Labour Briefing no. 64

@ Chesterfield Special

© P&O: solidarity call

@ Simon Nkoli interview

@ Policy review reviewed

© Defend Viraj Mendis!

No retrea No compromise

FIGHT, FIGHT,

AND

FIGHT AGAIN!

This is ERIC HEFFER’S response to the Labour Party policy review — delivered as a speech in Liverpool on May 21st.

The Labour Party NEC has now adopted the draft reports of the Policy Review Groups — including the one called A Productive and Competitive Economy.

Unless this document is fundamentally changed, | hope that Party Conference will reject it. As it stands, it could easily have been drawn up by a committee headed by Dr David Gwen.

It is a right wing, SDP document and, despite its ‘good points, even some Tories could accept it. | am sure Ted Heath would find little wrong with it. No wonder Dr Owen now says he could, under certain cir- ‘cumstances, rejoin the Labour Party!

This policy document is far more revisionist, and far ‘more right wing, than the similar one which caused so much trouble in 1957. That document, after fierce debate, was carried at Labour's Conference by the block votes of the big trade unions. Two years later, Labour went down to defeat in a general election.

Let's take a closer look at the present document. It says “Labour's aim is to develop a talent-based

economy for the 1990s and beyond.” What exactly does that mean?

‘Such a statement could have come straight out of a ‘Tory Manifesto. It is a series of words which add up to nothing.

It goes on “The right balance must be struck between what the market and those operating it can do for themselves and the economy in the short run, and what government can do to establish a framework in which medium and longer-term responsibilities for invest.

This adds up to an abandonment of a socialist strategy and a socialist objective for society. No wonder Peter Walker could say recently that there is now little difference between the Labour and Tory

Take, for example, the passage which talks of “failings {which} can only be tackled with a macro-economic policy of steady expansion, competitive exchange rates and low inflation.”’ This could surely have come from the mouth of Mrs Thatcher herself.

The policy review talks of a “new partnership between individual and society” and goes on to say, “It will be the task of a Labour government to meet its responsibilities, working with business and with the community to ensure that investment is made, technology is harnessed, economic development is balanced and sustainable.”

That could have come straight out of an SLD policy document. It underlines what I have already said in my

Continued back page

TONY BENN, replying to Neil Kinnock’s betrayal of Labour’s defence policy, says:

“This will come as no surprise to any member of the Labour Party. Our problem for a long time has not been that we could not persuade the electorate of the justice of our disarmament policy — but that we could not persuade our own Leadership.

“Those who voted Labour last time and now discover our policy is to be reversed must wonder what would happen if a Labour government had been elected. How ly would it have dropped our disarmament policy? What does the Labour Party believe in?

“Until that question is resolved,

there is no prospect of a Labour i ”

Labour Briefing No, 64 June Bih-2ist 1988 page 2

Campaign Round-up

Support the Uprising! ‘ Solidarity now!

The Labour Movement few years ago regarded as aout

Campaign for Polestine ent wing cause has now °b) show

: Seen femly identified wath the with those Groups — Peles AGM had a special im- ett wing of the Party. Labour nian and irae within lors portance this year. Frends of leael have beer ieft rat

We met as the Palesti. ‘lying on unsavouy rant @begn raisng the nin Uprising has opened wingers suchas. Gerald for workers” sanclir Dav ooalbanioe wine” Seuimeon leraclin selected areas: up new possibilities in the “Che minus side:whie the @support the consumer

Middte East

tehas also put demands Grease ‘in’ sympathy and General Union of Palestinian i on the solidarity move. politcal clanty within the Students; H ment over here, and “(Btnh lebost “movement send delepatcs. ond por :

Gownturn in the Palestinian Black organisations to Duld = By Anna Wagstaff Sagan Aeat tor cor’ scppost be tee poles of ee

from. being. wensiated imo the Palestinian uprising have Vigil for Viraj Mendis ty to discuss what the LMCP This has meant that over the @build on NALGO's dec Fi = =

=e Inted whet we have beet ALGO Gack Members

Feet looked at how the SOG’ semmeve'in tne Laven Srdoaing Gomentice tejont | VIRAJ MENDIS has been: _Cenval to my. case hes the right to sty. sending @ Campaign should geer up Party, but also very seriously 'y organise a fringe meeting | in sanctuary since always been the political copy to the VMOC. But it is Catia aks presented by the afletied the work we have srourel that demand at TUCT December 20th 1986. For 2s0ect. We may win the legal equal important to, write to aos tore © wamees pe Commence December 20th 1986. For Srecment, but fhe poles! the United Nations Righ Com sharpening and crystallising Sympathy ‘@Organise reguiar picket bees bis semeten. But the political balance Act it will be almost impossithe shift in allegiances. that perme of the Er Al office, against the Home Office’s ght be better this time then ble for so-called overstayers to resulted from the invasion of ‘The Uprising has not only In addition to these resolu- | determination to deport last. We are doing better than appeal an compassionate

Secular ingres I docs, questions thai tha year’s Labour Party| ‘us, Suamemnaton The Bishop of Menchester hed lot of people in the. church touch the heart of the Zionist Conference. bed yoy etn a letter in The Times today, They know that doing nothing

Toking @ clear antiZionist state reTEMGe has the potential | final appeal. Ifhe loses, and there is a non-stop vigii willbe to side with the govern: eostion’ in suopert of 8" “Hecognising that conditions for making grest germs n'tme | the Home Office wants to Sutae the church ‘ent’in deporting blade Deo: democratic secular state, we for solidarity work have never year ahead. How much we ac | Send in the police to If the decision is against us ple. A big battle inside the Ravermanagestownn spotsor. Seong good as at present, aay. achieve’ depends | arrest him. FINN JENSEN we wil immediately sly for Ghurch, as wall a that againet Shp tor 15 Campon Group we AGM poseed a tumber oi primarly on Row many ebou'| asked Viraj on May 13th fervafo™make anew appealto. the Home Office i ely MPs and Ken Livingstone of resolutions outlining the shape movement actwsts are] what he expected from the House of Lords. But the The church has to. take # hon ZoCLrs including Bistol _'eraisé money tor the LMCP Tam on tal for my ife. Gut sppeel goss epeinst me they {uary movement fs growing Te teed ce at Cakoar a eee atest Longone Sue 802 4991 | my tial | would be avesied more time in deporting me, - the support of the Counc of

Triana ter the couse of Stine sctusieg Tertonce to Leeds: Shaut1Ose Hares | Ever: my barister wos not statement ye. Wien i entered the sane Polostine = which wes any'@__ prevent rach sarven thom tane, Lauds £58 DW able" ahend bacouee- tie "Bo the next fow wosks wal tumty twee ‘agreed wif

ss Home Otte oriygoves four be crmel The igh auteie Father Jot that tere would []Wiwe wish to join/affiiate to the Labour Movement Campaign Gretta forth appeal! people sre very” concerned Whether such a conditan i for Palestine. ‘We cannot use our most im- about the peace: entering the ie or < ae ester to Membership costs £2.50, unwaged £1.00. Affiliation for Sronsin'Sa Lanka which pro: opinion, “especially Man: sanctuaries

organisations £5.00. Ve that it would be suicide for chester, is on our side. But what happens outside tne to go there "Est weokend we hed visits the chute ls another mater Name eeesensaees ‘Being a Sinhalese who sup- from the sanctuary movement The people of the local area port he Tami fghtto sel Europe, A grouing. m wit wot accept the pole Betermmoton ‘by whatever Holland etiving Wcoorinote Geporing loca eiten ithe

Address buss eee mse the, Tome ed te mover poleatied.endaspokolts | Please return to: IrSn Lenke the church in soldanty withthe church bulding feel, Dut

: don WCIN-3XX. But my appeal in the cour ty “sanctuary” They _ the Community The Secretary, BM LMCP. Lon wen was only allowed to deal very understood thet if the British q

narrowly with what happened Home Office could get away

Azani P ] Or t tae ae tacies tee Ge eerie hoe cae enrueeme tater anian Feopie s ‘gantsation ewan pean governments. to. do Gampalgn Cio Norn Hulme wort wall” lon. McDonald "“'My‘case's a testcase. The Hume, Menchestor M18.

Financial Appeal Bees Soousiccoecs. ieee |

‘with the legal technicalities he a sanctuary movement in Bri- Anne's Gate, London SW1

had t0 use fain. They are wiling t OAA,

‘The South African govern- tionhere that this measure is'@ organisations. The estimated | But that is not enough My sacrifice one life in order to United Nations High

Mhent. hes onee? mere continuation of various cost on each application i= | judicial review @year ago went stop the sanctuary movement. Commission for Refugees 36

fesponded with an iron'fist ™easutes employed by the R40,000. We are requesting | evenbetter — andwelost. We it would be useful for more Westminster Palace Garden,

eee eto cree ari abarihed rege since them you t0 consider_gving_ us | cannot predict the outcome of people to write to the Home Atilery Road, London SWI1P { Position of the "state of financial assistance to lodge | this apes. Gtfice. asking them togivame IRR.

silence the _ legitimate emergency in 1985 and the these appkestions as soon 2s resistance of the oppress: detention without Wal of over possible

eer! Viraj Mendis Demonstration i

On Fearsets 24th 1988 the tWely have been calculated to Sur request. We are sure you Sea ie toe aioe end over opposiion ot the ect as promoty se me sus. | OF May 28th 3.000 By Nara Shotter foe tate People’s O-geasanon. the _ System of aparthe’ "ion demands people took part ingham East C! wy td get nkote ee Ota ie. reap: “Ai Cs comutntons | Spenodmarcnin —Netingham Fast CLP uy to gt gig Stlousess Wocement. andits Organisation afe convinced and donations coul the marches the VDC rouse Movement end ts ere emoune cf touttsisn Wy depaseed by you im one of | coreuce.oF Vieal Mendis Labour Party and far tft. holds avery Fridey at SOU, OE Oe Se ule a teen clioee | ocloeagaccoe and against all racist. Grganisations on the 5.30pm from Pieadilly other organisations trom car theid regime can destroy ou @The | Azanian Peoples Pease oor Pre march. But Bristol West Gardens. Pring enter gerforing “any wil for freedom and the crea Oryensation. "Frat Natonai | immigration laws. Black Sections was the ‘All comrades should sonar er Seis ton of ares anivacst. ant Bank” of SA, 'Ainen Howse | Black organisations only Labour Party banner, raise Virai's case in labour Ne gr) AR ied oth, Fett and Sm | were reasonably well ‘and there were only two movement meetings and by. "the “aparthed “regme ing ways and means of ensur com represented, and there union banners (one from _ take collections for Sirount to the virtual banning ing that the resistance ‘tlort Borman snd De were strong contingents NALGO and one from the VMDC. who will send Stour sctwsies, programmes of the masses maintains the ant of South Ainca Lx, | ftom women's liberation Probation Officers union speakers to any meetings. Ghd clsns aimed atthe necessary contmaty and JohontesburgBrench ‘ac’ | groups, lesbian and gay NAPO). 'VMDC have called a treichion of Tre eparteld Stecton yar tags Sur Go0074300. NG. | Mberaton groups, religious With the result of national conference to Coptalat system fer consuting our legs! this ss trust account held by | organisations and also iraj's final appeal due formulate the basis for

fei crysta. Clear that this respresentatives "we have ur attomeys and # you | snercho-syndicalists any day now, we need to national anti-deportations

s.gimed decided to, challenge | ihe desposit any mons nthis ac. | But where was a visible mobilise maximum campaign for July 30th. ct ps ount, duly contact the | tabour movement pressure to dissuade the ‘Ring VMC, get

Zemumuniy snd to tow into Peoples Organisation and the Yours" the stage for a | oaAtingent? Undoubtedly Home Office from sending delegated to t Sof the Azanian masses ‘We wil be lodgng separate Haroon Pate individual rade unionists sanctuary to arrest and what you can do for Vita)

Labour Briefing No. 64 June Sth-21st 1988 page 3

Editorial

The Price of Perestroika?

‘The pantomime in Moscow featuring Reagan and Gorbachev seems to have yielded small results, Perhaps mmiore important — for the future of disarmament, and indeed the future of workers’ struggle worldwide — are the dramatic developments inside Soviet society itself,

‘As the 19th Congress of the Soviet Communist Party approaches, the struggle of glasnost and perestroika has become more intense. The exact make-up and relative strength of the contending factions remains unknown (at least from this distance).

It is, however, fairly clear that a “conservative’’ grouping around Politburo member Ligachev is contesting the speed of Gorbachev's drive towards ‘openness’ and “restructuring”. Boris Yeltsin, meanwhile, has ‘appeared on British television denouncing Ligachev and calling on Gorbachev to remove him.

Across the country, Communist Party structures are being rent by a fierce struggle — to elect delegates for or against Gorbachev. In the Soviet Union, politics is re-emerging with a vengeance.

‘What does it mean for Western socialists? Gorbachev's perestroika proposals do imply widespread “‘marketisation’’ of the economy. In the short term, this must mean undermining some of the basic gains of Soviet workers cheap food, housing, and transport, and guaranteed employment.

How will workers respond? In return for those sacrifices, they are being offered an increase in

TASOUR — TAKE THE POWER:

public openness and political freedom. But how much? This is the question which worries many Party bosses and local apparatchniks. Will forces seeking radical democratisation emerge, and will the iron grip of the Party be undermined by glasnost?

‘The Congress proceedings will tell us a good deal about the direction Soviet affairs will take ‘over the next few years. At least one thing is clear. If Gorbachey wins, he will be on trial in the eyes of most Party leaders. There are plenty of old-style Brezhnevite bureaucrats waiting to bring Gorbachev down if his reforms begin to undercut their power and privileges.

Recent moves in both the Soviet Union and Hungary towards openness and political debate should be welcomed. They remain a precondition for the emergence of a genuine, independent workers’ movement. which alone can defeat the Stalinist bureaucracy and return to the intemational socialist ideals of the October Revolution.

No “business unionism”; no “business party”

When Eric Hammond organised scab labour to break the strike at Wapping and helped send 5,000 print workers to the dole, the TUC Leadership failed to bring him to heel. Even the mildest, most ineffectual steps to discipline the EETPU have been faced down by Hammond's mixture of blackmail and bluff. The blackmail is

obvious: an open threat to split the trade union movement. But it is also bluff — because the last thing Hammond wants is a membership war with TUC unions.

A socialist response to the EETPU's antics is straightforward. First, there must be no capitulation to scabbing. Unity is vital, but unity purchased at the price of basic trade union rights and effectiveness is worthless. If Hammond organises a split. then so be it

Second, if the EETPU does vote to leave the TUC, then TUC-affiliated unions should immediately organise an all-out membership war. EETPU members should be recruited to TUC unions — and this should be supported, and indeed organised, by the EETPU left wing.

Third, Hammond's outfit cannot be allowed to remain affiliated to the Labour Party. Neil Kinnock may like to lean on Hammond's bloc vote at Conference (especially when he gets round to jettisoning nuclear disarmament policy) but the presence of a scab, non-TUC, company union inside the Labour Party should be no more acceptable than scab, anti-trade union, capitalist policies

The Policy Review document on A Productive and Competitive Economy suggests state collaboration — “concerted action’’ — with

“firms, the CBI, trade associations and chambers of commerce’ and fails even to mention collaboration with unions, let alone workers’ control over industry.

This is the politics of EETPU-style business

unionism-at the heart of Kinnock’s attack on socialist ideas.

Labour Party Policy Review

As Kinnock outstrips Policy Review and renounces unilateralism:

The time to fight for unilateralism is now!

As the Labour Party NEC poured over the draft reports of the policy review committees, where

excuse for postponing any further review of Party policy. This review will now take place in 1989.

unilateralist resolution.

Conference, not _ the Labour Leadership, reflects the will of the membership

and movements towards greater European co: ‘Operation through the EEC ‘may feature in place of our

disarmament policy? Could it be that the The problem is that the used for negotiating a place It was hidden in the work | abour Leaders want to Labour Leaders fail to listen at disarmament talks.

of the committee with the grand, and faintly colonial, le Britain and the World!

“Hidden” is an apt word, for there is practically no sign of the Labour Party's policy anywhere to be seen

By JOY HURCOMBE

Just one paragraph is devoted to defence. It reads:

“Labour welcomes the INF Treaty and the quicken-

throw away our commitment to abandon all nuclear ‘weapons? Are they waiting for opposition to the water ing down of other policies to subside before they go. for the jugular?

Will they try, once again, to silence debate by the call to “unity’"? A year nearer the general election gives them more credibility. for this tactic.

Knowing how much we

to Conference and in fact they have never campaigned ‘on the policy in a forceful and determined way

The glossy material. produced last time, A Modern Britain in a Modern World. ‘with its Union Jack imagery was not only deeply of sive but was also weak on ‘commitments to get rid of all nuclear weapons,

It tried 10 portray our Par.

The fact that the policy

sw has been put off for ‘another year could be used to our advantage. At this year's Conferente we can Challenge the whole idea of the policy review

We can send in resolutions that once again reaffirm our policy of the unconditional removal of all nuclear ‘seapons and bases. We can call for leaving NATO and for the direction of money

PHOTO" Gis Glover Proto Ec 02

jing pace in arms reduction — fave been forced to concede ty as the Party of real from muclear weapons 10 negotiations between the in the past has made many defence, with a greater in- jobs, schools and the health superpowers. A. Strategic Party members cynical of terest in increasing the con- service. ‘Alf Dubs MP and CD members surround Wandsworth Couneit

‘Arms Reduction Treaty will have an impact on the Trident programme."

the way the Labour Leadership operates on the key issue of unilateral nuclear

ventional defence than the Tories! Tt Tooks as if they witl try

budget

‘We can vote for Leaders who have a proven history ‘support for unilateral

to protest at Tories’ support for Civil Nuclear Defonce. Porhaps the next political gathering we should be surrounding is Labou Party Conference 1988 ~ to keep Labour's pledge to unviateraismy”

‘You can almost feel the disarmament, This time is these tactics again, despite nuclear disarmament. We

sigh of relief from the no exception. the way that the electorate can challenge the idea inthe Asif toprovethat wecan. incantation”

members of that committee "There is absolutely mo: did nor fall for them. draft report of the policy not becomplacent Neil kin- We can only echo the

a5 they threw aside all the reason for the policy review Rumour has itthat when the review that our policies nock has outstripped the words of Erie” Helfer

documents sent in to them on defence and disarma- final report is written, it will Id be altered 10 fit in Policy Review. and for the “Fight. fight und light

relating to disaramament ment. Time and again Party ditch unilateral nuclear the superpowers’ State first time come oul wai again”) We won't Ii Neil

policy. They must have been Conference has reaffirmed disarmament because “the of the Game unilateral disarmament Kinnock get awa with

eternally grateful to Reagan unilateral nuclear disarma- world has movedon since we Labour CND has produc- calling it a “something for and wreck the Party by tah.

and Gorbachev for timing ment. Despite behind-the- made hat commitment, ed draft resolutions for Con- nothing” policy. In response ing awas this tunidamental

their talks so conveniently! scenes manoeuvres to wreck High conventional ference (see Briefing mo.63). :0 ken Livingsionc’s. de. socialist policy. The time 16 The INF talks and a the vote, Conference has, defence spending, total com- Please let your branch and mand that he reassert Party fight. for unilateralism is

changing international situa- time and again, voted over- mitment to NATO and to CLP know how important Policy, Kinnock referred 0 non!

tion were used earlier as an whelmingly for the ‘the NATOnuclearumbrella, they are. nilaicralism. as a) “mere

Labour Brigling No. 64 June 8th-21st 1988 pore #

Trade Union Briefing

Norman and Eric square up for a fight:

Bring down Hammond empire!

Although a fudge is ILC offfcish are heen 10 EETPU will, be outside the always on the cards at's: min 3th the 2 Brdingion Agreement (hich

5 ds (at NEU leaders, who have ale tuniary trade union federation outlaws the poaching of . Congress House, there is Gy ghey will noe in Britain. which bas be members by affiliated unions)

now a real possibility that —ssihine. which foxes bet hntoric adkantage for and. sould be vulnerable 10 Eric Hammond's EETPU Hy onier views such ing class, But there are recruiting campaigns by othe

could be suspended. or oat sake ices.

ven Oe ree he Sespension or even expulsion nity cannot be p EETPU members in many even expelled, from the icons fromthe TLC Isnoe sans pee, Thesost workplaces." would join TUC

ranks of the TUC, cow thin Britain. A number Hammond is the continued drit unions and breakaways into

By Abin Thoriett LOM, bratoa Grectewtent the TUC.TREEETPU has conclud: is Bkelyto stay inside the TUC Trade Union Briefing AEC) = “spearheading the cdan agrecment with a consor- its membership is t0 vulnerable

Gnehad bean sisned win Siie Bains unionism The totrain wockersfor the London ~ This isolation should be com

ae eciecrionice frm hallmark of business unionism Docblands. Developmen’ pro- pounded bythe disafliation o

the Japanese electronics Fre naejust elt wing policies but ject. The EETPU will soon be the wnion from the Labour Par.

Orion, peat Port altar. Seainaety iferene rela: moving ito, bulging radce (ya wall Wis 3 sandal that

and, the other with, AN Fonship to the employers Behe as "bicklaying "and Michael Meacher has already

aulage firm Cristian "Tyjsnows itself most clearly plastering Said that he would be opposed

Salvesen, based ix "witingness to. jou direaly "Even Alan Tuffin called for (0 such a move q

Warrington Mtnscisio detvoy cahee the EETPU to beexpelled from This. year’s Labour Party

430,00 members io esdorse its. “"A spl in the “TUC is UCW conference fst week ‘eues and take

them Tibilty. bat aso a necessary TUC is sil' difficult option. unionism pag as

Tr ako refused to appear im evelopment if the trade union Once outside the TUC. the

Roeser’ UCW Conference CW vote on overtime

‘organise of vexrult membership ai Rupert Murdoch's News By 70,000 to 50.000 claim, In the end, that agree: ment gave us @ one and a half

ee tee double-time pay for week- others, plus talks about a five

posed Ford plant in Dundee, * j fe agreement receiver Ponte ore Peni Jorden ac, | At its anmual Conference pioneer of new realism and pro- er of the Telecom side of the isc ee oa

Shed ihe principle of the | in Bourmemouth, the Paeandist of employee share union's work and thal SSC" | By a Reading UCW but was clearly seen by many:

cepted ite ore es | Union oF Comamice: eee Su je wrote a letér sith it that she "3 m s raffin aso suffered a motion _ «ould be reminded of the postal | member members as an attompt 10 molt 1 uy to get Ford tall et be reasode ot te posal avert industrial action by the

‘management 10 accept tion Workers’ member- of censure against the Executive side of the union's work. ee The Orion and, Sahoioe) scored a number of Council's Postal — Gro Despite the mocons of ce | i crea. proposed:inb vaien eevee Cistewnes sacave ary io peas ot it deals into ‘The union is now commit. ‘confidence. They also defeated | known 2s Senge over- This was despite the fact

elma screening for cervical cancer ticular worker on a guaranteed to seek the reduction in hours.

- besis. find also to put any offer to a hr trade unions aeculs | for all women members im plementation o thom the union would votc in | P&S eters ve Post Ofice iowa to tne Leadership. Acou- the Labour Party Leaders ory postal workers under- recalled contarence, This they signed oter the heads of the ex. | the Post Office. om 30 the Leadership, the Labour Party Leadership | 4.65% groat deal of overtime in did not do.

Min “trade unioms, Those | = Mr of quotes from Taffin will cleus nies te proteses sey Dian Micsof that Leadership, The Confercoce ratified the | Ove t9 eam. a ving wage. Gut ius inven: seus sano t 2 ane Otel tie cald' ig Easostive’s Gcciaicm to support | copeciaty in the couth, where, the: spew “proposals 4 io the TLC, and Wills is row | By Billy Carron ioe Tienes Ne id daa Hnesiey | costs ce high, Wit this gow whe she members foal about nding fo this pressure Se No) Ta | Sgreement, the UCW leaders the Leadership. I shows they

ny the TUC fins ise tant From te Torts of the Or, manoewire which Pr aaeaaiion oie = who at least had some siderable support from Scottish

were once agein selling the are prepared to fight despite

cit a duel position over single Trembers sh fous sell Understanding Gnd and Welsh Branches embers short Srevious sell outs

not acceptable in exsting | dustrial action should any“ sa Tig sal of fe, Contereres | offensive by the Post Office ficial strkes ot ther highest

workplaces where other unions | “2rtous “steps be taken ye Executive invited some constraints placed on ts | Board they neve at but Sor” leys! suse

Srealyends organised. but they Esse fendered, They had previously "The message Tiom the rank

‘owards privatisation of the Princess Anne to address the headlong drive towards new

ong, Gcive towards ney | concluded what they saw as and file is clear: provide a lead

lire "aveepiahie on new, OF Post Office, and in defence conference — to speak about reall

i ais Loraen conference “fo, speak about alm. But ina yor. wii yc | an histone agreement” with forour union of we wil place mite, TEE Seeial Review | oF NENHS. sic op Presing er wih a" pen, worm debecks of tecem years | the Fost Office and thesoy Yous sumed @ wand py proposed cede of conduct to | position to share ownership — Tuffin confided that he hoped and angered just about every Sayaors industrial action Pai is i core ‘to stand up regulate ‘mtodetion. of | unimportant defeat for General that when she used it to dial a one of the members, s author: — = 3: - the ro ee seguland trod ioe OC | ear Alan Tuff, a phone number Ht would vemind ¢y remains imac. rreehoutreduction nthe ageinst_ the Post Office reel: = cae 3 working week was the original management's attacks,

NALGO Conference preview Would you buy a used strategy from this Daly?

Set heen nrowel

‘As the __Torles Reform and Housing Actt Tobe ai, hey avetviodto elas satagy, and evalu Since, to smooth rough curently orsidnt nto AS cmt ocal genet eter and Housing ety oal'at agieemnt wah the tthe sacervid-caromgre the gblon the LEA.” gon. Tis iedve nae dap oie sa eed ore still there London Authorities to protect answer is — yes and not ‘operation with fegistration or increase in support for the left. Taadership sits on its 66 they are stil there erent posses rom There witb a review, but Golecion oro he Pol Tax. However, cau rove hands, allowing the car- compulsory redundancies and only to chuck out the existing The Leadership convened @ 2M opportunity for the left to hands, allowing the car: ALGO ough wo be moun- otter nas eters of the suaagy ofencowng brat working pety fo produce 2 ‘oko te muintve sonnet Ny members in local government. NALGO'’s offer. After all, Lon- dancies, backed by a.national proposals and produce its tional industrial action. This

By Fred Leplat Seer oe cee Spa Roopa don Labour Councils have levy. The nations! Leadership own. conference will show whether ye ae eiparttom ie, fut Ceoole 62, le to ger nd of same inn White, Kesh" Sonnet, “Atnough stil using the these new NEC. members are Chetecica deat Mater” campaigns Inatable 2006. woning."condinons, ‘pimost ts etce t was NEC. report Proposes ‘that Final there sone vat im warn ea angers te beck ‘Secretary John Daly ae en ee Geaicl mentors of tte NEC showered. Wil. the NALCO

capping has squeezed Srvatsgeon and other attocks IWS. unilaterally to change seferring to resisting Section carried out by postal ballot. fourth Conference in @ row he Gounell budgets “and the | Piumsution and othe; attacks Ff contracts and intmiate 30° snd defending victimised hes resulted in the election of has sat on the platform with escape hatch of financial NAlGO leadership has been union members. lesbian and gey members off some additional left-wingers his mouth shut! creativity has been shut. notable for its nactivity (apart Can NALGO members now the agenda. such as Iwan Beavis (District What does he do for the With "the new. Local from getting pictures taken on reasonably expect that there elt is now meeting the Secretary and Moming Star £40,000 a year he gets from Government, — Education loca! !obby! (site a ceviow of the union's Department of Education and supporter} and Rita Doneghy our dues?

Labour Briefing No, 64 June 8th-21st 1988 puge 5

Trade Union Briefing

Come down

and support

the seafarers!

BECKY SAWBRIDGE, 3 P&O stewardess involved in the current strike, spoke to PETE COOPER about the dispute used to work on the P&O European Trader which caught fWe @ few weeks ago ‘At that time it was owned by Townsend Thoressen and the staffing levels used to be about 24. At the time of the fire it was 42! But they weren't experienced. A lot of them hadn't any sea time, oF only soasonal sea time. he fie on the Trader was @ carbon capy of the fire on the Sealink ferry just two weeks before. In both cases uel pipes burst in the engine Becky Sawbridge addresses room: North London Socialist ‘This to any ordinary Contuanes ‘seafarer would have been Togical, bearing in mind that with their kids. So it's the ships had been idle during nonsense to talk ebout ‘ur dispute and then Brought Violence and intimidation Back into service. just an example of them ‘When an engine has been idle for @ while 1 requir thorough checkover and it_ at a mass mesting seems that this hadn't been union's lawyer and Tony one. in both cases the Tires Ngregar (the NUS Deputy were put out by the sprinkler General Sect Systems —butnot before accept just six pick fone sealarer died on the Tine Sealink ferry They hed a thousand ‘None of the shins are strikers shouting them down, sailing to thar full quota ‘As far 98 we're concemed They are having extrome ur mass demonstrations and difficulty in finding people pickets will go on. We're with the right sort of fighting for the right to have Experience, P&O are pushing a union which works for us. Eews from ship to ship and ‘The women’s support inmy view itis unsafe to do groups have bean the this Backbone of the strike from Wtokes yous good few its beginning. We've had weeks to get used to any total af £200 each Trom the ship, in-an emergency NUS. The first £50 was after Situation @ crew is your most B weeks on strike important piece of The suppert grou equipment totally independently of the We've got no friends when Union, They are composed of itcomes to the courts, so Seafarers, stewardesses and why not let them keep the strikers’ families. We make money? The NUS leadership sure that everyone gets a Should be tooking after'ts least one mea! a day. beople, not trotting UP to « Come down and support us ‘court every day especially at weekends! There has been no Make a day of i! intimidation or scuffles on the" We're fighting for the sight plcket line. and members to have a union which speaks fave even been down there for us,

Model Resolution

Employment rights for Part-time workers/Repeal of Wages Act

Given that one in five British workers are employed on a part time basis — 9 majority af these being women with children’ ‘constituting an underclass of cheap and disposable labour, ang that weakening employment rights for part-time workers has been @ Key tactic in the government's drive to deregulate the labour market

‘This Conference calls on all trade unions, Labout MPs, Euro MPs and Labour Authorities to support the EEC Directive on part-time work and initiate 2 campaign against the govern men’s attempts to deregulate the labour market and strip part, time workers of their basic employment rights

'We believe that such @ campaign must also demand empioyment protection for part-time workers employed for less than 16 hours per week against unfair dismissal, and the entitle ment of all part-timers to redundancy pay. matemity leave, ac {ese to pension funds, job security, etc., just a5 any full-time employee would receive:

We believe that such @ campaign must also be directed against the government's plans te raise the minimum number fof hours part-timers must work before they are entiied to benefits to 20 hours per week, resulting in same 300,000 ‘women losing their employment rights under the existing low

‘We believe that, while pointing out that job creation does not necessarily mean the erosion of job security, such a campaign fmust urge any future Labour government to repeal the 1986 Wages Act which abolished the night to unsocial hours payments, pad holidays and overtime pay for workers in low ald sectors, and any future acts which seok to undermine the fights of part-time workers, to be replaced by legislation that Strengthens and extends the rights of parttime workers, ‘abolishing, as far a8 possible, qualifying periods of employment land hours of work as prerequisites to receiving basic employ rent rights

Remember to let the Briefing office (01 733 7016) know which resolutions your CLP has passed, etc. Please also send in model amendments to PO Box 457. London SW2 5UZ.

ce —_a Aseais nted: solidarity

— financial, moral, physical, political!

With the NUS backing down over national strike action, and the courts piling on the pressure, Dover P&O strikers are appealing to the labour movement for sustained support. MATTHEW JONES of Coventry Labour Briefing, interviewed MARK WILLIAMS — a striker ‘working with the Deal Women’s Support Group.

See ES

How are you organising support for the strikers in and around Dover?

‘We've followed the miners’ example. We've set up Sx ‘Women’s Support Groups, which help feed the strikers, rant the kitchens, and go all over the country raising funds.

‘Deal Women's Support Group were lucky. We were first off the ground and have bad a {ot of advice from the miners. They've provided the Deal Weifare Club and also Magness Hoyse (Kent NUM HQ) as well as's very substantial financial

We've had a lot of advice ‘over the sequestration; the Sup-

port Group trustees are nothing fo do with the NUS, s0 we have avoided sequestration.

‘After they froze the usion’s funds, the Midland Bank tried to freeze the WSG funds. We threatened 10 take it 10 the press, and they backed off and gave us our money. A small vc tory for us!

What's your view of the history of the dispute? ‘We all thought during the few weeks of national strike action wre were coming very close 10 Victory. When Sam MaCluskie withdrew the secondary action it vas a bitter dhappoiniment "The only way we can see ourselves. ‘winning is through Secondary action, which is now deemed illegal

‘You want further action by ‘other ports?

Yes, of course. This commercial war against P&O. just won't work. P&O are a very large ‘company, one of the top 60 in Europe, “with a Jot of subsidiaries_ and they can_pull money from anywhere, It just troulda’t be possible 19 boycott a PAO's subsidiaries.

Have you had any solidarity from the dockers or from the ions in France?

French dockers have met the tanion and we hope they'll take some action in the form of

Strikes. ‘The dockers of the Channel In Dover are not being helpful, though the dockers in Hull are Fight behind us.

"The dockers in Dover have 201 & policy which says they will, fie up any ship, union or nonunion, as long as i's got British labour on board — which is a bit of @ kick in the stomach for

‘What's been the response of the TGWU to that? The TGWU have held a secret ballot of their dockers but it's been locked away without being counted ~ a really secre ballot! The TGWU are a lafge union with a lot of money, Obviously they don’t want to. lose that money and are not willing 10 Sick their necks Out for us

‘What sort of support are you looking for and’ what sort of support have you had outside Dover? We're looking for Financial sup port. absiously, but also moral Eupport. After the national ac tion was Ifted, morale bit an alltime low in Dover. We fet! We need support of all kinds

Defend the right to picket!

On Friday May 27th, a mass meeting of 1,000 Dover seafarers voted unanimously to reject an appeal from the NUS leadership to end mass picketing of the Dover Eastern Dock and thereby clear the way for an ending to the sequestration of the union's funds.

With Sam McCluskie now in hospital, the NUS Deputy Geneal ‘Secretary made the futile appeal — explaining that the-judge had refused to ft the sequestration order whilst

By Alan Thornett Trade Union Briefing

‘mass picketing continued in. an unprecedented move, the High Court ruled that the picket must be restricted to six eople — not just six tatking to those going in, but any six in the vicinity of the gate! The figure of tix had. previously been 2 police guideline (originally a TUC guideline} ‘The ruling has in effect created a new law which Severely restricts the right to picket. None of the Wapping pickets, for example, would

have been legal under this rating,

‘The decision of the mass meeting to dety this in {olerable judgement is a boost for the whole labour

‘The ‘stand taken by the Dover strikers means that se Questration will continue Sand that they must now look to test of the labour move. ment for their basic means of

‘The tight 10 picket is an essential part of the tight 10 Strike. The initiatives taken at Dover to defend this right should be widely supported.

= financial, moral, physical and political — because it's not just 8 fight against P&O, i's & fight against the Tories, the employers, and eversthing they've done.

“The response from round the country s0. Tar has been sers good, but we need more. The Children are suffering mos. hhecause they” don't really understand why they can’t have any pocket money or anything,

You're asking for things like toys ‘and clothes. as well as Things like toys and clothes and disposable nappies and so on — because they really do" cont a fortune, . During a struggle they're a bit of a hasury, realy

Are you prepared to pose secondary Yourselves?

If this commercial war dosso's work, we're definitely goine to have to do something, because stherwise we'll just be forgo:

fen It would be another Wapping ‘Would you be in favour of pull-

ing out the other poris If sou could?

Certainly, that's the general feeling int Dover. It's the only way we're going 10 be able 10

What about the police in Dover? Apart from the poticing of the picket line, they're also follow {ng people home and stopping them ia the street, Theyre ask ing questions like where have they ‘been, why they've een there, and where are thes going.

‘They've g0t 10 The stage oF tapping the phones, which trevve come across before dar ing the miners" strike

‘Magness House played a part in that as well, The pol Rave a job to do, bin they seem to be using their powers over and aboxe anything else that they've done before, They are intimidating ws a great deal, and freatlyoutmumber us on Picket lines

Labour Briefing No, 04 June Sth-2Ist 1988 page 6

Labour Party

The Policy Review under review

Why 80 defensive, Neil? Why not tke Brave Bryan. leughing

way to the Stock Mark

A poor attempt at stealing Thatcher’s clothes

The Labour Party's tong awaited Policy Review has turned out to be a squalid and disreputable exercise — “the socialis sell-out of the centur according to Dennis Skinner.

Tony Benn has described the papers as:

“superficial and shallow in their analysis, extremely weak and vague in their remedies. They point un- ‘mistakeably towards the aceeptance of many of the ‘changes made by the Tories since they have been in power."*

By Paula Watson Westminster South CLP

The Key report isthe ane produced by Bryan Gould's group on A Productive and) Com. peltive Economy. ts answer (0 thelooming esis of the 1906 is to abindon Socialism in favour ot # modified form of That. Shersm, The market sal. Having. accepted he limita tions of “the strategies of Brould's document although f mentions the need for lower ia {erent and exchange rates arse opis for supptyside “The market, we are told, can spur competition, simalate in hocaton and ‘widen ‘corsumer Ghoice." This analysis. fgnores the fact that the market tends 10 provide consumer choice on ine sents, not necessities Gods, owes, schools and hospitals. "The desire for profit as often tnd is as likely to. lead. 1 tmonopols as competition. while farsh and sasteful means of regulation To. correct the market's tendency to neglest longterm and. development, something Called. the” Medium, Tevet Industrial "Strategy has been devised In which "government ‘agencies and Local Authorities the CBI, trade associations and Chambers of commerce 50 that the’ process OF poley-making

and industrial development is ‘one of concerted action.

"This inline withthe ideas of that wel-known leftie Michael Heseltine, and is slightly less radical than the tripartite Government, CBI, TUG) system of the Wilson and Heath sears, in that it leaves out one of the partners — the trade unions!

‘The second. instrument of government intervention wil Be the Public Interest. Company These companies will’ be privately-owned but subject (0 overnment regulation.

Presumably the privatised public utilities will be converted fato this type of operation. All experience has shoven that in a Capitalist market such attempes fare doomed to failure, since fegulation. inevitably conflicts with the market discipline of profit

Even on its own terms this paper is fudged and dishonest. Any attempt to intervene in the supply side to secure greater in vestment must entail some ‘witch front private commodity consumption

‘This cam only be achieved, in ‘an economy where profits paramount, by a heavy increase policy, of both. On this the document maintains @ discreet

‘The paper on Feonomic Equality is. if anything, even worse. Every issue has) been dodged.

‘Recognising the damage done in the last election campaign by the muddle over taxation, the document makes no com mitments except to promise an increase in the number of tax bands. of which the lowest will be Below 25% and the highest fo more than 60% (no punitive {axation of the fich here!). The thorny problem of mortgage 12x felie is avoided

For the rest there is an unspecified commitment £0 in frodace a minimum wage and 2 meaningless promise 10 "end overly" although aot in the elie of one Pazliament?

This fraudulent. Present low rates of tax are only poss ble because of the revenues from privatisation and. North Sea oil and the massive cuts in Public expenditure. AS the first {io of these run out, 2 Labour government could. not. provide increased benefits and” public

spending without increased "The ‘clectorate knows this. Since such ses would. be

to make ever more dracon cuts in public speading.

The only way to cut this Gor dian Knot is (0 take control of ‘apital, Only when the wealth of

the City of London i at the disposal of a socialist govern ‘ment will it be possible to com. Dine high public spending with low taxation

The thied of the economic documents People at Work is a Shameless attempt to hide the fact that the present Leadership has no intention of dismantling the Tory anti-union legislation

The Tory requirement for sicike ballots is. accepted Outright, while everything else athe Fight 10 strike without iar of dismissal. the sight tc take secondary action, and 10 Organise effective picketing —

has. been deferred. for future never) All we are promised is the right for employees 10 elect fepresentatives to forums, ‘which will play a part (not 3 Big ‘one, 1 suspect) in decisions on the ‘working enviroament (the ‘colour of the paint?)

These forums are worrying By undermining the role of the ‘unions, they could lead to the by-pasting of collective bargain ing procedures and the eventual breakdown of national agreements (exactly what That ‘her has been hoping for)

The tnions will have a0 real power over important comnany decisions, because, ast Informs us, workers expertise 10 scrutinise corporate plans" Management willbe Strengthened at the expense of ‘workers — just what the market ordered!

‘Consumers and the Community is 2 confusing. doce. ‘meat, which makes a. rather ‘Unhappy attempx 10 col some of Thatcher's vocabulary

Tis talk of the community and ‘community action let carefully Undefined) tries to make palatable its enthusiastic en orsement of consumerism. 1s attempt to cobble up some Safeguards for the private sector Sonsurher and to create a new

“enterprise culture” in the public area only re-enforces the Strength of its commitment (0 the market,

‘The Physical and Social Environment is 2 rather funny Daper which seems aimed more 21 Prince Charles than the work ing clas.

iis expressed intention is to give people new ways of becom: ing involved “ia the design of their environment” through ‘open, democratic planning. Un fortunately, the areas. over which this planning is 10 hold Sway are remarkably limited (mainly safety and cleanliness fon estates and streets)

‘Noclesr power is apparently to remain with us, No action i Suggested on acid rain, in dustrial and chemical pollution of earth, sea and sky or our part in causing ecological disasters in the third world.

(Of course, in a market, plan ning has to be restricted — otherwise, it may infringe on the Drerogatives of capital

Democracy for the Individual and the Consumer. produced by Roy Hattersley’s group, is a timid and conservative affair_ It makes no attempt to. suggest how the present undemocratic Sctish state can be transformed into a genuine democracy.

But even within ie general ac cxplance of the present institu {onal framework, no mention i made of the House of Lords, the excessive powers of the Prime Minister, the use of patronage and lobbsing, and the inadequate representation of ‘women and cihnic minorities, Nor are there any suggestions for restoring and extending the powers of local government.

Instead we get a handful of suggested reforms inthe area of Gist rights, such as 2 Freedom Of Information Act (we have heatd that before); reform (not repeal) of Section Two of the ‘Official Secrets Act @ Ministry or Women; and repeal of Sex tion 28 of the Local Government Act 1988.

problems re

‘main untouched, ‘The ‘whole review, with its cynical contempt for the Party ‘membership and the electorate, isa clear — if desperate signal to the capitalist establish ‘ment that it has nothing to feat from a Labour government.

Briefing answers back!

In response to the recently released Policy Review documents, Briefing presents a few policy proposals of its own. These are by no means meant to stand as the final word on the subject, but they are a useful indication of the kinds of policies which Labour could be adopting — and, one day. implemen

1. Productive Economy Yes, we want a productive economy which works in the interests of people, not profit. We propose:

'@ A massive programme of public investment to and imorglaymett

‘@ eal social ownership — the nationelisstion of the banks, finance houses and big monopolies under workers’ control

‘@A national plan for rebuilding the economy, and state credit for co-operatives and the small businesses:

'@ For workers in the private sector, a veto over the bosses decisions

2. Economic Equality Yes, all socialists want more equality, Let's heve a minimum wage of £150 per week, and a huge rise in pensions and other benefits. A punitive wealth tax — no one to earn more than £20,000 a year, and no one to own more than one ‘house oF flat, Indexation of wages and benefits. A massive programme of housebulding

3. People at Work Yes, socialists support workers’ rights. Repeal the anti-union laws, guarantee everyone's night to stiike and belong 10 3 trade union. Higher education forall who want i, and proper ‘on-the-job training programmes. End YTS — and fund prap Jobs for youth at trade union rates. Positive action for women, black people, lesbians and gay men, and people with disabilities

4. Britain in the World Yes, for a socialist foreign policy. That means Britain out of NATO, and unilateral nucipar disarmament. No to the bosses Common Market — yes to a united socialist Europe. Solidarity with workers’ struggles, East and West. Open new Credit snd trade relations with Eastern Europe, China, Cuba {and the third world. Stop the exploitation of the third world Workers by British monopolies. Britain out of Ireland. Sanctions against South Africa

5. The Environment Yes, we want a safe, nuclear-ree and acid-rain-free environment. End all nuclear power. Control poisonous emissions from power stations. Stop nitrates in farm feruisers

6. Democracy and the Individual Restore all basic rights undermined by Thatcher. For @ Bill of Rights, guaranteeing full freedom of association, assembly, publication and demonstration. For a right of reply in the media. Disband Special Branch and the security services Election of judges and democratic control of the police. Restore unenimous jury verdicts. Close down Britain's Victorian prisons. Full freedom of sexual orientation — repeal Section 28.

Repeal the Poll Tax. Restore its powers and finance to local government.

Full equality for women in every sphere of society: equal poy, equal job and educational opportunities (including massive increases in childcare provision}, full equality before the law, and full control over our own fertility. End racism and all immigration laws, Positive action for full economic ‘and social equality for black people.

7. The Consumer and the Community Yes, we need to protect and enhance the rights of working people as consumers. Prosecute manufacturers of unsafe oF Unhealthy products. End the irrationality of the capitalist market. An end to 2,000 types of soap powders and 10,000 Useless drugs! End monopoly super-profits. Socially useful products which people can afford — especially cheaper housing

‘A mass campaigning party? The policy review proposes a big increase in Labour Party membership. But Kinnockism inspires no one. Socialist, anticapitalist policies can and will — if we present them, with conviction and coherence, and link them to support for workers, black people, women, and all Sections of the community in struggle.

By respecting the right to self-organisation of women, black people, youth and others we can build, 2 stronger, bigger, more democratic Labour Party, By adopting socialist internationalism we can make links with and draw inspiration from the struggles of working people all over the world

These are just a few, basic, anti-capitalist policies which could serve as the basis of a socialist alternative. They offer a way forward from Thatcherism, rather than capitulation to it

Labour Briefing No. 64 June Bih-2131 1988 pave

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Name

Address

Chesterfield Special Get out and

ORGANISE!

socialist movement must seize with enthusiasin This new Movement,

‘one of the most signifi- = teats peat a

the left for many years. rade unions. The basis forces to bring together peo- Union Solidarity Network.

‘The second Si ference in this month is pote

ple who have found, dering "Two challenges are posed ‘the past year, that they have io ys: te prs much ground in common. ““gihe need to. convince

The Conference must\pass trade unioaists that only a establish a, credible Move: ment. for Socialism? Can it By Reg Ri challenge the rightward drift. BY ee Rate Kinnock Leadership of the Labour Party property relations can salve There is a serious trajec- the issues which are now tory behind Kinnock's regarded as bi he policy reviews and his Aims preserve of collective nd Values. statement: to bargaining alone Wipe out the political ex. _ @the need to organise’ to Derienses of the last 20 transform the undemocratic Sears, to restime the process character of all our present ‘of “modernisation” of the trade unions, with their Tabour movement, begun by stultifying bureaucracy, lack Gaitskell, and. to. present of vision, and anxiety 10 Labour candidates to the defuse and divert any electorate as the welfare of- challenge to the power of the ficers of an efficiently state, managed capitalism. The. Chesterfield Mov To the current. Labour ment must also build on the Leadership. the. Tharcher exellent work already done “revolution” is irreversible by its Policy Groups. We and lunchallengeable. Now need to involve greater Indeed, they do not wish to numbers of people in the threaten in any way the fun- Policy discussion process — damental assumptions and (o avoid the Fabian trap presently governing society. of having an opinion on A serious Movement for everything and believing in Socialism must dedicate nothing! itself to turning round opi- The Policy Groups ion in the wider. labour hich will report in detail to movement and building sup- the Conference — offer us port for socialist policies in an Opportunity to. clarify the working class and socialist ideas and make

amongst all the oppressed. them fresh and vital. Here, the. Chesterfield It is an opportunity to

Movement will face real pro- demonstrate the _ vigour

blems which can only be relevance, and honesty. of ee,

‘Overcome with skill and socialist solutions to social

determination. problems at a time when the ‘ The most serious of these official ., Labour Policy if the Ford strike Con

js that “socialism” is jden- Review seems dedicated Chester came

tified by millions of working solely to making socialism the ks between the

governments — an almost Their attempt to redefine campai and strus rightward drive that has Last year, in Chesterfield. so many claim it ro be. but Miholly. negative experience Socialism in terms of its op- that will distinguish a suc- bedesilled the labour move- we demonstrated that the consumer boom fucliod b ‘over the last 20 years. posites — share ownership, cessful Movement For ment for past n left was alive and hicki unsustainable 1: Penis Fround on which to fight. — is doomed to failure. Our ing splendid ideas and litle the current” weakness of labour movement towards mistake, the “opportunities Gnd fo introduce a Poll Tax, Bur it is the vital fink bet- break out of its organisa- must be matched by that the Thatcher “evolu. who try to ape her in ihe

fast, work which the socialist policies and active the basic assumptions of the _ work supply-sid

Labour Briefing No. 64 June 8th-2ist 1988 page 8

Chesterfield Special

Chesterfield and the Benn-Heffer

challenge

Both the Chesterfield moyement and the BennHeffer challenge to the Labour Leadership arose from the same widespread feelings of frustration and fragmentation.

Both express the need for a focus for socialist activi and thought, and for 2 clear and positive alternative to Kinnock, Willis, and the New Realism.

We have scen_ struggle after struggle isolated and Ultimately defeated. We have seen single issue campaigns rise and fall,

‘We have seen the anger of millions of working. class people curn to despair because it is given no voice, ‘no platform, no strategy.

The Benn-Heffer challenge is about offering that voice, that platform, that strategy. Its message is that there is an alternative to continued division and retreat, It is therefore not a distraction from the Chesterfield movement, but ‘a complement to it

Tony Benn and Eric Hef. fer are both deeply commit ted to the Socialist Con ference and its goals. Both have shown in word and deed that a broad-based, forward-looking, flexible movement is by no means incompatible with an intran. sigent advocacy of socialist principles.

‘Their record of solidarity and political honesty is so Superior 9 the records of any of their rivals that itis a joke to speak of them in the same breath.

But the challenge to the

Tony Benn pouses for thought before addressing the first Socialist Conference Chesterfield. October 1987. Ho arr

current Leadership is not Just about their own virtues. Nor is it even a simple contest between left and right wing policies. It poses in a necessarily sharp and immediate form the question of Leadership.

This is a question which has vexed many of those in volved with Chesterfield, land over which there will be much debate within the Chesterfield movement.

By Mike Marqusee Haringey Labour Briefing

The question of Leadership is not simply about electing more capable, more committed individuals to responsible posts in the labour movement — though that would make a refreshing change. It is ‘about an entirely new and different type of Leadership: collective, democratic, a ‘countable, far-sighted, lending clarity and purpose to grass-roots struggles, and Supplying the links between those struggles.

For better OF worse, the tunity and direction we need will not come about by sSponateneous acts of good will from different quarters. It will come about through a consciously co-ordinated Strategy that links a developing socialist programme with 2 multitude of practical struggles — against the employers, against the state, against injustices and op: pressions of all kinds.

Many of the socialist ideas coming out of the Chester field movement will receive a

Second Conference as » Leadership contonder

sympathetic hearing amongst. people who nonetheless consider

themselves supporters of the ‘current Leadership — in the interests of a miscalled ““cealism”

We have to show these people that socialist ideas have no chance of becoming reality as long as the current Leaders remain in power. By standing for the Labour Leadership, Tony Benn and Eric Heffer are forcing people to make a connection between abstract ideas and concrete political practice — ‘and none {00 soon.

This is why interest in the Benn-Heffer challenge is not confined solely to Labour Party members. To those who have been isolated, who have been left in the lurch by the Labour Leadership, the need for an alternative to that Leadership is pressing.

‘Ac the very least, there is a widespread desire to register 2 protest against the people who have allowed the Tories and their class to claim vi tory after victory. Such a protest can only enhance the authority of the Chesterfield movement

Tt has been said that the Benn-Heffer challenge only serves to mire the left in Labour Party structures and narrow electoralism.

‘On the contraray, the campaign has given activists in the Labour Party a chance to break out of that groove, fo organise around fundamental questions of polic and strategy, and to work hand in band with activists in the trade unions and

As b

the candidates

have said repeatedly, their challenge is part of ‘an at tempt to build 2 movement for socialism. The true result of that attempt will not be registered in the electoral college in Blackpool — and the vast majority of BennHeffer supporters know it. Those who believe that Leadership is unimportant, who see it as a mere personality-game, should ex: amine the very real effects of the style of Leadership we rently enjoy in the labour The ineptitude and treachery of the NUS Leadership (aided and abetted by Kinnock, Hattersley, ‘and Prescott) in the current seafarers dispute is only the most recent addition to a depressingly long catalogue. This misleadership in hibits and obstructs the suc cessful prosecution of strug gles at every level. It sews confusion and apathy. It ducks controversial issues land promotes false answers to. difficult questions. It Toathes democratic debate and seeks to crush dissent Unfortunately, it is just not possible simply to circumvent this obstacle. The misleadership will not wither away nor will it retire from the fray of its own accord. We have to challenge it directly at every turn. Ultimately, our aim should be to replace it entirely. The Benn-Heffer challenge is a step toward building an alternative Leadership, and an opportunity for all those who believe we have something better to offer the working class. than New Realism and Labour Listens.

The first Socialist Conference in Chesterfield, October 1987

new mo

The recall Socialist Conference is here!

Socialists from inside and outside the Labour Party, from the trade unions, from a multitude of campaigns fare converging on Chesterfield.

What do we want from this second weekend gathe ing? What can we expect 10 achieve from i?

By Jane Kelly Peckham CLP The continued existence the Conference itself, it months after the initial ting, is to be heartily welcomed.

Inthe current political climate — with increased Tory attacks being met by industrial action Gn the NHS, among seafarers and local government workers) ‘and mass campaigns against the Alton Bill and Section

28, the very existence, however fragile, of a move ment which | seeks 10

fegenerate socialist ideas and betivities isan enormous plus.

But if it is to develop into a real movement with wide Support, Permanent struc: iures — including national and regional committees,

and local groups, open and democratic structures — will be needed

These can provide support and sustenance to struggles as they arise, and make con:

crete the links between those Struggles and our socialist leas,

‘Such a movement is not, and cannot be, in the near future either a party of a substitute for the existing organisations of the working class. But it should offer @ home to everyone who wants to build an alternative to current right wing direction and leadership of those organisations.

Perhaps it is closest if spirit to the Minority Mov. ment of the late 1920s, movement which brought together tens of thousand ‘of working people in opposi tion to. the mainstrea Leadership of the laboull

‘OF course, back in the 208 the memory of the victory off the Russian workers was till strong in people’s_ mind Stalin had not yet been abl to crush. the democrati ethos of the Bolshevi Revolution

Now, in Thatcher's Bri tain, even the very wor “sosialism" is under attack And as for "Marxism" — has never found a friendil ground in England ((houg finding an occasional pression in the ideas of Ir nd Scots socialists like Joh Méclenn),

In fact one of the Britis labour movement's ki weaknesses has been ii

Labour Briefing No. 64 June 8th-2/st 1988 page 9

Chesterfield Special , Women for Social You know what you can do with your Red Roses

It_is not terribly con- ss i the urgency for women to troversial to list the “= Wo Sats build 2 democratic Pid socialist ‘women's

dreadful attacks made by the Tories on women,

Every aspect of women’s lives has been affected by the Victorian values of Thatcher's cabinet

‘But what is controversial

‘and, let's face it, more interesting — is to look at the response of the Labour and trade union Leaderships.

‘organisation under the fame of Women For Socialism,

Since then many women have written in to sponsor Women for Socialism Some discussion and ac tivities have taken place through the regional Socialist Conferences.

The kind of plans we will be discussing for the future are:

establishing @ women's manifesto to be used. in and out of the Labour Par ty, in particular with the Benn-Heffer campaign.

trying to organise with black feminists planning a conference in September in Birmingham:

@and having a newslet ter to keep women inform

By Barbara Green Islington South ‘Women’s Section Sponsor, Women for Socialism

The Chesterfield Con

FAB campaigns — with £200 of top labour movement suppo! ference and Women for ee .

Seniemee part oft pre, And im sure that the has its heart set on ed of activities and eee eae aside National Fight Alton’s Bill weakening the Labour discussions thi. ‘Campaign just could not Women’s Organisation At Chesterfield

low many of you have have managed without the and ensuring that the sort women’s issues wil be in sen NomeeY Wile crner £100 that the TUC of left policies that came tegrated into as_many Rianock *apeaking, vin donated to the March 19th out of it die 2 quiet death. policy areas as possible Gelence of women's rights demo! But women inthe Labour On Saturday lunchtime Te eeSign Sea contrages. __The constant and con- Party continue to fight to. Women for Socialism will eee eee cerar ime scious marginalisation of defend their organisation host a meeting of wom Sekending women'sobs? WOMeninthelabourmove- and._policies. Time and to discuss future activities

Ween? pomens JOPst, ment must be fought and again we leam the same and elect a Steering

union Leaderships never based on and in the labour ference you keep in touch

campaign with “lots” really gave much power to movement, but able to by contacting Mandy

(relatively speaking) of

eee MPs: Policies were women but the little that discuss | and act. ‘Moore. Sutton Manor. wor thin on the ground, We.won is now under at- independently. Polterton Lane, Sutton But the Red Roses were ‘eck again. Last year women at Scarsdale, Nr. Chester:

The Labour Leadership Chesterfield pressed home field, S44 5UJ.

Trade Union Solidarity Network Looking for a prominent “ge ge “2s sam ge Place for the trade unions

In bringing together peo cratic, ope ple in strugele and the pro- movement will need the A notable or pe age

55 of policy development, goodwill, honest commi a Bremiesen cee ote se Be eS ermes -eoorwa S from the many discus- disputes decided thet the

lovely!

Chesterfield therefore ment, and tolerance of all its Feetrccats new openiag for | pertisipants. Groups on the S10" Groups formed at {ind of links that had been ‘the eft Par eRt Narrow "cectarlan last year's Chesterfield formed during these strug The promise of Chester- aims should take note of the Was the trade unions. les should be placed on 2 Bree ie aig thencoue inet ofthe, crecioc, aa Necithatena. the. othor "Ore DOMRRETE DES dnd practice, by Inking ac. well as its necessity ‘ame eee e coneaned tw eee Stive resisiance 10 capitalist We appeal to the SWP, _ with tsaves thet are of (oc “a: Teeds in datiacks with the formulation ~ Militant” supporters, the 9¥eat importance to trade November 1987. where Of real alternatives to them, RCP Those "partys unions and their members, November 1987. where socialism can reach out and building aims have in the who are forcing many of jaunched Ieecre e driving force to past umdermined ouf ability them on wo union agendas. el vi many groups millions of working people. to build a united, democratic Since then a number of ..5 “Cuividuale have at Occupations the importance of whar we have been set up and it is. fated. lt has been invoty. Mie. AUTRE. Sedo" a) pemnive © to eee trtrades Sid) SOS Supe. | Unlike Labour's Policy Chesterfield. “and behave Unionism amongst them. Gampalgns, and indasuiel Review (‘Labour Listens to accordingly ee eae the CBI"), Chesterfield’s If we are to builda move» By John Lang athe: Netreuk dies: Get From strikes, from occupa: teal solidarity in the class : Secrnce agents but cortex tions, from’ sit-ins, from steugele, if we are to develop ‘day School took place as 4 means of activating Hie way we can develop. needs of that strugele, and (ehe"™nané of those pret pot with she union [demands which inform and help it'grom, we cannocat- Ye" Surotd” that ‘the movement Sirenethen our” dally ford "io "misuse this Soest Conterence need peer; struggle opportunity ed much closer links with operates outside the union SP Ror-all-this (6 become a... fe should pot. be ireared SUCH COS Mes ee ouoment. among th reality the movement must solely asthe fertile recruiting Wi be reflected atthe many people rite local fie democratic aad accom” ground by those who pro: eg tea °° national” Conteunities, "who. ar Hable. We cannot afford to claim themselves “the Ss trence oihaaees Sere model our movement on the revolutionary party"*. Such Meroe Se cama linpesaes, Serie ee Retisting top-dowa structures aparty, which would involv. ,,4°° spacers’. Network. ‘rede union Bureaucracy a ce aes Dore pen geo this kind of rion fmovement. trade umong Comtact the Trade Union Solidarity Network Tightward-moving forces of party. It is however, the "The Network was form- and their substantial work John Lang. 74 Kingsland Road. Plaistow. London £13 Tew Realism inthe Labour Beginning of (building an 9g after the miners! and ingeclons membership MUSt set Gatwath, Wemegrore Wal ADbey ice. Lace be characterised by Kinnock, Willis, & Co. [print disputes. “Sunport= Dei givers 4 more prominent. Andrea Campbell. 12 Shiplake House. Calvert Avenue. > : Sa Groups from Leicester, Ox- position. The Solidarity — fntea Ca lemocratic debate the beginning of a move: ¢,0/0S Om ein ericte, Network hopes to be able

ae ce 8 every mrent for socistiom along with strikers from to assist in this. a te iB

Labour Briefing No, 64 June 8th-2ist 1988 page 10

Chesterfield Special

INTERVIEW: HILARY WAINWRIGHT

Creating space for a socialist policy review

HILARY WAINWRIGHT was one of the main organisers of last year’s first Socialist Conference — and has remained centrally

involved in the activities which sprang

from it, including this month's second meeting in Chesterfield. DAVY JONES interviewed Hilary for Labour Briefing.

Qne of the Socialist Con- who, in the practice, in ference’s main aims has been struggle, are on the same to establish a set of alter- side as many people who are native socialist policies, called “hard left”, but How much has been achiev- wouldn't think "of ced in this regard since last themselves that way year's Conference? (Of course, over time, the The first Conference only basic policies that unite the began to air general debates Socialist Conference will develop and change —

on our major themes political democracy, the because events in society economy and indusiry, in- raise new problems that we ternational relations — and haven't tackled yet. Each

We hope that this reconvened moment in history requires Conference will go into these us to apply our basie prin. uestions in much more ciples in ways that may lead depth. to new debates and ‘A number of policy sometimes divisions. groups were set up last year, _I hope the Socialist Con. have been meeting regularly, ference will operate in a way and have prepared briefing which will minimise false papers which will go out to polarisations, and will lead fall’ Conference participants. to positive ‘resolutions of These will be the basis for necessary debates. discussion at the reconvened Conference, We haope we Many people on the left are can get some real work done suspicious of policy reviews, especially on Saturday. fearing that they are a The point of this policy codeword for a moye to the work is not specifically to right. On some crucial quesprovide policies for a future tions. we do have basic

PHOTO: Gra

“ine

and struggles, as well as of- deny these basic answers. experience of the miners’ implicit notion of an alterfering an alternative to the How would you allay their strike and the unity that it native, a belief that things things coming out of fears? ‘created on the left can be different.

Labour's official policy ‘The question arises from the Capitalism induces a sense

review and, of course, {0 problems ofthe Labour Par- A possible danger is that the of hopelessness and i Thatcherism itself ty and of being in the policy groups will operate feriority as a result of which Labour — Party, simply separately from other activi-. poeple don’t articulate those

What's the status of the because it’s @ Party that Aims and Objectives state- unites people with fun ment which will be submit- damentally different views,

ty. One wing of the move- alternatives. There's a ment goes off and organises confidence-building aspect solidarity and campaigning of Chesterfield which

{ed to the Conference? With the right invariably shouldn't be This document is a very in the Leadership, the left underestimated,

basic summary of what we will always feel that their do we ensure that those (wo

think ‘everyone coming to fundamentals are under at- sides of our struggle are How then would you conChesterfield has in common. tack. Therefore, it’s got into integrated? trast the Socialist Con-

the habit of suspecting all All our policy work should ference policy groups to the start from a recognition that Labour Party’s __policy

parlamentarist approach to "But the point of Chester- the new ideas and insights review and Labour Listens? Socialism, for example, or field is-to create some space which make up socialist We respect working class from an acceptance of the independent of the Labour policy come from people people far more than mixed economy. It signals Part, though not ignoring - with a vested interest in that Labour Listens because we ‘arly a very different direc it, and give the left the op- policy. As we've seen with actually participate with tion from that being taken portunity to set its own the Lucas Aerospace or people. A Jot of the ideas beby. the. current. Labour agenda rather than always GLC Popular Planning ex- ing raised by our health Leadership. allowing it to be set by at- perience, socialist policy- policy group came out of the tacks from the right making has got to be a pro- campaigns waged by nurses

Tt gives us the chance to cess of listening and and healthworkers in the last

Te tries to distinguish the Socialist Conference from a policy reviews

‘The Aims and Objectives

document seems to draw the spend our energies applying strugele. year.

line between the “hard left" our fundamental principles _It"s mot a Labour Listens Labour Listens has

inside and outside the to the problems of present affair inempty halls at 10am —patronised people —_and

Labour Party and the people day capitalist society in front. of. television tried to con them. Their TS this. Hine nple, the interna cameras, but. listening, 10 views haven't beeen fed into it change in the people in the course of strug- the actual policy work.

response to events? new ways gle. Socialist” ideas come In contrast, the involve

First, don't find the “hard ‘Of from action as well as ment of the Socialist Con Tefi'™ label useful. It's been ‘which reflection ference in campaigns and put on a section of the left related in 1 The Socialist Conference struggles will be the impetus by. people hostile to it in nation sta should give people con- for much of our policy ‘afder to narrow it down, As for allaying fears, peo- fidence in putting forward making.

The ideas and principles the Aims and Obj Statement will actually be

supporte many

SOCIALIST CONFERENCE IN CHESTERFIELD FRINGE MEETING

Labour Briefing and the Politics of Leadership

Oo00000000009no0058R0000000n

Mandy Mudd

Fighting the witch-hunt and fighting for socialism

So 00000000000c00s0000000R000

John Wilton

The Benn-Heffer Campaign; building a socialist current in the Labour Party

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Chair Mike

Marqusee Labour Briefing Editorial Board

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Saturday June 11th 6.15-7.30 Chesterfield Technical College

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Labour Briefing No. 64 June 8ih-2Ist 1988 page 11

Features

Tory collapse? OBITUARY Or another A pioneer

lost opportunity? of British The last few months have © their opinion poll rating. Bear in Trots kyism

from crisis to crisis. ea ee Tax, the Social Security {5 "sbove the Party's opinion changes, and the Budget poi) rating, is hardly likely to Thatcher has faced mass provide a landslide Labour vic

On top of this has come the _well-publicised Law.

Reg Groves (1908-1988), by Trotsky

one of the founders of — {1 1934 they joined the

British Trotskyism, died Labour Party and Groves

in the middle of May. became Chairman of the He first entered political

London Distric of the

By John Wilton Socialist League, and a

life in the Christian Socialist

Son/Thatcher disagreement Birmingham Edgbaston > member of its Executive in

ver interest and exchange CLP rapeript ces ice pew SITE

rates, Crusade of Courad Noel and 11)'1937 Groves broke his But do Thatcher's reieatson "The Tory collapse docs not joined Westminster LP I ik, with the Trotskyist

the mid 20s,

THelefi the ILP and joined ™Oxement and in 1938 was

selected to fight the famous

the NHS and Social Security. look imminent. Nor i i likely minor though they’ are), and to becomes reality until Labour

fared badly and Labour did Parliament, & eee tae ee ‘orkers “Among his. writings are: well Kinnock's apologetic version Notebook column when the y/ ail :

S We Shail Rise Again, a problems) linked to Council Thatcher. It offers no hope to E. ett’s, rebellion; ie

Tenants’ fears over the Housing the millions suffering under By AL RICHARDSON Peasants Revolt, 138/ (with

a ai Ply Lindsey shegen General Election the Tories 100-seat majority what matters is the daily impact few crises lately, but they can [I Marx/Engels Institute in porter of the rights of the In what as gecay con. cola un wets Iadadag timo Scion Gaceapricsinavurgeand Orpen. spit che majrty.forgoren and he wl be managed to win around 38% of Tories on their own ground and and his cronies, with their precious little of that in the

Speculum: a midwife’s musings

Breastfeeding problems... and how to solve them

| make no apology for 10 fuss, no problems, and no her baby's behaviour is nor _It seems to me that correct help of a Counsellor if you excruciating pain gontinuing my discus- 2p tor fate She ket al the majuty of Heath tcungon of te baby tothe fave Youle Rng 01 778 “one exh ets ¢ ces < trusted her body to produce Visitors suggest ‘she lve a breast the essentisl step in 4769 for the number of your and reales that sor sephcs sion on breastfeeding, the mik and, of course, did. owe or two = avoiding sore nipples. You nasrest one Sometimes take upto. "morn since | am firmly con- ‘The secret, if secret it is, is This reduces the time spent must bring the baby to the Don't use Rotersept spray. to fee! better — and that they vinced that our health has ‘the pogonmes you put 2 at the breast, diminishes the breast, and — cae to it’s only diluted Savion, and it will feel better each day as you 10 the breast, the more woman's confidence in place @ rupple in 8 beby's conte "ine ‘earth, Also it pensmuene Gepends on the food we Ti’ you moka: Ws se'sple Kontcand @miches the Path estroys te netural tors on "i your hippies ar Hosdeg se inst tik supply unti i eventually "The baby should be close tothe “ripples. and’ actualy, you feed comanetee ws I recenty looked after 9 gs ne secon YH mats ne Seow, causes sore nipple, whatever baby tothe tant. the tod aS 0 nipples are the sec: ‘you should be stung n's the tn says weil ot harms the ba woman who was in By TE reason why women sbandon low ‘mena with your fect Hydrout ointment _&.P. “Thara/sre' women who find premature labour with SRN, SCM breastfeeding. Advice on this firmly on the ground, leaning {from your Chemist! is just asthe whole Wea of ‘twins. ¥ asked her if she in- ig frst thet thore is no need to sightly forward effective. Both Komilosan and tbreestfeeding repugnant. Its tended to breastfeed the main reason women “prepara. your breasts with : Calendula ointments are good, not ap ts ndalgust wernan te them. sive "for "abandoning creams, etc. snte-natally. Rooting too, and.can be used for nappy foci gully about this since, | a Breastfeeding is “insufficient “Wf you have fit or inverted fash if you don't finish the believe, x i@ society's: fault 1 gave me a pitying mile The reality is that nipples, shells should be worn. Don’t bother to try to feed tube up on your breasts that women afe taught poor took and said, “no, I’m mot women are totaly unprepared They wealy can help to-"brng sleepy baby. Walt uti the Body images. stupid.” by the medical estabishment out’ fat ripples. Ask your chld'is realy rooting. for 3 Feeds ’A realy useful book about {'m sorry, but think she is for the ‘constant demands fadwite for advice about feed: then hold the baby freny breastfeeding is Broast is Bast stupid’ {0° count’ it out. which the beby wil make for when to wear them lose to your body and offer None of these creams need by’ Panny nad Andrew ‘Stan Premature babies in particular mile the breast to be washed off prot to way, | recommend all preg benefit from their mother's" Breastfed bebies go to the Sore At first you will need the feeds, and can be applied as hon women to read it before mile breast about eight to 12 times assistance of sn experienced many times 8 day as youwish. Geciding how they are gong to I know. one woman who in-each 24 hour period less However. sore nipples can mduife or Breastfeeding "WWeracked niobles ore areal Saciinaaus the ‘successfully breastfed "her during the night!" However, happen” to any woman, Counsellor “to check that problem, “Calendula, Mother “T'ettid goat’ and on sbout iwosets of wins. She is Jen. aby books tend to paints whatever the siz'or shape ci you've got the baby in the Tincture works ike mage, brosatlag ees root ny. Stables. author of A rosy picture of four hourly her broaste and nipples. I right place. But most Babies "Resting core or erected nip- up wernens dust “iting Mother's” Guide 0. feeding tegimes, where the estimete about 80% of eam fo spot s nipple at 100 ples docs not Nelp them to women that they aust it Bresstfeeding — 8 book | baby conveniently fais asleep women suffer with this pro yatds by the time they're eal. You should continua to. the'baby, and the baby cai highly recommend. Between feeds Siem, some to the extent that week old. and i's surpriang feed ac before. Rubbing your Clocks have no place in IS i aiso tecall_a mother of "When a woman seeks ad- the nipples bleed, and each how quickly you get Used to ripples with an ice cuise ust successtal eotstnenent at three who had twins. She sue- view from her Health Visitor, feedis a nghtmars. las one handling your baby. before you feed acts as a local breastfeeding, ‘Netther” have tasstully breastfed them with Instead of reassuring her thet of the wcky 20% Don't hesitate to enlist the anaesthetic and dlls theiniial most Heslth Visitor!

Labour Briefing No. 64 June Sth-2131 1988 page 12

Letters

Raise your morale at the...

Labour Briefing AGM

a chance to debate, discuss — and organise!

The Briefing AGM: to build a non-sectarian, united, democratic left

Saturday, July 2nd. Kingsway Princeton College, Sidmouth Street (off Grays Inn Road), London. Near King’s Cross Station.

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Creche: Available on advance booking only (we want the creche participants to enjoy themselves as much as the AGM-goers, so we want to plan for the exact numbers). Phone Paula Watson on 638 5308.

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we can rest

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10.30am Introduction

The Tradition of Briefing — Graham Bash

11.00-12.30 The Year Ahead: Briefing’s Role

Open discussion. A paper to introduce the subject will be published in the next issue of Briefing. It will be introduced by Jane Kelly and Mike Marqus ‘Amendments to the paper are welcome and will be fully debated. They can be submitted beforehand or on the day — but please try to submit or bring 200 cop

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‘The Paper

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3.30-4.00 Reports

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4.00-4.30 Tea Break 4.30-5.30 Rally for Benn-Heffer

With Jeremy Corbyn, Martha Osamor, Sharon Atkin, Mandy Mudd (invited),

‘Send snippets and info to Greg Bassett. Periscope Column, Labour Briefing. PO Box 457. London SW2 SUZ

Kim Philby: a product of the

demonstrated to an in Sredulous world that where incompetence and stupidity were concsened, British

establishment — intsmgence vowed the knee Kim Philby, along with The old-boy network” bi Blake, Burgess, Maclean run the chow, deciding and Biunt isted Bri- the promotions and di liln’s Intelligence eerviee mining the postings With cach suceseding ex- Then, not out of loyalt

posure of their role as Righly_ placed agents of the RGB. in the very nerve of Britain's es wage and counter espionage network. s0 did the credibility oF the founder

Dut from

Ironically It was. Phulby's

Even teday, wnat were ""backgsound sad Gesoribed in MI6 as the position that pecfeotly horrors” have not gone im for the role

‘informed ist that former Hol

was the KGB's top mole establishment could never forgive Pailby He terest

ain, having ne ‘of Its own, in t

identified nth those of the

bourgeoisie. Philby was hardly pro. ‘They had gone out from Ox- —_Jetarian revolutionary but bridge, therefore, ‘some things t

to him for. His ‘betrayal’ of the UB and ish backed secret in:

the state and its empi privileged and well paid, Dur nevertheless still o>

vants to their ruling class _vasion of Albania led to masters the deaths of many state

Bythecarly S0sanumberot agents. I suppose we ‘intellectuals had become should

less confident about own ruling class. T capitalist world was gr ed by slump, and in Ger inany Hitles and his Nazis were in power. New solu

up in the fight against terrorism. ‘Ths secrets about the USA nd UK nuclesr plans that he and his friends told the Buselans did nothing but good, and almost certain Ty meant that we could sleep in our beds a little more safely at night ‘tha more the secrets of cur Fuling class are exposed. their agents fe thelr “cover

such solution, For the Kim Philbys, ‘Stalinism appeared tive. Teneld state power. ‘commanded the resources

provided by such power blown, the more they get What's more, it dealt in

imeriais and that oan only be to the common we

True enough ‘Kim Philby was no. revolutionary Socialict, but he did make workers’ democracy life nasty and uncomfor

Having been nurtured and table for our class tained to. be. fune- enemies. That's not euch a

sd epitaph to take with

you

Bod Pennington

oopst The telephone number we published for SERA — the Socialist Environment and Resources Centre — last issue was mysteriously garbled. So let's try again. Contact SERA at 26 Underwood Street, London Ni, tel. 07 490 0240.

things Having lusioned with masters at home. it did fot need a change of ‘outlook or personatit

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Labour Briefing No, 64 June 8th-21st 1988 page 13,

Reviews

Book Review

New

forces, old faces

Socialist Register 1988: Problems of Socialist Renewal East and West, Edited by Ralph Miliband, Leo Panitch and John Saville, Merlin Press, £7.95

‘The dialectic of history — as any armchair Marxist can tell you — is full of surprises.

‘One of the most distressing of these, on the 20h anniversary of the French “events”, is the rise of a far right mass movement and the continued hegemony of

Mitterrand’s| Eurosocialism” in France. In contrast, inthe 1wo

great arbiters in the world polarity of unfrece socialism and “eternal” capitalism — the Soviet Union and the USA — the ice is finally beginning to crack.

‘Are we at last witnessing the seal implications of the Tet Of Fensive and the Prague Spring?

Within the eft. these developments are reflected. by “Goreymania” and

sacksonitis™, Whatever else may happen, something very Important is now presaged: the Fetuen 10 the world. political

By Dave Palmer Hornsey & Wood Green cL Siage of these two dormant ‘Pants — the Sovier and US ‘working classes

‘This year's Socialist Register attempts 10 address the rapidly changing world situation Ts primary soncern is the effect of the Gorbachev reforms on “the Tenewal and advance in socialist firection™ both East and West

Five out of the 1S articles are ‘on Glasnost, and oaly 10 on US polities (no doubs it would contain more if it had been pablished late),

Decline

(Other articles on Nicaraguan land reform, the continued dectine of the French CP (hur

faht) and British working Fietion are incladed for no ticular reason. Coherence falways been a problem with the Socialist Register

The introductions try 10 i pose a unifying theme on what ie usually a acher heterogeneous collection. ‘Mak. ing a Break with this tradition and concentrating, for example, ‘on Gorbachevism might have been a mace fruitful approach

Frankly, the introduction By

Sritten im their collective sleep This is not to say that i's bad. it's jst that after 15-20 years of sery similar introductions their approach has become overtamiliar

Hom many more times do you ‘want t0 read them on the crises

Book Review Remembering a mass

murder of gays

The Pink Triange, by Richard Plant, Mainstream Press. £9.95

these people root and branch.””

These words, spoken by the head of the Gestapo,

Heinrich Himmler, sum up the Nazi plan for a “final solution” to. the. “homosexual problem.” ‘The mass murder of gay people by the Third Reich ‘was not an incidental byproduct of Hitlerism, but 3n integral part of Nazi

policies, ‘The creation of an Aryan master race demanded the

teradication of all "genetic inTeriors” which in fascist eyes Included Jews, homosexuals, Criminals, gypsies, and people ‘with learning disabilities

Himmler "was. alarmed. at Germany's declining bith rate. Though this was largely {dus to the loss of over a milion nen in the First World) War, Himmler put much of the blame on the country’s estimated two millon homosexuals.

"If this viee continues.” he warned, “it will be the end of Germany,

Proising the ancient

Teutonic practice of drowning homasexuals in bogs, he went fon to brand gay people as "goxual saboteurs” and justiied the Nazi genocide policy as "the extermination 6f abnormal existence.

Long before they came to power, fascist thugs had ter Forised the homosexual rights movement and even attomp ted. the assassination of its leader, Or Magnus Hirschfeld,

Within. little more than a month of Hitler assuming of fice in 1933, gay. political organisations “were banned and many gay leaders were arrested

By PETER TATCHELL

Soon afterwards, gay bars were closed and. Dr Hirschfeld’ Institute for Sex tual Science was ransacked ‘and bumed to the ground

Before the year was out, the first homosexuals were being deported to the new concer tration camps at Dachau and Fuhisbuttel

In October 1834, Himmler set up a special SS depart ment to combat homosexual: ty and ordered local police to raw up "pink lists'” of men known or suspected of being homosexual

‘Based on this information which was gathered from seiz ed medical records, ists of Subscribers to gav magazines, membership rolls of gay cubs. fand by the torture of knows homosexuals to get the names of others — the Gestapo laun- ‘had its first mass round up of homosexuals.

By this time, Himmler had become totaly obsessed wi the erasure of every trace of homosexuality from the Ger man Volk

in 1935 swooping new ant gay laws were enacted. Homosexual “offences, the

new laws decreed, did nat ac- {ually have to be committed 10 be punishable. intent to corn mt such offences was deem f2d:t0.be criminal in itself

Men were interned for waiting love letters to men or gancing lewsly” at other males. In one infamous case, a man was arrested after he had ‘been watching @ young couple make love in 2 park, because the Gestapo claimed that he had been ‘observing the 2c: tions of the maie partner with grester interest — and this Was proof of homosexual

‘According to official Nazi records. 63,000 German homosexuals, including 4,000 juveniles, were sentenced det ween 1833-44. This figure Goss not mnckide those who were simply seized and ship: Ded off to the concentration ‘camps without legal formalities

Nor does it cake into ac count people who were sent fo prison for other crimes’ ‘and then vansferred to ‘camps on the grounds of thei homosexuality; nor the sig cant numbers of homosexuals imprisoned im Nazi-occupied

‘The the number of gay peo ple sent to the camps Is pro. ably well in excess of 109,000,

For gay inmates, lfe bebing batbed-wie was 2 double nightmare. They were the lowest of the tom, often treated even worse than the Jews. As well as being

reated and sometimes Yeped by. the guards, they tended to be assigned to the

lof European social democracy and the Communist Partie? It takes me want to scream. Why don’t they try coming up with a few more specific answers for & change?

KS. Karol’s article asteses changes ia the Soviet Union from much the same pro-

riest, hardest. and _ most Gegrading tasks. Asif this ‘wasn’t bad enough, they fac 2d abuse and brutality from other prisoners,

‘The mortasty rate for gay in mates was higher than for any other group.

All this and much more is documented in Richard Piant’s new. book. This scholarly Volume ilustrates the line bet ween Nazi racism and homophobia, drawing on inter views with gay concentration camp survivors and the con tents of personal dianes and

‘Navi documents never fansiated from the

German,

Plant brings to light many previously unknown facts:

(ethat towards the end of the war the increasingly Sesperate Nazis alowed some homosexuals out of the camps to work in the arms factories, providing they first agreed to

‘@that Nazi “doctors” per formed hideous medical ‘ex periments on gay prisoners in Buchenwals

‘@thet the guards at Camp Butzow fewerded male in Schnapps for every” lesbian prisoner they raped.

This books powerfully rein forces the oid exhortation: Never Again! Read it

Postscriot: The Nazi anti the statute books in West Ger many unti 1869, Unlike othe Concentration camp prisoners, gay ex inmates have to ths Gay been refused compense tion payments for thew

co-editor of Socialist Register. speaks to the Socialist Conference in Chesterfield, October 1987,

Govheathny stones asthe cdtoes”_pootat _hisory xo Grete Karol knows the Soviet Union folaieg of the. "Bennie why patjculery tee calterel < Cabo eh (fauna hit rer Wig, dnd tas ostal worth book Waring Cl Pos In reading Criss, (Verso), disappointinls He sees Gorbachey as a sont inconilwsive, of Soviet "Roosevelt introduc ing socialist New Deal for the a Soviet working. class. (Much ao tore interesting by Karol is his Thisarticle seems more tothe autobiography. Solik,abost hitpoints He sees the hard el Srartime experiences as @ Polish Worthy attempt to transform the Jewish refugee inthe Soviet Labour Party foundering onthe Union. Barty’ sheet tereformabtis With his co-ediiors he looks Prescient to the formation of 4 Mase Socialis, albeit re pars Politically more acute is in Britain — the vehicle, of David’ Mandel peescent and course, being the Chestrtild elbwritten account ofthe ke- proces. Brtimin af spestroika’, is "Hy conclusion is. that the Consequences for the ‘Sov! Labour lel’ "democratic peo rorking class, andthe intra: ject” should now “concentrate Durcausratic “crisis of the top" fess on reforming the Labour that i certain fo exe Party and more on building a ‘On the US, Vicente Navarro longterm independent carb analyser the Rainbon Coalion aig for democratic sialon, Gnd aliacks the notion that it that transcends the fits, 0! s"fehicte Tor “the mew social Parliameniars paternal A Snonene tas oink be Wil We okt we ak many of is Own sopporiers). curses. Can we take hous Rather hesces haya css bus Sndhouryof SWP, RCP and: oF Sfaligament sir hacks? Hase a ‘Essuere, Lex Panitch con swaimile — and siders once’ again the “com. forthe frat

A Prayer for the Dying

Micky Rourke condemns anti-Irish film

The recent film A Prayer for the Dying has been condemned by its leading actor Micky Rourke and its director Mike Hodges.

They claim that the film has been edited to give a distorted and stereotyped view of the situation in Northern ireland and the Irish Nationalist cause.

“Director Mike Hodges and J have publicly disassociated ourselves from the fiim,”’ said Rourke. “Itis not the film | agreed to make or wanted to make.

“I believe the politics of the subject matter intimidated the producer, Sam Goldwyn, who. removed the footage of my character that contained statements sympathetic to the Irish nationalist cause. By eliminating the motivational wellsprings of the main character the film was gutted of meaning.

“Prayer has been @ critical and commercial failure. 1 don't understand why it was selected for the British Film Festival.

“As a concerned Irish American Catholic | wholeheartedly support the Troops Out Movement and all efforts designed to assure equal human and Civil rights for all citizens of Northern Ireland, especially the MacBride Principles.

"There is no place in lreland for British troops or second class citizens.”

PHOTO: Leesa Hebe

Labour Briefing No. 64 June &1h-21st 1988 page 14

International Briefing

INTERVIEW: Tseko Simon Nkoli On trial for treason

PETER TATCHELL interviews the gay anti-apartheid activist, TSEKO SIMON NKOLL, who faces the death penalty in the Delmas Treason Trial in South Africa trial which has already dragged on for over two years.

Can you tell ws about your fami didn’t some out till 1980 and the

ly background and childhood? pressures that {came under

Twas born in Soweto in 1989. Grove me «0 attempe suicide ‘Most of my childhood was

spent on farm south of Johan How did sou first get involved

eshure in the Heilbron district with the Gay Astociation of

ff the Orange Free Stare. 1d South Africa (GASA)?

to walk ISkm to and from Pjoined GASA in April 1983. 1

School and. thers sere cot was supposed ta be a non-racial

Tinuous probleme tring to ind organsation. But soon after {

fenouh money to pas the school Joined I noticed that there

fees. fet blacks in the organisations acause ther could not Find and they felt very isolated

work in Hesloyon, boi my T desided that we needed a avher and stepfather moved ‘6 special group within GASA

SChokene inthe mid-I960s andl which would Bring. together Jovned them in 1957 back and white gay people. I ite at home was hard. My wrote am article inthe steplather ava Reavy drinker Rewspapers publicising ty pro: The person with whom our — posal and inviting people 10 a0 fant lodge, a MF Saaugaral meeting: Sekhamane, Peat me frequently. “Tn September 1983, $4 black ‘On ane sovasien, ti gays and 18 white gays. came so bad that I ran away from fopether 10 set up @ working Home. and saved in Johan’ committee for the establishment neburg for a woek with 2 white of a mnulti-racial gay organisa man sho had given me 2H fiom. This was eventually taunhc | as Tabi ‘hed om May 3st 1984s the

Sturday Group and I became When did you begin to become the co-ordinator

ly amae? White 1isac at school {reatsed What were the circumstances thor twas not geting an edica- — Jeading up to Your arrest? ion equal to while studems. On September 3rd. 1984, the Black education nas very poor Vaal Chie Association — which

and we did noc have enough is affiliated 10 the country’s The Delmas Treason Trial defendants: Simoni Nkol bottom row. aght Tucitiies, especialls for subjects main legal anti-apartheid groupTike science. We also experienc: ing, the United Democratic They simply get released after Once 1 was out of solitary Since sour release on bai Jonely gay. peopte in hospitals. | td protlems lke low standards Front. — organised a "stay couple of years and there's confinement, | was allowed one hast you coped wit prisons and homes forthe elder Of feashing and excessive cor away" from work and schools. nothing they can do to get com- visitor twice a week for 30 found freedom? Fy. 1 want to resume organising poral punissment Ii'ako held a march to protest pensation. for. their minutes. Though | was permit- 1 am sill trying 10 adapt to the social functions to. bring. gay There "were no. student against the government- imprisonment. Ted to write and ceoeve letters, ouside world after nearly three people of all colours together organisations at our school lo imposed rent increases. they were always censored. That years in detention. At first, | and do advice and counselling flea} with these problems, On Initially the march was What are the charges against made it hard writing to my found it extremely hard ‘avon: work for gays swith health and many occasions (found myselt peaceful, However, aller some you? lover ‘municate with people. But it's education problems. Sngled out tor’ particular —tnruly elements created trouble. ‘The main charges are of subver- . "Our books were censored too been encouraging 10 discover punishment. wha included be- the police moved in to disperse sign, terrorism, murder, and "and there was only one that so many people have been Do you have a mesage for the flogged tor pelts things ike the protevors. There was a for furthering the’ aims of the lewspaper we could read — the awareof my plight and concern- British lesbian’ and ay smiling dure las bf shooting By the police. It as guilawed African National pro-goverament Ciizen Food ed for my well-being. movement? Tn 19%6. when Twas in Sian dusing this violence that an antl. Congress. Wf found guiliy, we parcels were forbidden. With the restrictive bail con-— T'want to thank gay people ord 8 the language hue arose. “apartheid activist and "close could face execution, ‘Things were cspecally hard ditions, I still feel only semi- Britain foe their support It way ‘haany was compaorty in- friend of mine, Joseph Sithole, “The state prosecution alleges for me as a gay person becaue 1 Iree. Then there is the eer pre very important in etning me rodced as the medium of in was billed nat at @ meeting convened bs couldn't have contact’ visits Sent_unertainly of what the | chrouxh the long period 1 srt UMiction and it was ser dit)” When I arémpted to attend Organisations affiliated 0 the from my lover ‘Sutcome of the irial will beand in prion, Figuit $0 master his funeral on September 23d 1 Upited Demcoratic Front in the the prospect thal some or all of "The fetters and messages of ‘We read is the papers that wasarrested as soon asT entered Vaal region, some of us mobills- How did your co-accused res- us may face the death penalty. solidarity I received were a great vther “school, mainly inthe churchyard. By the end of ed.and incited people against the pond (o your gayness? morale boost. They gave me

Soweto. were protesting against that” das. more’ than 900 government-imposed communi- With my co-defendants there How has sour imprhoament _ sicength and reassured me that | Ainikaane, So we abo Marled mourners were seized by the ty Councilors inthe Black were moments of tension when and tial affected your eelation- as, not alone inthe fight

complaining police. Most of them were townships. It ialleged that our Some of the mullered things ship with sour lover? duainst apartheid and Tor Tey TH T9M0, {finshed high Charged withavending amillgal Seton ted the murder of ise about AIDS and passed anti-gay Ws hada very bad effec. t'm lan and gay rights school amd began studing at mestng Sf those Councilors. emake, Worle some of my 00 tense and my lover more The support thal received the Cammersial” College in rere Gicd that tended Fellow accused cid’ want 10 possesve than before. Al the from gay people in Britain san Hohannesbure Were you surprised when the che’ inaugural meeting of the assocate with me because Tam moment I'm fooking for a flat example to gays everywhere in That sea" | joined the Vaal police arrested bout? mae “Yaak “Che gage tathere Wnew about _my of'myown. Ifwellvescparaicly the "world that imernauional taneh ‘ot the Canes of P'did'mor even suspect that te ‘Ausovtation in 1983 and that I gayness and accepted me fully. fora whileshings may work out solidarity is important and that Sune "'Atrean’ "Stadents police migh be looking for me. . Spoke at this mecting on behalf "in particular, Geina Malindi better. fay rights cannot be separated (COsasp, Ouranain aim wacto Pad a fecting tha they would Qethe banned student oreadiea- and Johnny Mokoena have been from other human rights. They {ave for a lree and equal probably afrest some people tion COSAS. {Sy supportive. Though they What are your future plans? are part of the same strugele. [canon fhe ‘a students in Site the protests of September "ig alleped that im my speech are'nar gay. thes have gone out Tocomply with bail conditions, "“Betsh, lesbian and gay St Stiga, that ame ears 341984, but Fcertainly dda tered op he people to Hatred of thee nay tovreaware me that 100 longer attend political organisations have been ait Thi surted attending and figure that fd be amongst those ing violence agaigst the com- {-am pot alone and during my smeeings or get involved ‘with spration to me and have given {RaMiag “at antraparthed who would Re picked up. Manse Countian face 1 imprisonment and. tial the) political organisations. tam, me much hope Tor the future. | He The only thing T'did was to id''nox. attend. thal meeting have ‘become good and Toyal however, Keen 10 contibute hope shat they wil continue Te Getober 1980; tKE i ex: take'pant the proven march cause on that day my Toner rics, Some non-political assistance 10 supporting myself anid my co j ecutive committce of the Vaal against the rent increases. I dil had been involved in a car acci- the gay cause in my spare time. accused throughout our trial, ivanch oF COSAS vas cleted. his Because I wamted 10 deneand Iwas in Jobannesburs What conditions have been ‘plan to visit isolated and Until we ace free Uitne Mia cose m shox msc ith bean Sth hm pt pegmebeintoye Gee Si Gece cheirpcison of the Vestscgion, spec) ted Jp enaletichy “aksiacl™ Suae tal coca Sipalele” "|. cucyy suiacas al Wx w aes ae I th lbeameaenedlsescary: Thedthee math alas ean cha perkinaste pcs that we mu hand ou ees af Saas oa atte Le ne mone the. ihings, that my mother, and other celatves — jparch’gn Seprember 3d, bur | passports 10.the police, report altace: Sie to Caled Nis ee organic commemoration The srugile For Teslan and gay rights an inseparable ‘ovrshios of he Vaal rion Sree” Mai Sie par of the ster forthe aman igs Fa Sowth suas", ard “masa | MAMIBIAN WORKERS IN STRUGGLE Geared legal bythe Tyeko Siman Nkol re pial eto A working conference for trade union activists ey. [ eeenat Get aed me Saturday June 25th What did you do after you left What happened when you were How did GASA react to sour funeral of fiends who ate il 9.30-5pm college? arrested? arrest and imprisonment? ff if there is any capes that : | worked as @ co-ordinator of |_| was detained under Section 29 the time of my arrest, } often there might be political speeches Graves Cinema, University of Sheffield the Education ‘Support Pro. of the. Internal Security Act. monlered whether “they had gage at the graveside Speal famine of the South African ‘This “Act is one of South done anything 10 support me. In National Union’of Thsttute OF Race Relations Aircae arenas ta Do you sit have to attend the iTahe got imohedin the De- designed to repre the political communication trai, even, though, you have : tainees Support Committee opponents of apartheid. fom the moment of my arrest completed your evidence? Rita Donaghy (Vice President NALGO) GMEk wat ec upton help "Under ths Act; the security and'detenion, through 10 the ‘AW Of us have (0 be al court Women Against Pit Closures Paliteal prisoners "and! ther police can detain & person and trial Reef. Excn now. since ms cvery dav. When we were ‘SWAPO FeMiNee ddim the Rowntiec lnterogaic them for up to 190 fekease from prion’ on ball, granted bail, he judge stressed Sponsored by: AAM, ASLEF. FEU, GMB, NALGO, NUJ, Minne Commitee what was days without charge. After IBD GASA har not Contacted mc." that i we donot allend the ra, ‘NUPE, TGWU, TUC

Organised by Namibia Support Committee, PO Box

16, London NW5 2LW. 01 267 1941/2

were ga. People ca be held for more prison for a total of 33 court all day every day has caus 19a0 hay a year of cris in my than two years before being Nine of those months were dusalot of hardship. I means personal iif Although I had charged. Sometimes people are spent in solitary confinement. te cannot get a job te support eased that waszay in 197R,1 detained and. never’ chatged, was ternble oarsches

Labour Briefing No. 64 June 8th-215t 1988 page 15

International Briefing

The NATO election: a Stalemate in _Nej til NATO og

krigsbevillinger Denmark ore

On May 10th Danish peacetime, and has been a” government, he did not get a

Voters went to the polls “footnote nation"’ (like majority 10 overturn. the

forthe second time in tess ieee) When NATO has Parliament's decision on passed resolutions on nuclear weapons.

tg Rael hhuclear weapons. The Social Democrats,

What triggered the new "So Parliament's decision who presented the Bill in

elections was a Bill in Parlia- send letters to the captains Parliament that triggered the

ment which instructed the of foreign warships is not 2 general election watered government tosendletters to radical new departure. (The down its importance during the captains of foreign war- captains are not even asked the campaign.

ships visiting Danish har- to. reply to the Danish The Party was keen t0 be ours telling them not to br- government!) seen_as a true defender of ing nuclear weapons on 10 NATO, “and. reluctant to

French legislative elections ELISE) Another triumph for

A new deal Mi ? itterrand? gd ae eer

Budapest:

the left electorate bet- breakthrough of Le Pea's neo. outa centrist policy. which odds ment that ““our influence fs bis.

What's the smart thing ~ Pry inow he HSWP) Ween the two rounds of | 'H Novcmcn wil force fr- "Le Pere From ational by a group of nesnal dnusent to do if you want to Efforts willbe made through | the Presidential elections her divisions in the right over likely to drop a third of its vote who launched an open appeal become a Leader in a ‘his ttont to involve people In | gaye Mitterrand an un- whether to strike deals between in these elections, It will be hit for @ reexamination of ‘the Warsaw Pact country? i suppor Stoimat waecigy. | Presedented S4% to 48% i eo voundsorvRcleesatve IM gon dnon trihe These "ineral ddens Pay a visit to Margaret No doubt national unity willbe | victory. A landslide victory forthe SP fespectable right, and the dif- (some of whom hae illesions ‘Thatcher ae The people of the left docs not exclude further ferent nature of the legislative about renewing the Party from ‘Gorbachev did it. ic wil be interesting to see | voted against the policies of manocuvring by Mitterrand to elections, which are les open o_within) share man) ofthe same And at the recent Con- how, Grosz responds £0 the | the Chirac-Le Pen axis and open his regime (0 the centre. a "protea” vote around ne na- concerns as the “ Renovate ference of the Hungarian problem of thelarge Hungarian | seem to understand clearly Leading right wing figures have tonal personality renewal) curren, headed bs u-

minorities. living outside the oe

Socialist Workers’ Party Karo fe Pen has already - quin. now outside the party

the difference between par- already made noises about the

iy Gross, another former guest country, inRomania, | the differences betwese pas’ future availabilty and faction. said that if the voice of the of Our Leader, ‘Cxechosiovekia. a is ti fighting inside parties has Front National is not heard in Current Ss Vege simon | 2nd Domnasols parties. ec Reed, Poumon (oe 6 Hcy to es

jeneral Secretary of the ruling eA nctevengr adhd inptew ‘Mitterrand has even sounded from 32 to 5 seats) then it will ‘The Juquin curt are not par g % sungaane in Romania face | By Dave Kellaway gat the Commune bans Ch), we to be cxrened on The satig Candin nee ere, Seeman iscrimination | Newham South CLP Juquin, and other left forces streets. they felt there was no time By Colin Meade from co ee about joining a broad clarify their politics and that it ur regime of Nicolae Ceausescu a Measiead overnment could mate b more difficult 10 Surbiton CLP ___ ciate apart from sharing the | Yet Mitterrand has been eo vers apie that fic oo ae tke wera SOUT STEe UNE sheer sTnomanion | doing everthing he can to | Some obeccrs ateue_ that fink “op si Trae eee har suse Otters, which hee led 10 | give the defeated righ wing Sr" De Socal malorticn Ss atten fimseit “Mihatts’ "man in significant egal emigration | a leg-up by inviting some of gh af leas thy wil cee terees acre an Gucepest and has. tonetted from fomeniainto Hungary. | them fo join ina grand 1etton wae the SP, whl Scr fir edepeatcice both trem be recur fs lc, Baie reconciliation. ST be good forthe ef irom Jugun (who peso wide, chenaing. of the. guar allenge Tt was.only the shoer sale of Serctol te pesentais ‘which goes with the new face x Seams aioe mewn Swallowed Sean ae ee tee inthe Krein Gross must aiso decide how | tha Seveted them inne the Fates trom. Sian

tices) and the Juguin wipport Committees (whom they see as politically incoherent)

Juquin himself, and most

‘Altogether less certain are to respond to the challenge of | new Rocard government. Hence But the SP left swallowed all Grosz's reformist credentials. the increasingly diverse and | one of Mitterrand’s original op- the austerity and pro-imperiaist As. Prime Minister he was confident Independent | tions — going immediately to'2 policies of the recent. Socialist

sponsible for aharsh austeri- movements now functioning | broad-based government and government without so much as

y_ Programme Imposed in with considerable openness in | not calling new legislative cles? an oldsivle Tribunte whimper a support commiliges, are it September 1987. Hungary. One example ts the | tons was ached "All ts leaders have been piven ‘askeigt favour of standing: candidates He's seen a5 someone who recently fowned Trade Union | "“Thefe was so some pressure posts in the government. It bas ‘The right schedule and the wit through the for Scientific Workers, which | trom inside his Socialist Party few links with the Wade Union The Mitterrand line of going money required mea ofl to market- has pledged itself to defend | (SP) to capitalise quickly on the movement, let alone with extra- beyond the old divisions bet about $0 will stand, most in

tated reforms end take members’ living standards. | presidetial success parliamentary strugeles of any ween left and right and his con- areas Where the Juquin vote Was ‘such as the Grosz’s predecessor, Janos | "There were few takers {rom Sort ing austerity policies play strong.

femovel of subsidies and the Kadar in his day presented in | ihe right for safeslotson theSP The social composition and right imo Le Pen's hands. Le The Juguin vote was disap Creation of unemployment. the Western press as 2 daring | cicioral slate: only 33. siyle of the SP base is middle Pen can roundly denounce the pointing. This was Jue 10 th reformist) made his views | “Republicans” (out. of more class — even more so than the deals being made in high places newness of the movement, the

Attempts Blain atthe Conference. when | han S00 including Left Radicals Labour Party. The bulk of the and” at" the same. time emotional pull 10 vole against

Fre urged the delegates io.con- | uno are gid SP electoral part- hard. left and revolutionary demagogically distance himself the right and Le Pen by voting

[At the same time — in line den efforts which aim at | ners) tn flaces where such can- forces are outside the SP. om ie ciicic or meakeey, Miarrant. (even ee Te Tt with Gorbachev's own polcy disrupting the unity. of the | Gateshave been imposed there Unlike the famous vicory of '"“Thebankrupicy of the SP line round), and errors ade it the ~ attempts wil be made 10 trade union and youth | fas been some anger atthe SP 1981, | Mitterand's recent is best symbolised in Marseilles, las few weeks of the campatg. broaden "the base of the movements.” base fumiph has not been accom where Le Pen got 30% of the dJuquin made ambiguous Dose Grosz share this view? | °"FSday the polls poimt toa pamied bs grand promrics nor vote. The SP tespoase i 0 put Matements about, whether Re

‘Unity of tho trade union and | 1odseat SP mayors, ronal. by ams expectation from she up an independent. Bernard would jon am SP gwncrnment

youth’ “movements” under | iy ihe decision of the Charac workers” movement of signifi Tapieapepenreprencur ofthe and hiv ist TV broadcasts were State control is @ vital instru- | government to drop propor- cami changes. During the elec: Righard Branson Ine, ‘

ment in ensuring that there is | tional representation (because fond there was NO The Communist Party shoul! "However, the wera vate for fo resistance to plans to get | they assumed a Miterrand nd importam regain a few potcentage pw ihe far tt wav stove ts $0 and

Pattiotic: Peo:

Ble's Front, which organised the working class and other | defeat) will now further weaken strikes continued in Key (a- — furtly fromm the far te iso akla put othe cools those sections of the disbond- less welloff sectors — of | the right isc Fes ike Chausson (engincet- forate (Lutte Cusriere is tot Seve Wl aevaes the CP scare @d_-non-Communist postwar Hangarian society to pick up | “The two mainstream conser. ing) and Michelin Standing) and pact Pocsue of Wah se C1 deg sin ts par to accept the the tab for the $18. bilion | vative partes, Barre’s UDF and But the bosscs are sanguine. the nature Teplarice shoe that there w silyl Soviet hegemony and the foreign debt run up by the | Chirac's RPR, are standing ina One of them imervicwed ina elections fase historic recompostien of leading role of the Communist country’s rulers. ‘common front, but they are sill, post-lection survey, stated: “Thi will aot relieve its crisis. the fe

Labour Briefing No, 64 Juné &th-21st 1988 page 16

Benn-Heffer Campaig

The Campaign gets

going!

Tony Benn and Eric Heffer

Report compiled by Mark Seaton

tracted about half the delegates present — 2 big breakthrough ina right wing dominated region. 180 ‘delegates packed a meeting at the NUPE Conference.

Members’ Room. Town Hall, London SW1.

paigns are already engaged in Serious publicity and paltical ebste and others are just get ting together.

‘A meeting of representatives "Pete Cooper_of_the NCU

‘London for Socialism

Scotland Alex Falconer 23 Church St, Inverkeithing, Fife KY11 1LH 0383 419330, 0383 418617 Ann Henderson 8 Annette St, Govan Hil, Glasgow G42 041 424 3727 North West John Nicholson 33 Birchall Lane, Longsight, Manchester M13 061 225 5356 | Northern Bill Dodds 12 Norwood Avenue, Heaton, Newcastle NEG | SEA 091 265 6971 | Yorkshire (South) | Annette Taberner | St Ronan’s Road, Sheffield S7 1DX 0742 | 583502 Yorkshire (West, North & Humberside} Jim Wilson 8 Heathfield Place, Halifax, HX3 OBX 0422 | 66a98 West Midlands (Birmingham & West) Phil Paxton 26 Antrobus Road, Handsworth, Birmingham 821 9NZ 021 551 4969, 021 507 0850 | West Midlands (Coventry & East) Pete McNally 51 Ashby Close, Coventry CV3 2LN 0203 28884, 0203 454338 East Midlands Tom Vallins clo Labour Club, Saltergate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire 0246 39077 Wales Gareth Howells 16 Garnwen Terrace, Nantyffylian, Maesteg, Mid Glam CF34 OET 0656 730457 South West Meg Crack 43 Paulton Road, Windmill Hill, Bristol 3.0272 661672 London Joan Twelves 3 Blades House, Kennington Oval, London SE11 01 582 2955 Southern Geoff Cutting 6 St George’s Cres, Cippenham, Slough SL1 5PA 06286 62926 Eastern | Jon Lansman | clo Jeremy Corbyn MP, House of Commons, | London SW1A OAA 219 6173

(room booked in Jeremy Corbyn’s name] on June 27th at 7130pm. Plesse make sure

ty planned for July 25th in tt

ington Town Hall Besides our general leaflet (which finks the themes of the

‘appealing to them ta take part in the branch ballots schedul ed for September — and of Course to vote for Benn and Hotter. We slso hope to

Manchester Withington, Birkenhead. etc). Others ore Planning events to ask ail can-

Five constituencies were represented at a meeting set ting up @ Berkshire-wide Benn Hefter campaign. There was Giscussion about limiting the ‘campaign to intemal Labour Party structures, but the over

sim to get speakers to wade Union branches, and to pro duce leaflets directed at parcular groups of workers and ‘workplaces explaining why the Benn-Heffer campaign is important to them.

Tf was also agreed that the Campaign would be the first step in an ongoing effort to co- ‘ordinate the left in the local Parties.

the candidates in Reading and Slough later in the year Con: tact D. Warren, c/o 80 Royal Avenue, Calcot. Reading. Berkshire

eHeading South-west Tony Benn will be speaking in Exeter on September Ist at the Barnfield Theatre on Barn field Road at Spm.

For further details of the Benn-Heffer campaign in the

Fight, fight and fight again!

Continued from front page book Labour’s Future that some people in the Labour Party want to abandon socialism and accept that the capitalist system, with some minor changes, is here to stay.

There is not one word in the document about wor with the trade unions, It says it is essenti

that government agencies and Local Authorities work in partnership with firms, the CBI, trade associations,

and chambers of commerce “‘so that the process of policy-making and industrial development is one of

‘Apparently, this means concerted action between capitalist firms, without the trade unions!

The whole document is obsessed with competition, the hallmark of the capitalist system. Surely, as socialists, we believe in production for use, not for profit. That concept is now being abandoned and competition is being placed at the centre of Labour's policy.

‘Some competition in a publicly-owned socialist economy would need to be considered, but what is being proposed there is competition without any fundamental change in society and that, in essence, is accepting Thatcher's agenda.

The document talks of a new approach to public ownership. A new approach is one thing, but abandonment is surely something else.

Instead of genuine public ownership, we are offered the “public interest company” and “strengthened regulating authorities which will have the power to ‘monitor and enforce those standards.” The standards are “service to the consumer, investment, pricing policy and other measures of economic performance.””

The document does admit: “In some cases a change in ownership or control as well as regulation may prove necessary if the consumer and economic interest is to be fully safeguarded.” Big deal.

Forgive me, but 1 thought public ownership under democratic control (as advocated in Clause IV of the Party constitution) was essential to get rid of class society and the privileges that arise from it, and that it was the means by which we could transform an undemocratic capitalist society into a democratic socialist one. B

The document talks about Sweden. Sweden may be better than Tory Britain, but it is still not a truly socialist society.

Today, with the tremendous advances of mo technology, Britain with a publicly owned socialist ‘economy can, together with other European countries, create a Europe-wide socialist society.

When the document talks of “developing a new agenda for European co-operation’, it is words without context. The real issues are not seriously raised.

‘Who is to own and control the means of production, distribution, and exchange? What are we to do about the monopolies and the multinationals? Who has power, and how do we transfer it from capitalist companies to the people?

1 call upon members of the Labour Party to oppose this document and to defeat it at Conference.

The truth is that after the policy review of 1957, Labour did not win the 1959 General Election. Gaitskellite reformism, with its compromise on basic socialist issues, was a disaster.

Today, we are hearing the old Gaitskellite argument in, It is the argument of retreat and compromise, of acceptance of the capitalist status quo masquerading as realism. The answer to it is to relate the argument for socialist policies to the lives of the people.

For example, if we want safety at sea, we need public ownership of our ships, ferries, docks and shipbuilders. Had we had genuine socialist public ownership in this area we would not have had the Zeebrugge disaster.

We must advocate People before Profits, and explain why and how public ownership can make that idea a reality.

Published by Labour Briefing, PO Box 457, London SW2 SUZ Printed by East West Graphic (TU), London