Labour Briefing no. 61

INSIDE: aaa

French Presidential elections ®Women for Benn & Heffer! ® Searchlight: LMCP/PSC Open Letter @Pao: Solidarity call

®@ Football League Centenary

DEFY TH CLAUSE!

By PETER TATCHELL

PHOTO: Dovid Hotiman

The Manchester demonstration against the Clause in February

In the biggest assault on lesbian and gay rights in Britain in this century, Clause 28 was approved by the House of Commons last month by 254 votes

to 201. :

In a month it will be illegal for Local Authorities to “intentionally promote homosexuality”.

Lord Caithness, the government spokesperson in the House of Lords, says that Clause 28 is concerned with “every aspect of the way homosexuality manifests itself”. In a rare moment of candour, he admitted that the Clause was intended to prevent Local Authorities from supporting such activities as gay library collections, lesbian and gay units, seasons of gay plays, the Lesbian and gay rights charters, and organisations for teenage lesbians and gays.

Not since the anti-gay witch-hunts in Nazi Germany has any West European country enacted such sweeping laws against lesbians and gay men. Never, since the origin of local government in this country, have Local Authorities been compelled by the central state to discriminate against one section of the community.

Now, in an attempt to j attack, government ministers and MPs have mounted a crude campaign of vilification and scapegoating against lesbians and gays, with inevitable violent consequences.

In two Conservative MPs David Wiltshire and Nicholas Fairbairn respectively branded lesbians and gay men as “biologically abnormal” and as suffering from “psychopathological disorders”.

These parliamentary “queer-bashers”, and the 252 Conservative MPs who joined them in the “Ayes” lobby, have helped create a1

stify this draconian

mosphere in which anti-gay prejudice is becoming more overt and more “acceptable”.

Already, even before Clause 28 has become faw, homophobic violence has reached an alltime high. Two weeks ago, queer-bashers

: = oni to the crowd.

A month earlier, just two days before a huge Stop the Clause demonstration in Leeds, a bomb was planted outside a nightclub in the city centre. It was set to go off at a time when the club would have been packed with lesbians and gays attending an anti-Clause fundraising benefit.

Gay venues in London have been repeatedly attacked in recent weeks. A gang of 25 youths smashed up the Vauxhall Tavern.

Regulars at The Bell were terrorised by knifewielding thugs. A gay man was clubbed over the head outside the Two Brewers.

Already, the scale of victimisation is intolerable. With the clear threat of ever mounting discrimination once Clause 28 becomes law, it is morally incumbent on Local Authorities to refuse to implement the Clause. Town Halls and trade unions alike must pursue a policy of non-compliance.

What is at stake are the human rights and civil liberties of five million lesbians and gay men. On this question of fundamental dem ic principles, there can be no compromise and no negotiation until Clause 28 is repealed and lesbian and gay people at last win the freedom, justice, and equality which we have been denied for far too long.

bl ai* Tony Benn addresses the Soc: October 1987

1 Conference in Chesterte,

TONY BENN speaks out on Clause 28:

“Clause 28 is a direct attack upon the rights of people to control their own lives. It is reminiscent of the attacks on lesbians and gay men of the kind we saw in Germany before the war.

It is intended to force people into accepting one view of life, which would threaten the civil liberties of everybody. Labour Party policy on this as laid down at Conference is crystal clear — and should be adhered to.”’

LABOUR— TAKE THE POWER!

‘Labour Briehing' No. BF April 260h-May Theh 1988 page 2

Campaign Round-up

NUS Conference

Politics in second place

At NUS conference, the Kinnock-backed — ‘candidate, Maeve Sherlock of the Democratic Left

By DAVE LANGAN and PETE McDONALD

Seen ila

(DL), won the Presiden- “Sony delegates felt the SWP cy, guaranteeing another snd Miliant backed th year of inaction for Gatward moving DL can

Students faced with the GERBIL,

There were few pol gains for anybody.

The “victories” belonged to a new force called “Snudents for Students representing a ‘*keep polities — especially international

‘wing’ creden=

al ods 0

ration om certain individuals

issues — out of our unions” feeling, which has grown Onsite because of the poor leader- SiN also need to link up ship offered students by the more effectively 10. struggles DL. Outside the student mov

For instance, whist Benn-Hletfer’ and woo struggle they did not suc bring. these arguments ino the Conference. Their position fon Palestine i also. unpopular ‘sith many ind

NOL!

Socialist Students in NOLS (SIN) did however win the key position of National Secretary, beating off a weak challenge from a Communist student sup ported by the DL. In the part time eleetions, the DL. vote Aectined

The £12,000 Labour Pay _, Conference generally was grant to DL had elearly been devoid of politics (when politics Spent largely on the Presidential did appear it was in the mos

flection. SSIN pained one extra fe=tionary form. by SPUC can position in the parttime

idates who. stood and were Sefeated in every election). At fone point a suspension of sian ling’ orders 19 bear 2 P&O Sriker was voted down, Dut uring in the same session 2 Similar vate was carried to hear ‘what had happened in the last episode of Neighbours! Nonetheless, wo good pices fof policy were pased. First pacctime students gained parity = the right to equal representa tion with fulltimers. Secondly

Success

The DL owe their success 10 the decision of Militant and the SWP to vote for the “official” Labour candidates, Without these votes i is unlikely thatthe DL could have won any major “The SWP used the excuse of SSIN's line om Palestine. (twin State), claiming this showed that SSiN were to the right of DL However, itis SSIN aad not DI ‘who have opposed local govern ‘ment cuts and supported the Benn-Heffer Campaign Militants excuse as. even worse. saying they would vote for the DL because they were the “offical” Labour can dlidates — in spite of the fact that in Scotland they themselves Stood’ candidates against. the DL. The DL have also been at the forefront of the witeh-hunt

‘conference voted to call oa local ‘Councils 10 refuse to implement ‘Clause 28,

‘One of the best bits of Conference was the emergence of a group called Labour Students Lert Caucus — centred around Manchester Polytechnic. Their policy is support for SiN” on Campaigning issues whils riicking "Socials Organiser lines within SSIN on Ireland, Palestine, and autonomy. 1a short their analysis i identical

A Day for Palestine

Show your solidarity with the Palestinians: DEMONSTRATE! May 15th Assemble Thames Embankment, London, 1.30pm (Embankment tube) Called by the Interim Joint Committee for Palestine, c/o 21 Collingham Road, London SWS ONU

Palestine Occupation and the future Conference May 7th-8th University of London Institute of Education. Bedford Way, London WC1 (Russell Square tube} ‘Speakers include Awad Abdel Fattah (Al Fajr journalist), {ssam Abdel Hadi (deporte), Lea Tsemel (Israeli Attorney}, Moshe Machover (Israeli academic}, Akram Hanniyeh (deported editor of Al Sha‘ab newspaper), Sarah ‘Graham Brown (writer) and Fouzi E-Asmar (Palestinian writer) Organised by the Committee for the Freedom of Expression of Palestinians and Israelis (CFEPI), BM Box 9585, London WCIN 3XX. Tel 01 226 7050.

Marxism Today presents ‘The “68 show Soturday May 7th, London Schoo! of Economics, Houghton ‘St, London WC2 “The red spectre of stucant ravalt is returning to Raunt the us wardly ageing Marxists of the 80s. Twenty years on from the May events in France Marxism Today the magazine that ‘epitomises the new mood of consumer communism — is stag ing a grand reunion bout of mindless miltancy ang termunal Talkabout. The event culminates n an occupation of the LSE by massed ranks of Yummies [Young Upwardly. Mobile Marxsts) at Marxism Today's "88 Show, festuring Robin Blackbur, Dave Triesman, Eduard Goldstucker, Bemadette McAlskey Hilary ‘Wainwright Tickets £6 fram The 68 Show, 16 St John Street, London, ECIM 4AY, OT 608 0265.

Sanctuary inspiration

On Sunday_ February 14th, after 53 weeks, Rajwinder Singh came out of sanctuary from the Guru Nanak Temple in Bradford.

‘The Home Office agreed to give him a temporary

reprieve.

‘On the day after — the 15th — Salema Begun, who had taken sanctuary in the Chorlton Central church, won her campaign, when the Home Office gave her indefinite leave to remain

There can be no question that it was sanctuary. thet forced the Home Office to se cept the justness of both these cases. if not for taking Sanewary, both of them ‘Would have been deported.

this also the case that was because of the existence of ‘ur sanctuary, in the Chur of the Ascension, Renukaben Lakhani

Vira} Mendis strengthen the resolve of all those involved in the sarc: tusry movement. Infect whatever’ the Home Office

Ra winder “Singh and Salema Begum went into sanctuary in the first place.

Tt might look pusziing thet

plans the senctusry move lo ent is gaining momentum. the longest lasting sonctusry,

Story

cessful. But this should not puzzle anyone. tt precsely The Catholic_Herald, on Because we have given alead February 22nd, carried 3 lead

for that “the

‘and laid the pottical story announcing Sanctuary that the Home Of Committee for Community fice is determined to destroy Relations of the Catholic is Bishops ‘Conference of

England and Wales has en dorsed the sanctuary ‘movement. which allows those threatened with deportation 10 fake refuge in churches and private homes.

‘But our opponents are not inactive. The fact thet there are forces lobbying to get Vira} Out of the church was once ‘again ilustrated on Friday February 12, 26 our regular Fr day march to the sanctuary wae attacked by the police

By the Viraj Mendis Defence campaign

Struggle

(Our campaign has taken on leatly the general ant tation struggle. Gur cam. paign hes not just been about Viray Mendis, but also about the injustice ‘of the immigrs tion laws. Our campaign has bbeen the cutting edge of the santuary movement. These facts make the Home Office determined to strike 3 mortal blow at the sanctuary move: ment By destroying ows. “The Home Office may think that by cleaning away the

MOC. cio North Hulme

other sanctuaries wil be Centre, Jackson Crescont, Sble to isolste and defeat ours. ‘Hulme, Manchester, M15 However, the victory of the SAL

other thrae sanctuaries wil Tel: 067 234 3168

Vizaj Mendis will stay! DEMONSTRATE!

Sat May 28th ‘Assemble 12 noon, Albert Square, Manchester

Haringey Councillors Against the Cuts sends May Day Greetings to Briefing readers

No Cuts in Jobs or Services! No suspensions or expulsions! Back Benn and Heffer!

Lambeth Labour Party Local Government Committee No cuts in Jobs and

Services! Full Support to all Councillors

against Cuts Defend the Councillors in Camden and Lewisham expelled from their Labour

Group |

May Day Greetings from

London Councillors Against the Cuts No Cuts!

Build the Fightback!

London Fights Back! Committed to defending local government

The struggle continues!

No Cuts in Jobs or Services!

Labour Briefing No. 61 April 261h-May 11th 1988 page 3

Editorial

Defend Ron Brown!

So Ron Brown MP has damaged the Mace, symbol of the antique and arcane rituals of the Mother of Parliaments. Big deal!

The response of Kinnock & Co. is both scandalous and depressingly predictable. “Disruption” and “‘loutishness”’ in parliament, they say, diverts attention from the real issues, and allows the papers to concentrate on ‘Commons demos, not things like the NHS and social security.

Kinnock’s logic only makes sense if you think that the Tory thugs and louts can be defeated by sympathetic media coverage for Labour and by voting in Parliament. Of course, everyone knows:that'the Tories have a 100-majority and that Labour will never get good coverage in the press, even if its MPs behave like schoo! prefects.

The Tories constantly disrupt parliament to drown out left Labour speakers like Eric Heffer, Dave Neliist and Ken Livingstone. But there are no protests from the Tory papers or the Labour front bench when that happens!

Parliamentary activity should be used by Labour MPs to arouse the country to outrage and action against the measures on things like the NHS and social security. The disruption of the budget speech by shouts of “'shame’’ served to focus on the unjustness of the tax changes. ‘An opposition serious about fighting Thatcher should be disrupting parliament every other day

Ron Brown refuses to.grovel and dotf his cap to the Tory establishment. Good for him. Aneurin Bevan often described how the fake grandeur of parliament is used to intimidate radicals and socialists. Kinnock only underlines his subservience and spinelessness by knuckling

BRIEFING

TASOUR — TAKE THE POWE.

under to his Tory “betters’’. Stop the witch-hunt

against Ron Brown!

Benn and Heffer — seize the time!

The Leadership fight is on in the Party with a vengeance. Whatever vote that Tony Benn and Eric Heffer get in the electoral college, the campaign has focused the debate about the way forward in the fight against the Tories and for socialism. The centre of the debate is socialism itself. At issue is whether the fundamental idea of socialism — a democratic and egalitarian transformation of society — has any relevance to the last decade of the 20th century.

In Britain, there is a mass force for socialism — in the Labour Party and trade unions, and in the miriad of other groups and activities organised and supported by the left. In some other European countries such a force does not exist. So we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — not to squander the forces of militant socialism which exist. The main forces for socialism are getting involved in the BennHeffer Campaign and the growing “Chesterfield” movement. Now, and we mean now, we have to maximise the opportunity to push forward socialism.

So seize the time! Take the following practical steps:

‘© Set up 2 campaign for Benn and Heffer in your locality.

‘@ investigate the possibility of raising the issue Jin your union. Get Heffer or Benn to speak at a ‘fringe meeting at your union conference or event.

‘© Start the fight now for a Benn-Heffer vote in your CLP.

Buy stocks of the Briefing Benn-Heffer badge {see page 12)!

Organise against the Poll Tax

The Tory backbench revolt against the Poll Tax reflected the profound and widespread unpopularity of this anti-democratic measure, It also demonstrated the limitations of merely parliamentary action against it. The Thatcher government has been embarrassed, but it will sail ahead anyway, determined to press to the utmost its attack on local government and the inner city Labour vote.

How to respond? Petitions, leaflets, lobbies are all necessary but insufficient on their own The Poll Tax is a combined economic and political attack on the working class. Its effects will be far-reaching and longlasting. Once it becomes operative, the damage it will do the labour movement will not be undone simply by periodic calls for its repeal.

OF course, this is not the first time a Poll Tax hes been instituted — in Britain or abroad. And history, in this matter, does have a clear lesson. A campaign of mass resistance — based on noncompliance with the law — can and must be organised

Labour Councils should refuse to collect the tax. Trade unionists should refuse to administer it. People should refuse to pay it.

These various levels of action against the Tax need to be co-ordinated, so that one re-enforces and encourages another.

In England and Wales, concrete proposals for non-compliance should be tabled now, so that we are ready to take action when the time comes.

Imperialism in the Gulf

Hands off Iran!

these American attacks are a display of imperialist thuggery

Tea. conflct between the United States and Iran of this type, we stand with Iran and are for the defeat of the United States. The basic question involved here is that of Iran's self determination: in this case the fight not to have its oll plat

More than 40 Iranian oil workers and sailors were killed in the US naval attacks in the Gulf on April 18th.

The attacks were murder pure and simple; the 45 second “warning” to the oil

platform workers to formsand ships blown upby the Evacuate was Joke — they US cay. ran, dep Couldn't have got of the ‘eeime, san oppresed, depen platform in that time if they SP nation. We defend it

eae imperia, The attacks on tranian jat'sotistiae postion: Foro naval craft which followed ample, when fascist Italy imvad were allegedly in retaliation ed. ABbassyaia ia” 1936, for tranlan counter-strikes, socialists took the side of the but that claim is extremely Ethiopians agains aly. despite dubious. It seems ikely thai the eadal leadership of Haile theTranian ships which fired Sass eee cd ca, Defsidings the Iranians, or

any other nation in the region because they were already against the US navy is probably under attack "4

fot highly controversial among Socialists. What is much disputed, however, is the rela tionship of such skirmishes and the Iran-irag war itself. which has Been going on for eight years ‘with something million deaths

Iran in the aftermath of the auacks talked of the US it lervening im 2 new “US. Kuwaictrag™” axis, which had made common cause to defeat Iran

had tried.

By HARRY PEEL

The murderous arrogance of US imperialism in disposing oF 40 Iranians without a. second thought hardly needs comment in. Briefing. Nether does the pathetic response of the Labour Fromtbench who failed o.com ddemn the attack outright. Thal cher, needless 10 say, gave en thustastic support ro Reagan ‘The duty of soctalists in Bc

tain is 19 demand that the United States — together with Britain and its other col laborators — gets out of the Gulf Despite our opposition to the Iranian regime, a regime utferley hostile to the interests of the working class and socialism,

Originally

This analysis is wrong. The US originally sent its ships after i was caught sending arms 0 Iran, [cent its navy, in par, 10 defend Western shipping: in part, to be seen as. not Sapilating to.” “terroriss"

trade unionists, on its hands.

has Lilled more people than (Chile's Pinochet regime. Its oF ture chambers and secret police are every bit as horvific as those Of the Chilean dictatorship. The ordinary workers and peasants, of tran” have no interest ‘whatever in this regime, of its bloody war against Iraq

‘and, perhaps most of all, 10 reassure’ is allies among. the Galt sheiks, ‘who. have sided ‘with Traq and who are nervous, ‘about the prospect ofan franian victory.

The US intervention was meant to be a flag-waving exer se, and nor to become directly part of the Iran-iraq war. The Tinited States does not want an Iranian vietory in the Gulf war; bat neither would an Iraqi vie {ory suit its interests particularly ‘well either. Either result would Greate a powerful regional power which did not have a lose relationship sith the US.

But the United States could et dragged into the Gulf war: i Could, especially if it were 10 feel that fran was on the verge Of victory or was. divectly Threatening the ‘pro-US oil sheikdoms, Buc in the long run, for the US and the other im perialist powers, a caputalist Klamic regime in Iran ts pr bably the only realisic ope Despite sea batlles, the US wil

‘with the

have 10 do busines mullahs — especially afte

Avatollah’s death.” Any capitalist will tll yoo that YOU

an choose your Frsends but § Ean’! choose your busines ners. The US may hal Prepared to accep it, provid A doesn’t try te dominate the region and. threaten ite closest allies.

‘gressive in the Islamic regime. It Ba government which has blood of tens of thousands of workers, peasants, Wor

ple from national

The latest US attack aya response to the continued min ing of the Gulf by the Iranians land pertiaps even to the hijack

fic and a withdrawal of the British feet. Full support should also be given to all those Fighting against repression in

ing of the Kuwaiti jet. In other both tran” and iraq, and swords, for the moment it re especially, forthe sale ‘mains a limited conflict. Seterminiation of the: Kurdish

Socialists should raise in the people, who have been the ve:

labour movement an end 10 bipartisanship on the Gall con:

tims of repression from. both Sides in the Gull war

Mittary forces “guarding’” the Gulf

and of course socialists. and

‘Labéule Briefing No! 61 Apri 261h-Mav T1th 1988 page 4

Trade Union Briefing

NUT Conference

New realists win

— but not without a fight

Widedeccgen te es nica, and campaining own navel,” complained Paul Foley ‘which included teachers refusa dispirited delegate at Socialist Teachers’ ing 10 co-operate with new the end of this year's Alliance ee NUT conférence. Sager

The complaint is given” PA oo i. teil be. delighted weight by the media focus ve eee a and tame

the

fon debates around internal (Creat? Ea

feat? Education? ‘Reform??

inion reorganisation, the hi. The National Executive ; Ber pee sir sccretiey bal propocns for an “oukgene hat Ute epee eae Uesignate, and union dent education commission P a

joeal Lord to the next meeting on on “lobbying may be obtained from the NUT ‘On conditions of service, the union leadership had nothing to ‘offer. but advice oa how. 10 omployers and @ stateme With the loss

Smprising the NUT. represen tatives of parents, industry. and the church

“These. “authoricatve_ allies will be charged with defending Slate education provision and the curriculum from predatory Tory attacks in a continuation of the already ‘stale stratezy

disciplinary procedures.

‘Certainly Conference failed to offer clear campaign: ing policies on many issues confronting members in schools

The National Executive gave ro indieation that it was about

otiating

Soe sind working conat> Albert Hall which attracted a bakers conditions of

tions, et alone mount the bar- grand total of 950 to hear an ete eae

Ee et ec ee Socialis Teschers’ = Thebewen wock suike i He fom he Nona ad Alliance arpued for a-differene ia809 was frequently refered to tasteless approach, Eased ona sytem of DY Exccutive speakers, but only

a8, lett cover for the absence of any serious campaign of inSustrial action 1 reverse the general attacks on teachers’ ‘Sorking ‘conditions (including larger classes, longer hours, and cover for absent colleagues).

‘The pay debate was farcial The Executive called for in Greases of 40%, “We want “loadsamoney’,”” heckled an turiepressed Coaference, and wwith good reasoa, The Ex ecutive offered nothing in the ray of & strategy (0 win this ‘Harry Enfield” claim

The STA propoted a more realistic claim of a flat rate i {tease of £2,000, coupled with a fealstic action Strategy 10 win

this union s0 badly int falliances with other trade

What you can do in your union

‘ef at all possible, submit 2 resolution {emergency if necessary) through your branch to Union Conference Supporting Benn and Hefter

‘@ Get the next meeting of your Broad Left, left caucus, etc., to discuss how to take the campaign up with the fnaximum effect — and use the campaign to build the left in the union.

Se ee soni year ion Paral otice Water | "EUS ena ee cae svete: Gumuege ccher meters | 2c, a eee & to continue the debate eta Tae

‘@ Put pressure on NEC members or other officials who support Benn and Heffer to come out openly in their favour.

‘Ensure the issue is discussed at all levels of the union and at other bodies, like Trades Councils, to which your branch sends delegates.

‘@ Work with local Benn/Hetfer campaigns (or set one.up if it doesn’t exist} to get it discussed at other trade union branches in your area, providing speakers if necessary. ‘@ Put pressure on the Executive to promise full debate of the issue at Conference even if it’s too late for resolu tions. Ensure as many branches as possible mandate their delegates.

'@ Regardless of whether support can be debated at Con. ference, get your Broad Left to organise a fringe meeting. © it can’t be discussed at a union conference make sure the Executive is flooded with resolutions from branches in support of Benn and Heffer.

‘@Produce leaflets for the membership outlining the reasons for supporting the campaigns — this will be ‘Especially important where unions decide to ballot the

Ina union where there is support for the left, the “new Feasts” did not have it all their ‘Own way. This was obvious in the debate on tnion reorganisation. The important arguments fm this debate concerned the dices and objectives of the union nd union democracy ‘impresed by. the growing sirengtt of the left, the "ne fealisis™ wish to impose com alisation and take pow auay from local association (NUT local branches) They seek also to impose 2 fundamental change from a attempts to defend interests of its members 10 one which is in ‘essence a company union off ing discounts and fringe benefits to individaal members, along

membership. tf unions ballot then insist that 2 policy EETPU sodel the statement goes out from each candidate jena aa

‘@Where a workplace Labour Party branch exists invite a ‘Speaker to an open workplace meeting. Is it an opportuni ty to have another look at forming a workplace branch? ‘@Make sure you keep the Campaign Group of MPs in: formed of what you are doing

tinion membership and conse

‘Conference was ia no mood to support soch farreaching Sanger without a_ thorough Gcbate among the membership land deferred the proposals to 2 Special conference. This vote {nd the vindication of the ILTA Sight were among the highlights for the let.

‘after defeats over pay and ‘working conditions and the loss Of negotiating riehss, the NUT SS less confident thar it was only 2 few years ago. Nevertheless, a large minority sil support cam paigns of action agaiast the Tory government's attacks on state education.

Far from. murturiag this mood, the NUT leadership ‘determined 19. push the union towards” Kinnockite | “new realism’. 1 is still far from

Tmtiether the membership ‘will allow this move, and the Gebate is by HO. means ‘onchided,

Pete Firmin, NUR

WATERLOO BRANCH National Union of Railwaymen sends May Day Greetings

Support the seafarers!

‘A group of seafarers is based in London to mobilise support. The seafarers have divided London between them so contact your nearest group. Waltham Forest

Contact Glenn or Jim on $21 an,

‘This Support Group is ‘waned with Thanet. Send ‘messages of support and donations to NUS, Labour Hall, High St, Ramseate Kent.

ywark Contact Brian on $82 8433,

“This Support Group is twinned with Deal, Messages ‘of support ard. donations 10 NUS, Magnus House, Deal, Kent Hounslow Ask for the Seafarers Support Group on 572 3764

This Support Group is, twinned with Thanet. Messiges ff support and donations (0 NUS, Labour Hall, High St, Ramsgate, Kent

“Thanks to Gienn, based in Waltham Forest Support Group for the aboxe information)

| Hull | Support

grows

P&O Ferries workers raised £900 — and promises of more financial support —

Becky. a stewardess on P&O ferries, who is now on strike. ‘sdaresses the North Londen Chesterfield Conference, April

a What you

can do orga The media is downplaying the seafarers’ thas undertaken solidarity work

inthe area since the Miners’ ‘Strike, worked in conjunction with Hull Dockers to raise the Sum in a fundraising which lasted two days

£200 was raised trom 3 meeting of Hull National Union fof Seamen, with a further £200 coming from two pits Which Hull Trades Council Geveloped a relationship with during. the Miners’ Strike — Kellingley, and Prince of Woles, Pontefract,

£60 was raised from 3 col~ lection and donation made when the strikers. put thelr ase to Hult North Labour Party General Committee,

‘The remainder came from workplaces im the Hull area, With more workplaces Organising “continuing collec tions. from workers. in. the ‘weaks to come

‘The size of the donations. in such a short space of time, shows the significant support which exists in the area for the P&O workers.

dispute. With the sackings announced as we go to press, it is essential that we do everything possible to mobilise labour movement support for the workers involved.

Every trade union and Labour Party branch should be giving the seafarers a platform to put their case and holding collections to give the strikers the financial support they need.

Solidarity like this has been organised successfully in Hull. In London, Support Groups are getting going. This dispute is not just about the individual workers’ conditions of work; it’s about whether the shipping companies can remove all the gains the seafarers have won this century — and disregard safety measures for workers and passengers as if the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy never happened.

‘Organise solidarity now!

NUPE — Hackney Officers Branch May Day Greetings No Cuts in Jobs and Services! Smash the Housing Bill!

Labour Briefing No. 61 April 26th-May 11th 1988 page 3

Feature: Labour Leadership election

TONY BENN on a threat to democracy: Parliamentary

Bi-partisanship

presence of 3,000 American para, with a Labour The following is a digest of a speech {he'taintenance of a high been elected by the British

made by TONY BENN at the North eee ee 7 ere

me ary expendicre These are deadly, London Socialist Conference on Both Front Benches in the dangerous trends because

* House of Commons appear they blank out any serious April 16th, now to accept. British alternative approach to what

membership of the EEC should be done, deny the ‘which, with the adoption of legitimacy of ‘other views, In addition, the security the single European Act, ef-. and seek to extinguish the those living in’ most services are, effectively, ac- AS" furopemn AT GI” = and seck to extinguish the democracies, _ are’ not “countable to no one. They of elected British govern- democratic traditions which

allowed to elect their 4p do virtually what they ments to follow the we have inherited from the 3

Head of State wor their ike. They have, nthe past, omomic” and industal past é

Second Chamber, and SMempted 10 remove an policies “necessary if full "These coalition tenden- :

even the House of Com- Cited Labour Prime employmentisto berestored cies, if they are not challeng- : Minister, and quite recent

ons has wo power over the theycariedoutanexscaion jayyqe’ aunties NETO Gd, could, ead” Brian s

Royal Prerogatives by without trial in Gibraltar, “Bok Front Benches en- which ouly one view would &

which any Prime Minister confident that their activi

Ci dorsed the Anglo-Irish be acceptable. EF

i ‘onservative or _ willl be protected from public Agreement which locks this Even today those who in-

Labour — can by-pass disclosure by judges who Country into policies which sist" on advocating alter

parliament. will ban any publication that sustain the British occupa: native policies face harass-

‘These Prerogatives fives an account of what has tion of Northern Ireland and ment and intimidation from TOY Senn at the North London Socialist Conference Apri

fegltmise the most corrup- happened. military measures to main- a handful of rich men who 76°17

ting form of patronage |, These events should set tain “law and order”. ‘own and control most of our black community in these needs, and articulate the

inter which ministers, tbe slarm bells ringing for "Au the Parliamentary newspapers, and are always circumstances makes it ab- demands of black people as those who care about civil parties seem to be moving ready to hound anyone who solutely essential that it part of the working class

rs, Judges, bishops, amEeSseanrsand the chsis of ibertie, human rights, and towards an agreement that challenges the conventional should. have ‘distinct and movement tt Braain,

lonilised industries are the democratic use of the market forces have a central wisdom of the rich and the separate representation in And if the Labour Party pointed in secret by the ballot box. role to play, leaving only the powerful. the labour movement by the denies these rights, it will

Prime Minister of the day. __But theres another threat’ question of how they can "One of the most acceplance of Black weaken self and undermine

In recent years, even our Which receives little atten- best be administered to be dangerous developments in Sections. ‘its eapacity to do what has fo 1d demdctac) has been ow: the tendency towards resolved on polling day. Britain today Is. the per- Apartheid is a world sue be done

Sharply reduced by stacks arliamentary bi "Most astonishing of all is sistence of racism and there- and one of the reasons why The experience of the

fon local government, in- Partisanship on some of the she view, widely expressed at emergence of fascism, must the British people have not black community in these cluding the abolition of the central political questions of the top, that the apparatus of X directed against the taken a stronger line is that circumstances makes il ab GLC and the Metropolitan te day, blanking oat the of the Stale is actually black community, which the labour movement itself solutely essential that i Counties, rate-capping, and _lectors’ choice. neutral, and that the civil suffers some of the worst has not linked racism at should have distinct and the disqualification, by the Both Front Benches in the service, the security services, poverty im the inner cities, home with the struggle in separate representation in

Courts, of Councillors who House of Commons are of- the courts, and the broad. experiences rigid and unfair South Africa. the labour movement by the try to implement the ficially agreed about British casting authorities are will- immigration controls, and If Labour is to be truly acceptance of Black manifestos on which they membership of NATO, with ing and anxious to co- harsh policing. representative, it must tap Sections.

were elected. its nuclear strategy, the operate, on the basis of im- ‘The experience of the the experience, reflect the

Women for Socialism

Backing Benn and Heffer — on our terms!

Following the _an- _ The only women whe found

in_these tedious arguments ex oerrcomart DY BON cag = im Laken Wonets

and Hoffer of their deci- Action Committee Leadership sion to stand against — managed to make every Kinnock and Hattersley, tactical mistake possibie in the

Review of Women's Organisa Se Oe EET erect te ted tote

ed from the Campaign emise of ther organisation,

Group. The Review has demoralised wW2

PHOTO" Leesa Herbert

Short, Margaret ener OCIALIST Unilateraist challengers 10 9 muitlsterais? ‘and Joan Ruddock have Ry Barbara Green Leadership, 3

ment why they took this Socialism of supporting women facing

mien, A eet Sey tat re SV cc nee eer ‘These women are not all The Benr-Heffer Campaign women’s demands are placed these i. ‘of be sent more in- ‘al political agree- ‘Wil provide opparntrignett ‘on the political agenda. torr spout Women for

in total p a Recon ahd tay sae? c. asm. please contact: ment, but they do allhave Socgesrpoicies and tonse' at tig, SaneHetfer Campoien Socalsin alesse contact Some allegiance to the _ 3 cheneatoveash out eran pati esheth ee ee ‘Tribune Group whichrmay “wares mvelves stage, Se at. case gece have influenced thelr Women should tuppert the ari ea oa se ee ih ecision ponmflefor Compaige Bot aurdence of women. Another

Water te _indiial 9 spar er and shod

rewones the collective sffect Pot be without condions =

ee ee et ee ear May Day Greetings trom

Ssalase nd worry mony ont fr he Labour te. but

eee ae ter eae aed te

Be” savotyed sie ati Ovemornand Hornsey & Wood eines he ony god hing Teveran ann many ade

torcome of these isSgnations. unions and” commun

Wil be a dacussion, urgendy FoUDe Green

ae

ae es ,

me ee oe Labour Women’s

Pies oreat oe ens tosecien tock miemren tie

Mate ee Go Cece ON aes we Greece crvaes: ci ch waht ;

idee for tare wats) inc peionl ot revere = ¢lewten tance: Garters iste ante cokoapash . : ee ges eee ee ree seen af ete merc hoe o Cuts in Women's ome ano Sucias ai Eaer Wormers Conference, iurse ermestng to dacuss wenn” and” th

Soe of eines et cee ae ee pees tow font a Wemere mato tore ipeiea or mentee nn ae b . eG een GF eee ee Jobs or Services! topes ces cores {Enderamphes such contempt faelwetmust deere and agieg_ Heftercompaign doses Soot

Labour Briefing No. 61 April 26th-May 11th 1988 page 6

Labour Party

SNP exploits Labour - Sy) Sees split in elections | @iterea S70 | OLL BAX

withdrawal of benefits under the new social security system. ‘The’ same traumatic ‘exBoreaucratic that the jibe i perience is being repeated, {c's change its name to "start throughout the length and! (= breadth of Britain air of the campaign, Brian TnSeodand iis compounded| Wison MP, sad "he com bysnother cious stack on lee Doan gimed Yo provide vehicle tig standards: deivery of Poll for the massive public hosliy ‘Tis eelsaton forms {othe Pot Tax” There 20 “sis the context in which shortage of public hostility, but istics Council elections are the vehicle sa clapped’ out berag held throughout Scotland wreck on May Sth “The SNPs fine on the Poll "A ehuamped Tory election Tax is to the left of Labor: imishine wide money Yo burn they eck to use the elections to FeWingarecordnuiverf can. build support Tor a mass non Ghai, Thor meage simply: yasment’ campaign. The fake Thatcher's medicine “it pomense of Dewar" & Co. {asies Rowibic, bur ther ino threatens to open a breach in Mlemative. They hive ns hope, Labour's Support; which the Tabours antral Tax cam: SNP-may yet prove able ‘to

‘uch publicity last October, has been so. ineffective | and

Scotland says: stand up and fight!

Much of the potential in =

building a fightback BY Allan Green

against next Apri's_in- Maryhill CLP

troduction of the Poll Tax Tay igchownelinarenoen

in Scotland was shown at °Sagiy the Stop It inieative

2 public meeting called by which lnsists on legally, wos

Maryhill Labour Party on the only way forward aifored

April 7th. by. the platform, -vaithough ‘Dver 100 people turned out speaker after speaker from the

Jeremy Corbyn MP Limp legality iemelaeateighnglndy: BP on ponte and The Labour Party in ———————— NST -othanc s commit By Roland Sheret ‘The main platform speakers Keith Veness (Agent) Scolds comme eeottish Labour Bring "or Dogs Heras Ase

to use legal means {0 ig cal Communist Party

send May-Day Greetings tO | frustrate the Poll Tax Disict Councils have even member, and. Mere Fyfe, Briefing readers registration process. agreed to be agents forthe ol- Cabour MP for Maryhi. With

socialist Leader

Seo legal requirement forthe pols againet the Poll Tax. Re noncooperaon wth the todos. ‘meeting did not dwoll on the Registration Forms. The ques Labour's cected Councillors justices and absurdities of thon should be. "What 1s 10

refused to be the first line of he ‘tax but centred. aroun beak 2 seb ache ere OL te tab fed around quired to ston tho Poll Tax?

Labour Party Leadership refus-

ced to ask them fo put up a fight. The labour movement failed task them to put up. fight

tally in the Set round of op- goua"pany away ue | Hackney North Labour Party

ton tothe Poll Tax. Labour District Council elections this ‘controlled Regional Councils all sends

fagreed co the setting up of the MAY on a platform asking for = Vote Benn and | sn S 22 Seraey fea sone Socialist Greetings

Heffer! ohn eA to all readers of Briefing

‘Scottish Trade Union Congress

ecto wanaelace te” We pledge continued Sie Sg ERAN GS ee come ae Sea support in the fight for

‘ffort to get a united campaign

= eal Ne Pal Tax Al ares justice for all workers in The Campaign ee struggle everywhere.

Scene rrte iior | " Leabridge Branch of Labour MPs See "| (Hackney North CLP)

widely described as the "feeble

Support B enn and a eames sends May Day Greetings

clectoral dominance ia Scotland. The much publicised

Heffer for the Party | =2.si—" | Back Benn and 2 ges ne, tule Heffer Leadership ceraeesed

of the Labour Party

‘after the registration st out to households,

—_ SOCIALIST MAYDAY Euro MP London North East

sends GREETINGS

LESLIE

Let’s have a socialist HUCKFIELD MEP

manifesto for the next Fc aON did diac: eee election! Telephone (0942) 496957

‘Labour Briefing No. 61 April 261h-May 11th 1988 page 7

Labour Party

Local government elections

Birmingham The capitalist heart of England

One third of the Counci 39 seats, is up for election on May 5th.

‘At present Labour has an overall majority of 13 seats.

The week after Labour lost five seats last May (fighting on the right 19's _ manifesto) the Labour Group, contrary to national Party _ policy, abolished what they term the. ‘ivote losing’ Women ‘and Race Relations & Equal Opportunities Committee,

‘This year, they waited until ‘Apri 19th" to” Taunch the manifesto. For the third year ‘unning, thas been writtan in effect by the Leader of the Council, Dick Knowles, and 9 few group officers, with no Consultation whatever with Birmingham District Labour Party (BDLPI.

‘These people always find a new excuse for writing the Imenifesto ‘without consulta tion, Two Yeats ago. they (walked “out "of negotiations

with BOLP Officers, in con. ‘ravention of Party rules. Last year they had the BDLP Suspended by the NEC. This Year they conducted far Gieal, ‘sham exercise in consultation — but it was never ‘completed

By a Birmingham Labour Briefing supporter

[At the time of waiting, this marifesto has. stil not been ‘Seen by most Party members. However, iis likely to be plan to out-Tory the Tories by Baliging’ Birmingham as. the “big capitalist heart of England" international Con. Vention "Centres, — Olympic Games bids, and’ Super Prix oad races — all with joint Tory support — will no doubt feature prominentiy

“The issues concerning peo ple on the doorstep in: Bir. Ingham. Social” Security changes, Poll Tax. Educstion. and ‘Housing repairs — aro Unlikely t2 get a mention. itis

{ig hard to convince people to ‘ote Labour when they can't (get their backdoor fixed, but they read of £240,000 being Spent on a statue outside the new Intemational Convention Centre. Perhaps the first gathering in the new Contre Should be booked for 2 Birmingham Council Tenants’ Convention’

“The signs are that after the election the Labour Group wil have shifted away from the fight, though not into the con. trol of the left. A. soft leftimiddle/censre right unholy alliance is likely to control the ‘group.

The left’s task in the new Group will be to put pressure fon the soft left aliance by arguing for radical policy. omocratisation of the Group, and its accountability to BOLP: ‘and for availablity of informa. tion on” Council budget and policy formulation to Party members

'Not least the left should be ‘arguing for the Labour Council 10 stop colluding with the Conservative. Government. and Start fighting the Tories!

A challenge to the Leadership

Leeds Campaign Group mounting a challenge for key positions on Leeds’ ruling Labour Group.

Counciiar Garth Frankland fa Briefing supporter) will stand far Leader, the position currently. held by Councilor Mudie. The Deputy Leadership willbe contested by Pat Winn, Councillor for Richmond Hil

“Leeds needs a much more ‘open and responsive Council Leadership,” Garth commented. "The Campaign Group sims to provide the Par ty in Leods with the chance to ‘exercise its democratic right fo. suppot such a Leadership.

Garth expressed concern at the falling Labour vote. in Leeds, in contrast 10. many other cities where the Party has made gains form the Tories No new wards have bbeen gained by Labour since it t00k office in 1980.

Toads Labour Party many ‘Fadieal and electoraly popular policies — but untfor Runately the current Leader ship pursue many. of them with ‘Title enthusiasm | and ome cot at al

For “exemple, the Party

Here we reprint am article by Mark Thompson, Labour Candidate for 7 Dials, from Brighton Labour Briefing.

There can be no doubt that the ultimate aim of the Tory government is the complete destruction of the welfare state, from the Health Ser~ vice ‘through the Council's street cleaning service to the grant for the Rape Crisis fine.

Every one is a service for the working class.

Labour Councils are a. par tigular target because they are clecied to defend and expand these services. It is. for’ this Feason they are removing every real element of power from Cabour Councils ‘by. ratecapping, enforced privatisation. of Services, and now by the Local

wants to encourage _co Operation with the local com: munity by supporting tenants organisations — this would enable local people to have frester contol over their everyday lives,

But recently the Council has been “concentrating power mare and more with = small {group of leading Councilors. ‘This is one important change = Campaign Group Leadership ‘would make.

‘Another key factor in the Campaign Group's decision to stand is the current Leader ship's failure to face up to the Tories’ onslaught against local ‘government snd the com munities of Leeds. The Hous Ing Bill the Education Reform Bl, the Pol ax snd privatise tion are major attacks on working peple, No attemot has been made £0 mount a con certed campaign of opposition

into one wih the heeds and aspirations of ordinary people,”” Garth said "To do this we need to force extra resources trom cen government and stop. o

Brighton This Councillor won’t vote

Government Bill with. its i famous Clanve 25.

My ward, Seven Dias, is or with particulaely bad Rousing problems. Hundreds of people live in overcrowded, overpriced and often damp or inadequate rented flats and houses.

‘With the Private Tenants Ac tion Group we have campaigned for the Council to enforce the law on Houses in Multiple Oc cupation (HMO). A team to do this has been promised, cut, and now promised at a’ reduced Budget. How long it will last is anyone's guess

For many people inthe Labour Party the oaly future is to have token control over @ dwindling handful of resources, So that we become the Tories? Duppets carrying out their cuts, and defusing any opposition 10 them. There is no such thing as a mandate for Labour Coun. lors to vote for cuts. THe ‘main reason people: vote for Labour in Counell elections isto

(lr Garth Frankland: pictured laborating with Tory minist whose only aim i 10 crush lal govern

held after on May Sth Already Frankland has won the ort of five local Party ches, East Leeds CLP (Derss Healey’s manor!) and Garforth NUPE branch

__ Taken from Leeds

for cuts

defend and improve Council services, and Ihave no intention ‘of betraying that trast,

The cuts have already angered and bewildered many’ Council Workers, tenants and service tsers; bat this just the start of 8 snowball that will bing major Strikes next year. We have to Take. the fight for socialist policies out of internal Labour Party meetings to mobil everyone who i prepared 19 fight

It is not for Councillors to lead ‘a campaign against the Sts, or (9 decide the tactics, that is the role of the FighzDack Campaign — a campaign that includes tenants groups, Cou Gil workers, the “voluntary” Sector, and Service users 70UpS Sach as the Private Tenants Ac tion Group. This will be ‘crucial year_ for” Labour’ in Brighton. Fither we stand ‘those who are prepared to fighe, ‘or we disappear mio the history books

Black Sections National Conference

Forging ahead on all fronts

Anyone hoping that after Conference agreed that Bi

i nie Grant MP, as Secretary of the election of four Black 1h; Siamentary Black Section

‘MPs the Black Sections and'as a National Commitice movement would quietly member. should approach Party die away will have been officals’ to see whether any sorely disappointed with Sous proposals were being the Black Sections’ fifth "However, Conference _was annual mational adamant that any proposal conference. ‘would have to recognise. to

number of Tundamental "principles: the Lic Pe aaot right of Black self-organisation

delegates came to Man. and guatanters of Black ! chester on March 25th and jepresentation at all levels of the paper, Opting for Equality 26th from around the coun- Cabour Party. Until these prin- This described how, rather than

PHOTO: Marine Stead

try, including Manchester, ple were consvded, he tae proviing more stole for Black Mesioguan. Nesnagiemn, (er weceaben espe Saree ee and Bristol. “8 would continue, including mo- Education Reform Bill. would

Tree econ thseent stom te Labomr Pad cere tat eee steps in the battle against Conference most Black people would, be Facism — inside and outside "Chris Khamis Shocks Hafield abnor conrely

‘Medi attention focused on Black Section, West Raper

hhow Black Sections would react Midlands Organiser Black Sections will campaign to” the affiation proposal for Black control and. better

floated by Bill Morris of the ~The increased emphasis on resourcing of such schools, TGWU. “In an aricle supporting. Black struggles, more Black teachers and zovesTribune, Bill suggested that oth in Britain and interag’ no's, and the introduction of Black Scctions should abandon finnally, was reflected in the mollier tongue teaching where the demand for constitutional Conference debates and resolu- there is demand, Independent -Eecognition on the same basis a5 ions. Black Sections committed Black schools, of “opting Out” Women’s and Youth Sections. jjself’ to campaign against the were rejected as an-answer 10 Instead, we should accept the Poll Tax, the Immigration Bill, racism in the school system

compromise of an anti-racist racism in the Youth Training The Conference also agreed socialist society affiliated to the Scheme and the new MSC adult © support, the Benn-Helfer Labour Party in the same way raining programme. leadership challenge

{socialist socicties ssch as “"Imternationally, Conference A new Executive was elected. SHA, SEA and Posie Zion exprested it solidarity with the Narendra Makanji, one of the

The issue was debated in a people of Palestine and Azania Haringey Councillors fighting closed session on “The Way following addresses by Yousse? the curs, was elected Chairper Forward". Conference agreed Allen of the Palestinian Trade son. Marc Wadsworth fig support the National Com- Union’ Federation and a after 160 years. as Chait (the ‘mitiee’s recommendation which fepresenlaitve of | the Patt period allowed under hhad been produced af African Congress tions" constitution),

ranging consuliation Neil Kinnock was condemned a elected as Campaigns Black Sections: by delegates for his press state- Organiser

“Showld @ precise proposel ment at the end of his seven Alton Burnett from_Birm. come forward which meets our (our of Palestine in which fe ingham and Martha Osamior Criteria and has the support of gave no recognition to the PLO. from Haringey were elecied as significant unions and/or ut did praise the Israeli Labour the wo Vice Chairs, and Sharon Labour's National Executive, Party, thus disregarding Labour Atkin was elected Women's, our National Conference (will) Party’ policy on recognition of — Organiser. be recalled to decide whether or the PLO as the sole, leitimate Over the next year, Black See not {0 accept: Irrespective of representatives of the Patesti- tions will face many challenges, ‘this, we should continue aS alan people. (The Israeli Labour R01 the least of which is deepen: before but vith much greater Leader, Shimon Peres, sup- ig its roots in the sirugeles of emphasis on deepening our ported ihe murder of Abu Jihad the Black community, But ater ‘roots in Black community strug: does Kinnock agree?) the Manchester conference here ie and more attention to trade ‘major debate was held on a 8 n0 doubs: the Black Sectiod is tinion work." National Committee education ere 10 stay, and here (fight

SPARKBROOKGATE!

Two heads are better than one. sometimes

The Sparkhill ward in the membership validation process Birmingham —Sparkbrook seas then supposedly carried constituency —where Depu- out, largely under the contro! 0) ty Leader Roy Hattersley ig — the right wing Consisuene MP — has managed to end "embership core were raked: bat the ee Fl ne Takes cnt However, no report of members’ qiember taking the Gomplaiers

acta tee Mat certinns, names {fom this proces Was was thneatened from the fl

od 4 right-wing candisate xo a subsequent

Ongoing case im the Hib By STAN YARRUM by. the’ many Party” offigers The situation arises from the A branh AGAL was finaly The person selected at_thiy anempts of the right wing 10 held in February 1988 — whet meeting” and. Councillor Rice eselect the sitting soft 18 Some tweary longstanding both submited notuination Sparkhill branch wax closed "A shortlisting mecting forthe has to Labour" eandidates down immediately after the selection of the Council can “Three members of Sparbhill general election last June after didate was held on March 24th. branch have stared legal tio Sparkbrook branches called for head count showed 102 people of the ward. and. declare the that election. the attendance repister. Tso High Court hearings have These people were Jongstan- “87 votes were fecorded in the taken place and been adjourned ding Hattersley supporters, and final ballot which clected Mick at the time of writing imay have just been confused Rice im favour of three right” The Right are now threaten and not able "to ell the wingers. The list of iregularities ing to expel anyone tothe let of Giffecence. al the meeting goes on Genghis Khan, especially The branch was reopened in The District Party then set up anyone” who sipports Cou. November 1987 with an attempt a right wing dominated enquiry cilor Rive. to bold fresh elections for of- team which was to report to an" Meatiwhile, the “soft lei" ficers. However, this had not April EC mectitg. ‘The tight who were so quick to call for an

been notified on the Agenda; 1hen realised that the members enquiry into Liverpool a couple and in any case, the validity of of this team would not be able of sears ago are conspicuously the 1987 AGM. was not to vote at the EC if they were absent in what is tiot the first disputed reporting to it on the enquiry! time membership itrepiarities <"Pollowing” ‘vomplainss,- the’ ~~"='The BC: was have "come to light =n GC dissolved the branch. A cancelled, Sparkbrook.

Labour Briefing No, 61 April 261h May 11th 1988 poze 8

French Presidential elections

Juquin poses a socialis alternative

support and members have

Opinion poll forecasts before last Sunday's (April 24th) first round of the French Presidential elections make FRANCOIS MITTERRAND, Socialist Party President of the Republic, the clear favourite to in the second round.

His closest challenger, JACQUES CHIRAC of the Gaullist RPR, is currently Prime Minister and would use a Presidential victory to push France to the ht — and initiate far reaching ‘Thatcherite” reforms.

If Mitterrand succeeds in beating off this challenge, should socialists celebrate? Yes — and no. Yes, because a victory for Mitterrand against the right amounts to a rejection of Thatcherism in French colours. No, because there is nothing much really socialist about Mitterrand’s policies.

Indeed, argues FRANK STEVENS, the real socialist alternative in the French electoral campaign has been provided by dissident Communist PIERRE JUQUIN. ‘The French Presidential lunatic by the “official” electoral system consists 'ft;

. ‘One of the most scanof two rounds, in which g.tyn, Gapcts of Mitter= all of those candidates {Sn's campaign has been with less than 15% of the {he “‘disereic’” attitude he poll are eliminated. hhas maintained towards the Usually, minority can- neo-fascist candidate Jean didates of the left and right Marie Le Pen. Mitterrand stand down between rounds hopes that when Le Pen is toallow one candidate of the eliminated in the first round, left (o contest one candidate he can pick up some of Le Of the right. Pen’s expected 10% of the ‘And so it will most likely vote if he has not openly debe this time, Leftists and nounced Le Pen during the socialists of all hues will ral- election campaign. ly to Mitterrand in the se- __ Mitterrand’s silence on Le cond round to defeat the Pen is a real betrayal of the right; that's how it should immigrant workers who are

be! victims of a rising tide of But for socialists on the

left of the Labour Party, the

policies of Pierre Juquin,

racism, fuelled by racist demagogues like the Front

Party candidate Mitterrand, are those which we would recognise as our ‘own. Juquin stands for:

@ Unilateral nuclear disarmament by France; an end to the “force de frappe"’:

‘@For a 3$-hour week with no loss of pay; an end to austerity policies:

‘e@For women’s rights, cluding 50% women on all public bodies, even the National Assembly;

@ An end to discrimination against lesbians and gay

‘@ Full rights for immigrant workers, including the right to vote:

‘@ Against racism and for mass mobilisation against the fascist Front National,

Juquin is the only candidate to stand for these ies. In particular the demand for French unilateral nuclear disarmament is considered a real scandal by the “official” left candidates — Andre Lajoinie of the Com- ‘munist Party and Mitterrand — in a country where there has never been a mass peace movement like CND.

So who is Juquin and where does his support come from? Pierre Juquin is a long-time leader of the French Communist Party. For more than a decade ‘Neither of the two main before 1986 he was the main left candidates have cham- public spokesperson of the pioned the demands of im- Party, other than the migrant workers, and the General Secretary George Parti Communiste Francais Marchais. During the 1970s (PCF), for example, does Juquin was one of the not support the right io vote strongest. supporters of for immigrant workers. And Eurocommunism inside the ‘of course demands in sup- PCF political bureau port of lesbians and gay Since the end of the 1970s men, and for 50% women in the PCF has been in drastic public bodies are considered decline, as both electoral

dnifted away. The PCF, which enthusiastically supported the invasion of Afghanistan and the suppression of Solidarnosc, has increasingly been seen as both Stalinist and not particulary radical. It suffered specially from its participation in the government led bby Francois Mitterrand from 1981-86,

‘The crisis of the PCF has in the last two years finally ‘created internal political dissent. Juguin emerged as the leader of the “renovateurs”

~ the “‘renewers”” — who have thousands of | supporters inside the PCF. Many have been expelled and formed a national coordination, which is debating the formation of a new radical socialist party

Juquin’s campaign has received wide support. Although he is only likely t0 end up with about 3% of the vote, Juguin had addressed tens of thousands of people in meetings all over France.

‘Strong support for Juguin has come from prominent figure in the mass anti-racist campaign SOS-Racisme, including its charismatic Back leader Herlem Desir.

Hundreds of support ‘many workplace based committees. Central in building these committees have been left wing organisations like the Parti Socialiste Unifie the

opportunity for an_alter- ‘ative socialist campaign in the election, Juquin’s campaign is also a rejection of the kind of politics pursued “by Mitterrand and the

Socialist Party leadership.

‘When the Socialist Party formed the government in 1981 — together with the Communists who had four ‘ministers — they at first carried out some positive reforms, like abolition of the death penalty, an extra ‘week's holiday’ a year, and some decentralisation of ‘government. These were real gains for the working class.

‘But as the economic crisis is Western Europe deepened Mitterrand abandoned his original ‘expansionist economic policies and turned to austerity and deflation.

After much agonising the PCF finally left the government in 1985.

The defeat of Mitter rand’s government in 1986 was a result of mass abstentions by left wing voters, not any overall increase in support for the right.

‘Since 1986 Mitterrand has remained President with 2 right win Prime Minister, Jacques Chirac, in a system ‘of “cohabitation’”. Mitterrand has utilised his power of Presidential veto on government. measures very rarely, and the Chirac ‘government has been a right wing capitalist government. Mitterrand has largely ig nored left wing calls to veto

Chirac’s privatisation ‘measures and force another encral

‘election.

‘The period of Chirac’s government has seen some important struggles which give hope for the emergence Of a new type of politics in France. At the end of 1986 millions of French students — far more than in 1968 — took part in a movement ‘against the government's proposed elitist reforms of ‘higher education.

In early 1987 this was followed by a strike wave in a number of industries. However, in common with most West European countries there is a sharpening divide in France between support for the Left and the Right

Tn particular, one of the most negative features is the rise of racism in general and the neo-fascist Front National (FN) in particular. Although most of those at Le Pen’s rallies appear to ‘come from the more prosperous sections of the population, nonetheless there is 2 definite working class component of his support, especially in the south. Alarmingly, opinion polls have found that many disillusioned PCF voters have shifted over to Le Pen.

On the other hand, the rise of anti-racism among the young is also very mark ed. Anti-racism was a universal theme of the 1986 student movement. The rallies and rock concerts of the anti-racist movement SOS-racisme are hugely at tended, and its badge

Fouche pas a mon pole hands off my mate") is everywhere.

The results of the election, the first round of which will bbe known when this appears, will tell us a lot about the way French politics — and French society — is going. Of course, the central thing is whether Mitterrand beats the leading right wing candidate, probably Chirac, on ‘the second round.

‘But the other results to ook out for are the score for

the Front National's Le Pen; the result of Andre Lajoinie the PCF candidate, and particularly whether he does a Jot better than Juquin; and of course the result for Pierre Juguin himself, who is contending with a virtual TV and radio boycott,

ordered from “on high"

terrand’s. offic) after his very successful alt hour TV. face to face" programme.

However, whatever the score on the frst round, al the. left. wing candidates (ith "the exception of ‘Adlette Laguiller — see box) ‘ill call for a vote for Mit {errand on the second round to keep out the right wing.

If Mitterrand and the let are the overall winners, then new political situation will be created in France. Since the leading ‘candidates are the Socialist Party President and” the Gaulist Prime Minister then it is a direct test of strength between left and right.

Left wing socialists, of whatever party, are all call Ing for the dissolution of the National Assembly (parli sent) if Miterrand wins and the right is defeated, since the President has the power todo this at any time. There ‘would then be the possiblity Of defeating the incumbent fight wing | RPR-UDF government, and replacing i sith 2 government of the ie

Extracts from Juquin’s declaration of his pre: On disarmament... What is modern, is peace. | propose that France accomplishes a bold stroke in favour of disarmament

by elaborating @ defence policy which ceases to rely ‘on the nuclear deterrent.

On employment...

What is modern, is to give everyone a skilled and interesting job, to allow everyone to express himself ing trade. What is modem, is to go much farther than the simple and indispensable guaranteeing of the fights of wage-earners at work, by allowing everyone to be aware and to have a say in what the enterprise produces, and how it produces. What is modern. is to Teduce the time spent by everyone in forced work.

On racism. What is modern, is equality. | propose that

immigrants can vote in the next municipal and European elections in 1989.

On women... propose that the Constitution be altered in such 2

way that elected assemblies and government bodies have equal proportions of women and men.

On the aged...

Must one, because one is poor, suffer every exclusion, every injustice? Must an old person go Sway to die alone in hospital? What is modern, is Solidarity. | will open up a social security which will be wider in scope because it is renewed, a real integration of the old into social life, an overcoming of

every form of exclusion.

Labour Briefing No. 61 April 260k May 1th 1988 poze 9

French Presidential elections

‘‘Tonton Manie’’

French socialists at the polls

Journalists all over Somemembers of Giscard's the “identity” of the Franch is helped create a. remarkable Europe. went into” a former grounng, the Fart stoned by. immpant_ Polcal alance ofa wing Fences Scaivity when, Republican, are even greater cumure rocommunists.. Trotskyist Samir of Rogan and Thet- Many bourgecis commen- from the Ligue Communiste at the end of March, chor's “conservative Tevolu. tators believe. thet Le Pen Ravolutionnate, pares “fat = Francois Mitterrand —tion'“than Chiracis. Others, in draws his backing from former _selfemanagement, tke the Pa yx, finally announced that fe, Cente des Democraies Communists. Serious studies 1 Sociaiste Unie, atitactsts ai Jacx (CDS). esol fromthe have "shown a much more and ecologists

fe) he would restand 98 @ jocstom of the APR. Mitte- sgrvicant phanomenon! the The french “Greens “les Oo residential cand Tend has aveady made ing number of votes for the verte", have remained at What the French are call- Gestures 0" the more Front National who voted for stance. Their candidate, Ar ing “tonton”"manie, a amenable members_of the Miterandin 1981 ~ 22%!” toine Waechtar, has pompous Posuler "craxe’“for “uncle UDF to join im im s coalition. Chirac has tied io seduce ly demanded that duquin “cut Gut on the extreme right these people by saying that he fis umbiical cord. with he

Jeon Mare Le Pen's Front Ne- “understands” the racil left ee anmiety. What Mitterrand wil Despite this minor sotbock By ANDREW COATES — 'n the logSiative do to woo these voters back Juguim hes had 8 national By ANDREW COATES 1551 the for oght-goned s femans tobe soon act. Hin programme cal for There was e Teper’ more 0.96%; now, Rtegsters On'the left the campaign of the vote for mmugrants, a 38

tanceus” "demonstration 10% in the opinion sols fncre tajorie forthe PCE hos hour week: and to ening of taneous” demonstration |The Front Navona), tke the gone down tke aleedbaloon, Prance's iar" detoan ef joy on the Chomps get dacares oa to ‘be Commit. support hes hes succeeded ty capt lysees. Mittorrand. it w2sSegnomcay“ieral” Butts decined. to around, 7%. ng the agineton of young said, had come to unify Secat"poicy envaages, the Pataeltothsfallnesteen the peopla dailusioned with Mit France and to heel its — gradual/creation cf e'system ise’ of the Communist frrand's move rightward divisions. SfEtonch aparined —estond “renovotewr” Frere Juqun and the PCF retvest to the tn what basis is Miter. supported by the claim thet Vs campaign has aiveady “fortress” of Stalinist ply the, Sotelt and Com

isons Sy The candidates

{etorms. They nationalised the Gants, increased labour pro- ss The Right Jacques CHIRAC

eg

Heel oyetom. Yor ueetshy

{Eosowy of Jaca O80, | Candidate of the Gault RPR. Prime Minister and former Mayor of Pars. Wants to Geepen the French course towards “Thatcherism’" His government has a hard ant

ee ea in, 1368, @ vom Socata: | Soemsrant positon, designed to win supporters swey from Le Pen. Leading ght wing Minister Laurent Fabius opted | candidate.

ECanmntie Conces. ve? | Raymond BARRE

Economic “fexbity” tnd | Candidate of the “ibera” (really: conservative) UDF. Bare is a former economics Bh nk we oe professor and has a more “serious” image than the hard boiled Chirac. Campaign omar ated ao tr | eld to be lacklustre. No basic policy differences between the UDF and the HPA.

sone Suealats silted 2,5 | Precicted to drop out after the fist round

Impassively as Mitterrand pro-

Tritt doy Stgeverence’ | Jean-Marie LE PEN

in effect, @ policy for moder’ | Neo-fascist demagogue, hugely popular with sections of the “Poujadist’’ petty

riseg French, captalam 9. | ourgeoisie, but has some working class support. Chirac and Mitterrand both ying rgateng scaler. | to-get the lion's shore of his predicted 10% of the vote. Most famous remarks: "the

armen 8 ,oecton of | SoS chambers were a detal of history” and "I have no personal knowledge of

SSporste hiotgncal posigrees, | whether six million really died.”

Shebart Sooalete wont

EOE eae crege: doo gone | The Left

Sed pew ss te eli evident aie | Francois MITTERRAND eof the orenseation Veteran social democratic politician, current President. Minister of the interior during

Pierre Juquin

331% ‘Serge July. the once letst | the Al He rd of almost infinite

serge July. the once leftist vian war. Has a record of aimost infinite politcal flexibility. Strong supporter za editor of Uberation, declared | Of the “Wester alliance” as well as the French nuclesr “deterrent”. Effective head 2a in 1986. thot “Miterand's | 5f the government during right wing socialist government from 1981-6. His

wes to “render | campaign highlights his detachment from “petty"” politics. Key slogan: “Le force ire 3 oines | tranquille’’ ("the calm force’ legislative

slectons omar esse | ANdre LAJOINIE

began to “cohabit” with 2 | Fall guy for the French Communist Party (PCF), whose real leader George Marchais is

ntial candidature right wing alliance headed by

headed bY | not Standing ~ in order not to go down in history as the candidate who had the PCF | democracy. the new Prime Minster, J8e- | Femiated, Lajoinie is so ordinary and boring that he has been labeled "Monsieur hat is modern, is democracy. Nothing is more ues Cia vesarva. | Dupont” (Mr Smith) by the setincal magazine Canard Enchaine EHusively supported So ee ten ey vee eeonalastion ot | wee ?tbat Chees's setons | 5Y the British Morning Star who know’a faceless Stalinist hack when they see one wer, U would wish for my campaign tise tobe the | notably over Ns handling ot dope he aot ing el pred the winter of 198¢ and tre | Pierre JUQUIN

ether, to make their voices heard, to get results. Is

‘that the road that is called self-management privatisation of parts of the | Candidate of France's militant left. Attacked by the British Morning Star as an “agent and in the US and Chernobyl in the USSR, to Tees cessed co | Arlette LAGUILLER rsist in the construction of nuclear power stations? represent * socialist | Cendidate of the workerist Trotskyist sect, Lutte Ouvriere (Workers’ Struggle). it necessary to live under the threat of a war which anes, Although the only woman candidate, is opposed to feminist demands. Her campaign

ist the developed industrial nations fester in their sympathise with those fren? | working class. otism? What is modem, is to place sincerely on the | Sut ight wing victory ple all the information on scientific and technical Chirac’ RR” is 3 “tohtly | pe pblems; | propose an honest and thoroughgoing rei eduaty conmitcsts | Pierre BOUSSEL bate on civilan nuclear power neo-iperalideas of 8-mnwnel | Candidate of the MPTT (movement for 8 workers’ party). Better known by his rom. n the Mitterrand left government. mie” and te eemartet. | Ge-guerre Pierre Lambert 0 nome uttered by ageing Tvotskyists to frighten thei i ie ae ow mtike Thatcher, whom he 2d. | Chilgren. Wes for along period @ close collaborator of Gerry Healy, with whose

ing have taught us that in order to realise these mites, Cheac otters = state | methods he has @ lot in common. Enough said.

a er that stame lefrand | when it comes to deatng with pes of chenge, it is not enough that @ tame left and | immigrants and workers. His

dogmatic Communist Party win the elections. tone hand mon, Chater us The Greens :imprialiam. Siveerteess 2 | Antoine WAECHTER

hat is modern, is the alliance of all those who live mitted ‘during the students” the earth; | propose that France renounces every Gpnsing Antoine Waechter is the candidate of the French Greens, who seem to have little in val of colonialism, writes off all debts due to it ‘At fest sight Raymond Berre | sommon with their German counterparts and seem to make a principle of being ‘itd world countries, and sets out on a policy of | might appear to represent 9 | apolitical. Waechter has sharply attacked Juquin for merging socialist and ecologist nomic justice on the planet. These could be the Centrist alternative 10 Chirac. | themes, demanding that if he wants to be a good environmentalist he should “break 1¢8 of an alternative politics, sincere and However, his backing. in the | his umbilical cord with the left’. Not much sympathy for Green Socialism here I'm

wrageous, creating a new society. en Oe ane 428

cd Wald First

PHOTO wouresy 1

Labour Briefing No, 61 April 261h-May 11th 1988 page 10

Features: May Day

Red & Green

Why a Green & Socialist Conference?

Baas BF

Red and green need to unite to preserve an ecole;

One of the most important tasks facing the left over the next few years is to promote dialogue, solidarity, and — convergence | between the green and socialist movements.

Socialists need to integrate the insights of the greens in- {0 their political agenda and address escalating ecological disasters such as the destruction of the ozone layer and nuclear radiation leaks.

By PETER TATCHELL

These disasters are alread creating possibly irreversible limatic and genetic changes which may, ultimately, threaten the basis of human life on this planet. Without the capacity of the Earth to sustain the survival of the species, the struggle for socialism is a futile fantasy

Green and socialist co. operation is equally vital to enSte that greens recognise that it isthe capitalist system of private funership, production for profit, and market forces which — hhainessed to. imperialism | — Ihave wrought world-wide en vironmental havoc.

‘A. crucial prerequisite for an ecologically Sustainable society i, therefore, the rejection of capitalism in favour of a green Footed socialism where common ‘Ownership and economic plana: ing can guarantee the nurturing of the natural environment.

The lefts embrace of green politics could be the Key 10 feviving the relevance and popular. appeal of socialism. Ik might, additionally, be a means

forthe creation of a muck larger and more powerful Ieft wing Tadical movement.

in the 1987 General Election, the Green Party's manifesto was much more radical than Labour's and the trend towards socialist ideas within the Green Panty has led to the formation

ihe Association of Socialist Greens. Indeed, many of us on the Labour left now have more fe common with the freens tham sith the Fgh of our own Party

The forthcoming Gree and Socialist Conference is an at-

tempt to bring reds and grecens together to identify common values and specific areas of agreement, aswell as

‘Shagreements and divergences “The issue of economic growth is likely to be one of the most Contentious areas. For decades, both the right and the left have been committed to the goal maximum ecowomic expansion. Yer, a5 the greens have now made" us aware, indefin impossible” and" morally

In he space of less than two centuries, capitalist in Susirilisation in just a handful ‘of mainly westera countries has fesulted in the rapid. depletion of the Earth's finite and ir replaceable natural resoures

‘As these begin to run out (60-100 sears time, our Sox will face catastrophic economic collapse and the prospect of ruthless inter-imperilise wars for control of diminishing

To avoid this barbaric fate, the left must campaign for teonomic growth whichis strict ly bound by the following green inspiced socialist principles: ‘ecrowth must be. socially controlled 10 ensure that it is ‘cologically compatible and that its benefits are shared by all "elt must be based on the use ‘of renewable and. recycled Olt must be orientated towards resource efficient cok lective provision to meet human reeds. rather than towards private ownership and onsuraption

felt must be rooted in less resource intensive technologies nd services, such as preventive health care, in contrast to cur

rent NHS emphasis-on hi-tech ‘curative medicine.

‘elt must be targetted and restricted to projects of proven

Social need, Such as inner hhovsing renewal and job crea toa in depressed industrial

regions.

This synthesis of green and socialist ideas, by offering 2 Solution to the dilemmas. of

The Football League reached its hundredth birthday on April 17th.

But, judging from the way the League itself has chosen to celebrate the occasion, ‘one wonders if it has forgot” ten the whole point of its

By Craig Brewin Football Supporters Association (personal capacity)

tions organised by ican baseball the Foot

North Ame

| soccessful and enduring ideas in

the history of British sport “The simple object was "0 peo: regular competi berwcen teams of sil thus making the sport more ai tractive to supporters. Previous ty, football was organised main By'ou a friendly basis, wich the ‘exception of knock-out cups ‘Such as the nationally orzanised FA Cup and local © ec by local FAS Because of their one-sided nature, these games were offen poorly’ attended. Many Clubs drawn at home” would fften agree 10. play away in forder to atiract larger crows Friendly games. were therefore often mote lucrative, but difficult to organise, given the unpredictable demands of knock-out competition. Football clubs, having become professional, needed a regular

‘economic growth, points t0 the possibility of a distinctive green Socialism’ which can combine Commitments to both ecology ‘and social equality. Given the apocalyptic scale of the emersing ecological crisis, the Green and Socialist Conference, and other socialist dnitatives, must work to make sure that this possibility Becomes a reality

Founder was William MeGregor, a member of Aston Villa, and a man who Slaimed to have played football fly once in his fife, McGrtexor (0 he major clubs at the iegesting formation of = Leagee and became its firs president Twelve clubs were invited 10 join, and all but Accrington are Still’ members. The first cham pionship was wor by Preston North End, the “Liverpool” of their day, undefeated during the season and also winners of the FA Cup Ali the founder members came from the north and the Midlands. Professional Football

only began in the south several Sears later As crowds became bigger,

they became increasingly work ing class. The evidence suggests that it was initially the skilled ‘working class which Mlocked 10 matches, with unskilled workers hot attending in large numbers ‘sauil after 1918,

In 1907, McGregor, in one of the first signs that the League was unable to ,understand its own appeal. stated that “she Towest class has never taken 10

BENN AND

GERMAN

GREENS

TO SPEAK

Leading reds and greens are among the speakers lined up for the historic first national Green and Socialist Conference on May 14-15th.

They include Tony Benn, Hilary: Wainwright, Jonathan Porritt, Jeremy Seabrook, and left wing German Green MPs Frider Otti Wolf and Jacob Uxekall

‘The Conference will con: sist of two major plenary sessions and dozens of workshops on themes such as:

Capitalism or Industialism? is the world ecological crisis @ product of capitalism or of in dustrial - and technological fevolution transcending social systems?

Global Planning? How will we ‘meet the need for global planhing to control pollution, conServe the Earth's finite Tesources, and share out the world’s wealth more fatty?

‘Trade Unions for the 19908? aes the fight for jobs contict ‘with the battles to protect the fenvironment and overcome the inequalities between rich ‘and ‘poor nations? Do trade Unions nged to rethink their attitudes. towards employment 1d the work ethic?

ual pales? Do harsh consciously Impose themselves on political Meas land actions?

‘The European Expeiiance? What can we learn from the experiences of greens, Socialists, and the. indoper

ent loft in Europe? Should we bbe working for greater cooperation with " socialists, ‘yade unionists, and greens to build a European. labour movement?

‘Third World Development? Is it sufficient for developing Countries. to win socialist evolutions and nationalise the means of production? Ors it also necesary for them to halt the outflow of natural Fesources into the western inustrisl metropolises? Would this mean decline in our western standard of living?

The Green & Socialist Conference is being held at Kingsway Princeton College. Sidmouth Street, London 'WC1, on Saturday May 14th and Sunday 15th, commencing at 1am. The cost for the two days is £5 waged and £2 unwaged.

For registration forms and agendas, please send an SAE to:

The Green & Socialist Conference, c/o Socialist Society, 9 Poland Street, London W1V 3DG.

ties

finishing bottom of tho Football League this they be around for the next centenary?

football and are not likely 10 take to it either.”

Modern football was developed in public schools. ‘The creation of the League sas 2 key factor in making # ilo a Tass spectator. sport, watched by all sections of (male) society

‘One hundred years later, the administration of football. in Britaia is sil divided between the Football League and the Football Association, which remain bitter rivals.” Both are merely reactive to the problems facing the game. Both are incapable of radical though.

There is Sill no professional women's eague in Britain (they do exist elsewhere in Europe) and the FA still prohibits mixed Toorball above junior level

The rise of black players has been mirrored by a rise in ter race ‘racism, (0. which the League and’ FA have been ‘unable to respond.

The League's centenary celebrations show just hos out ff touch the Football League Management Committee is, and how ite it understands. the game itis supposed. 10 Sdministe.

Theie Centenary |" Sub-

Committee chose 10 celebrate the 100th anniversary of regular ‘ompettive football by cancel jing. the entire League pro: framme for the weekend and Staging a series of irregular, un

petitive matehes,all-shunin9 BY supporters,

‘A. centenary concert at the ‘Albert Hall was headlined. by Elkie Brooks, hagdly the most popular turn on the terraces at half-time,

The centenary was seen only as an excuse for a few money= Spinning events, most of which Turned out to bea disaster

If they had asked me, 1 would have suggested dividing the Teague's 92 Clubs into” four divisions, based on last season's

inal positions, and having the teams in each division play etch bother twice — once home and once away — over a aine month Petiod,

The team finishing top of the First Divison would be deemed League Champions, with three divisional awards also presented. If this proved suc- ‘cessful, it could be dove, again ‘next, season and, hopefully, ac infinturn

Labour Briefing No. 61 April 26th-May 11th 1988 page 1!

Features

Put mental health back on the agenda!

Since the 1960s and early 70s, when Ronnie Laing, Peter Sedgewick, and others exposed the limitations of traditional psychiatry, the issue of mental health has been ignored by all but a tiny minority on the left,

‘The Mental Patients’ Union has now evolved into BY Dr David Hill the Campaign’ Against Southall CLP Psychiatric Oppression — a Fear Councis, and user ed small group, but alreuy | groups suchas Camden Conor branded in the House of ‘fiom, Islington Forum, and Ea! Lords an “inherently evil”. ing’ Mental " Health’ Action

‘Over the last three years | Group. Effors to gain affia this lone voice in’ the | tions from union and Labour psychiatric wilderness has |Party branches are bezinning to been joined bya growing | Pars fru. ae number of radical. mental | , Te caapsign aeainst forced health action groups, many frarch from Marble Arch to the ‘organised by users of mental Rovat College of Papehiaty fa health services. December. The demonstration

“These groups are now linked was addrexed. by many “ex ty a national support network patients" who described an arcalled Survivors Speak Out. —

‘The stengih of feding 7 underiying. this new movement canbe guaged ‘by the recent

ry for anew law which wouia ere imi peychatets to. fore drs people ther own homes

‘Apart From the serous threat to cl bers, the poltcal im: Dlicatons of the proposals were Made lear inthe. College's Statement which ergved. that {och t law would comibute to ‘Solving the probleme of the innerdy

"At les than two weeks notice 14 London "groups were repreented ata ewting which tet up the London Alliance for Mental Heath Acton (LAMBA in August 1987 Wile focusing nay 90 thon, LAMEA also resolved to tamain tn business beyond the Samptign and to co-ordinate the Stork af progressive mental ian groups

‘These groups include the voluntary sector, Community

ray of mistreatment and abuse.

"They were joined by surses and by MPs Keith Vaz and Jeremy Corbyn. Mike Lawson (Ealing North CLP), who has Spent years in psychiatric inSttutions, laid a wreath fo com- ‘memorate the many who have died in these” so-called “hospitals”,

Inhumane

The issue is directly inked to current confusion about hospital closures and commun ty care. The long. overdue Glosure of large Victorian inStitutions is now under threat because of lack of provision in the community. But keeping these inhumane “hospitals”

‘operating is no answer, "Tory attacks on Local

‘Authorities, which are supposed

to provide care in the communi have claimed many casualties. But what of the Thousands of less publicised ‘casualties on the back wards ~ permanently drugged and Genied any hope of a meaningtut fe?

Rather than demand a stop 10 hospital closures or the right 10 ddrvg people on the streets, the answer is to organise an effective campaign for properly Funded, democratically co0trolled community care

Commu:

Some ideas in the recently published Griffiths Report on ‘Sommunity care should be sup Ported. Handing over respon. ‘bility. for community care to Local Authorities, for instance, ‘woold, if properly funded, be a

Ps) > en Me fot MENTAL

HEALT

Speculum: A Midwife’s Musings

Black women and the health service

midwivers, and nursing aux. llaries}, again, Black women are less likely to be promoted {and far more likely to work 3s

I'm sure you don't need to be told that Black women get a raw de

when it comes to health auxiliary nurses. (with appalcare, as both consumers 199 92¥). Thor areiots of male {(pationts) and workers, Pu"s* sround, of course, but

‘As a white woman who ausilary. has worked for years in the ve seen By Tess Kewley mej of the BRN OO lowest paid, most boring. “Gizcx waren doctors exist tunskilled jobs in the Health Sack women doctors exes. Service ere performed by «utotsnc teed’ off sence Black women. Registrar are almost rl. There

They olso, of course, work ste male Black ‘Consultants, as mises and midwives. But but very few Black women forthe most Consultants domestic work “This is overt racism and sex iam. One often overhesrs stat! muttering about the Black doc: {ors thow dere they come and take “our” jobs?)

Otten, the patients aren't much beter. ve lost count of the number of times pationts have asked me not to let the leaning and catering are put “coloured” nurse near them. Sut to toe amare

‘Thus. women’s “ususl” octor say, “this child noeds work of ‘ehidcere and or eve nate on fin hat to Housework is ‘duplicated ond SS tea tes Eepaerlued my tre icon Sor-_. Sher tt "ger tse Bock

SEN to do tt “they're preety lazy ‘and we don't nod ‘nyone inteligent for te job.”

Block. women —trequentiy

vice, Men assume that women work the. night shifts in ‘boring, repetitvejobs. and hospitals because they're sup. make sure they get them posed to be lazy, although in

Where women. are fact the work tint any loss employed:as carers’ (nurses, demanding at night then inthe

ity to organise within

Promoted

i "TV euspect that because the eerie ee nee foes ee ears See ae egos =

ee le a eee pe sooner See Giaeots oy en Peceemerr oe eee eee aoe eae eens a egint Seer pie oer rofl ee eS meses eaaest teen Sg ase Serra as Srna aie ee ee eae eee ee: pitas eee ee ees ee

Bengali women, Ihave observ- ‘ed that they enjoy a standard ‘Of care very different from ‘their white counterparts.

‘Many. staff resent them coming to this country and ac: use them of abusing our Social Security system, taking ‘up. Council sccommadation, 2nd claiming “huge” amounts of supplementary benefit. ‘They are also accused (secret. yi of having large families in Order to gat more benefit.

‘The truth is, of course, that back” home. in Bangladesh, large families “are the norm because of the disastrous i fant mortality rate, and also because the mon aren't Keen ‘on ther wives using contraception (they want lots of sons}

once delvered a Bengali couple of their sith daughter ‘and handed the baby to the Supposedly proud father. He handed me back the chi, saying “What use is 2 git 10

‘Sometimes, Bengali men hit their wives when they're in labour if they think they're making too much fuss. They ‘also don't let them have pain ‘elet, even though the women {are clearly asking for pethidine (or gas and air

In every field of medicine, Bizck people are given second class treatment. Space simply ‘doesn’t permit me to go into it allin dota

significant inroad on the Therapy”. We call it medical monopoly curréatly electrocution. using so much damage. Tt i time we developed

‘We must remind Ourselves socialist policies for mental just who itis that ends up labell-__health, It fs not good enough to ed “mentally ill". Women, imitate the simple demands of ‘ethnic’ minorities, and. the others for more money with no ‘unemployed. are ‘admitted 10 thought about what sort of serPeyehiatric hosptias at much vices. are necessary and who Higher rates than the est of the should control them. population. This cannot be ex Plaine witha. the medical Chesterfield

‘As the last report by the Health Education Council, The Health Divide, ciearly demonstrates, oppressed groups are more likely to be driven 10 Sespair, confusion, and suicide. How convenient for capitalism to have a group of highly paid professionals ready 10. dismiss ts human debris as “mentally a,” as an individual's biochemical problem.

‘This is nota fringe issue Every year in Britain there are nearly 200,000 admissions and over a millon and a half visits

hiatric outpatient clinics. year over 25" million prescriptions are writien for ad Gictive “minor tranquillisers”™ Gibrium, valium, ativan, et). One in twenty of our population are now estimaied 10, be a dicted to these drugs; the vast

The Chesterfield Conference in June has schediled a Ful sssion on mental health, an improvement on the sual. aproach of submerging the issue tinder health oF “disabilities”. The _ starting point will be a document Published by the, Socialist, Health Association's "Mental Health Working Group, Good: bye 10 all that? The booklet Gvailable from SHA, 195 Walworth Road, London SE 17, £2, ine. pip) discusses the sotial and economic causes of motional distress, the relation: Ship between race and mental health, and a progressive com: ‘munity care. poliey and. stafffnd-user democracy,

ls for an alliance of trade Users, radical profes.

‘majority of them are women, ‘and the left. "Unless % this progressive alliance sue Electricity ‘ceeds, patients will be trapped

between the old horrors of the institutions and the new ones of living in the community — ex

plotted by private landlords and lacking. opportunities 10. work ‘and have decent material and Social support.””

‘The more powerful tran: auillisers” (modecate, -depixol, aldol, et.), routinely injected into “in-patients”. cause un: controllable shaking ("tardive Syskinesa") in about a quarter fof ‘cases, sometimes creating permanent brain damage

Even. Hoffman LaRoche one ofthe largest multinationals in the business — admit that beween five and ten million People worldwide are suffering From tardive dyskinesia!

Elecitiiy is stil used 135,000 ties a Year ia Britain, They call i “Electro-Convulsive

London Alliance for Mental Health Action «fo Hacker Centre ‘56 Anglers Lane Keatish Toma Londoa NWS '3DG

CHESSINGTON SOUTH Briefing readers send May Day Greetings to Labour Briefing

May Day Greetings

from Quinton Briefing Supporters We’re backing Benn

and Heffer fora Socialist Labour Party!

Hackney Labour Briefing says Get well Graham!

Labour Briefing No, 6I-April:26th-May Lith 1988 page 12

Letters

WRITEBACK!

TLL EL MOON

We welcome your letters! Write to Labour Briefing, PO Box 457, London SW2 5UZ

What are we

wars in Korea and Vietiam,

going to find at pursued vicious anti-working the end of the ee oe ee Rainbow? tier, Totes deme

support, but this is something ‘which socialists should oppose. Unlike the British Labour Party, it is not in any sense 3 working class party. To vote Labour in Britain isan clemen tary class act for millions of ‘workers (regardless of the proCapitalist policies of Labour's leaders). To vote Democrat in the US (whether Jackson or Dukakis) is quite the reverse "The Democratic Party — and

So, Jesse. Jackson ean be compared to Tony Benn and Eric Heffer and the Labour Par ty can learn lessons from the US Primaries (Editorial, Briefing, no. 60, April 13th). What rub bish! Nothing could be Turther from the sruth,

’As Fsrite, the news of the US dawn raids 00 Iranian oll plat. foums signals a further estalation of imperialist agzresssion in the Gull. Jackson's reaction?

eft

In panicular successive

Full Support for, the ad :

mate prolabour” developments gre RE And tested mechanisan by which His public pronouncemen's the capitalist class in the US has

on the Middle East take as their {he capitals class in the US has

need fo stop “‘communism’™. tf Political challenge.

instream" would take the form -of a break fom the Democratic’ Party towards iadependent ‘working class politics. This is not the project Of Jesse Jackson. Nor i i the dynamic of the “rainbow ition”

Socialiss, whether in the US (or Britain, should make it the Jab to expiain these points — in 2 comradely way — to activists ‘and militants sho have iDusions jn Jackson and the “rainbow

‘David Shepherd,

Hackney North &

‘Stoke Newington CLP

US workers” then they are in desperate neve of a nen spokesperson

His positions may well be “substantially 10 the left of fs opponents”; but, when you {ook atthe fet, tha really ist

saying very moc

"Aside from the doubtful inieeprettion of Jackson's own (capitalist) polities, the editorial is misleading on the question of the Democratic Party. This Js fone of the {ro most important Imperialist political partes. in the world. "Is. representatives have started and waged bloody

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No soul for Dover

When did you stop killing

i ‘The Democratic Left (DL) Bente Showed their seal commit nurse? ment to workers in strug.

gis atthe recent NUS So the RCN nurses voted _ Conference overwhelmingly against A P&O striker addressed a Strike action dia they? number of | fringe Fact. They voled Sl in meetings (including tne favour of the following Liberals), but the resotion proposition: of DL was cautious.

“You'd better ask one of our full timers,” commented the person on the DE stall

“No,” was the reply from the full-timer.

‘Their NUS Liaison Officer was & litte more helpful. After a long pause, he asd:

«We're having a social tonight, so T don’t think that tt will go down very

Do you endorse the RCW's

policy against strike sc Hon ‘by its members and ie opposition to any form ‘of action whioh places pa: ents at risko"

In the shadow of the rock...

80,000 people marched wwouph ell.” Pause. "Qui Madr on the second weekend Frankly all we want f0 do in March, Spansh ip got pissed.” ‘tetdrawal from NATO! Ow ‘wn jeremy Carbyn MP attend © Bur nots wordin the Bh pressor TV.

Fomy Al the _Beiesh cor. i Tents m Sun were Deficit ‘aed to apres conference,

2 budgets rule OK (for us)

Any grovel you can do, | want to do better

‘A mole tells Periscope that the Co-op Bank auditors report on the Walworth Roed Lubianka is a heavy

number. Ron Brown's sarcatic “I grove! Funny how champions of ow!" sddrened fo the “socialist” mangement

uke Jack Straw oan't

fe of the House of Com Rens seam io turn around thelr

‘mons after the Mace incident was dearly impred. by our Geese Leader.

‘Apparently Nei “Show me che ‘establshmenc and TH grovel ae beer than any of those a es” Kinnock was embarrased bythe sncerest form f faery "ie. maton — and hat suspended Brown 36 9 warning fm the coterie of sycophants currency pressing 19 on un

One mnor ernicam of Cle Brown's hero eodeavours

sell and perms

‘Could fave been

heavy bint object

opt under wraps. Maybe Kinnock’s afraid of ite ef fects on the current Leadership contest? Or is he worried we'll take this as 2 covert endorsement from on high of the deficit Dudgetting strategy?

Some Party members might ‘beless impressed with the Kinnock

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Please note: sorry that 1988 Supporters Cards haven't yet been issued, we're stil arranging to have them printed, {nd wil send them on in good time before the AGM,

Labour Briefing No: 61 Apnl 26th-May 11th 1988 vive 13

Reviews

RECORD REVIEW BOOK REVIEW

Class struggle in the studio Voices from

ficiency (title of a business report.

Tike to think thet the

non-alienated, joyous feeling

‘music presented on this tape

(will survive and nourish. the

Struggles of the oppressed as

The World at One, a ‘cassette compilation of dance based music from all over the world, NIE tape no, 35, £2.78, Order from:

NME cassette offer, it has already” done for Harcourt, Halefield 14,

Telford TF7 4QR; cheques payable to IPC Magazines.

“The music of of the African ‘and Romany people has long ‘Served this purpose. Wherever they have” been scattered, their music has asserted the beauty, innovation, and con: ‘nuity of their cultures against ‘ll odds. Ithas been @ graceful Drotest against oppression and ‘an expression of hope for the

‘As internationalists, we should need no en. couragements to broaden

‘our cultural understanding future. beyond our eurocentric, - ~ decaying, capitalistic By Briefing music environment. correspondent MAJOR

1 can't understand UNREST

anyone who says they

don't have time for music! "The popular imass-

marketed) music business has continually appropriated these qualities from fok music. It has recognised that money is

“Above all, music should to be made in the context of make you feel, and the point an advanced monopoly of living seems to me fo be to capitalism by marketing pele. (get 10 your actual feelings, gutted, bastardised imitations Because we are our feelings, oft, which attempt to destroy fF lock of thom.” Isomething any sense of community other feminists have been tying to. than that of mindless tel us for years} Consumerism.

trish revolutionary socialist As Marxist music critic and James ‘Connolly. said: “No musician Chris Cutler says (in evolutionary movement is his book File under Popular Complete without lis poetical “In the crossing over det expression. The movement woen the two musical forms must be) marked by joyous (popular and folk) we can iden. Gofiant singing of revolu- tity the site end expression of onary songs.” a class struggle, where culture

1" sometimes think the asa form of collective expresbosses have. a better sion and culture as 9 comunderstanding of the role of —modity vie.” ‘music in class struggle then This struggle, in which the we do, 2.9. Application of alienstion business has long Tunctionel muzak fo worker ef- had the upper hand, is ep-

‘As Amira Baraka (a music

vererite aligned to black na tlonalism in the 60s and now a Marxist) said:

fra Haze: lsraes Yemenite singer

parent in the music on this folk, in. which fusion-music fape. On most tacks, the fok- making possibilities increase collectivist feel is strong, but with the crestive use of new ew musical technology is not musical technology in addi shied away from, and several tion to real instruments, of

tracks. go for meinstream —coursel westem-style ‘dance: ae production. Imperialism

‘We could argue all night

‘about whether internation! Ofcourse, cultural im

‘exposure and mass-morketing of folk rooted musics s 2 good ‘or bad thing. but we should recognise that it's been happening since the early stages Of capitalism.

perisism has given tho frases radio for ite own pur foses, and the negative in fiuence of mass-merketing in ceptatsm canbe seen in Some of the tacks ‘on this tape. Suz most of the musi Fossilised Sans here are so. olf

Sseuredly. brillant tend neve managed to find sympethete recording setups) thet com

Rather than hanging on to fossileed folk forms, socisist musicians should have 3 promise has been minimal Critical awareness both of the "Whether any of them will Tok toots of all popular get lasting international musics, and of the continual recognition in the capitalist innovations taking place at the market without ever- ‘crossroads between pop and increasing compromises is

Gebstesbie, but, 2s William

| OUR LIST VERSO

WHO’S VERSO BACKING FOR THE LEADERSHIP?

| THE ANSWER IS IN

6 Meard Street, London W1V 3HR

West seid in the last Briefing. popular music is 8 powerful medium that occasionally gets out of hand {the hand of Capitalism, that is). (This happened with Bob Marley — ‘which is why I for one suspect Possible foul play in his untimely death).

Ofra Haza, whose track is ‘one of the best on the tape, ‘appears to be a Zionist from the oppressed Yemenite Jewish Community in Israel, Her voice is breathtaking, and her music innovative, using new. studio techniques ‘alongside taditional in: ‘Strumentation {and now she's ‘working with some of the 3 ‘mustaphas 3!)

‘Buy this tape!

Bloody Poetry, by Woward Brenton. currently revived London's Royal C part of a retrospective Brenton season, Plays for Utopia.

Of all English poets. Byron and Shelley are perhaps the best loved by the left.

Shelley we have long recognised as one of our ‘own, a true revolutionary. whose Mask of Anarchy is required reading.

Byron is revered throughout Europe for his part in the Greck freedom struggle.

Yet admiration is tempered by our Knowledge that the ines ‘of ‘both men demonstrate 3 Sharp contrast between word and decd,

Howard Brenton’ play Bloody Poetry, revived at Lon ‘don’'s Royal Court as part of a retrospective Brenton season, Plays for Utopia, salutes the tso-poets but makes no attempt

El Salvador

Srmlce

oppressed, the book isto be

wwelcomed, but it lacks 3

Sear politcal perspect

peal t0 the liberal bourgcots stThesiensth of the popular

smovement les precise. the

Fi Satvador: Testament of Terror, by Joe Fish and Christina Sganga, Zed Books, £22.95 hardback. £6.95 paperback

By Jim Thain Hackney North & Stoke Newington CLP

‘What the often moving testimonies really require ia rong support structure of facts, Those presented are indeed cogent, but the chronology

face thar is amity founded on fac that ts units s founded on, SS cera and there 1 MUG Dharam. Fepeston

Fare alleged unity quickly While staunchly opposed to Fishes US. colonial, she book's

discussion of the wider Central ‘American context is superficial

‘Or course, itclaims only 10 be a “tesiimony"", not a theoretical treatise. But testimony’ is at act of interpretation, and 10 testify etfectively one must have and ‘express 8 sound grasp of the determining political causes and

‘These criticims” aside, the book does fill a gap in what isa slim bibliography. “And the photos are very good

I it hasn't been- closed yet, ask your library 10 get a copy.

“Agreement between. such diverse’ groups is always dif= Freult to maintain.”

‘The events depicted are rous. ing and harcowing. Amongst other excesses, counterinsurgen fy forces have adopted the primeval inimidators” practice ‘Of mutilating corpses. In the ord of a medical auxiliary

"They say that we are now SO used 10 seeing corpses itis more ‘effective 10 cul up the bodies in (pieces fo make ws more afraid.""

But the journalistic impulse to dramatise imposes distracting

Boutle & King BOOKSELLERS with stalls at Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell EC1, and Earlham Street, Covent Garden WC1 Books bought & sold 444 39110 WISH BRIEFING READERS SOCIALIST GREETINGS ON MAY DAY The cause of labour is the hope of the world

PLAY REVIEW Brenton’s Bloody Poetry

mourns their dead child, @ vie mn of Shevey «reves wander: ing aciese” post-Napoleonie Europe Baron i presented as. the al he tas, shose hatred of ‘vanity leaus so imvolsement it Tals underground politics and erential death at Misolongh. Vere behaves ike a chavsinish

to hide their contradictions

poets. with her hall sisver mont, were in esle trom a cree! onary. Britais fechas

fee Thatcherte

fife. the nanare of friendship Byron's charm and genius. He By Paula Watson denied all acvess — an Byron's

Westminster South CLP sv¥ess

Brenion presents she Four —

Boron. Sheet. Mary. and Shelley insists “rhere must be Claire — as essentially modern a revolution in England: 1 write figures: tree thinkers sho pay a Yor i exers’ morning.” But. grim price tor defying the miles Shite, “Evetish‘solgiers are SY a vormpt societ Inurdering ish liberis’” and”. What comes ver wonderfull

swell is she deop bond between the (wo shaypls contrasted met Shelley (Stark Rstance), the

working men and women, arm ed. only with banners" are ‘massacred at Peterloo, the poet

Sits “impotent in Italy, a the Nisionars, and. Byron sun, Terry). arrogant, He writes about men and generous, cynical, and self

women being “free and equal’ but he spouts revolutionary ‘hetorie while Mary, unnoticed,

Sramatising ‘The acting throughout is es cellent. Well worth seeing,

Labour Briefing No. 61 Apeil 26th-May 11th 1988 page 14

International Briefing

‘Over 100 national union [A Briefing supporter and a rs demanding that the bosses Teaders and. 100 local | TGWY official met with Colombia Eon ine CUT bebee i leaders have been killed | Angeline Garzoe of the ane ee ee in the past year. Cnted Union Site Yor he tip to Lier

‘We are very concerned that

‘A large number of union | Confederation of Colombia = ie ae |e) Repression on the 222 series pees t Aad Somer” gs ‘want the TUC to send a delega~

Jeaders are on published | Campaign. tion to Colombia. The CUT is

death lists. Comrade Garzon ‘not affiliated to any world ste ppoxition | described the current gg oe ‘cali sg SzPOCN | tepreion ta Colomiba and a ag Cae ae ae Siete il acomemeners Seehnd Coonan smog Sane ene taal opven || Feonse. eg Saas ees tort ont wUand he Anan ane OE 14 deputies, Those 16 amiogua jroviace were tiled; ess, by eackomaryseanes of — nese discussed. "We also ned international of corms TAOS toga movin eed, res by are et as ws tied rng “En ie paella es oe a i ee i er Fae van eetneemeomres Orem ef ese re sae (UP Preident was Pr, and chile FO spe USembaay Sceniyarinaicol seers | Simon Boiheraenfoporent Sute'th Setdeleset Ivers

murdered rities,°"90, Count een chminated. One thousand i plain. The higher officer no voting could take place. In step forward: here the armed , tional Labour Organisations ‘epional dePutics,ayors have political murders were recorded ranks go to Pentagont training these conditions the UP could groups discuss and plan joint’ Week of Solidarity with

also been killed, Trone year, with 11,000 dying colleges. Miltary advisors. not sand candidates. activity Colombia,

Sher eit organisations such as 2 result of the generalised operate dicectly out of the US However, 20 areas were won Although the CUT is com: We need recognition from the as A Luchar and Frente Popular terror embassy by UP and in some 50 other pletely independent of all Tc. “Only two. small, con hhave lost leaders The government claims the "The drugs barons are also in- municipalities alliances with guerila and political forces, we federations, part of the Interna-

ve last leaders groups, death sjuads are really drug volved. Their mafia gangs have other progressive forces welcome these moves. The UCT tional Confederation of Free su Ee Mid which have traffickers. subversives, ‘and altacked strikers, voting booths, “defeated the oligarchy. In the also support the efforts of the Trade Unions, are recognised sie ae i caate'a truce have common ‘criminals, with fun- etc. But the drugs barons do not ‘Banana Zone the repression was Catholic Church to mediate bet- ut they have 15M» of unionised

{red 10 nee a sucrcrave Gig from, abrosd. Human iniiate the repression, they horrific: 56 leaders of the ween the armed gFOUDS and the-»-cworkar, hile we have Bude ot “the olgarchical Rights and tnteraaional Agen- merely asit it The purpose of banana workers were killed and government ae seer oe and Literal par- ciessy tis part of asystematic this “Dirty War" is fo paalyse candidates had to. go ‘The masses are looking for fies and two SEmpalgn of terror by business, all socal reform and to prevent underground ways 10 struggle and organise Affiliate to the Colombia Human Rights “Commit cae or sgrieulural ix. the vuaity of workes and The dirty war has now against the tepression. There Solidarity Commitee, Priory entered a new sage of mass ter- have been big stikeoin ih.) House, Kingsgate for, Twenty-four banana cement, and banana indusires”"—~Loedoa.SiW6.

Portugal ae

Medelin were also despatched. New attacks on the CUT ate

a . | being planned. We expect bombinge and marders. In response, the CUT leadership is orsanis-

ing workers’ self-defence. "The CUT itself i only aa en bryonic organisation "and

perspective Binet

elegates attending. Ia. the. political arena_ pro. gressive parties are discussing

Later, Portugal made @ similar introduction of such legisla

ee ee eee articles on Portuguese Britain's grest imperialist Tival. tmutinies and general strikes in | ply. including the Communist Hackney North & Stoke _— hoe soe bt beens foiled in 1935. and | mittee. A Congress of Unity Howington LP. imeecleomensweeorsty or asaneorsion st |S te ren mel

Later articles wi ee eapenraiaa a eect a: for the end of last year but describe the course of the Cressinaly towards Deficit postponed) is still being

Particutnetnikary and, specuiston became ‘ie. the payments deficit into a An oO en | et r t working class Ferre wes ustoned by surplus. Even allowing Tor the Laide anid by Gporession of the. Mainland

pe ie *sumplus value generated by working class, however, this

histories of the i an ever more intensive ex- economic miracle wes only Portuguese Communist ploitation of the workforce, made possible by af exParty and Socialist Party, ‘creating (and relying on} apool_ploitative colonial policy. ape ee soicsed ones cne rel, | CAE ree tee r er democracy. IEE A saree SN, — TO eiadee = ther down the page, the vague Zionists, Searchlight considered : (Martin, Kayman, ovolsion 9 es Mparscolery | 2 foint open Ketter to Middle East sources has already cle ints June 1987 issue alleging The fascist regime of 770, 5 rcoie aod Mocemonue) to | Searchlight readers from paid for the production of that certain Palestinians attendAntonio Salazar grew produce the raw materials and | the Labour Movement ‘arious items of NF propagan- eda neo-Nazi conference 18 out of an era of political Coherent ‘to send them to the Mother | Campaign for Palestine and fee mat reference to 08 fees ewe. 4, meee 4 nite he miseton, tha, workng ~The prot ‘ampai fo Farrakhan i the past. Not em ‘when the NaPresented itself as the ocgenizotion, the working ~The problem with this model | The guestions dealt with “©, f,trakan inthe past, Not Seplembes 1st, wee are cia epuiican revo. TOTES a, infin 1988 iiacned guoe wert | Tees me of Sorlpht, Th serum of te op; alge a AS

: Republicans, arcsatul ight ported from Coitain, or; toe | was dealt with in am article’ pressor and the separation of invited te do so by the FLO f+ Isolated by the Vatican, came Ihe, successful Tore nar extent, fram Germany | ia the last issue of Briefing. the oppressed certalaly have in- fice. It did not report that they

Gail eee coped by Ws ee a eee cere as ree [rn ta Som Soe ta tt anticlericaliom, and by the —Cltfosc beefsctual, became _taguese “newralty”’in wich | Ja the receat pest, the and- Sucve have made the point PSC members, Onf, OF ‘tse other imperialist powers, Finance Minister the Natie were supohed wan | fascist. magazine Searchlight, with teference 10 Zionism and was | artesed fie | bel ce seed thetcamey | To aablise the economy, wolram while the Alfes were | fas let support to imperialist anti-semitism on many occe: essulied By the sams fe who deseribed the Country iGrar made i cininal f° pened" the use ot the | Stats in the Middle East stom Raver ins dvs not Subsequelly Sarg Terrorists Sele asc enc Sopert. Racreah, Economicaby. tre | throwgh ity coverage of mars sutomatially make Zionist, print «later fiom the PLO eros our con: mantstacncees the buckets Portuguese mowiard was tte | related totha aca, and has also a ‘Representative in London deny me ‘which were set by the more than a wading post for | taken an increasingly pro that the NF had been invited cessions merely stimulated F,aN'™ Minsy. We became Snitch imperialism, Movsae Lala to take part in the march, but proletarian rnlltancy Prime miner 1952; Unt We believe that this is very shy al goto the rable (general strikes in 1918, {he new Constitution of 1933, - negative development view of And while we would certainly of ealing up the PLO offi S19, and 1920) and the Umoo Nacional, which he Privileged Teecaluabic week which Scorch. agiet chat any Tinks between the fra place and asking alienated the petit hed founded. three years light bas done in the past and Khomeini, Gadaffs- and Far- Whether the invitation story way serene FettytouPed: Sate mescwencina tothe forPorooa aca wag ot | Shih tore nen com tahun ih Tuc aaa HGS SN Re Rugs tan only lsgat pola! party singly o eettoged mornet | Gaves 10 do. (2) Tonsshould beexpased and un’, Antt-semites and ote racist fnitreione, Sal 10. 18 SiR ave tase wenn |‘“The'frot"cover of ihe Sonatanaly“conempe, gould he devoured: ay Mnoortant source of business | Scpicmber 1987 Tasve featured posing. the unprinciped ‘cia. Overnment or organisation,

eee Mythology Ta eso car | Skat cedn knomess, Pa hetwecn thes forces and however progresive is exeden hve discovered half the world Gal" Act. 35 bang for the | Louis Farrakhan and Nick Gri faccim isa farcry from prewn- tals might otherwite” appear, butthe country's positon 353 the mythology ot @ nero “moral uptft of he natives”. | fin of the National Front under fing them asa new world fascist should be condemned if they ene wr comer wes repent * maton state wat, pro. Over apenod of decoges/the | the hading“thenew tus) AR ath C3) <ourage of support neo-Nazi or compromised, rae eer motably oy Marcelo tegwme supplied South Africa | examination of the etorial Anti-Arab racism is growing et racists and fascists, But in ter the Spanch Wor of TUgted, Tolan PY eee wth maltons of Masambean | fisting 10. shi frost page in rac as underlined by nace Se@reMgh? treatment of Israel Succession, Portugal saned caged Salazar as Prime blacks.nexchenge forhalfthe | revealed athe fr and central cent opinion poll which showed ‘and the Atab world — the the Methunn Treaty wit Br Santer 1968), Edveaton workers” wager and tade | fot the deion ofthe NFCO hat “amon haif the furael Palmas in paar = tain in 1703 land egain im ae ied to the docttine of Spiros ten the Black/Muslim public favoured the “transfer” has steadily adopted &_ more BHO! The mas a protection ieerence “tov "Church, “in te long trm, monopoly | Separainof Farrakhan, Kho- Qf the Aah ponuaion our of sed sane, sppens racket whereby, in exchange? Stato, ond Femi coptalsm would be unable to | mcini and Gada, as express the lsracirocrupied areas, as Teady to give credence to any for canted independence, YT’ "eqer ‘the ision of 2 econo the arent cor | Gd among othr’ inc onl a by atcha on Atabo ad J ar oh aE ga Would ooar 8S nied Ferrugl ever mare ndton oan economy sn. | Gare Crevn Boa: appro: Shh al tual aa net Thal he Arab aie Fale Maka to Bish ooode, 8 pressive “legialaion, ‘wos tamed by coon’ explotavon | pugandainsupport ofthe own heat to abel gw "pogromy, avs © paricul! appet eo, Coributing to Brtan’s sure TOSSING legtea oe wat wile tg idwenous working | Wine’ supremacst separatist’ “Apart from one very brit Nazis and other right wing ex fremacy ‘over France and BESSeH e=ticnG Test com class is Kept im poverty by the | politics ree ee etches (emis, while Israel and is Spain cxpecssion: the blanket cam, uperatse policies of 2 foreign | ""Beyood this there was a men- meyer covered tie lee of the far supports get ff ery lightly

politcal viewpoints Gatenton Dower tion of the prevnce of a Cana: right racist and fscit forces indeed, (.-) Imports Pete er Ementuaty upto “Utmately, ine will to se- | dian Nad! and ako of DrFulasi feraei. "While jenoriag these WNC Te evrmatoe ot 2, determnation weling upin ihe | "Farrakhan's New York developments, aswell as cvents Labour Movement Cantpaign Bitish loans would be spent sect’ buice force polteal colonies. would expose the | cohord” at an international Such asthe New York luncheon for Paes ort ifishfoans would be spent secret nd the prohiurion ot flows. ithe system and | gathering in Tripoli “of people given'n March in honour of Le BM LMCP. London WCIN Would Benefit both from the Stikes. Generate soci) constons in | from several progressive Ben which was hosted by Jae axx

would benefit both from the Ste saderying tensions vid whach radicel postoal change | groups’ to" commemorate the ques Torcrymer, President of Falesine Soltanty Compaien

PS eee oes oe - not simply dvappear with the ' would become'nevtable. | US bombing of Libya, and fur- ‘ the Weld Union’ of General « - BM-PSA, London WCIN 3XX

Labour Briefitig NO? 6 Apri Darke May 1th 1988 paige US

International Briefing

USA Presidential elections

Jesse Jackson (eecond from left) ines up with other Democratic

hopefuls

The New York primary will now flock to his banner

was always going to be of technocracy and “sensi-

one of the toughest nuts ble” militarism.

for Jesse Jackson's Rain- Jackson, however, will

bow campaign to crack, continue | to campaign Tndustrial ‘and agribusi- vigorously in the remaining

ness interests are strong big primaries in’ Pennupstate, © syivania, Ohio, and Indiana,

leading up to’ the finale in California in June.

Meanwhile, one welcome byproduct of the New York primary appears to be the political demise of Ed Koch, who banked everything on a virulent anti-Jackson campaign (‘‘Jews would be crazy 10 vote for Jackson") only for Jesse to emerge a narrow

thin the city itself. ‘candidacy galvanised New York's black and hispanic workers and may have laid the basis “progressive” traditions, for a black-hispanic coali the potential constituents of tion in next year's mayoral Jackson’s coalition in the elections. New York area have been In the past, Koch has ex. deeply divided along ethnic ploited fear and bigotry. and and political lines. triumphed because of divi-

In this context, Jackson’s sions among his opponents. 37% —followingadramatic The three-term mayor — campaign focused on the fanatical Zionist, buddy of ghetto streets and factory big business, speculators’ gates — is a respectable spokesperson’ — may have showing, finally met his nemesis.

Of course, Dukakis’s $1% Jackson himself, after the clinched his grip on the primary results came in, Democratic nomination. commented “We've laid a Unelected and unaccoun- precedent for change in New table “superdelegates York Cit) that will be with (Democratic Party bigwigs) us for a long time.”*

By Mike Marqusee Haringey Labour Briefing

Vast, wealthy, largely white suburbs sprawl to the north and east of New York City; and in recent years the city itself has been gripped by a race war fuelled by reactionary Mayor Ed Koch.

Despite _ longstanding labour union and

The British media were light slow to acknowledge the Briefing offers the significance of the huge __following quotations from protest vote being mobilised Jackson's programme and by the Jackson campaign. supporters in the hope that In recent weeks, of they will be useful in

course, the pundits have _ stimulating an informed been working overtime, debate on the campaign. shedding verbiage but little

“1 come from a tradition of those who march in

solidarity for jobs and peace and justice. In the 60s we

‘marched for civil rights; in the 80s we march for ‘workers’ rights.””

A Worker’s Bill of Rights

By Jesse L. Jackson 1, Workers have 2 right to a job

People need jobs and there are jobs to be done. We can baild the housing, roads and bridges that we need as well as provide care for this nation’s people. We can end plant closings without notice and unemployment without

is 2 Workers have a right to a democratic union

Ail workers, including public employees, should be able to organise themsches fnto democratic unions, have bargaining agreement

3. Workers have a right to living wage

People who work fulltime should Be able to rise out of poverty on ther pay. American fais oced Fry Sages Young workers (youth) need opportunity.

3: Workers have a ight to healthy life and a safe workplace

Workers need affordable and accessible health care, a right to know the dangers at work, and good faith enforcement by skilled experts of the laws meant 10 protect their lives.

5. Workers have a right (0 both work and family No one should be forced to choose between a pay and a sick child, or between keeping their job and givin birth

6. Workers have a right (0 pension securit A pension belongs 10 the worker, not to the compan

Every worker is entitled to one as secure as FICA Workers should have a voice in ensuring that their pension funds be used in their own interest, not against

7. Workers have a right to fair compet International trade needs a level playing fic! Recognition of the basic democratic rights of workers at home and abroad to organise, bargain collectively, and to have enforced workplace standards is needed. Free labour cannot “compere” with slave labour

8. Workers have a right (o freedom from discrimination There also needs to be a level playing field at home — affirmative action for those locked out of better paying jobs and pay equity for those locked into low wage jobs. 9. Workers have a right to an education that works Workers need a basic education for basic skills, vocational education for current jobs and life-long education for a changing economy

10, Workers have a right to respect

The contributions of workers, past and present, deserve a prominent place in the education of future workers, Those who give a life of labour deserve to have the companies for whom they work reinvest in their industry, in their community, and in their country.

A The Rainbow

Character of the American system: you have to have an organisation in place... More important than any election is the building of institutions that ‘nil: cany on the progressive

The struggle therefore is 10 more broadly define the nature ‘of the Democratic Party, to idea of the campaign. pen it up to more political "The problem is the problem Derticipation. ‘That isthe of a. system, racism. and ature of the struggle at this capitalism. We've got to Stage. Obviously that will organise at the ground lovel hhave to be evaluated over we have a commonality of ume Struggle here and we must "The Rainbow Coalition can't

confront i exist solely to help elect Jesse Ron Daniels, Executive Direc. No tor, National Rainbow

‘alter the Coalition

: HPSS Say ro ect to in the sense that it is not really = eS Fe ee Es OFZAMISE A HEE eve cserg 5 ee po aes movement which has greater affinity for Saree Pieoplkoueiue eae fee ee a 5 2. See ee ee ee eee Se eee ee ee See ee Spee ed Se ee

‘against Qrcism, power against Drejudice and solidarity aainst

‘blacks of the rural South and the Northern ghettos, people

Sivision, ‘who seemed permanently disen:

“The Jackson campaign is not franchised from citizenship and a single shot at higher office By thus ance inte the fn already elevated politician. Sestem of rewarch and privileges Rather, itis a contiquing, ex. that every sitzen”s Heh, Ina panding, open-ended project 10. real sense. the campaign became Erganise at movement for the new Sil righes movement political empowerment of all ith ap. added’ dimension ol those who particpate, Inthe Sonomic justice deriving in beginning, Jackson identified Sait tvam the last emapaigns of

bhi basic constituency as the Sartin Luther King Je with the most “dispossewsed and disal- Black working poor.” fected” Americans of all, the Tike Nations April Yh 1988

East and West

The Thatcher plan for Poland

When Margaret Thatch Joans has been a disastrous first met Soviet leader tale of incompetence and Mithall" Gorbachev, she waste,” a “Thatcher plan realised that this was a wile proposed to channel ag Jrogad whom she could Which would be strictly do business. monitored and even cut off if "According to sources ‘masroney close to the Prime Minister act revesied| tol The |, Atte. pacers: nth Observer's Nes! Acher businass would cap rewards gon), Mrs Thatcher, on her (he, Polish, mittary dictator, forthcoming visit 0 and investment to iti out of Poland, hopes to offer the its. present’ stagnation and Polish government a Strengthen its political “development and credioity within Poland. The recovery plan, financed Soviet leadership would hope and managed by the Euro- Ft ‘sudan, hie the oPean community nations ices of new technology in With the assistance of the Poland could be re-exporied to International — Monetary the Soviet Union tse Fund.”” “The West would have a peo Since “the Polish regime's {table outlet for some of Its record of bending western capital surplus, and massive

By Colin Meade Surbiton CLP

new credits would dissuade ‘the Polish government from ‘attempts to write off any part of ft $400 foreign debt

‘A special perk for Thatcher herself would be 3 plentiful supply of cheap Polish coal to help her restructure the British Coal industry

‘But there are some snags. The first and lesser one ie the impact of collaboretion with Gonerat ‘Jaruzelsk: on public ‘pinion in Britain. Isn't this the ‘man who crushed the Solider ty fee trade union movement, 10 the outrage of all decent people, thereby proving the heed for increased defence Spending?

"To cover hér tacks That

Gorbachev pops up. ready to 0 business, just about everywhere these days! ‘cher will probably urge the Polsh government, 10 accept

“independent _represencat of the Polish people” (perha wvernment: this s-an historic Walesa of a nominee of the spportumty for the Polish Catholic Church! as partners in. peool the plan, No doubt the Pave "The prospect of an explo: can lend a han. sion of resistance to austerity

‘At the same time we will be programmes in Eastern Europe

ms_presonted 10 the

told that ive” must. do's 2 Matte of serious concern everything in our’ power to Western leaders. Neal hep Gorbachev ce'eat his Acherson's sources fear

“gnather Polish collepse and ‘revolt (which) could devastate Exet-West relations, and, they led to 4 national uprising,

conservative appanents. Watch out for heightened Counivies ike Czechoslovakia and Romania, whose leader. destroy Gorbachev's hopes of Ships ste considered to be reforming the Soviet Union.” resistant to Perestroika. The. American establish-

The big snag, however, is ments token Pole, Zbigniew the Polish working cless. They Brezezinski, writing in the have shown an unwillingness lotemational Herald Tribune, tounderstand why the path to Sees five countries in Eastern their country's’ salvation Europe (Poland, Romania, Should lie through a reduction Hungary, Czechoslovakia, ond invite akeady meagre living Yugoslavia) as being in a

Standards and the removal of “classic. prerevolutionary whotever social and.sconomic situation” Guarantees they currently While believing that

““graduel change in the region is) certainly. desirable”, he fears that a “large scale explosion could have tragic consequences’. Against this Background, important” sec:

Possess. Last November 8 msjority of Poles refused to turn out 10 vote "yes" ina referendum intended to legitimise. full in plementation of the program for radical reconstruction of tions. of the Western ruling the ‘economy. despite the classes are planning Joint ac: World Benk's message (widely tion with the Gorbachev publicised by the officialPolsh leadership to manage the East Press Agency! that “Poles European crisis — and make 3 ‘Should support the program of few bob in the process.

‘Contact FAB: Wesley House, 4 Wild Court, London

WC2B SAU

No restrictions on the ’67 Act!

One hundred and fifty BG Lee

pro-choice activists met oe In London on Apat tom Labour Briefing Women to discuss opposition to

‘lass and oppressed and the Labour Party. Behind the WAC argument isthe concept that oaly hose who hold ividwal membership of the Labour Party should be allowed {to-commient on its policies or try {o change them, and that any change “will come through & inside the offi “The other view is that the Labour Party, asthe mass parts ‘of the working class, must be Forced to respond to, and campaige around, the demands of the most oppressed

David Alton’s Bill, which seeks to restrict the legul time limit for abortions From 28 to 18 weeks.

The FAB local groups meeting heard reports on the legal and medical implica jons of any restrictions on the °67 Act; held a series of workshops on the trade unions, the Labour Party, and students; and discussed future mobilisations of the eampaiga in the run up to the third reading, which will ""Cmpaigas, built. to. defend probably take place on May the interests of the working class 6th, and oppressed have a right and

Two amendments haye been 2 duty to doveserything possible made on severe fetal abrormalr. (0 force the Labour Party 10 ty and on rape to girls under 1840p policy (See Briefing no. 60). Andrew and when U Mackay, Tory MP for adopted, to caforce Berkshire Fast, has laid down» mobilise around it. 2tweek amendment for the report stage. This amendment must be opposed.

‘Opponents of the Act in the This kiad of pressure canmot House appear to be capitulating be exercised through the inter= toa mood of pessimism and are nal structures of the Labor preparing to engage in risky tac- Party alone. When the Labour tical mamocuvres, Lack of con- Party has adopted policy tn the fidence in our ability 10 defeat interests of the oppressed, 08 the BIN as a whole mas lead lesbian and gay eration. on them to opt for what they see 2s abortion, it has been as’ the the best compromise fesult of a mass movement of

“This must be resisted. The Bill the oppressed fighting for their ‘can sill be defeated as 2 whole, rights, as well as through inter= EAB locally and nationally must nal pressure from resolutions, mobilise fo show our opposition ete.

{o any amendemeats. which "Women have a ight to expect restrict the '67 Aet. This ‘the Labour Parts to defend and ‘uired not only to defeat the extend their reproductive rights Bill, but to place the campaign and have a right to mobilise in for reproductive rights in the whatever way is necessary (0 SMrongest possible position to gaim thal support. ‘campaign after Alton. The need for external pressure of the Labour Leader Ship Becomes even more impor. fant shen the Labour Parts has official policy which it Tite te implement. The Party and ‘rade union Leader Ships have so. far givem foken ‘support to “the” fight against Allon. Roy Hattersley has said he is against all abo tious. Norman Willis was too re busy mecting Ronald Reagan on January 21st to speak at the FAB lobbs of Parliament. ‘The TUC gave just £100 (0

Fighting

Pettifor

One of the most important discussions ‘of the Conference ‘was around the relationship bet- ‘ween FAB and the Labou {. Ann Pelifor, representing the Labour Women's Action Commitise (WAC), pat for ward the view that FAB as such Should neither demand 2 1 Tine whip on the Alton Bil. ‘Nor should it suppoet the lobby of the NEC" called by Lambeth Against Alton and the costs of the March 19th Women for Socialism to de- demonstration and mobilised ‘and that the Labour Party en- yery few of their members for Torce its own policy in favour of the demonstration. The Labour 2 woman's right ‘choose. She Party NEC has failed to take the Tefused the support of LWAC most simple measure necessary for the lobby. Briefing sup- {9 defeat the Alton. Bil porters argued FAB should sup- se with the boys’ club Parliamentary Tabour Party standing orders and implement 2 three’ line whip against the ‘Aiton Bl

PSR EES MODEL RESOLUTION

This condemns the Investigation by Leigh CLP into Leigh member Lesley Farringdon for “bringing the Party into disrepute” because she has been campaigning. Tor her MP, Lawrence Cunliffe, to vote against the Alton Bill in line with Party policy We call upon the NEC to instruct Leigh CLP to cease the investigation into Lesley Farringdon and to make it clear that membership of FAB, which is sponsored by the Labour Party and by the NUM, Lawrence Cunliffe's sponsoring trade union, is not incompatible with membership of the Labour Part

We agreed to write to Lesley Fa support.

Honsbip. between the working

igdon to express our

ir rights: FAB lobby of the House of Commons, Januery 21st 1988

| SSS ARTA RE ROT SE RN ATT

Hull North Labour Party against Alton

‘Supporters of FAB in Hull have scored several successes recently ‘against the pro-Alton Labour MP for North Hull ‘and front bench

Ireland, Kevin MacNemara.

At his own ward meeting — which MacNiamara was present at. despite the fact

Future activities

Demonstrate against the Third Reading!

‘Thursday May Sth; assemble ULU, Malet Street, 6.30pm

Depending on the timetable in the House of Lords, FAB will be organising another national demonstration.

‘spokesperson on Northern

‘that it was budget day — FAB and Briefing supporters resolutions of censure of MacNamara for his roe in helping the Bill on the frst stages ofits passage through the Commons,

‘This was despite an attempted mobilisation of Life Supporters replete with the ‘usual erature. At the same meeting Nora MacNamara, the MP's wife, was mandated to vote for the Motions of censure at the ext GC.

Several other wards passed the two motions with more ‘substantial majorities and some trade union branches passed similar resolutions or ‘made financial donations to

By Hull Labour Briefing supporters

both motions were car 2 majority of two to one. ‘They were carried despite the MP's watning that the. wording of the resolutions — {to instruct the MP which way {0 vote on the next reading in breach of| mentary privilege Tt remains to be seen which

id by

vote at the next the ill ~ but the

ize of the vote in his own constituency ‘shows that the left have successfully taken up and beaten the ideas of one of

Alton's most prominent Labour supporters on his “own ground”.