Laird and Jordan have and Broadwater Farm? ee Tes, ected. local workplaces must ink up 10 fight "Briefing supporters. have no {the inner-city communities —feaicd new chorus of right Kae qorsnmactimas besirippedet the, Tory plan 10 cOMipt — desieorgo h alone’ These will never ‘mount any Sus- wing bureaucras running up the eee, euning Rousing joblest south ino slave labour —Srggsles could. be most sc: lained fightback. wine ice without shot fred, The answer to cach of these stock Mogaed off, run down or “taining” schemes, while Tory Cessful if all the currents,

Inpart this view is the ar They see surrender “lo the questiogs must be that the otherwise levered from council Minster kids are frec to loaf tendencics, organisations and onme ‘of wealth, power bosts'demandsastheonly way. labour movement takes hese — coniol,and whole areastumed rund the, champagne and’ individuals off the hard left

Fogance of, wealth, power (StS Sumfon, suberinions sues on toad and mobiiaes moa Free Pige Zoneforsweat heroin dict sees ere eg nan ffortess 1@bscat (2 IEP. San, NS Stas qeeyeehest shoe and office Bows The Whe Kimocks am Stoo of aires weciojomm acim f Slecon yicory: party, | CBicouldotharepur teeny. jngeriatofatiwottne ie jecine atl engine: uy avin wie the LOwnE mon gh for ua, Working | recognition of the miserable, Deaton: Sen tae cine meta token oe isan a oe ta Treacherous tole played by But this abject official line of Slmest impossible’ forthe General Election. conden ema mtes ge Orting eo Oana’ | eee Orton and dettuita’soniy Queside of he Lavcur Part) "or the unions “Themainartacs —andfocal for arealcampaign fof the iden chance to forge anew unity a reece cnet 1919. doy I'does not come from "io stand. as any Kind of points for the fighiback — are on these vicious Schemes php cl ligase Labour leaders since 1979. HO sncrcouwingend ofthe plausblc defenders. of the Srendy char (om the Queew’s With a new round of post: could reiain ts independent share Thatcher's view that a attacks. oppressed. ‘Speech. lection cuts looming; health point of view within a 4 share Thatcher's view thi "Who speaks for the union "Weave jnisen ow wees elected local athorles wil service noms, “lcal_com-demrai agerpent on the fightback agnins the 866 Johor taing apeaiup, wavs sock cesion ames of stnpped of powers cnet umes andthe hour mone. next ps ora . fore [gqurhits cv" more rus’ ese upimaneors Tent Gucaton Rowing and pnw” menting real Rghback | Whe he Kick, ta

the only answer is to liclow. Gancies and attacks on union after Kinnock and his pals had ing: instructed by law to put ser- now — ot watch dozens more bureaucratic, witch-hunting e for another five years. strength? x spent four years sabotaging and vices out 10 private tender; rob- _haspitals close their doors. conservatism and —_ passive a]

However, we should draw ‘Who speaks for the council attacking every real fight bed of revenue and rate-capped ‘@The privatisation of water parliamentarism sit like a dead 4 surengin fom the opendid ex: workers and. couch tenams, against Thatcher. SFincsisaus peu tats horhes and other industries and fresh welgh On te labour Movement, Srenath from the Sams the Peek sok toe jobs amd “There no reason to tafe and'"bankrupied, by masse tacks on shift patter. and iis from workers’ self-defence i

Ainfents and: workers on the Geontal “services, andi face that the Kinnocks, Hodges and “financial crises: and legally gag» demands for speed-up force against Thatcher's reactionary sindets and workers Gr ihe seen SIV Se ics Jordans ihvethingssilibe ged"byteprenine. ier von anton” members” deae radials and is Bra apact

SUatinging and soning conces, demande as bankrupt Labour own way. The sheer scale of the “pofitcal” publicity. The whether to fight back now on the daily lives of millions : Ser rare! eee eee ceancial Torsattick onsuch mids layers choice for courcilons whether Knowing they" may. not "get thatthe Best hopes of resistance sin Om oem the dou TOS dcirerpenct of he working lar makes & to tdeinstaggle wih council anos chance ate { local government | { i On ‘Thursday July 2nd _ necessary {0 prevent a. and the necessity for the Coup- cies and about 300 temporary _ what was being considered uniil__and thet position will be clearer t Thursday July 2nd rs break idence al to UaesmineWbe LanhSaat SaiY"acrom the Counc but afer the Coun meeting whore afer tha i vases BR ne Sa theydowrinon wheretheyare, the cuts were made —"‘dexpite The. Council-mectng- which passed a resolution which SCINEry: a one that was the proposal that So'they dont Know what wil repeated “requests from the made, the cule “was icon. included a series of thal thereshould besteps cnr to the Labour Group and happen if the vacancies arent unions. Siderable contrast to the one Measures amounting to ESR, {0 feduce Overtime SSC'Gid for by all hut cght Med or the tonporey waft "The NALGO Executive Com- whee they frst diensed de 4 working and overtime costs. councillors, namely Allen, Ber- leave. mittee is therefore taking amo- fiance to the Rates Act tw: 4

quite serious cuts im Jobs These steps have been propos. ingion, Birill, Holding, Plum: fion to the branch mecting on years ago. ‘Then, Counc

and therefore in services. Gy" teal with £i2,milion er. "States, Lazenby, and Immediate {ity ‘eh “calleg for not co” mecings were eld the “The ents includ Coo thas opened ins years Newbury, Counciior-Stey apetaion wath the Council tm Camden Cenee, with 2000 Ticats inctude:,, __‘Bulgus ms vroulr of yanous | abovotcdagame the ropos “Our bl ig at wi ead the_mplemcmation ofthe members ofthe ns and te ; ea stop to allerowih: cremuee accomianey measures im the Labour ‘Groupy bet co'mmediate doure of srs vacancy freee and the cading community preset al soalag 4 refusal to enter into finw’a"mareaice ‘od not wast premio the Counc! im cet afeatypartaulary ta gftempora contac, We will ther” support for the 7 any commitments: that are {iving up to expectations in uiceting — so he will probably social services and the Chief Ex- be supporting all shops which councillors. fot contractual, even if cratof reducing budgets” be smother supporter. RGNSTUsparmen: Weknow take scion tn line with that "Ths tme was el in an at | they're budgetted for They fave also taken some | ee there a gh wacancy rate im oli mosphere of mani secu i setting up # monitoring geasirs to art the prowess of By Jo Fawkes Some stirs: and in. some "We will ako be launching 2 i all the doors locked and 4 oan 8 cietrneteee bridging th exp inca gears 4 “Pane Wiese pation Tali il, campaign to gee he shops and nly $0 people allowed into the Brocedure for all fare SoeTeiiccorenlyenimaed Chait, Camden NALGO ft mucriy eave oc indicus cones 1 cry buling! All torn hal sa fad Fe FS ontolday heres nr fe tha pots through in tail” been asked leave the Dull. land, directly affecting Wernthemincy tbeCouncilcan _ Wdocs acm posible hath Enough staf to provide the se that place of work a3 clock j sattng: TEE ihrouah Ue race potcm, —ggupeilcemundcl once the ska Welatixe Ine il happen Co-operation tovmake se threaten ating all vacant posts, _ sue the eaccapoies eps” Summmet, ss councilors come'to Tay actly Sorters i he premise when 5 te rede all vacant posts, caren pendtare, eae iat hese shoricim iw oe, some sta have Clery, the ‘Coll want the Counc mectng staid ; eet Got ecru cen", ed vafow tadet ewer arctmpoingio se teen omg aba exta work Made tron cooperation to tara, Hime tn : Si a es rious tate ar asticy gual goud will-cven thoggh make their policy mote effec. calling for Turher consultation H the Council decides through in each department to monitor realise that they will actually be this is against union policy, staff tive. Bur if the Executive resolu- with the workforce and the | some means that we don't Ind reduce spending ruling over cclundancie by don't Me to see sree eaers Hon pated at the branch communiy, was ruled out of i yet Know that jobs must be “Tne Cher Exceve hasbeen tbe autumn, unless they take 2 Suffering” But any such good meeting, we will nt be entering order By the Mayor. filled forthe direct provision asked to tnvegate and come Sand now wait aoe! Heel te Step ino tHE monitoring procelure "To change the content of i Of services: Be etn s peetaes ar pro. “The” rade unions certainly aiogstbrs as stall elise that orino'ay Lind of mplementa- policies, the Counc has ad servis: ore employees posal around'cariritcmentfecopioe tat these cuts areon- “Tacan pot wall never be ed. hon methanis, Erangc iis sje Nov those of 4s pital po mere employers So sna rndancy rit Scenaie: and whic fe Thea Wf anger nthe "Toe Bolg Watkers unions ho suport Camden Cou we ctamane worktorcan! Coumcilots mat ony sce tara tcadeunione, sal eves, about are likly to share that site: lly Sand two. Years tap

contacts oF contracts ex-

{Bgenions are cncoursged'to paper exccke, we've exiremely they way these deciioms were ‘but fs not clear jet whal have io mount an even stronger tended for further periods — Ade non ae ca ee Carin Maman Gone. made'e'ners even one meek NUPE'S™pontion wil be. fig than wed hen and ths again, unless the Council is Cygnet atour she redeployment Guences of the poly fo consull gue mire member. there. Givin opinion ime our fst aim wif have tbe satisfied that the appoint- of staff into priority work areas, For example, the Council ship; and the Council did not within the leadership. NUPE’s —_ to change the minds of our own

Ment oF extension. is flexibility of working practices know there scabout 9Dyacan- write #o-the siaff to fell them mass mecting is on July 1Sth, Labour representatives.

omen

‘Labour Briefing No. 45 July 8th-24st 1987 page 4

Trade Union Briefing

LIST. ale ACHER

STA prepares to

fight the Tories on education

‘KEN TONES, a member of the NUT National Executive, writing in a personal capacity, assesses the AGM of the Socialist Teachers Association,

which was held at the end of June.

The Socialist Teachers Alliance has more than doubled its size to 600 members over the last 18 months.

The growth reflects its role in campaigning for effective action to defend NUT members’ pay and conditions against govern- ‘ment and employers.

Like the rest of teachers, though, the STA now faces the tasks of defence and survvival against the Tories’ next round of educational warfare. The AGM. spent time discussing strategies for this fight,

‘There was agreement abCst education. policy: the Tories threaten to dismantle free, focally-controlled, non-selective ‘education and to teplace it with f system that relies in equal ‘measure on control and market forces, Yet their ambitions may ‘over-feach themselves and proGuce a reaction In favour. of equality. ~The enthusiasm of those who would benefit from opting out of state education could ‘be ‘more than cancelled out by the Anger of those who would refain in sub-standard schools, ‘Appreciating this, the AGM Voted to pursue ‘through the

Labour Party and teaching unions a campaign against the ‘Tories’ reforms’, while at the same time promoting debate in the labour movement about the kind of strategies hich can sein popular support for a radical education.

On other issues, there wasn’t vunanimity. AIL were agreed in theit criticisms of union policy {or fighting Baker's imposition ‘of orse™ conditions upoa teachers. All agreed on the need to coutinue local resistance for fas long. as possible — even ‘without national suppor. There ‘war agreement that national tet shod continue against the loss of negotiating Fights.

But there were disagreements ‘00 the relationship of local ac ton to local negotiations: a majority favoured not seeking negotiations. with Tocal education authorities unless there as no other route of safeguarding ‘members" positions — a posttion I'do hoe personally agree with

"The meeting also voted to apply a policy of positive action for women in the STA, and in ite. organising and ‘stablished policy for ant-sexist ducation, ‘which willbe of {reat use to teachers in fighting the retreat from antisexist policies which many schools and LEAS are experiencing, in the face of 8 Haringey-style backlash

Allin all, the meeting was a useful one, which prepared the STA well for the next phase of campaigning. It should continue fo be capable of giving lead on pay and conditions, while also faking up the wider issues which fare so essential for resistance 10 the range of government policy.

LRT Builders walk out

London Regional Transport (LRT) Builders went ‘on all-out indefinite strike in the last week of June In a test-dich fight compulsory

redundancies. Under the GLC the LRT Builders department ‘employed around —1,00€ skilled building workers. ‘The LRT Act brought London's transport under direct government. control and stipulated thatthe department must prove its “competitiveness”

@in 1985 consultants were broughi in, the department was restructured, and 600 jobs were Jost Uirough Voluntary Severence (VS).

‘@in the spring of 1986, 200 more painters and labourers ‘were los through VS.

‘ein November 1986, LRT demanded 460 compulsory redundancies, and gave the ‘workforce 90 days notice, After negotiations, the VS list was Kept. open "and the 90 days extended

‘e Last January a secret ballot ff the workforce produced an Som majority in favour of industrial action against redunancies. Days anda week of ac tion were held in the Following months.

The deadline for compulsory redundancies kept being moved fand'moee workers took Se 28

By Kevin MacDermott Deputy Senior Convenor, UCATT

Grove jobs had to go when Ue May deadline was postponed yet ‘gain (when the election was a ‘Bounced) until the end of June.

‘@On June 25th, at a meeting with full time officers and shop Sewards, LRT Board members ‘announced that although only TO more redundancies were re quired they would sill be made ‘compulsorily

“Amass meeting was called for Monday, June 29th, at Hac ‘mersmith Town Hall. Ie decided toembark on “indefinite all-out Strike action to prevent the in- {traduction of compulsory redundancies at LRT"

The strike is virtually solid theoughout the department and Involves members of UCATT. FIAT, TGWU, NUR, AEU ‘and EETPU. Picket lines are up Outside LRT Builders opposite Parsons Green tube, ‘Chisick LRT Builders. Depot, and the Oval Depot behind ‘the Oval tube.

ERT Builders are now visting ‘ther LRT areas — bus, tubes,

engineering, ete — {0 ask for moral, financial and dndustral suppor.

For speakers o¢ for more in formation, ‘contact the LRT Builders Joint Convenors Cam: mittee, c/o. Camden Trades Couneit Support Unit, 102 St Pancras Way, London NWI, 01 aft 4106,

COHSE Conference 1987

Hector McKenzie, the

‘Most of his audience, and those they represent, spend their working lives in poor conditions earning pitifully low pay. The platform repeatedly had the cheek to lecture them ‘on living in the “reat world” and that there was “no alternative” to bending the knee.

Their “real world” — according to policy pushed through this year

decline

APEX — the 90,000 strong ‘white-collar union — held {s annual conference on June 6/7th in Scarborough. The Conference was shortened to 1¥2 days in view of the General Election, and will be reconvened in November. Briefing spoke to APEX activist and Briefing supporter, Karen Raybould, about the weekend's events.

‘What was the major issue at the Conference? Merger- APEX has been in with six unions, and repor these discussions had been ‘culated. But effectively the d Sion fad. been stitched up beforghand, The” Executive Council favoured the GMBATU, and had_alceady ‘argued the case to members in the APEX journal

‘Other, more sensible options foe the

ASTMS an

ks

sions themselves} and TGWU

Unfortunately, the former theo were preparing a separate ‘lerical section within the mers

‘cd union, which is unnecessary and. divisive. Talks with the TGWU had however gone wel. Tm the debate, 10. APEX'S credit, any. EU wae over jected. This mas mainly duc to iis inky withthe EETPU and

By Glen Birch COHSE activist

includes full surrender to Tory anti-union laws, YTS slave labour in the NHS, and 3 refusal to pursue a vigorous ‘Campaign to democratise health authorities.

‘The hard right leadership of McKenzie, ‘O'Kane and Robinson pushed the line of “new fealism’” and the

“Kinnockite call to “‘wait

for the next general election"

The atmosphere was aptly summed up by one normally reticent delegate from the north of Scotland, who was

that organisation's role at Wap-

‘Opposition 10 the GMBATU focused on the need to at least continge talks — with — other tinions. But ASTMS-TASS was fejected, the TGWU hardly ‘mentioned, and the decision {taken fo continbe talks with the GMBATU only

‘This decision potentially strengthens the “official” right ‘wing within the TUC, should a merger be approved later in the yer in a ballot of the membership.

‘Unfortunately it was also supported by recently-clected “eft ‘wingers’” on the EC — Julian Brennan (Holbora) and Lynette Savings (Westminster TUP®) They saw it as the best that could “be won in the ce Comstances, The huge rejection of the AEU showed the un Decessary caution of that view

‘A merger sith the GMBATU would mean APEX taking over ite white-collar section, MAT-

SA. The new structure would guarantee APEX EC meibers their positions, "and

APEX/MATSA conference ‘sould continue. The spokesper Son for the APEX officals at icau mas quite honest about the importance of self-interes! in supporting the GMBATU option.

Did this set the mood for the rest of the det

COHSE Conference Report

Whose world is real?

overheard to remark “this ig the first time I've been at an SDP rally.”

Although the Broad Left was vigorous and vocal (the President sarcastically offered them ‘their “own” podium), they won the day on only a few occasions.

The main one was a resolution calling for a campaign to prepare for industrial action in Support of the ancillary staff's pay claim. It was overwhelmingly carried despite frantic opposition and veiled threats from the platform. Later, when it appeared as if 2 resolution was to be carried in opposition to the Labour Party

leadership's plans to take control of the Young Socialists, a card vote was called for and then delayed — until leadership supporters could be brought back into conference from the bars to vote in a debate none of them had heard,

The COHSE leadership may hope for a quiet life until the next election, but the “‘real world’ — in the form of the Tories’ wholesale cuts, and privatisations — will put the boot into the quiet life for all of us. The Health Service rank and file and the working class in general will fight back Indeed, Hector — we have "ina alternative”,

1987 APEX Conference

Merger-mania won’t halt

PIE}

Yes. The lack of any serious eft wing opposition, together with & lack of fight ‘amongst most delegates just prior to the elec tion (after 8 years of Thatcher) contributed to the EC’s almost Total dominance of proceedings. In six years of going 0 ConTerence, T've never seen delegates so muted.

‘This year was Rules Revision There was a motion to move from. branch-based. ballots in EC elections 10 postal vores. It seemed 10 be narrowly defeated President Ken Smith declared it carried though, and there was hot enough co-ordinated opPosition 1o even get a card vole So posal votes iti

‘And another motion to remove APEX's “proscribed Hist” was. defeated, with. the Coventry No. I branch delegate Gnaccurately) witeh-hunting the GEC Coventry. branch Tor the Sccond sear running.

What other debates were there? composite mation caling for ¢ wthdrawal of APEX. and

TUS stipport For, ¥TS, Was,

taken with just 10 minttes left ff the Saturday session. The EC won the "debate" by arguing for local union monitoring of YTS. and. winning improved conditions, But of course Roy Grantham, APEC. General Secretary, is one of the three TUC Commissioners siting on, and giving legitimacy 10, the MSc

There was one positive note at ‘Conference, though — in the debate on South Africa, Resolu tions were carried which includ: ff calls for APEX members (0 Fefuse to handle contracts and goods connected with South ‘Africa. Whether this will be im: plemented is an enticely dh ferent matter

What of the future? ‘There is an_ urgent need for socialists within APEX to ‘Organise, The new Tory eovernments attacks will intensity the Spiral oF membership. decline, which "a "merger with the GMBATU will not solve

‘The key les with the ordinary membership. It is fo them we must look for fucure leaders within jhe non, however, ft develops. ,

Penn

Husokarios

Labour Briefing No, 45 July &th-2ist 1987 page 5

Trade Union Briefing

Call for Solidarity Conference launched

Ex-Silentnight strikers, together with the Tower Hamlets Print Support Group and the Oxford Disputes Group have launched the call for a nation idarity conference inthe autumn.

‘The call has been backed by the Hangers, Caterpillar, Triders and Senior Colman strikers and ex-strikers.

‘A letter published by the conference’ organising ‘committee explains:

(We) decided to make the call for such a conference after the defeat of strikes like the tniners, Wapping and Silentnight, amongst others.

“These disputes were defeated, particularly because of the lack Sf support from the leaderships of the official movement. To try {o change this situation we need {o discus the Tesons of those Sisputes inorder that these festons can "be taken ‘into support for Future strugees.”

But. the need for such 2

for jailed and victimised ‘workers; womes organising; privatisation; the law and the trade unions; organising in the trade unions: supporting Black workers "and fighting. racism; Gade union democracy: international solidarity and organising against apartheid

By Pete Cooper ‘Trade Union Briefing

Gpaference is not confined 10 these, kinds" of industrial disputes. The letter continues: “Public sector workers have been attacked by the government on wages, working Eonditions, and jobs. The During the Tories third term Femoval of negotiating rights at the government and the GCHQ and from the teachers employers intend to g0 to town, ‘onions poses a threat to trade on wages, conditions and trade ‘union organisation nationally.” niga shop floor organisation "Two well attended organising They will use new anti-union meetings have taken place so far laws, privatisation,

For further information about the Conference contact Janet Seymour, 3, Hill St, Barnoldswick, Coin, Lancs. Tel. 0282 812864

in Leeds and Leicester ‘These mectings decided that the discussions at the conference Should encompass a broad ‘ange of issues facing workers in Strugsle and. trade unionists faced with the attacks from the ‘Tories and employers Discussions will include organising solidarity; support

tanemployment and a balery of ‘other means io. weaken and Gestory workers” reastance itis quite clear, however, that the trade union leaderships. as a ‘whole will do Tite, aothing or ‘worse to stop them. This applies {o the "lefts" of the T&GWU and NUE as well as the open Scabs of the EETPU leadership.

No retreats

‘The Cos! Board believe #08 Vic Allen, sen suing they have the NUM on Gals the sigh of this “storm the floor — avd are put- com i peoot that Scargil hax Gog ise best ie: ie ie eam "They ave imposed a pay 0" of the suike— soe deat for 1987 on al NUM FE and Bie mene rembers, and moved ahead wrth Increased production

Soeopent has tome per som Gy HLM, Grecuaway sire on to moar sll in ‘sl “quis circtes”’ me jail have not been re-emy

i cee seCehenes Yorks Coalfield i Sous cco ee Slaw-back incentive schemes sj iy gen nt ind plans for Ey working Wan raicgt and Uyak Thamar “vont pate

oped — ‘of the UDM offering manage- mines.

“The current plight of the [aboration in organising Gay remain the pace-sctcrs in sell NUM gine comast to Ott" sib eine snd ut formulae bt caer cased See eneicige “uher’ he ti wit be akenin, x by he Communit Paty are foe a aday: week, shorter

reinstated! — for knifing the strike by saying publicly on TV that there should be a return 10 ‘work without a settlement ‘Howells g0% bis job back — bbut hundreds of sacked and vie~ ‘imised miners are still suffering from bs policy two and 2 hall Indeed even in South Wales

Sway some of the old NUM week issue is of fundamental Dureaucrals into capitulation. importance "The South Wales leadership As One miner told Briefin:

This; ber mehblony =a tinea, One mine tok Brieing agreement and improved Ging the stike without a sctle- goal production. 1 don't work ‘We know Scargill himself is ting the 6-day week plan at capitalism I never will

TSaturday hight is when we wash the dust out of our throats with a few pints. 1's sacred 10 the working. classes. and non: negotiable

‘they want coal o

sul arguing along the same class lines. But he. is constantly lindermined by the Stalinistled Soft left in the bureaucracy. Its time fo dump the Stalinist oldfguard intellectuals who gained

Margam. Des Dutfield is said to have argued for accepting the Board's package now, and hop: ing a new Labour government would "reverse the measures

Tater: but Kinmock has made no Satur

Eivour in the pay strikes of such promise —and his record day. the Board and its. sup1972/4, Bul who 0 illadvised on the NUM is more than porters amongst the bureaucrats Scargill in the great battle for suspect. Should form a coal-cutting jobs'of 1980/3 and now in the "Behind Dutfield stands team. 1 bet me and my mates br

{ng more coal out inthe tread of ‘our boots each day than they'll produce in'a pear!

fight for the very life of the "Among these figures is Pro-

another academic advisor, Kim Howells, who was sacked for only two days — and. then

timised miners in any of the resolutions. This omission is even more. marked as all the

in ‘Tesolutions are decided

‘iineworkers. His actions and

Everything (2) oles were an inspiration tO comes to those En the activists around the

great Strike” and since. He is

who only wait sorely missed! ‘upon and handed oat like sweets Tey French, a natural ‘otheleft Areas by the National ‘An open letter to Socialist leader ist “since is "fecent Miners" Forum as motions to

Action:

“The sacked and victimised" miners were told to “keep their heads down, otto rock the boat but to wait for the recurn ‘ofa Labour government.” This ‘Sterile, non-combative, empty Policy’ was put forward. soon ffter the miners’ return to Work in 1985,

Some Yorkshire Area of ficials pushed this policy as a recipe for teiastatement. The 1987. election result, giving ‘Thatcher a thied term with a massive majority should finally bury this degrading policy

regret thatthe officials who argued strongly along those Tines. whilst -sociferously con: emning the actions of the late Fespected comrade Jack Collins ‘of Kent, couldn't have been Duried instead of him! Jack was clas fighter who never ceased

foe the reinstate the victimised

the NEC for adoption into the ‘conference agenda

The election of Thatcher is a lear mandate that an emergen resolution be tabled and then a st print. im ‘mediately the conference opens. ‘Fim sure the President's address could wait, as Lam also sure that the sacked miners have waited long enough!

"To. gain reinstatement the sacked miners should adopt the Slogan "Stand and Fight!" To

is end it requires that they are ‘motivated imo attending. the Conference.

TiKnow that some will be there loboying and ate actually hav ing to sleep under canvass — unlike others who will be well

Telease from prison, continuing the fight. In advocating action to achieve reinstatement he is constantly vilified by the SSralinist, "soft-lens of Yorkshite’” and "surprisingly Somes in for criticism from misguided supporters of Socialist Action, all because he is prepared to fight for his and the other “class war casual ties’ jobs back.

‘Surely Socialist Action should support this activity and encourage its supporters in the Coalfields to shoulder some of

is burden rather than ad- ‘ocating. that they just sell badges as they were doing at the Yorks Miners Gala, The less politically able sacked miners Could full this role, thus releas- looked after in their efforts 10 {ng your supporters for a more sell badges. and promote agitational role Socialist Action.

The NUM 1987 Conference William Head, started on July ath, but has go Yorks NUM. fnention of the sacked and vic rank and file

on 6-da

They will hide behind the Tory ‘anti-union laws and the threat ‘Of sequestration rather than necessary support as

fieht Hangers, i the teachers and civil service disputes. Each of these disputes has been left 10 fight on alone, plant by plant, sector by sector.

‘The Conference will be a welcome step forward in Breaking down this isolation, and beginning to build a ‘erwork of trade union activists ‘who can both extend mutual Support in. their strugsles and begin to discuss how to build an alternative leadership. for the labour movement which is, in Arthur Seargill’s famous Dhrase, “as loyal to our class as ‘Thatcher isto bers.”

ie i hoped. chat the ‘Conference will draw in activists both from the support ‘committees and from across the

those involved i “and rank and

Kem. WORF Solidarity for Hanger: can struggles? a

Hold back the NCB! Scargill speaking at the Yorks Miners’

Excluded motion!

Voices were raised and salaries defended when a N. Western Area motion to conference was excluded from the 1987 Conference Agenda at the May NEC meeting

‘The motion was on the lines of “Miners wages for miners’ leaders”. It was moved as a right wing manoeuvre to embarrass National President Arthur Scargill. The right had hoped he would rule the ‘motion out of order, thus allowing them to point the righteous finger of condemnation at a “’greedy President”. Much to their chagrin, Scargill moved that the motion be voted upon by the NEC.

To their credit, the three Yorkshire Area officials voted in support of the motion. It is to the shame of the smaller Areas who are heavily subsidised by the National Union that some of them must have voted against the motion, because it fell and was then excluded from the Conference agenda

'S. Wales miners (who already pay a subsidy to maintain their officials) would be well advised to ask the anti-Scargilites Dutfield and Rees which way, they voted, who mandated them, and how much a year they draw of your money.

Wiliam Head, Yorks NUM rank & fl

Society leaders

issue of Briefing the titude of the SCPS leadership to the continuation of the Civil Service pay campaign

was in considerable doubt. However, nobody ex-

pected them to pull out of the already agreed selec: tive action which hit London on June 25th and 26th, and moved to Wales and the Midlands the following week.

‘The action by the leadership and the manner in which it was done — effectively one day before the action was to begin — left SCPS activists climbing the walls.

By Alistair Wallace CPSA Broad Left

‘Censure motions have rained in from. even normally Moderate branches and more active areas. simply ignored the instruction

‘The conciusion PSA members are forced to draw that the SCPS leadership ‘more interested In attecking the CPSA Broad Left NEC than it’ isin winning the pay campaign,

Tn the short run this has led to a mood of defiance b ‘the longer term it will more difficult to win the ballot on all-out action.

‘The ballot itself is currently

the SCPS Sabotage it is even more clear that sl-out action by CPSA members is the only way the ‘campaign can progress.

Labour Briefing No. 45 July Bth-2ist 1987 page 6

Frontline: Local Government

PHOTO: Broadwater Photographic

‘There have been 42 pieces of legislation from the government since '79 which affect local government powers in England and Wales. The new Tory government aims to go much further.

Since 1978/9, the last financial year of the last Labour government, local

thority. capital spending

hhas dropped by 41% in overall terms and almost 604% in housing.

% Now, Section 1 and Schedule 1 of the Local Government Act 1987 impose restrictions on deferred purchase deals which have played an important role in hhouse-building and other schemes.

Deferred purchase is a means of borrowing money from banks to Tund schemes which could not be paid for out of noeimal capital allocations Generally, the repayments start In three years time (1990/91).

‘Nearly all the big Labour authorities in London have entered into substantial defered purchase schemes. The 1987 Act Dill give the Secretary of State power to regulate all but the Smallest of these schemes — those under £m

“The route of” deferred pur chase has therefore been at feast partly closed off, though there fay still be some loopholes in the wording of the Act

‘A local authority can oaly use any capital receipts it obtain on a proportionate basis, rather than all in one year. Thee is a new control in the 1987 Act which gives the Secretary of Scate she power to change the definition of revenue income.

"This i very damaging 1c local authorities because of a shor tage of revenue (or sometimes the other way round).

Revenue regimented Revenue spending remains under sii contol. Precepting authorities have to make the precept by March 10th, the i authorities have to set the ‘by April Ist (introduced by the Tories after the deferral of Tate-setting a few years back).

"There isa. legal_duty to balance income and. expen diture, as well asa legal duty 10 fact “reasonably” and to take Account only of “relevant conSideratione’” and to keep within the administrative law.

“The government decides wh: percentage af total focal expen: Siture i & going to fund. That amount has been going down Continuously since. the. Tories ‘came into power and is likely 10 fall Fucther,

‘The government can also change the balance of block [grant and specific grants, which are. given for specific named Purposes, increasing and Secreasing them as they see fit. The proportion of specific grants hasbeen sing, com= pared to general Block grant, {has further restricting the right ‘of local authorities to. make their own decisions on funding.

Finally, the Rate Support Grants Act of 1987 has ended the process of "“flowback”™ ‘whereby some of the grant lost by Labour Authorities which Noverspent”” was recouped:

under 8 complex government formula, About £280m which high-spending ‘Labour

‘authorities would have expected {o receive tis year will now stay with the Treasury,

Rate-capping revisited ‘We sill don’t know what the financial regime is going 10 be 1988/9. There will be the Usual announcement about Rate Support Grant, and the July list (of ratecapped ‘authorities. The government also now has the power to determine the penalties for cach Labour Conall in London individually — rather than treating them all in the tame way, under the same rules, as inthe past.

This will obviously help to undermine any atiempt al tunited tesistance by Labour luthorities. I's a fair bet that ate-capping will be extended to fother Labour authorities like ‘Waltham Forest, Ealing, Hammersmith, and maybe Manchester

‘Thatcher faces a dilemma. On the one hand, she obviously ‘wants to penalise ss many Tabour authorities as possible through eatecapping and other financial measures. On the ther hand, she does have 10 Consider the question of the poll tex and ts. political ‘implications

fp inner London the poll ax is likely to cause huge increases for individuals. ‘The Tories ‘would like to sec rates going up fnow to make the poll tax look more attractive. There may be pressure on the Tories 10. be fore relaxed in London over the rates. sue, though Thatcher's instincts’ may well lead her the other way

New Legislation

We know from the Queen’ Speech that the Tories plan 10 fish. most of their new pro. osals through this parllamen. tary session. The firs Bill con: fains further controls om focal authority publics, new con {olson contract’ compliance, and ney provisions. or com

next to Kenley

pulsory competitive tendering. “The Bill names sx services (0 bbe put out for tendering, with the Secretary of State emPowered 10 add others 10 the ist. The proposed starting date is April Ist, 1989, so. local ‘uthoritics will have Just over 2 Spear, if they are vo comply with the law, 10 get their act together "There are also. ansitional provisions forcing local Authorities which agree con: tact between now and. April 1989 to re-examine it if it conficts with the tendering prin ciples “in the Bill, There is therefore little opportunity (0 squeeze in “comtracs in perpetuity” for Direct Labour ‘Orzanisations.

Contract compliance has caused a long-running row bet tween Home Office and Depa ment of the Environment ministers. The Home Office Supported controls on the political aspects of contract Compliance (e.g. Labour authorities withholding confracis from companies _ who ‘work on nuclear installations) Bot they disagreed with the DoE who felt that local authorities Should also. be stopped. from taking account of existing laws fon racisn and sexism.

"The DoE has won and local authorities will no longer be fable to impose contract condi tions regarding the sumber of ‘women and Black emplovess local working conditions, union Fights, training, health and safetp mantoring, te. Ths prov lunjon and. anti-health and salety

Gagging the left New proposals to restrict publicity ‘by. local authorities (sill be priority. The Tories {ried this before (i response to the GLC abolition campaign) but the worst excesses of the ‘government's legislation were Softened by the Lords. hhave come back aow with even miore Sweeping restrictions,

“Prohibited materials” are defined as that which “refers 0 3 politcal party, or person ‘Mentfied with a political pars ‘9 promotes or opposes a poini of view on a question of politcal controversy which is Tdeatified as the view of one political party and not another

In six months" time we could find ourselves unable even 10 ‘criticise the poll tax. ft i ar ‘astonishing attack on the right Of local authorities to speak out on behalf of the people they represent

‘Broadwater Farm: the thorn in her side, Thatcher will use her third term to hit the inner cities with everything the state can throw at them.

- How the Tories plan to shackle local government

Poll Tax “The pol 2x lesislation is not ex pected 10 be published until Oc {ober or November. I will feplace domestic rates for local households, and. introduce a ‘uniform business rate. This

ter it designed 10 help” bie business in inner city areas.

Bot there fa fly in the oint ‘ment for the Tories. A uniform rate means pitching it between the current highest and current lowest. That will mean substantial redactions for businesses in Inner cities but big rises in Tory ‘Shires, with consequent political problems.

‘The replacement of the domestic rate with the poll 12x ‘poses other problems. It will Deed a register with 36 million ‘hemes on it, separate from the ‘lectoral register. Every one of them will have tobe billed ‘separately because the householder currently paying rates may not be responsible for ‘paving the poll tax on behalf of the others in the house

Evasion costs will be at least 10% of the total, as opposed 10 1% on the rates. Therefore, poll tax levels will have to be that ‘much higher to compensate.

By Reg Race Tottenham CLP

A. fantastically intrusive bureaucracy will mushroom. Officials will Knock on the door land ask: how may adults over theage of I8 live here? Can I see them? Are you sure? Can you prove you are who you say You fre? Local authorities will be forced to administer this

“The level of poll tax in inner London will "be drastically higher than cureent races. In Greenwich, the current rate averages £324 p.a. The com ‘munity charge (poll tax) will be £672 per person.

‘Even in Wandsworth, where the Tories have kept down the fates to an average of £185, the sverage community charge will be £397. The poor old ratepayers of Wandtworth are going 10 be got by their own Secretary of State!

“The Tories may iry and juggle the inereave over a fem Years 10 hide its real dimensions, or give 2 much higher taxpayers subsidy fo local authorities for 2 short period to prevent huge rises.

‘Even people on socal security will be obliged (0 pay 20% of the community charge. At the moment rates are not paid by those on social security. The Tories sa they waat to increase the accountability of the Coun: til to the electors. What they mean is that if the poor have 10 pay the community charge they

won't vote Labour any more! ILEA._ undermined

In a concession announced The Tories will introduce = just’ before the election, the separate. Bill’ enabling local Tories promised an increase in Srthoritie to pt. out of the

benefit of 20% to compensate {LEA, which will undermine is those paying the community Capacity t function. Were Ken charge. But this will be al a Singion & Chelsea and uniform national rate, which Westminster 10 opt oul, ILEA meane those in inner London, ould be forced 10. deal with With higher authority spending, Ow of is children with only

will be worse off 4408 of its resourees. Maintained schools with “ ‘more than 300 pupils will be Housing hypocrisy allowed to opt out of local Prisate letings will be decon- education authority control and: fealled, which will send rents get funds direct from the ough the roof, Council Secretary of State for, Educetenants will have the right to tion, More powers willbe given {ake the maintenance and to governors and more paren management of their estates oul) will be placed” on governing fof Council control. Landlords bodies

seul then be chosen by tenants The ereation of new Urbaw From a so-called approved list, Development Corporations submitted by the Department of (UDCs) is on the agenda. 10 the Environment, No one yet London we already have one

Knows how people will get the London Docklands (Uigoselves on This ist! Development ‘Corporation

‘The Tories aim 10 end local (LDDC) —_ responsible for authorities" right 10. subsidiee destroying jobs and Homes and

Council housing out of the Tor schemes ike Canary What feneral rate fund. This will lead where public Eand is being leaned To huge reat rises in Labour 10 private businesses at £400,000

the real marks

12 £31 per week in acre, whe

den, £18 in Tower Value is more than €3m per acte Hamlets, £17 in Lambeth, £16 The UDC strategy enables the in Haringey, and so on. government 10. BY-pass. local This measure wil ofcourse be Councils and focal com ifiyodueed Before tenants are munities, abrogate demoerace asked to voteon who they want and. give Itee rein 10. the

as thei landlords Speculators and protiteers

Summary of planned attacks on local government

© Privatisation of six areas of local services, including cleaning and vehicle maintenance, leading to massive job losses.

© Ending local authority subsidies to Council rents, leading to huge rent rises,

@ Allowing tenants to opt out of Council control thus breaking up local authority housing. Ending contract compliance conditions by local authorities, leading to worse health and safety and trade union conditions, and encouraging racist and sexist employment practices.

‘© Stiffing the powers of local authorities to speak ‘out on behalf of those they represent on any matters of controversy or political debate.

© community charge (poll tax) to replace rates, which will drastically affect the less well-off, especially in the inner cities

© Allowing local authorities to opt out of ILEA, undermining a democratically elected London-wide authority.

‘@ Allowing local schools to opt out of LEA control, thus introducing selection by the back door Establishing more Urban Development Corporations (UDCs), and by-passing local authority democracy and accountability.

© Continuing the financial squeeze on local government through curbing so-called "‘creative ‘accounting’

Labour Briefing No. 45 July 8th-21st 1987 page 7

Frontline: Local Government

Crunch time for government

Instead of uniting with their workers, tenants, local unions and parties. in an offensive

You may wonder where it has

The Tories’ new plans been ‘ried. Her own Islington

for local government are

far worse than thelr at-- Counell hes caranly cover oor ee Suainat the Tones: tacks from ‘79-'87. resistance! local Councils are gearing up

to attack their ‘own ‘umone seats alco, fled out im ©8pecially NALGO, singled out Malorst Hosge’s peper asthe main obstacte to cuts in non matter. whet cifficun _}0b8 and services. choices le ahead, surely i, I€ Not true that resistance Would. be better for Labour Nas been tried and failed. The Councils to be making them,” Scope of attacks on local "ine preferred option rye. government have the potential main in power and use ail the Of uniting millions against the

Thatcher said it was her Abdication or resignation of main regret not to have Sorted out local govern: ment in her first two terms of office. Now she intends to put that right!

If all the new proposals (see box) go through, the

tage of local governmen fagmation st ow depose government’ the local wil'bs chenged forever A Fortapewe should statbyim. communis, parents Labour-led local authority ‘aly. in office, and don't plan Sr Councils. There -is. &

end. The Councils will be Ze" imagine that tney novewt Grup across London which

degutted, Tendered ‘Srv bear'sacked bythe Con, Supports such an approach. In owerless, and thoroughly cin” "tne, wagnatwe any CLPs and local powerless, wughly the imaginative ts 2

discredited Dosaibittics are. as always, government union branches

endless! they will be in a majority. From

“They will be forced to act as iat boos, sumed cabs: the Terie’ agents, implemen but

ting huge attacks on jabs, ser refing aims to at Vices, and local iving stan- By Davy Jones ine tar eseeere. ards. For thie they wil be Islington South CLP

‘encourage unity amongst those willing to resist the Tory plans. It'is. obvious that Councillors will not in general lead this fight. The left must ‘campaign in the communities, ‘on the estates, in the unions, ‘and drag the councillors and the weak-kneed union and Labour leaders into supporting them

in each locality 9 campaign needs to be built against the Tory plans, for an expansion of local services and jobs t0 ‘meet local needs, and for the

blamod, just as much as the real guilty party — tho Tory overnmant

The response of London's “radical” Council leaderships has been appalling. Those who for years urged the use of creative accountancy in order fo put off the confrontation pxactly what the Tories want, with the Tories, but who jr will make Labour local Swore @ thousand times that guthorities seem no different they would never make cuts ftom every other previous orm jabs and services, are now lin- of national and local govern ing Up to do just that. Some ment more interested. in are even jumping the gun, 28 Staying in office than fighting

The HodgeiALA line, doubtless supported by Kin hock, the TUC, and the local government national unions, is Basically surrehder. i wil do

in Camden (see elsewhere on for the imcerests of its com Jemocrate control

this pape! ‘munity and workorce, Sccountabany “or socal Inapaperto the Association “These loaders will be seen Services,

of London Authorities (ALA! to preside over and participate "The leit needs to try and co

Margaret Hodge outlined three jn ‘the diamanting of local ordinate these” cal

Qptions to the Tory attacks, govertment mounting onda sen

Defiance, she said, had been crushing attacks on their own fatonaly, Bricfing wil be

‘tried, falled and discredited.’ “workforces and communities

doing everything t can to help such 8 campaign

local

This Southwark council meeting in 1985 reminds us how trade unionists and the community can be ‘mobilised in defence of Jobs and services. Now the left must give a lead.

Painful decisions: our pain,

your decisions!

What is happening in supported the Leader's short otherwise persuade the Council Camden is an example of term proposals, tak aga the ehoices we will all be Perhaps the Parties don’ Soi sn peane ee Kentcance of these measures, Altendy in those high-pressure

Tis happening to us first YMRS OF ieee Jpaness, services people feel that where

because this current year’s and stopping temporary they_have “a_choice between budget is falling to pieces. contracts sounds reasonable. (aking industrial action and ‘The Council plans to freeze But some services depend “doing their best" to belp 2

cient, they will do the later and cover for vacant posts (despite union policy).

‘When vacancies are no longer filled. those "who. have been trying hardest for longest will be worst hit

Many people will feel betrayed by councillors. After the "83 election people fel that a Labour council offered them some protection and encouragement. Now it is qui ‘lear that the Council will be the agent of the cuts.

‘Some people will despair and withdraw, which: poses a. real Problem for the unions. Already there are divisions opening up inside them, especially within NUPE.

Im other cases there will be a sense of outrage. Peopie who have offered the "Counc goodwill, “especially iv the Services where they have been {ying to cover without 3 fuss. and. who have. believed ‘management's promises, will be enraged

timo eacuivty on temporary Sat, pecially newer services there alot of people were hired fn short term" contracts, which fave then been renewed over and over again, sometimes for up to two years

vacancies, stop all growth and stop renewing contracts of temporary staf throughout the Council. ‘The Party's response to these proposals has been depressing. Holborn & St Pancras not only supported We these short term measures posts ° ut also demanded a 3% cus these people are vulnerable aoe ae eee eat, Their contracts will ot be

Hampstead & Highsate GC [igasriat_“awion, or ‘ean

have tied to get these made permanent. Now

‘Some

people have been

waiting more than two years for certain promises (0 be kept for Dost to be filled and initiatives {0 be started. Now those pos will never be filled, "the Initiatives never started, and the temporary stall let go when teir coniracts expire,

Labour councillors often talk of “protecting frontline staff” at the expense of office services.

. oat , But you cant cun ‘= mursery Comrades from Lambeth went 1o Camden Council meetings in 1985 without a legal depariment, oF to support not setting @ rate. Camden echoed Lambeth in 1987: in each borough, Just 8 councillors voted against cuts

imeals-on-whcels without face a £60m revenue deficit in What as ‘been encouraging organisers the 1988/89" budget What so far has been the number of

‘Organisers need premises and happens this summer will people who have said: we may these’ premises eed to be determine what happens if'and ell lose, but if we want to keep. leaned by somebody, and that when the ‘Council introduces the spirit of trade unionist and has to be organised by redundancies 10 cover the local democracy alive then we

somebody else. Iisa myth that there is 2. great deal of slack ‘shich you cans

‘without hurting

deficit have to go down resisting. We cannot confine ourselves 10.8 negotiating table at whieh the

only item of discussion is who is

There isa clear determination

Shows a. complete lack of by some councilors 10 Break to. be made redundant. There Understanding of thecomplexity NALGO asa” force of wil be resistance in Camden,

‘and interdependence of locel resistance, ‘using a lot of The level of support we get government services, which in theloric about NALGO. pot from the local parties and from

ficcanc sfcouncillors whohave being affliated 1@ the Labour — the national unions is crucial”

bern around some time is Party, not being socialists or ‘Therole of local councillors wil Frankly quite shockine. feally’ working class. Attempts be important too. standing. of The measures’ seem (0 divide NALGO and-NUPE platforms with us, fighting the

‘There is stil the potential, if the councillors. would. support the unions, fora long-term joint campaign. That becomes” less Tikely every day as the Council goes onthe attack — not apa the government, but against its own workoree,

painless” only to those seeking are likely to increase. Yet with casy way out of a difficall the privatisation proposals Biting’ mainly manual workers there will remain some degree of joint interest. In Camden we to ave managed 10 achieve a fairly "heathy joint unio working relationship. There ‘are alveady splits in

‘The job of the union branch

leadership is to create a channel for members’ anger and

create confidence so that they ‘San express that anger through

probably not be asking for all. NUPE. and will besoin We. stil have “London Sor industial action over the NALGO, 100, as some people Bridge" acting as al Yacancy freeze, but for hardline think our best bel is 10 co- information exchange forum implementation of NALGO's operate with the Council. They for the unions. When Tony

Seen Nae oineconet fre taken in by the language of Dykes told the Labour Group it Council Leader “Tony Dykes Camden that his proposals were tho" contrasts the” Tories already” common practice

Ngcking staf and withdrawing services and 4 Labour council protecting services and jobs" as best it can! Nowhere do. any of the rs efer 10 cus Keep your eve on Camden, always “painful decisions"! We Our struggle will spread as faust spell out that this meaes councils face the ut pain — their decisions. crunch

every other London borough, wwe were able to disprove. this and show that no other London. borough yet has a vacancy

By Jo Fawkes ‘Camden NALGO

This is a practical measure which can get national backing, and would have an immediate Impact on services. Some right swing Councillors have already indicated they want 10 Step up. disputes, suspending people,

c. This summer

‘The articles on this page are taken from speeches made to 2 meeting of local government activists in London on June 27th. These questions affect us all:

reports from other areas of the country will follow in future editions of Briefing.

These measures will buy some time. and allow us to build 3 long-term fight. We are likely 10

RS

‘Labour Briefing No. 5 July &th-2ist 887 page8

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‘© A numberof successful anti-apartheid. pickets at Bell Green Sainsbury's;

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willnow be followed up by caucuses on @ campaignparticular ward parties; ing basis and report back

‘@tthe first public showing tothe _monthly city in Coventry of the Zircon meetings. The meeting and film; ‘the work and ideas coming

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Write to: PO Box 457, London SW2 5UZ Why call for ly short-sighcd) aspects of the sacrifices? that they based ther economic

Dobcy ou the argument thatthe Dear Briefing, Chee off" sections of the

Hilary Wainwright comes. working class shouldbe prepared to “make sacrifices” {fo help the "less fortunate”. As Hilary's article iplies, this kind of appeal amounts 10 handing over votes to the Tories.

‘Socialists should start from the kind of polices that can tunite the working class — and the starting point of socialist ‘economic policy is that all SSeorifices”* should be borne by the capitalist class. No section fof workers should be made 10 pay for a crisis aot oftheir mak Ing. If we are to develop such policies we will have 10 avoid ‘ny hint of ambiguity on the ‘question of who is to blame for the fact that millions of workers voted Tory.

There can be no question that this was largely the result of the inadequacies of the strategy and policies of the Labour leader Ship both before and during the lection ‘campaign. When. the fabour movement is led by those whose “starting point is the ‘defence of the material interests of the whole working class, we Will see the withering away of the working class Tory vote Only then will we be jusilied in Catgating the comp of workers ‘eho persist in voting Tory in the (arms used in Hilary's article.

‘Dave Shepherd,

Hackney, London

dangerously close to running 3 potentially very important argu

ing class since 1979 and partly also by the inadequacies of the Labour ‘leadership's economic

‘But it is uterly wrong to characterise a whole section of the working cass as “Thrusting

earn a good wage and expect better" or that they “‘own their ‘own home and expect 10 sellit at

Figher ones? Home ownership

today ata level of 66% (accor ding to The Economist, 16587), a majority. of the ‘working class therefore live privately owned homes. Should Socialists attack working people for wanting to sel their house or Flat for a profit?

‘OF course not! Indeed it was lone of the most pernicious (and. fever from the point of view of purely electoral politics, stupi-

ammunition for the bourgeois press 19 prove that Labour is Anti-police.

‘Most important of all we are driving the Marxist, socials, and Labour-voting ‘police of! ficers into a desperate, backs against-the-wall position in the face of attacks from both the press and right-wingers within their own ranks like Leslie Cur tis and Tony Judge

We should also oppose calls

Law, order and

the police

Dear Briefing, “The-Briefng Election Special carried a section headed ‘Law and Order". Whilst this contribution carried much ‘ould "agree with, there were Some poinis I cannot acc To. Leninsis, the capitalist state is not neutral, but an organ

ic eyes and brea te Work. o sand she, SPO ready ing css, the only agent for Gatanded). and "the “Spe soval change. “The capital rags) Mma fhe Spec State. Should therefore be An incoming Labour Govern ted aa ment i going to inert vast

jowever, Lenin also con- — jncreqe in erime (om the Tha

sidered that socialists should try to win over working class people ven in such areas as the police, ‘whose ranks in this country hold large numbers of working dass people

“The police in Britain asa.see. tion ‘of the labour “mosement have had a siormy history and ‘one that has not always, been Sominated by Tighi-teactionary ideoloey.

Between 1913 and 1919 the free National Union of Police and Prison Officers (NUPPC) ‘was founded and achieved Fecognition after a brilliant “syike in 1918 led by the Seareillike and Mares President

umes Marston.

‘The NUPPO. was tragically smashed, GCHO-sile, just one Sear later, afer a further strike, bby the Liberal Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

From the Second World War to. the present time, Marxist speeches have become a regular _souree of embarrassment 10 the {National Conterences of the ‘Police Federation,

cher administrations, as stated jn the Election Special. tt will ‘need District Support Units in the short run i not the longer Fun — call them shat you will To cope wth etgcnis auch a football and other sporting Miolence and to. fulfill obvious Dbligations for the protection of diplomats from terrorist auack

"These problems will not in: mediately wither away. We need 4 Special Branch that acts in the ierests of and protects. the working class and not the ruling lass. Even the Bolsheviks had the Cheka,

‘The British police badly needs reform not disbandment. Socialists ‘must support and identify with progressive move: sents in the police, such a5 for the free police union, We should aive no credence, a8 politicians Such "as Ken Livingston have one, 10 those in the upper echelons, front ACPO down to hief inspector level, who run the force. i the interests of capital and ia the 1980s in the fellection of the corporations

‘Clearly, if we claim that “the who" are undemocratic and police force is riddled with cor- racist. Its they who should be Fupt and criminal officers" not Gisbanded.

only are we adopting an anti" John Haybalt,

Leninist attitude towards the Chair

ppolice but also we are providing Chessington South CLP

We're all going on a summer holiday

[Nest time your bosses. question your request for 2 holiday, tell them you're just following your ‘MP's example, Our hardworking epresentativer. ave just given ‘themselves one ofthe longest sum mer breaks on record — July 24th

While Richard Branson funnels more hot air into che remains of Fis. teaneatantic balloon. some father different balloon ike ob Jects were set for tft-of,

“The fun-loving Tory has handed {Sm of his loose change to 2 n00profie making wast, whose fs frajor project to’ flog cut price

ta October 21st. Condoms a8. an anc-AIDS "The question is, now the promotion.

Labour Party leader has come "To be marketed at IOp a cme down firmly against extra: ("ewo bob a job"?) the new name

‘of Mater” may give rise to some ald jokes (aot in this colume! Ed), uci appears thatthe orig

mtementary. act, dost Bean fey have to do thing fe. three one be

szgesion of “Vege Meniotn Se “wepe on the Radasou! Tateor a pucdomm

The crankies break cover

Presumably sles will soon be on Like the tendies of Marsiom Tothe up and up. Then the grining day, the cranky fanatics of the Branson can further impress Committee for a Free Britain Margaret Thaccher by conseripting _fyvoured a tactical vote atthe last

teams of jobles: youth to dear Up the used product from parks and

ayo!

Section However, their tactics consisted in voring Tory in few of ay ral Keine delete of “pte Enterprise, Now they me nu thew owe “fage” manlleao poing. woy beyond present Tory Tor pevacaion “The CF, 2 bexdbangiog bunch of her ey od a together £210,000 for a sect Eras antLabour newopaper Si butt sims tbe now ary poles Ta this respec, to, it would appes to have common ground with Be Communi Peny”jourmal, some of whose polices they =P

Both hands up

‘One member, one vote”. goes

the new dogan of the day in the

Kinnock camp as they ignore the

“Tory offense and focus ther fre the Labour lef

‘Marsiom Today might buak a io Gluding CFB speakers in. theic fpext "Moving Even Further t0 ‘the Right” spectacular

"Ammons tbe panel of CEB spoosors are UDM godlathers David Hare and Colin Clarke; Lord Har ris of the ultraright Insitute of Exooomic Affairs; ex-Labour loudmouthe Brisa Walden, Lord Marsh sod Lard Chalfont; Soviet ‘sactonary Viadimir Bukowsky;, find two. more prominent Tory

esting. to use 2 second casting Gore tt order to overuume the ‘tus quo and embark upon a new eres of internal wrangles.

figure, former goverment whip Barons Cow, snd ex Downieg Soca plcy adn Crepe

“The answer Simple: we must have policies that are popular [a fac, we should choose out poces fon the bass of what is sready popular — thac& the way to win

Presumably Brian is about to a ounce the wholesale adoption of the ‘Contervative Party Election

Manifesto — an offche-pg collec: tion of proven electorally popular policies — at Labour Party policy! ’At least this forthright approach dispels quickly any thisons that [aboor feracure in 1992 wil be femborsed wich 2 pink rose ‘They're jost going for the whice feather and having. done with ic cm

According 10 Mr Hart, the grouping. har been “working together behind the scenes fr five or six years” ~ meaning that this barmy brigade had a direct fink swith the Thatcher “government before and throughout the mines’ sari,

‘Missing fom the list, though, axe any of the show-biz reac Sonaries linked up. behind the ‘Tories. Surely they have room for the awful Ted Rogers — or have they consigned him to the Dusty Bin of history?

Straight Drilling

London's Drill Hall, known to many as yenue for numerous

ial, and in particular lesbian and gay, meetings, socal, rallies, ances, et, bs Set for a very che ferene Kind’ of east in the near future

“The Walworth Read apparatus isthcowing a party for all those in ‘volved in. Labour's spectacularly Unsuocessfil election media binge ‘Mine host will be aone other than virile faily-man and self-styled ‘eactionary Nell Kinnock

‘The Drill Hall will never sem the sme again. TA

We have not

against people called Brian

(but...)

Last wesk we were analysing why LGbour had Tort the election. This ‘week Brian Gould is announcing how Labour wil win the next section!

4 Labour Briefing No. 45 July 8th-21st 1987 page 9

Labour Party

“‘My ten year plan’’

‘One of the better-known eathusiaim that Kinnock put in- The left is still split on the new MPs at Westminster is toi, but it was a fundamentally issue of whether you come Out KEN LIVINGSTONE, ex- _Mlawed campaign in the absence Of NATO. People who at the

leader of the GEC — now 91 39 much of ts politics moment are saying you've got MP for Brent East in think af what ne cam- {9 stay, don’t say that because London. His reputation as Pig revealed was the con- they believe it but because they

tradiction between getting rid of {husk it's clecowally expedient

“Red Ken”, scourge of the your own uclear weapons and 's the only way of Keeping

right, defender of the femaining in NATO, which ts omc'old Galt wines the oppressed, precedes him. the uclear defence shicid of {bout Party and soo But since ie defeat oF the Americ. wan't ay damasie “pur hint undering almost iners’ Strike and the this time's twas in "89 Because all of the left i an acecplance Raiccapping Campaign, the emgrent of, Cortochon haut shies Earp tes many on the left thin he eans that most people afe NO to be moved a postion of thas sold out, working with yecapons. They sec an intelligent. deat "and “quite detec the Kinnockite LOC and poitical_leadet there ‘who foreign and defence policy fom attacking the hard left, early. working for_muclear {he “USK, “And Pea “the Now he’s in the Gisarmament, $0 it wasn't the emergence of Gorbachov there's Parliamentary Labour big sue twas when we faced = S"ponibiiny of achcrine that Party what is he up to? Is defence row 4 years ago with "There's teary the question he working to unite the Brezhnev as Russian leader of who pays. for our proramme, and that has t0 be the Sree ane cra See You are now jn the Spisl of call The onsese Biesiahs tir papi enyellns impaign Group. How de you of poing inte an election wl lak up the-PLP 160 and’ othe Campaign Gevepe mea: Cemre meas iaaion ste scires i e hhow does the Campaign Group fend the City of London, where constituencies? Or will he sce’ you? What are the major {here's about 30" thousand he taking a back seat to tasks facing the left in parlias Vorers but sou offend about 20 tment and outside in the next iin because you say we're foe ea cay, SDB ate pay fk OO Bluiostre ni paign Group and the Tribune ase Labour Briefing went to the Btn poate oot AO on acenda to be House of Commons to ask those people who has said clear~ seq vu nha, an teends to be him these and other Iyforsome tne there shoud be $C, Mau mua opportunities, questions. fone left group in parliament, ~ damaged by this cletion. Half Labour Briefing will be. and that there ‘should be a {he Patlamentary Labour Pasty taking up some of the merger between the Campaign Scem to think the Oy reasoa we Issues raised in this Group and the genuine socialists lost the election was because interview im the next issue, _ 'B5ide the Tribune Group. some London councils have got

Tihink that strategy hashad a [esbian and Gay commniteesor setback with the decision of the are employing too many Black the elee- Tribune Group by 37 10 27 peoples or something

Briefing: Ken, tion campaign you were quoted apainst x joint slate, and clearly "UIndoubsealy 4 Iet is being tas saying that this was the most there's Been a dearse Of entrism stoked up now hatred against radical election campaign that into the Tribune Group by peo- London and oqual opporssaticn Labour had foughtforagenera- ple who are there primarily 1 policies “A lot of peowle who tion, Was that really your view, think 10 prevent the emergence Pave beea “quite syimentheti

‘or was that just for public con: of one overall left organisation {he pact are reversing to saying ‘sumption at the the? in parliament. They want to ‘well, we've got to look after Livingstone: It wasn't my view keep. the split, the weakness, Sur traditional sapsonere™ aed and I didn’t say it they want to profide a sort of {rational agenda

There was tremendous false left cover for those MPs” Yer this was the most tradiamount of press distortion as who want to keep their CLPS tional ‘lectton campagn that

bad ay anything going back to off their back by saying “I'm in we've had for years tthe sense

1 said that we were likely 10 elements in Tribune. But there's actually be easier, because we've & roe the ae es a much nee a lived through all the problems. Ken Livingstone plans his future.

(of trying to cun the election since 1945 — or ever —afierthe Group, with some MPs saying aquvine £0.

lection, and a lot of the press they won't even be m the came

vin a majority on National for British through the last 7 or 8 ‘feat been after th oom as a member of the Mile Briefing: Ken, what inks would 72,2 sm8)o0i9 00 a National seusaity working fo through the lst 7 or 8 yeas a thought ite campaign nr tendency Mind ou, hat Sowtieiosecuaaetmcentne Commie, wheres coset’ Tmcigace andre paying «pou (aM 1 of 8 Jee was the best organised, I would —gesat stop them citing in the “ned it" tine Paros S crecking role

amen ciection or the next AGM. a jere's a linkage | there tale eniy. ‘Clay ies lot of ‘anions like NUPE and the T&G

disagreements about how quickiy you pursue a particular issue of whatever.

slickness and efficiency, and the same people. So | think the and the constituency that packaging tc it’s important — is to achieve a any strand of opinion on the left pape have, If they have you should

‘ery front pl broad depee of unity —iect thar scuay wes een part” smal eameing of Tet enon. SE hp Toad

‘All those things may be the cease. But at any one point in time when an issue is before you, oF a campaign is being run,

1m standing on the basis of trying to unity the left and bring

the Party to accept the polices | i spelt out atthe beginning of this

iterview about qual oppo

we them 2 blank perhaps in a subtle way. Bur in an organisational unity, certain of it At some point the Cam- <puld be a majority inside the you should give th tnesconSnes eat or j 40 much of the campaign it jy’ unity around the sor of paign Group wil put an effort, ctoral, college, the trade heque forthe future or forever TSO impaignng’ for the segue the packasing wah all. genda the let should beset: ‘ets esabihing” Canpages uno vole at Confren Bd a sod working gemocatiation Of the ‘ ‘What was ic that McLuhan $836 fing. Think we're now at alow Groups up and down’ the reutatnptn Bromaporers Patlamenary” Labour Panty, that wa alot sap for Syma, “STH I SR eect fing Nem rou ging sop. '0r8 eviod of time on & whole Sogmabie tothe Pariamentay ‘our campaign. There's no point having a lot with assist, make matters easier. ™ ot Briefee 2p; range of issues. Then this spt {Sqiable © the Parsementar Politics was blurred, and so. of triumphalism about we're on Sil ae ie

Key isues "ice how we gtumphasm shou! Bie key tontecssacety Zouk aout'you foflorie te GATS. BMG SHEN, aly fhe Fl pbs mes the verge of taking power or having a group of MPs who see 40% Pl vege haat lett. A Dot 0 were going 10 pay for out pro- something — we're clearly 101. their folcas building inks win FAECAPBINE comics 2 YeRrS OTD et inno y frame allthe poles thar S9RetINg we're dears not, cher foc as ulding Seo, 20d folloming what a

had, been ‘devised about a 0:15 year strategy in which We the ‘Canbage Group sande in witehchunt for their” own Dunitive level of taxation to now. set the agenda, and flowy s lnk wn Labour ‘areerist ends. So there are very fepatriate capital disappeared Gradually win the moverieat (0 [cf Piikon ‘and extablaning

Conference; defending automatic reselec tion; defending all the gains that we've made in the past: suppor. “ng those Councils that are now i 1 danger of being screwed into

the struggles outside. Themoves 2£0- and following. what was those people pursuing tanks of the Labour | Co-

from day one, We ended up, jt — constituencies, trade Campaign Groups inthe last a ae ia

Morkers tat we were #01Ne 10 sort of pressure will respond {© Sep in thal direction. That's the tr 10 PEF Briefing: And what is Sesto papee ei S

thescict Ot poverty in Bagin, gh Gm Mould Me cmsouas: has. seen a sort Gf extra. Sisr"tomatmee forthe NEC the NEG the 3ear and why ings ~ and ying to make the ;

the slic of poverty in Britzin- ing people to join the Labour parliamentary wing. We musi Sem" Sons sreeaty sould hey upper LShSur Fay soo hing

Mages. of the campaten: once Hott They've got fo come im Briefing: What about links bet- = ters” sleepless nights or " That doesn't mean to say g

Bex neces the long haul we're into. Livingstone: | think that’s one ‘What people in Briefing have “4vingstone: Well itis, whens, i lone tie pee ee { ised ert atepeea ie of the strengths of groups. Uke jg What, PEOPle In Briefing Nave took how much f've written in Secei of he Bariy ieadernine

Tecoma snying iatcapeal Srkfing: What ulad of Sede Some ofthe peopc i the Cam Puts han yo do, You fave to eibune, eveebing ve wollen than T can be IF do or sae

‘would be the political fos" | abour Pary Democracy preted by the press into s leader.

tng our indus "and “out aah of sch am agenda? What (0, abe Pans Domes, Beso segoumsing on limsiat, Tip cheng thei do welfare state. Unless we make D&S 0 the tress ween tes heee fou can have endless specula- ” 86.0” a whole “Sou shave constraints thay Gye ese sgstnny fal Livngroe: Theres wo many. "ahe'trade onion tread leis gn"ayguehat the oes rARECOEDOCR VE BEEN” operang on ee that Being Terre going pay: Mt 7* Clearly virally the whole of wend to ork ona th lone et har they gin dorm mite 0. all the ay “along. Shen have and you need 1 mere te ta abere is aye ‘Heltt tow united Behind the timescale than comsueey a5- Scio what They and S years Tee's ter been any Poy unesiand ht i fer Bow

30 ve credit where i's due ideacof withdrawal from Weland - ivstedo. It often takes 20 3 seriou or heer thors, ‘sagfcement bees myst Soe Seale my operation boul alpood campaign, atdtie fy Soe parliament See. Sd Brefong at all right the way

‘Labour Briefing No, 45 July 8th-2ist 1987 page 10

Labour Party

Debate: child abuse

Tribune votes with the = right

in the recent annual i election of Officers of ‘the British Labour Members of the European Parliament, the left had a setback. Previously, ail the Officors were Tribune Group Members, with the excep-

the hard right in order to get politicsl _opportunists tke

tion of myself, who themselves elected to posi- David Martin from Scotiand, Skhough in the Campaign tions and to defeat left wing Richard Balfe from London and ; Group” had. supported candidates. Glyn Ford from Manchester

Thave no axe to grind about the lections es | had decided fot fo stand for re-election as Useder. This was partly because the leadership of the Party had refused to discuss the problems membership of the EEC eauld cause a Labour ‘government (they had refused fo allow the Labour Group to distribute a paper on this mstter to Labour Party affiliates!) ‘and partly Because | wanted to ‘spend more time campaigning

‘They ended up gaining office by giving their support to hard ine right wingers, but have totally lost the respect of ‘people on the left in the Euro

pean Parliament,

The results wore naturally ‘areeted with delight by the Fight wing press, but its cer ‘tainly no cause for celebration by the left in our movernent. It ‘augers badly for the coming discussions on the left which ‘wil have to take place follow: ing the General Election

sebecie..

iis particularly detrimental to the moves that are being made in other places to try to Unite the Campaign and ‘Tribune Group members.

ethaps one of the saddest things of ain this sordid business wes the statement atsbuted to Neil Kinnock in the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times, that the result Of these elections was “the best news I've heard since the election.

1 Tribune for many years and have always worked for closer relations between the Campaign and

Tribune Groups. | ‘When I defeated Barbara Castle for the Leadership 2 years ago, | did so with the Support of what was then the broad left group, conign and

inmy constituency in the East End of London’ on the many problems facing my electors.

‘other “Officers were unholy wing

But, replaced by this aliance of right Tribunites and right wing members. ‘ft meant. that Tribunites like the Chair, Stan Newens, Secretary, Janey Buchan, and the Deputy Leader, Tom Megahy, who have ‘given a ifetme of dedicated work to the left in the labour movement, were Booted out to make room for

Now, thanks to @ shabby deal done by some members ff Tribune together with the Fight wing, we have two right ‘wing officers, one with a track

‘ecard of hard right activities. ‘A third right winger on their slate was defeated

itis important that the lettin

Sexual abuse: not just a class issue

‘The controversy caused

By Daal Abrens tion in this way fs mesningless

Cleveland social ser- The July 4th issue of and economic control, {would

Socialist Worker, for example, devotes @ whole page to this {seve Its main point seems to

Say the more immediate pro: blem is how. to prevent Children being abused

vices in cases of child sexual abuse. raises

many questions for be that middie class social "Cleveland social services, socialists to think about. workers, and paediaticins Or Higgs nd het o joues Shouicn't go round breaking eve st leest tied to tackle

Jn the past. we have Shworking css femiles, and this’ problem. and. have ar ‘the nuclear — that if only we had adequste recognised that urgent action farnay 29 the basic unit of housing and nursery provisions needed in. families where forlucm and asa primery tren sverything would be OK. ghuse hes bean. disclosed of Cepitaem ond 28 oer "Most studies of hid sexual Giscovered. The howls of ‘oppression. abuse within the famiy agree gutrege from the aight. wing PPreSSION. abuse of that Is 2 cross-class press reveal the importance to

henomenon, overwhelmingly but not uniquely perpetrated by. men against giris and ‘young women. A father who Tepes or otherwise abuses his ‘daughter. is not expressing frustration at the lack of good pursery provision, he is. ex ploiting the power he has over Fis chid in ® male-dominated society.

‘Socialist Worker completely ignores these aspects, and fakes no montion of the in erently oppressive nature of the nuclear family. if society ‘were not organised in small family “unite then abusive fathers would at least not have the slmost unlimited 2c: {cess to their children thet they 0 now.

‘this particular case, the question seems to be: do we defend the family against the state or the state agent ‘against the family? However, to\ask land answer) the que

Capitalism of preserving the hucleer family, if only as 3n ideological construct.

support Dr Higgs attitude that something must be done Quickly to prevent the abuse Continuing, although where possible | would favour ramov: Ing the abuser rather than the ‘chi. The Invalvement of the police is unnecessary and lke Frto cause further anguish for the child, especially given the ‘attitude of local police surgeon Br Alestair irvine, who insists that an internal examination is pecessary.

Socialists must campaign for a greater awareness of the problem; for widely available Counselling and therapy ser Vices for women and gils who ‘want them; for state funding of self-organised groups for Survivors of sexual abuse and indetence of the right of every ‘child to have control of herihis ‘wn body.

children with the family is elated to both these issues, but has been largely ignored by socialists as well as by bourgeois society.

However, the influence of feminism has sparked off 2 growing awareness of the proBlom, end ever increasing rumbers of children sre-now prepared to report. sexual Bouse by members of their ‘Gwn femiies or close family frenes.

‘Whether they can find ‘anyone to listen to them oF believe them, once they have ‘plucked up enough courage 10 take that stop is far 100 often & question of luck. The social Services, the police, the courts fend the schools afe far from having developed an adequate response. And. 3s usual, the left has a lot of catching Up to 0 25 well

Scottish Labour Briefing

Labour + —_ leads fight

i ‘The STUC has called a Labour Day rally for ‘August 29th at Glasgow Green which will clearly pose the demand for 2 Scottish Assembly. Further rallies, concerts, petitions and demonstrations will be held, leading to

By Gordan Morgan Glasgow Central CLP

Silty for Grafting the Billand have set out a timetable for discussions with Shadow Cabinet, NEC, STUC, cfc Whilst discussions with’ other parties will take place, the key sues of powers and structure

the presentation of ill eset oot by Labour This Devolution Bill at includes a first past the post” Westminster towards the —clectoral system hich all the end of the ye Suter pro Ausenbty partes 5e<~ | "Scodand's geographic ee Zhous,” amongst Pose. The SDP may vote against t goog: ‘These actions, amongst fhe Bil if this is included. position in the North

others, are being organised by the Scottish Council of | the Labour Party, which is ‘aware it must give leadership

] to the Assembly campaign. ‘However, the Scottish Coun- : cil has not previously been hhoted for 4s ability to mount a i Sustained campaign, nor is it at a all clear what will happen after the (almost inevitable failure of

Atlantic, with its situation between Iceland and Norway, gives the USA virtual control over USSR maritime movements. which are restricted anyway to the Kole Peninsula.

We are inevitably included in America’s forward defence planing strategy which is designed to keep the fighting of a third world war off its own territory.

For small countries the real political situation is that if you are in a

‘More seriously, all the other Parties appeared to support the fall for 2 constituent Assembly fobe set up, Labour was unwillIng to discuss this and has essen tally deferred the problem until after the Assemby Bill is presented. However, i i clear From the statements of Dewer that the last thing he wants is ‘ ‘openly tO challenge q the Bill to achieve a Com’ rons’ Westminster's legitimacy. He majority ‘would cleacly prefer 4 years ) “The problems (acing the. cot- campaigning on “safe” issues tish Council were. starkly until the hopeful return of @ Giplayed at a recent Special Labour government. Counc meeting of the Cam- The argument of Dewer, that Salgn for'a Scottish Assembly. the Scottish vote was largely a T'was and stillispossible hat class yote with litle nationalist the CSA could becomethe focus sentiment, -has been implicitly for a broad campaign for an accepted by the Scottish Council ‘Risembly in the aftermath of i its call for joint action. with

the election, Indeed the SNP, the Northern England and | Six, te cep and Geecee ali WeBh. Labour Parkes: If | Sttusuon of ourstene

Cree athe CSA to: be nothing eee, thissplis thefocus | Wportanes you wil Oot called for Mon a ‘broad of the, Labour led Assembly | be free of USA or USSR,

domination. in Scotland we are integrated into America’s {international communication system which draws US into 2 global context of its Gefence system. Scotland

Campainn

However, there slit to support Dewer's belief from the Election results, Labour increasfd its vote by 27%; the SNP by 36.5%». In Labour seats, the SNP increased its vote by over

Semocratic camp ‘The SNP seemed St organised viru native party The Labour Party, whilst wishing to. have consltations with the CSA, sees the Cam-

iy anan alter

paisa progressing ‘and was seen asaleftalter- - | provides strategic nuclear fheowsh sTUC, trade native to Labour. Submarine comenurcation tunioas, convention” local ‘Labour falters in pursuing | inks, anti-submarine stocks, uthoritie, cle. Given. the avigorous campaign. it canonly | signals and inteligence. Weight of Labour in. these — benef the nationalists. ‘Naciear plans have

Bodies, this means total control by the Labour Party and equally total responsibility For failure or

inaction TMsivour nave, taken respon

‘aStop Presse We have heard that the “August 29th event may have” been changed 10

changed iq that we just don't hhave one range of missiles lined up against another, Its how much more afuse, with | 8 web of comvounieation

September 12th — watch this <snace for farther details!

Militarism in Scotland

For a Nordic nuclearfree zone

Since its proposal in 1963 by the Finnish president ‘Kekkonen, the establishment of a Nordic Nuclear Weapon Free Zone has been one of the main goals of Nordic. pacifsts.

‘A turning point in the fight for the Zone was reached in 1983 when peace movements from all the Nordic countries held a meeting in the Nordic House in Reykjavik. This meeting agreed upon » common proposal for the Zone and has acquired increasing support since its introduction.

‘The governments of Finland and Sweden support the proposal 2s do the largest political parties in Norway and Denmark. In lceland the idea of Nordic NWF Zone has ‘support within all political parties and according to opinion polls 80.90% of the population supports the idea.

‘A Nordic NWF Zone is not planned to be a passive, isolated island in miltarised world threatened by the escalating nuclear build-up. Rather the zone is planned 0 become an active afance that aims to expand and free ‘countries and oceans from the danger of nuclear destruction.

By Marion Davis Chair, Paisley South

Member, Scottish zone that would enlarge to the south and form a nuciesr tee

Could connect t0 2 possible NWF Zone in the Baltic. and Balkan countries.

Another

possibility

Could be the

expansion of

‘systems checking and countar-checking each thers" movements to maintain “the deterrent “Anather indication of

whenine text war's tobe | thezone 0 pumprmesenpame<emeteanTencem Fougntis thet Scottend sso | inokae Fercarszaaseemeceecec ce ceone teamewayend | "arcane! “<aecenecemt Mwehanish have beer iCeland, which amscamecenct mae sec ven militarised and mem ‘accommodation and pnp o wnaent ee an ‘Sparven in Fortress Scotiand up. 4 Sore ae 219miory bases | A Nordic

nour tiny country and the | NWE Zone KJARNORKUVOPNALAUS majority of the population would focus NORDURLOND

don't know what is going on. Tewwould appear that the removal of missles from Central Europe is destined 10 make the seas around Scotian a very dengerous ‘rea —~ for George Younger

the attention of the world ‘on the Nordic. ‘countries, and ‘make them sn example for thers in the

Sau Damp Demy cme ede (Damp Dems <I <mne qu «mC «EE

submarines. SCND sre now she'suryivet of

campaigning slong with the peace movements in Iceland and Scondinavis on this

(Taken trom the bulletio.of the Campaign Against Miliary Bases to the Reykjavik summit, October 1986. Contact at Mjoiisholti 13, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland.)

Labour Briefing No. 45 July 8th-21st 1987 page 11

Along the Color Line in the USA

The 1988 Election — and after

Since Gary Hart’s disastrous unemployed workers, and the demise as leading contender white. homeless. Fundamental forthe Democratic presiden. change can advance the Starting tn this issue, Labour Briefing wil be carrying Sconomic and socal interests of ‘Sottar*comtribations from Manning ‘Marable, lending Biacks, Hispanics, and the ma. EetI, coatrivations from Monning so a eg In the tradition of W.E.B. DuBois, C.L.R. James, and meqsage of new direcions and Walther Rodney, Marable combines historical and Black candidate im the race, Jackson snow, cig taken theoretical writing with continuous political activism. His Jesse Jackson. Seriously as aviablepoltical o- _many books include How Capitalism Underdeveloped Why? Because few can om. Even before Hart dropped Black America, Black American Politics, Race, Reform bare to admit the simple out of the campaign, Jackson and Rebellion, and African and Caribbean Politics: from political truth that Jesse is 8s ome ee me om i= Kwame Nkrumah to Maurice now the legitimate Stet Southern staic- In Lowa: "Future Marable contributions will include up-to-date Democratic frontrunner. jackson poling 155% Of seports on the Rainbow Coalition and the Jackson Only a few years ago; the idea behind “Congressman Richard campaign, the latest outbreaks of racist violence and the ofa Black presidential can- A. Gephardt Struggles against it, and other developments in American Sehr vee - to the society and polit age ES e = uk of white, middle America 7" ‘Whilst the views of Manning Marable do not Now the leading decision BY Manning Marabl. necessarily reflect the views of Labour Briefing, a chance

‘makers are. shuddering at the cgroryepaints Seni - disturbing spectre of an_af-\ One rival Democratic cam. {0 read am inside view of events in the USA will be

ticulate, progressive and Black paign official recently” stated leader who is making significant that "the people of lows think

headway against all odds. Jese Jackson has 3 [9 0 25

‘waged dishonest and-dirty

In the most recent New York His message of ant Times poll, Jackson was ranked establishment populism is fin- Roosevelt and Johnson; while tend, clearly and without any

first with’ 17%, followed by ding a teal audience there. Jackson, farther to” the ambiguity, that there is no long

Micha! Dukakis, 11%, while And in Montana, according ideological left, represents = term viability for working

all othe.s each received 6% or {0 state. party chair Bruce more dymwnic break with the within the confines of the

fess Nelson, Jesse “was really well Democratic mainstream. Or as Democratic Party.

Few seriously believe that received... He attracted 6,500 Democratic Congressman Givethereactionary natureof matter who is elected 10 the eyes should ser beyond the 1988 Jackson will actually win the people in four cities, andalot of Charles E. Shumer puts it: the Republicans, this simply White House — Biden, election, looking toward. the Democratic. nomination. But people really thought he had “Other than Simonthe field means that we must struggle 10 Gephardt, Cuomo, Bush, development of institutional that's not the crusial purpose of Something to say." looks like “Jesse Jackson and achieve a new realignment of Kemp, e(@. — we must still be structures and leaders who are this campaign. ‘The Rainbow "The Key to Jackson’s recent the Yuppies Partisan ‘electoral forces, prepared to build a mass independent of both political Coar“on has articulated a vie success js that be has refused to |The Teal difficulty ahead for Hopefully, this cam be achieved democratic movement "to parties slona.y, progressive agenda for fallow the crowded field into an Rainbow Coalition proponents in the next twelve years — anda challenge the administration's Certainly,” we must _ be Socal justice, and economic opportunistic "sneo-liberal”” will’ Beto conceive of the national government committed policies prepared to engage in. tradi felorms. which is attracting politeal posture. Only Illinois - challenges and opportunities to “Rainbow Politics” can win This mass protest movement tional partisan politics, but not thousands of converts among Senator Paul Simon espouses beyond the 1988. presidential power by the year 2000. should Consist of several critical at the expense of our long-term ‘shite farmers, "whit the old-time liberalism of caaupaign. We should under "In the short run, however, 2 components: community-based, agenda,

Thied “Party option” would grassroots-sivle organisations For “1988 and beyond, we

polariselarge numbers of Black, advocating Rainbow policies in must advocate a two-tiered apHispanic and working people, hundreds of neighbourhoods; proach (0 progressive politics. ‘snd solace us from the majority the cultivation of new. pro. Pitst, we must actively Support ‘of American voters stllcommit- gressive, local leaders; and the the "real frontrunner, Jesse

Where’s Labour’s defence

2 TE 'Jackson fai to win the fonmituoncies scour te colour we mut we the genet eleon policy going aor see eae ge teaenlci

ot be to decide whether or not 1988 can help to promote the mobilise for the social protests. tp back the neoliberal, white achievement of "all three and political confrontations 10 “lesser evil” candidate, nor elements, but its focus must come.

real fight against Trotskyism in the USSR?

“You are wading through the blood of yesterday’s activity, ving standards and

friends and comrades, staging court trials which sur- Strength. But. unless. the| pass medieval witch-hunts in the absurdity of the ac- editors of Olgonyok ae ‘cusations. You have clamped Soviet arts into your restrained, the “investiga

thumbscrews, made them suffocate and die. On the tion” they are demanding useable, more deructive | eve of war, with the spearhead of fascism aimed at the might become 8 reality

One prime example of the

ore pine cxeepte ott By Cray ee vreapons, “Gist ““Defence | Soviet Union, you are destroying and beheading the And, unless ‘the lection campaign was thatit Haringey councillor ccomes both pat of ths Bist | Rad Army. killing ts most talented commanders. and “ciecussiong were ex: enabled the Tories to. push anda mean of otaiing pobic | ""-Your insane Bacchanalla cannot last forever. Sooner Semel, walently | ot, defence to the forefront of Party Icadership have been Saale ar, wie" Snotid | arlater, the Soviet people will callyou to account as the Suickiy terminated trom the election campaign at no prepared to give. therefore continue to campaign |betrayer of socialism and the revolution. as the major above, it is difficult to see how Political cost to themselves, “Another robicm was he way ayains chifdcience casches, | villain, as the true enemy of the people, and organiser of they could avoid blowing the They were never made to tht Kimock chose oarguchin “Nace wine thaws Rave | famine.” Wag of he ea egea cxulels Ce juchiy ein ewe case, taking ashi staring point mow superceded." deterrence Seca “Sh ship which hes stifled Soviet ong Stine Meme as thoxc'abo thors Ro potenialagreor | Thes® words might well The magazine goes on 10 Natrtans for over fy ¥ policies, ‘ " je come from Trotsky's describe Khrushenev's. de. Support tucear weapons, ic. can drop a uckar bomb on Any even halfserious Se Be et | ey ly Stalinsation campaign 9s in“ egugation’” would. mean vee welcome ite high ‘profie the Soviet Union and that the damaging" isclt. The | They are part of an open adequate, and calls for 4 ful removing. the taboo. against Hrer'te the defenesthwe, but only way to scoue. peace. ts independent deterrent is even [letter to Stalin by Fyodor vestigation into “the Giecceston of the hele strug

the way Labour's policy’ was through military strength and more irrelevant than before. Raskolnikov, once one of {2880"S 2nd conditions thet ie waged against Stalinism

led to the appearance of the

Pat tre keting ones Tommalapremerdomin- | Uae loaders of Sig tera Sle emer ihe the polly will be doped therefore presented as mercly.a the’ content of comaeiely [pona’Y Selors from the experience of the struggle Goonyok wont “too far” ad Dythelederhipbeforethe net tact move, am alicraive Gung mirnaional reatons. | Weting from exe at the Samet wil be curbed. Probably we Tee viva revit these moves fori agumcer thai won ary the" 'uneble“to "psp. tie, [MeIGHC ofthe purges of the By Chris Knight Frienat oun ester fe and campaign within the Party _of us to unilateralism in the Kinnock continually argued for Red Army onthe eve ofthe Lewisham East CLP publication of more works by. ee, ee ae Se meaegiroer ares © ae patay ts aonee | Second Word Wer Ba eeisocke sho Stat Bae oe pane ee Te i pe eh ry eee Fin, (ieee WA eons ae <eelirieeei Weis [En Ee Sekai a's atm: “oer” @ “emda tea geel Rie oid wait Ace acct miata bral store te ite fect emehtee tet Gas comes” commen © then muon eee am Pe Bee eee cee etc ge OS cece Seats amen or tecrwtienel [ve ams Seema Ok. lignes oa ncaa tne Sour. speek Testor’ enent SNA SR OGRee) GARa men pcienie | “acini wen" 6 moter | Reammmerarcome Gas ~ canpuiaal om oaeoeert toe oon So mee CaN war tbeemee beet roe atiny west: [tarts pamuereecen _secoecnies am con” comer. meee eile pe onto. te epupiin, (ete (cts panes cen Tec’ ee ermal” sapere < Gommaied Con ee meen Coneoorein el Teel

This isan argument in favour of election Labour should argue myth of the Soviet threat and its | Ministry revelation of the ex. of workers’ power which has shown — it would risk

| thepolicy-not against it. In this for a defence policy based on anticommunist backing must tent of Stalin's destruction of would accompeny any teal drift” towards political context, “Labour's repeated the rejection ‘of all muclear be confronted and expose. the “Red Army commend. move Towards revolution

| pledges'of allegiance to NATO weapons. ‘This should begin "Sticking with the current | Three out of five marshals, 3 democratisation. Once freedoms of shy kind

Seemed nonsensical. ‘ith a complete rejection of the approach, "the. Labour out of 5 army group com: N's 8 aifficut tightrope to sre alowed to intellectual,

“The Party was tis hindered theory of deterrence, spelling leadership will never convert a [menders, 10.of 10 srmy com. walk. "Glasnost"™ ss an workers begin " demanding

ty the fact thar the Labour out tlearly that’ a” defence majority” of voters to [manders, SO of $7 corps com- economic, social and cultural them for themselves. And if

leadership has for the past 0 Strategy based on “deterrence unilateralism. This wil have to Jmanders, 154 of 160 Gui necessityitthe Soviet Unions the flames of workers” revaliears accepted and legiimised increases the ikelinood of war. be done by grassroots activity sional commanders ‘and 401 to avoid lacking under the ton were to break out in the fuclear weapons. To undo 40 "This i because both sides by local Labour Parties. This Jot 456 colonels were kiled in weight of burequtratic neff. Soviet Union itself — who years of myth and prejudice must continue to show their must. start by resisting all [the purges of 1937-39, ciency and sinking dangerous- then could send in tanks Tequires more time and ‘more willigness to use nuclear arms attempts by Party and union | Olgonyok reves. iy for behind the West in pre- enough to quench them? ommitment than the Labour and continue to develop more leaders to drop unilateral

t : i

Lesbian and Gay Pride demo

READY FIGHT! _

LCLGR

‘against all deportations and ‘Support of Via} ‘Viras case is under

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re Lane, London SW2 Published by Labour Briefing, PO Box 457, London SW2

Printed by MPS, 159,

The sight of tons of thousands braving vicious.

Iding cops in Sout Korea

LABOUR—

handed ‘acquiescence

TAKE THE POWER!