Labour Briefing no. 66

INSIDE:

@ Feature on South Africa

e@CPSU Congress

@EETPU suspension

@Lesbian mothers

@ Harry Perkins — Take the Power!!

UNITEAGAINST APARTHEID!

Southern Africa is locked in struggle between the supremacists and its black people, so oppressed by apartheid.

© The Botha regime has renewed its state of emergency for ancther two years, after banning 18 legal anti—apartheid organisations and after producing their Labour Relations Amendment Bill — designed to savagely curb ities of black democratic trade unions.

kiso and his comrades continues, while Nelson Mandela remains in jail and the Sharpevitle Six face hanging, condemned by the false doctrine of “common purpose”, intended to deter all demonstrators,

‘Torture and detentions continue unabated with detainees like Zwelakhe Sisulu and Raymond Suttner beginning their second year of incarceration.

@Boer conscripts and their surrogates, UNITA and RENAMO, invade and devastate Angola and ‘Mozambique.

© Abroad, Dulcie September is tempts on Albie Sachs and others.

The people are fighting staunchly on against the largest army in Africa which has the backing of the West.

©A Namibian general strike has opposed Koevoet. New united action by COSATU and NACTU roused a general strike in South Africa this June. It was against the anti—trade union legislation, supported by three million people and cost the economy R500 million over three days.

‘@Armed conflict by MK and APLA caused 800 explosions during the past

irdered with like at-

inspiring. negotiations from which Namibian independence may emerge. ©The Botswanans, in repelling a military killer squad, captured two of its members. ‘©The Mozambicans are ousting RENAMO bandits from siezed territory.

The world is responding to this magnificent

struggle. The Soviet Union continues to support liberation. Condemnation of the Botha regime as a terrorist state has become an issue in the US presidential election.

EEC members are threatening further rigorous sanctions and diplomatic withdrawal if the Sharpeville Six are hanged. In Holland, Shell petrol stations are being blown up.

‘apartheid in 1987. Come out ‘nd jomn the battle against apartheid this year!

Alone Thatcherite Britain opposes sanctions still. Mrs Thatcher, who has dubbed the ANC as “terrorist”, is preparing to meet Savimbi, a hardened reactionary terrorist, leader of the apartheid puppet organisation UNITA in Angola.

But the British people detest apartheid well—nigh universally. What is needed here is broad, united, non—sectarian mass action in solidarity with the South. African liberation struggle.

The newly adopted policy of the NUJ shows the way. Support the Mandela Marchers! Soin

the June 17th Rally! Build an enormous democratic Anti-Apartheid movement!

In particular, join the Non—Stop Picket outside the South African Embassy in Trafalgar Square, which has endured for over 800 days and nights, calling for Mandela to be free and for the closure of the racist embassy.

Release Mandela, Mothopeng, Mayekiso! Save the Sharpeville Apartheid! Amandla ngaWethu!

By DAVID KITSON

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Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 2

Campaign Round-up

Airline Attack

‘Miltary forces “guarding” the Gult

US terrorists out of the Gulf!

290 civilians dead —

Shot from the sky by By Mike Marqusce state-of-the-art US Haringey Labour weaponry — and the Briefing Commander of the Joint

Chiefs (the USA's top

military officer) called oe

lamenting the murder of innocent

‘proper defensive ~ civilians, most bourgeois action”

We call it an indefensible atrocity.

the US isn’t there to referee @ contest between intransigent opponents. It

there to protect the economic interests of an imperialist world order which it dominates.

As long as Britain remains inside a US-

‘And Wwe lay the blame where it belongs: with the US imperialists and their European allies.

‘Thatcher's readiness to justify this outrage simply places her in league with the murderers. Can it get any clearer? Thatcher and Reagan are the world’s terrorists-in-chief.

‘An “accident” resulting from an impetuous deci- ‘sion taken on the spot by an officer under pressure? Rubbish! ©

Even if we accept the dubious story about confusion over the size of the radar blips, the fact is that this man was on the spot and under pressure because it is US policy to impose its will in the Gulf by military might, a policy backed up by felentiess anti-Iranian propaganda.

At the end of his days, Reagan remains, despite the Moscow jaunt, an immediate threat to the safe: ty and survival of human beings everywhere.

Disability Alliance Another Tory cover-up

‘The Disability Alliance — a

A spokesperson said: “It ie

Recciion of ter 100 Seooly enutg tats part organisations of and Such vital interest to people disabled people — has with disobiliies is | being

immediate "2ated in this manner. itis no

publication of the DHSS's

The survey confirms ine rene that there are iow six Gther tssbilty orgenicatons people with have argued for many yore:

disabilities in Britain and ‘that many of them are liv- _sistently underestimated both ing in poverty, swelled by

‘an estimated 500, Beople who lost out in the Poverty smongst the disabled government's recent social

Security changes.

The Disability Alliance accused the government of deliberately delaying publica tion of the survey results.

Disability Alliance, 25 Denmark Street, London W2 8NJ, tol. 01240 0808.

Taken from Disability Alliance press release

Viraj Mendis Stop Douglas Hurd

signing my death warrant!

Not unexpectedly, the Appeal Court ruled against me on June 17th.

‘On the same day, Douglas Hurd, in the tradition of British “fair play”, appealed for common Sense to prey

“I said that I would abide by anything the court said and I hope that he (Viraj) will too. The next step should be for him and. his friends to draw the right conclusions. He has fought it right the way through. He has put his case in the British courts, he has had 2 fair hearing, and now he should 50.”

Only weeks ago, Douglas Hurd spoke out against hanging expressing his concern that ‘hocent people would be Killed. Wha a Ryans, es gute

repared to enter the Church Force, drag me out and hand me cover to the death squads in Sri

Tanks. Is this not signing my death warrant? Douglas Hurd's “fair play”?

relies oa a court hearing that neither I nor my barrister could ‘tend. It was a hearing. that ‘efused (0 take into account any Of the evidence concerning the anger I face in Sri Lanka, or the 15 years I have lived in Bri- ‘ain — the susbstance of my

Douglas Hurd and Timothy Renton dishonesly imply that the Appeal was a full caring of ‘my case. In this way they take refuge behind "the Court

By VIRAJ MENDIS

Tm this way the Home Office and the courts are collaborating, Ina clever deception,

We have of course petitioned the House of Lords for Leave to Appeal. But we realise the nar ‘row terins of reference will app Iy to the Lords as well.

Before the Appeal Timothy Renton stated that if the Appeal went, against me, the deporta tion “would be effected as soon a8 could be done.”"

Now, however, Renton and Herd are saying that they will not deport me to Sri Lanka until after the appeal to the House of Lords.

However, Renton adds: “We

‘who when Hable tobe detained Under the Ummigration Acts has taken refuge in Church

Saving that they reserve the right to take me out of sane. tuary, But sot deport me t0 Sti Lanka until the House of Lords, ‘cans that we have fought then toa standsil onthe fase ofS Cake

'AL the same time by “rese ing the right to dealt” me i 4am in the Church, they show us ‘iat they are not willing. to tolerate us here, 2 a beacon for * Gor sancutary har br

Sancutary has” brought the issues of Immigration into the public tye and. onto the ‘mainstream “politcal agenda ‘With the new Tmmigration Bil Salting to Become ln ater this ‘ont this publicity i 3 hinGrance’ (0. the Home. Office There has never been an effec: tive fightback against” any lnnmigration Act, and this Acs the harshest and most far ‘eaching of all.

The largest part by far of the ew legisiation concerss, the iSsue of polygamy. Ten sections Of the new Act ae given over 10 Preventing the settlement Of

Fighting Deportations

New campaigns start work in Manchester

Viraj Mendis is not the only person in Manchester fighting the immigration laws.

Tinw Ojpwokangs and her six children are under threat of deportation simply because of the breakdown of her marriage. Tinu and her children have been setled in {this country for nearly four years

Her campaign meets every Tuesday, 7pm. at the Abasindi Co-op, St Mary's St. Moss Side, Manchester Mis. Write {o this address or phone 061 226 6873 for further information.

Paul Ho came to this country from Hong Kong at the age of 16, in 1979, He has also set up 2 defence campaign ‘against his deportation order.

‘The Campaign meets every three weeks in Manchester ‘Town Hall, on July 6rh, 27th,

“The Friday March on July 22nd, at Spm from Piccadilly Gardens, is organised jointly by MDC and Paul Ho Defence Campaizn.

Paul's Campaign can be contacted through the Immigration Aid Unit, O61 234 3394,

Francis and Moji Okanlami

By Finn Jensen Manchester

‘are also fighting deportation They came to Britain seven years ago and have a two year old daughter

Francis is working for the Gity Council Education

Department and his trade union, NALGO, now supports his campaign.

"The campaign meets cvery Thursday, 12 30pm, atthe NALGO Manchester branch office, 1st floor, Eliot House, Lioyd Street. 1 can be ‘ootacted on O61 834 6568 These four campaigns alone show the need for an" immigration Ag Unit in Manchester —to give legal ‘advice and t0 help ctu Oa une 35500 people june 24st 300 lobbied the Labour Councillors in Manchester for such an Immigration Ais Unit. The {abour Group made commitment fo provide the funding atthe Gcccber City

The VMDC are’ launching a weekend of action against the few Immigration Act on July Muslims in particular, Home 39th and 36ih. We are hoping Office figures reveal that only unite the widest range of forces 25 polygamous wives were ad- {9 oppose this legislation, ‘mitted in 1986. There is one “° At the same time as opposing Clause in this Act for every 2.8 the ‘Act we will be laying. the wives basis to defend the vast number

The real point of these sec- of people affected by it—ifand tions i to whip up sufficient When it comes fully into foree. racist hysteria to guarantee the "This is because with no rights Passing of, the entire Act to appeal, and therefore no time ‘without hindrance fo siart a campaign, it is Sanc-

‘The Act, on the other hand, tuary that offers the chance 10 sives extra privileges to all EEC delay the deportation procedure Rationals — giving them the and win time to campaign for Fight to bring their spouses, the right to stay Parents, husbands, fiances and °" "To this end we are organising Children a Conference on September

Finally, the Act removes the 24.3sth at the Church, of the ight 10 ‘appeal on “compas Ascension titled “"VMDC. and slonate “grounds” 10. an Sanctuary — Building unity In “Independent” Adjudicator ‘against deporiations ‘against a Home Office decision. “Ir the Home Office mansge 10 The only exception is people defeat VMDC it will strike a who have lived here for seven mortal blow 0. the Sanctuary years. The removal ofthe rights movement. So. we must to contest deportations isa pressurise the government 10 direct attack on the right to feopea my case so that all the

evidence ‘can’ be looked at

Viraj Mendis

subsequent wives ina polygamous marriage. “Although this is an attack on

In order 10 accelerate the Without the limitations of an exdeportation procedure, tremely narrow terms of overstaying has now been made reference.

‘We need to build our weekly Friday evening Marches to the Sanctuary. We need every pro-

person has lived here seven years they are Hable to arrest

and prosecution. bressive person and organisa ‘The Court can detain and tion to participate in the cam: recommend ‘deportation paign. If this is done we can give

without the Home Office having made a decision. All black peopile are lable to be stopped and Questioned on their immigration Fluime Centre, Jackson ‘Cres. Siatus — in effect all black peo- cent, Hulme, Manchester MIS ple are being criminalised SAL. oo o00000000000sR0000000000 ‘The VMDC has organised a weekend of action on July 29-30th. Please notify them if you can attend.

‘Accommodation is available if requested in advance, as is further publicity — leaflets and posters in various. languages.

Contact the VMDC, North Hulme Centre, Jackson Ct cent, Hulme, Manchester M15 SAL, 061 234 3168,

Programme for Weekend of Action

Friday July 29th 12-2pm PICKET Aldine House (Immigration Appeals Office), Bridge Street, Salford. ‘Spm Assemble for regular VMDC MARCH, Piccadilly Gardens 7.45pm RALLY in the Church of the Ascension, Hulme Saturday July 30th ‘Qam-6pm All STREET RALLY with music, theatre, speeches, etc. St Anne's Square 8-11pm SOCIAL with bands and sound system, Church of the Ascension

‘The VMDC issues a Campaign bulletin. The June 24th issue includes detailed news on the Appeal Rejection. and more details about future activities of the Viraj's ‘Campaign. It gives the news that Rajwinder Singh has won his right to stay after a year's sanctuary in Bradford.

‘Thatcher a well-earned defeat,

Contact YMDC, c/o North

It gives details of the September Conference, and includes an interesting “‘Stop Press” item about the Home Office.

‘They have denied to MPs and the UN High Commission that weekly records are kept on the fate of people seeking political asylum (a withholding of information contrary to the Geneva Convention, and the only example of this in the EEC).

‘Yet spotted circulating in the Home Office and to immigration staff is this very information!

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 3

Editorial

Kinnock in Disneyland

Undoubtedly, we in Labour Briefing inhabit what the Party Leader derides as the ““ultra-leftist Disneyland of general strikes and armed insurrection to bring down the capitalist system’”

Check your history, Neil. So far, the only way capitalism has been brought down is through such unpleasant but nonetheless real phenomena as “general strikes and armed insurrections’.

Of course, this latest attack on the left was just the usual bloated Kinnock rhetoric. His technique has become familiar. Caricature your ‘opponent, subject him or her to a verbal barrage, then huff and puff as if you were Mike Tyson scoring a 90-second heavyweight knock-out.

Such delusions of gandeur are especially pathetic in a political Mickey Mouse who inhabits @ special Disneyland of his own — 2 fantasy world where the baubles of office are mistaken for the instruments of power.

Kinnock says we must “recognise the result of the only polis that count — elections” and accused us of not being interested in getting into power. Here Neil’s wacky world has gone really topsy-turvy.

@ it is Kinnock (or his mentors} who have lost us the last three elections.

®t is Kinnock (and his allies) who spurn or obstruct every chance of building a workers’ movement — and a Labour Party — capable of gaining real power, and using it with a will.

But pity the poor man. Denzil Davies, it turns out, was only the iceberg’s tip. Polls have shown that four out of ten Labour MPs are closet plotters, convinced that Neil “something for nothing’ Kinnock must be ditched if the Party is to survive the next election.

His problem — leaving aside, for the moment,

TABOUR

TAKE THE POWE!

his political treachery — is his sheer incompetence. He is a failure even in his own terms. What greater idiocy could there be than to condemn Labour's unilateralism as a policy of “something for nothing’ only to turn around a week later and embrace precisely that policy — and then expect the voters to approve of it?

Even Kinnock's closest admirers are now recoiling as they realise, at long last, that his deviousness, his dishonesty, his unprincipled ‘opportunism — in short, all that is most detested in forked-tongued, two-faced, vote-grubbing politicians — simply does not go down well with the electorate.

“Kamikaze Kinnock’’ we called him before the last election, and we've been proved right many times over. His best friends ought to be whispering in his ear, telling him to go now, before he does any more damage. But maybe, like Denzil Davies, they can't get close enough.

It must be lonely for Mickey Mouse in Disneyland.

Throw out the “enemy within”

At last the TUC has woken up and suspended from membership Eric Hammond’s EETPU.

How ironic the timing of the suspension is, though. The EETPU has been cocking a snook at the TUC for years now. Not only has it broken every tenet in the book of working class principles, particularly in terms of its own internal democraey, it organised perhaps the most vicious single union deal ever at Wapping. To conspire in the sacking of 5,000 workers to gain employment for your own members is just about as far as you can go in scabbing on the working class es a whole.

‘The timing may be ironic — but perhaps it is not surprising. The TUC has stood by and

watched Thatcher undermine, with round upon round of anti-trade union legislation, every one of the principles the trade union movement was established to defend: the right to organise, strike, and strike in solidarity with other workers — the right to fight the attacks of the ruling class with working class measures.

The TUC capitulated so far, it took Arthur Scargill during the great Miners’ Strike to remind them: “you don’t cross picket lines!”’

But it was only when the EETPU underr the most basic of principles of a single union confederation — that you don’t poach other unions’ members — and refused, this time, to obey a TUC directive to desist, that the TUC was forced to act.

But the EETPU is not just Eric Hammond's organisation. There are many militants in the union who have battled for years against the dictatorial, bureaucratic leadership.

They are now making a last attempt to change Hammond's direction. Should this fail, they will be working to bring out as many other militants as possible, and find a framework for remaining in the TUC and isolating Hammond's new gang.

This is the task of EETPU militants. There is 2 further task which remains for Labour Party activists to accomplish. Once the EETPU is expelled from the TUC, there must be no countenancing of their continued affiliation to the Labour Party. Such a course would be to open the Party to the near complete capitulation on basic principles which the TUC leadership has already made.

It is outrageous that we have allowed the bosses to organise a fake union in the midst of ‘our movement for so long already. Still, the “enemy within” is nearly out. We must make our belated stand against business unionism and its Thatcherite ideology — and drive them from the whole movement once and for all.

ed

Economy

After Thatcher’s yuppie boom:

Here comes the Slump!

May's £1.2 _ billion boomis becoming clear —a balance of trade deficit — use influx of imports and the gap between exports sharply rising inflation. The and imports — fsa result is bound to be higher

interest rates, less borrowing from the banks, less consumer spending, and less investment: in other words — Unemployment will start to rise again, the axe will fall yet again on public spending. The Thatcher-Lawson boom of 1987-88, like The economic mini-boom the “Barber boom" of of the last two years, which 1972-73, has been unmasked reduced unemployment (or as a flash in the pan based atleast unemployment on easy credit. statistics) by half a million was based on a flood of

vate credit. Privast amounts of extra

money, based on bank lending, poured into the economy and fuelled a consumer boom among the middle class and the better-off Sections of the working class. It fostered the illusion that the British economy had “turned the corner’ and helped Thatcher win the 1987 General Election.

Now the price for the

revealing snapshot of the real underlying trends in the British economy.

By Phil Hearse Islington North CLP

Depression

‘The prospect of a depression in the British economy is reinforced by the gloomy position in all the advanced capitalist countries. Britain is going to be especially bad- 'y hit by the aftermath of last October’s stockmarket crash.

British capitalism, with 2 declining industrial base, is heavily dependent on financial services (the City) and

foreign trade. But as the world economy slows down, as less financial business is done, British capitalism is bound to fare badly.

Stagnant

The real situation, of stagnant investment, ‘of industrial production barely

above 1979 levels, will become increasingly apparent.

‘The notion that Thatcher — by hammering the unions, through privatisation, through the creation of an “enterprise culture” — hhas stemmed the crisis of British capitalism — will be

the price provoked? pressure.

‘Bankruptcies will in-

exposed as groundless crease, and all the Tory fidronsense dling of the figures won't Gisguise a major rise in

Oppressed unemployment. Attacks on welfare benefits will be

‘The working class and the redoubled. In other ‘words

oppressed are going to be asked to pay the price for this new crisis. Sections of workers who have seen their living standards rise in recent years are now going to find themselves under severe

— an intensification of at-

tacks on all sections of the ‘working class is om the way.

‘The trend towards slump is a huge challenge to Labour. For two years we have seen Messrs Kinnock

The "yuppie boom” Jed to building of new, — ike these flats ia East London. Last October's stock market crash saw £10,000 knocked off £90,000 fats on the iste of Dogs. Will the capitalist systom that created the “yuppies” be the one that destroys them ~~ and gll the speculative building they have

“luxury”, housing by the private sector in the South

the autumn and winter months — capitalism in Britain is fon the down and down, not the up and up. No amount of “Next” catalogues and “Body Shop” stores can ‘conceal this truth

‘Thatcherism isn't working. And only @ socialist plan, based on produ Investment, common ownership, and workers" control, can Solve the crisis in the in” terests of the working class and the oppressed,

and Gould mesmerised by Tory economic “success” and increasingly enchanted by the glorification of capitalism and the market.

Assumption

The underlying assumption was that Thatcherism was working — and making the majority of people more

prosperous. But the truth will become

more and more obvious in

aa

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 4

Trade Union Briefing

‘There is a misconception perpetrated in the media that the reason the EETPU face suspension from the TUC is its involve ment in single-union nostrike de: Im fact, the right wing mavericks’ face suspension for using particular single tunfon deals to destroy existing trade union structures and to poach other unions’ members in breach of the Bridtington agreement.

By Alan Thornett Trade Union Briefing

‘The EETPU refuses to accept a TUC diestive rai ing them to withdraw from two such deals — one signed with the Japanese electronics firm Orion near Port Talbot and the other with the haulage firm Cristian Salvensen, based in Warrington. Both these deals would involve members. of ‘other unions being forced to join the EETPU.

The Bridlington agreement was adopted by the ‘TUC in 1939 and is designed to control _inter-union membership wars. Under its terms, the transfer of ‘members from one union to another can only take place ‘with the agreement of both unions concerned.

Since then, Bridlington has been central to the functioning of the TUC and has been used as a matter of course by TUC unions to settle inter-union disputes and to recover members poached by other unions.

Tn fact the BETPU has used Bridlington to claim members back many times. ‘The most famous recent case ‘was Sean Gerhaty and the Fleet Street electricians, who tried to leave the EETPU and join SOGAT in 1982, after they were refused the right to take solidarity ac tion in support of the NHS workers).

‘At Orion Electronics the TGWU had recruited 38 workers out of a workforce

TUC suspend EETPU at last

OF

AND HIS SCABS OUT WAPPINGE

The enemy within is nearly out!

‘most flagrant act of

sabotage ever perpetrated by 38 so-called trade union — conspiracy with the bosses to sack 5,000 members of another union, and employ members of its ‘own union in their place — on vastly reduced wages and conditions.

of 100. They have already applied to management {or fecognition when the EETPU signed a single-union agreement in return for a nostrike clause.

'No one in the workforce was involved and it was signed over the head of the TGWU. Those workers who Signed up for the TOWU are now required by the comany to Join the EETPU.

in the cate of Salvensea, the whole workforce was tnionised — into TGWU. GMB, and USDAW bran” ches — when the EETPU signed single-union deals with management covering {to Salvensen depots.

‘The issue of single union deals has been the subject of ‘much discussion in the TUC. Norman Wiis direcly supported the single union noStrike deat negotiated by the AEU at Dundee and made his famous trip to Detroit to plead with Ford managetent co accept it

There is therefore no opposition from him — oF the TUC hierarchy — to single tinion deals in principle.

"At the same time the TUC Special Review Body has been trying to find a formula to take the heat out of the Situation. They have made the distinction between there is a8 yet no workforce, and. existing sites where

workers and other unions are already involved.

They have now produced a code of practice (after a Jong wrangle over whether it should be advisory or mandatory) which will be put t0 TUC Congress in October. This code will not, however, resolve the basic problem.

The term “single union deals" as used in the present debate does not refer tc ‘workplaces or industries in which the workers were all originally recruited by a single union, or where there

In this case, the union convinces the workforce to Join and then concludes a deal with management to recognise it as the single representative union in the ‘workplace.

Agreement

What is at ssue now i the type of agreement negotiated via so-called “beauty contests" between competing unions with the workforce (which may or ‘may not exist at the time) completely excluded from

to recognise it as the single union; thereafter, the

choice but to join it.

There is some hypocrisy on the part of some of those attacking Hammond. In his

‘arrangements. He cites six examples involving the TGWU, eight involving the GMB, and five involving the AEU.

Eg

The fact that the EETPU’s suspension and possible expulsion arises from a violation of Bridlington (rather than the single union stitch-ups) does not make it any the less significant. Indeed, the EETPU Should have ‘been expelled for its role at Wapping.

‘Once expelled (rather than suspended) it will not only bbe outside the TUC but outside the Bridlington agree- ‘ment. Other unions will then be free to recruit EETPU members —and they should take full advantage of this freedom.

‘A recent conference of

150 militants from the EETPU, organised by the EETPU’ broad left grouping Flashlight, decided to fight for a “*no” vote in the ballot currently being conducted to endorse Hamond’s position. This is an important first step, but the key resolution declared:

“If the Leadership of the EETPU presists in pursuing a policy of splitting the TUC and setting up a rival organisation then we will seek to find ways and means of remaining within the TUC as an organised block.”

Militants

In other words, militants in the EETPU will resign and take groups of members into other TUC unions, some of which have already begun to make appropriate arrangements. Some unions have considered establishing special branches for ex: members of the EETPU which (theoretically anyway) could be wound up if the EETPU found its way back

10 the TUC — possibly through merger with the AEU.

In reality, the situation will be more complicated. Sections of the EETPU will join other TUC unions organised in. the same ‘workplace. Detailed arrangements will have to follow actual practice.

‘A further suggestion coming out of the Flashlight conference was that EETPU members wishing to stay inside the TUC band together {0 form a new union which could apply for TUC recognition.

Incidentally, the Stalinists

at the Flashlight conference. The CPGB argued that it would be ‘wrong to leave the EETPU ‘whilst the Morning Star peo-

ple argued that it was necessary. Some said they could and would bring out Blocks of membership into other unions.

‘Now that the EETPU has ‘been suspended, the que tion of the union’s: affili tion to the Labour Party is ‘on the agenda. If the EETPU is expelled it cannot remain affiliated to the Labour Party — which invites affiliates from TUCrecognised uni

The problem will be that Kinnock’s Leadership _ will not_want to get rid of the EETPU, They are loyal supporters of the right wing in policy terms; and in terms of ‘MPs, Many right wing MPs rely on votes from local right ‘wingers who find their way into the EETPU and from their onto GCs to win their reselections. The new procedures may make life more comfortable for right wing MPs — but can they afford to lose these extra votes?

+ Commitment

Labour Party members should not hesitate to push for a firm commitment for the Labour Party to derecognise the EETPU if it

spelled from the TUC,

now, with resolutions to establish CLP. positions,

with an instruction that of: ficers should write in to Walworth Road immediately. the expulsion is announced.

‘The subject is worth considering for amendments to Labour Party Conference resolutions. There will also need to be a campaign to send emergency resolutions to Conference.

‘We did not admit the scab UDM into the Labour Party; there is no earthly reason why the bosses’ EETPU should remain.

PHOTO: Andiew Wiard (Report)

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 5

The 40th anniversary of the founding of the NHS

both a time to celebrate and.a time to protest.

‘We celebrate that for 40 years the basic principles of the NHS have remained roughly chronic underfunding from successive governments.

We protest because the ‘Thatcher regime now has thinly veiled plans to carve up the National Health Ser vies and sell it off to private profit-making corporations.

‘During its 40 years the NHS has soldiered on with a number of serious defi ciencies, which have not arisen as a result of the system but as a result of its continual underfunding.

This long term cash shortage has led to the disgustingly low pay that virtually all health workers endure, It has also brought about the closure of wards and hospitals, soaring waiting lists, failure to keep apace with developments in medical technology, and the grow. ing demands of an aging society.

This cash shortage sees most Health Authorities in debt, and many hospitals ‘only able to survive vie charitable donations — 3 tragic return to Victorian values,

For those who can afford it the private sector appears to be an attractive alternative to the queues of the NHS, thus we have a twottiered health system created — one for That cher's constituency and ‘the cash-starved NHS for ‘the rest of us.

This government and the business interests it represents intend to ac-

present!

Trade Union Briefing

celerate this creation of 2 ‘two tier health system by starving the NHS of even more money.

‘So much for 2 40th thday present!

The 1988 pay award for nurses was aimed at stem: ming the growing tide of public discontent at the state of the NHS. However, this totally inadequate and divisory stunt is akin to using a sticking plaster on a gaping wound

A nurse is stilt paid far Jess than other workers in comparable professions ‘28. are all other health workers in their desperate ly low paid jobs.

Demoralisation and resignations are__now endemic. Morale is at an all time low Give healthworkers the pay, ‘and the resources health deserves, and this would change immediately.

Our society faces a simple choice. Either it is ‘super-profit for = handful of multinational corporations, who are sitting like vultures waiting to pick the bones of the NHS; or itis a properly funded, universal health service for all, free at the point of use.

This government has the money to spend. There

NCU Annual Conference Delegates go on the

offensive

Eighteen months ago British Telecom was hit by its first national strike, provoked by “flexibility deals.

‘Three weeks of industrial action resulted in stalemate.

Since the return to work, however, management has been running circles around the union. — disregarding long-established agreements, refusing to negotiate, turn: ing the screw at every ‘opportunity

BT now wants to decentralise the ce an rode dermis the atonal struc tures and unity of the NCU.

‘The demoraisation of the membership has allowed the tinion leadership “10 "become Somplaceat and weak. But at the recent NCU Annial Coaference, many of their central reports’ were thrown out and Teplaced with commitments 0

‘Ceatly, conference delegates swere on the offensive, In major ‘debates over pay, contract fabour, jobs. new technology

By London NCU Briefing supporters

(the “Broad Strategy"), and opposition to YTS, the Executive's conciliatory approach met strong opposition from activists,

‘Consider the new round of pay. negotations. The Ex: ecutive’s proposed claim was ‘wrapped in vague generalities land. open to the lowest interpretation by management Delegates responded by calling for 10% with no strings, to be backed ‘with a ballot for industrial action if no offer was forthcoming by the end of July. ‘Strong stuff!

‘For many delegates, the main items Were the numerous resolu tions calling for the resignation fof the General Secretary, John Golding. Following lurid tales inthe News of the World he was accused of bringing the union {nto disrepute and had lost any credibility as the union’s leader. ims Spetime “hatches for the Labour Party right wing stood alone as the NEC sup ported “demands Tor his

was Lewson’s £2 billion budget hand-out to the rich, money from the pro: fits ‘of the nation’s North Sea oll. This money must be diverted into the NHS {and the other desperately underfunded public ser vices) and not squandered on a futile arms race.

Despite its handicaps the NHS hes been of great benefit to the people of this country for the last 40 years, Its services must now be preserved, expand: ed and improved to meet the growing needs of the society it serves and to which we all belong.

‘The London Health Workers Co-ordinating Committee makes three demands on the 40th anniversary of the NHS:

‘@A fully-funded pay rise for all NHS staff in line with current pay claims.

‘@An immediate 50% in. crease in funding for the NHS to bring up spending to the level of other Western European countries.

‘© The right of all workers to strike in the defence of their Health Service.

From LHCC leaflet to. mark the 40th snnivesary of the NHS.

Contact LHCC clo Andy Philips, Union Office, Royat Free. 01 794 0500 ext_ 4146.

In contrast to the isolated Golding, Benn and Livingstone addressed 2 packed mecting of the Broad Left. As appropriate, they made only passing feferences tothe General Secretary and concentrated instead on the bankrupt policy

‘ven though the majority voted for him to pack his bags.

‘During the week, privatisation of the Girobank ‘ras anounced. The NCU as ‘early 5,000 members involved and an emergency debate pleds34 the whole union to outright

Opposition, including industrial ‘action, if necessary.

For’ the large minority of women in the NCU, Conference ‘witnessed a major development ‘when overwhelming suppor tras given to 2 new campaign Simed at involving more women ‘embers and launching a drive Seainst sexual harassment.

"A few years ago, this subject sould not have been discussed. Such is progress, albeit at a snail's pace.

June 29th P&O demo in London

Supporters bring the dispute

PrOTO: tessa Herbert

back to P&O

So where’s the NUS dispute with P&O gone? No, it's not been in the news recently. But is the strike stil going? YES! Despite regular picketing at Dover, despite the many seafarers engaged in touring the country speaking to labour movement meetings, the media is Keeping quiet about the P&O dispute. The more people think that the strike is over, or fading, the less keen labour ‘movement organisations will be to organise solidarity ac-

following day They talked

throughout the

were ingui

chaps!

port Groups

some of the Dover strikers discussed on the telephone the possibility of staging a ‘ar blockade of the port the

to drive up to the port, and abandon their cars.

The next day arrived — and with it came an all 100 predictable echo of Miners’ Strike. The police were out in force. Police roads blocks were set_up

cars, and some roads were completely sealed. ‘Strikers travelling in cars

their destinations. Nice to know you were listening in,

To counteract the silence, the London Seafarers Sup-

to the P&O Headquarters. Banners from NUS branches were joined by others from the London trade union movement.

‘A. noisy demonstration was held outside the P&O offices, to remind the company that they can't ignore the dispute in Kent,

about plans

the Further speeches were ven — including speeches from strikers, from printworkers, and’ from Dennis Skinner MP.

‘The strikers aré determin ‘ed to continue their action in support of safe conditions for workers and passengers, Support is needed from the labour movement to do this,

Since the TUC and Labour Party — launched funds for the P&O strike the

town to stop

ned about

organised a

demonstration in London on amount of money. being Sune 29th, received by the strikers has ‘The day began with arally been greatly reduced, as at Hyde Park. John Laing labour movement supporters chaired the rally on behalf of direct money to the official the Trade Union Solidarity funds rather than sending 3 Network. P&O strikers ad- donations directly to the TE the ships are so attrac- dressed the rally, as did — strikers. if the strike isn’t work- representatives of other The most_important — why the need to per- labour movement aspect in sustaining the suade people to choose organisations. strike is that the Women’s P&O? ‘One of the speakers was Support Groups can con-

conspiracy of silence t00. The NUS is still in contempt of court, its assets are still sequestrated — but no move is being made to continue egal action against _ the union. Again: no publicity is good publicity — for the employes andthe sate. |, some people are keeping tabs on the P&O Gaps At ths cod of Sane

MSF!

Wom Group

Contact these groups. Aylesham WSG

61 Castle Drive, Whitfield, Dover 0304 820543

Canterbury WSG

75 Tenterden Drive, Canterbury 0227 66768

Deal WSG

Magness House, Mill Hill, 0304 367840

Dover WSG

210, London Road, Dover Thanet WSG

147 High Street, Ramsgate 0843 587990

Folkestone WSG

7 Tennyson Place, Folkestone 0303 51997

Deal

Gareth Mostyn, ‘about the recent successful strike at the North Islington and Hackney Association, which defeated attempts to employ black workers on lower grades than white workers.

must be one of the first victories for the new union

fier the Rally, over 200 people proceeded to march

tinue to provide food for the strikers and their families. Therefore, donations should Housing be sent. directly to the ‘Women’s Support Groups at

the addresses below. ‘Contact the WSGs below, and consider making a “twinning” arrangement with one of them, as was done in the Miners’ Strike, Send donations to any-one or all of them equally — just keep the solidarity going and. the donations flowing down

speaking

This

to Kent! agocgeocopoud Huddersfield

Support groups have been formed in a fumber of localities, "and some in. the most unlikely of settings — Such as the recently formed Harrogate Support Group have $0 far managed to raise £800

The Gioup is currently cementing links between the Seatarers and the mining commonies in the Selby coalfetds

Contact § Truro Rad, Har rogate, N. Yorkshire

By Harrogate Support ¥ Group

ed

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 6

Labour Party

Birmingham

The Right try to catch up!

‘Seeing, they say, is believing. Well. we wouldn't have believed it if we hadn't seen it. ‘We felt we had to print the full text of this letter and “Questions and Answers” sheet from the North ‘Campaign for the Re-election of NEIL KINNOCK and ROY HATTERSLEY. ‘This is not least because it shows how successful the Benn-Hetfer Campaign has been in terms of rattling the ight, But we also thought we should perform the public fice of giving some wider publicity to the telephone jons and Answers) the NECRNKRH yw Party members. building the Party. We

‘etc., but recruit anyone who supports the Party's constitution — particularly that Clause 'Vi4) and the battle to implement it — the battle for socialism.

’So next time they tell you it’s only the left that 8, show them this Briefing.

‘time they tell you that the Right aren‘t afraid of our ideas, it’s just our organising they object to — show them this piece of intolerant humbug.

‘And, wherever these sort of people are in control, watch out for the witch-hunt — and fight it. For our iiewers to this drivel we refer you to all the past copies of Labour Briefing. Thi rial is faithfully reproduced, ith all emphases as in the original.

Dear

“vou may be interested to know that the campaign to re-elect Neil Knnock and Roy Hattersley is underway in North Birmingham, ‘Kore is no doubt that Nell and Roy will be elected, but the size of the victory wil be important in determining press and public reaeon to 2 potentialy very damaging debate.

I sing our outstanding success in the local elections, the| stag of the Party ts higher than fe has been for along time. The SGlapse of the Alliance vote gives us a political opportunity that} may not come again.

*h.0 Bennite/Trotskyist factions have not and will not come to terms with the crippling electoral defeats that the party has suf ferme M'three General Elections. They continue to denigrate the| Party and its leaders on every occasion using the so-called Tory) ‘ress as the vehicle for such attacks on 2 regular basis.

‘This is not therefore

Ghd confrontation within the-Party at 2 time when it has its first} ae Gaps of a significant electoral recovery. This kind of unnecesaty divans proaucas © 00d of espa amongst men

FoR’ ot support and help. Funds are urgently required to finance} TRectngs, postage and stationery. Cheques should be made] payable to the TBEH Fund and sent to me.

Yeity, we would like to compile alist of sponsors for the cam paige, you can help in this way, please let me know.

‘dest Wishes,

Ray Woods

Campaign Co-ordinator

LABOUR LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS ‘North Birmingham Campaign for the Re-election of Nell Kinnock ‘and Roy Hettorsiey Questions and Answers Q Why are we having this contest at ail? R BENNITETROTSKYIST elements of the Party believe that {helt brand of idealogical purty is more important than defesting Thotcher, They have been plotting to ramove Neil and Roy since before the last General Election ny shoud we support Roy Hetterey as wel as Net innoek’ Ih We have no particular. grine against John Prescott. The fomoval of Roy Hattersley in this way would strengthen the and of the Bennite/Trotskyist factions. Neil has made it clear thet @ vate against Roy fs a vote against him. The worst fears ‘the public concerning the future political direction of the Party would have been re-awakened, tart It democratic to have such elections? this is the thid Thatcher term. Should we be spending our ‘Gms and money in this way? The Bennite campaigns of the late iets Sil an thay were intended — split the Party from top to bottom ied to the formation of the SDP and opened the door Torthe deat defeats ofthe Labour arty subsequent G'How con we stop this-sort of thing happening again? & The Bennite/Trotakyiet left have forced the election. They Aust accept the price of failure and they must not be forgiven. ‘Our principles therefore echo the cries of many ordinary members of the Party and its supporters {) Support Neil and Fly In this election 2) Ensure # maximum turnout in the. Vote 3} All orgenisations not eligible to affiliete to the Party must be disbanded. Examples would be Campaign Briefing, Labour Brisfing, Socialist Action, Militant, etc, ett. i@)Labour MPs, Councillors end Officials must come off the fence, There ts ho future In the Party for those who believe Aenamant athe way todas with the Bor Trovey st factions. ‘The bast way to that you can help in the tong term is to sion up your friends, relatives, colleagues end acquaintances into $e fe iembership. Application forms can be obtained by ringing

Fighting the Poll Tax

Leadership scuppers chances

In Scotland the Poll Tax (alias the Community

:) comes into force from April 1989.

In each —_ Region, government-appointed Reg~ {stration Officers are already in place, compiling lists of ail residents over 18 years,

By Tony Southall Glasgow Pollok CLP

aT

Teams of temporary workers. are now going round the doors delivering ‘complex forms for completion’ by the “Responsible Person” in each household — and returning to collect them later.

"This has been done in collaborstion with the | mainly Labour-controlied Regional ‘Councils. They have provided ‘offices, organised the secondtment of staff to administer the tax, and negotiated fees for the job through COSLA {Confederation of Scottish Vocal Authorities)

“Thus the Labour Party in Scotland, despite formal opposition 1 the Tax, is involved nit up to its neck

‘This was the first level at which’ fesistance could have

for a mass non-payment jign against the Poll ‘Tax, linked to the demand

been organised — and it was conceded without a fight. The ‘pert level at which the labour movement's strength could have ‘been used has also collapse. ‘The local government unions could have wrecked the whole operation through a policy of Sow-collaboration. The recent Session of NALGO Conference ‘appears, however, 10 be the Geath knell to say effective

action.

‘The Scottish Labour Leadership's response has been ineffective. Last autumn they formed ‘Stop If, a united front that included the SSLD, CP, STUC, Several major churches, ete. Tf was pledged to use every con Stitutional means to oppose and frustrate the Tax.

Participate

The SNP refused 10 par. ticipate because, the founding meeting wouldn't take up the Gal for non-payment. Of course, this was pure OppOranism on the partof the Nats, but their jump from 148% in the General Election t0 215» in the feceat’ local elections shows Tonulis of such opportunism in the present climate

‘Slop It's Leadership has now tumel from propaganda ‘Sgainst the Tax to witch-bunting Shacks on local anti-Poll Tax Campaigns that have mushroomed in recent weeks

SLA’s influence seems to be growing within the Labour Party, but it remains a very mixed bag. Present at the meeting were six Labour MPs and apologies from others were read out.

Majority

Most of these MPs, like the majority of “SLA members, come from the soft left; it does look as if the virtual collapse of LOC's base in Scotland has left several generals in search of an army.

Whether they can share the SLA bed seems doubtful, but one got the distinct

public house. One young Soman, whose baby was due inten days time, was taken by 3 woman police officer into a follet and made 10 strip and bend over (to be looked at

By Margaret Stewart SCASS

‘They had been taking & short break in Amsterdam ‘after months of saving up. One of the women was six months pregnant When they asked to know their rights they were told to Mghut up’. Pointed remarks were made because the Women came from s deprived brea. Nothing was found ond Sfter one and 2 heif hours Selsy the women were aliow20.10 leave, “police in Dundes, searching ‘jor cannabis stolen from 3

560.1337 belore.7-Gopm Mon-Fri,

police station, swooped on 8

premises and three men were Step-seerched st the police ‘station.

How many: incidents this happen that we know othing about? Publicity end Cempaigring need to be creased, “The Scottish Cempsign has now produced an Information Peck on where and when strip Seerching takes place, advice ‘on rights when arrested, on Being stopped at customs. = frodel resolution, — pation, Semple fetters to MPs, CounGiore, ete. and 8 useful con tact fst

The Scottish Campaign would ike to hear from anyone who has been stiip-searched. Obviously, we would treat this information es Confidentis.

We believe strip-searching is 2 sexual asoult, tents Mount to rape, 2s Well 25 6 gees violation of human Fights,

For further information con:

Scottish Labour Action Climbing out of the swamp

more than 30 in Glasgow alone St the last count).

‘A two page spread in the ‘Evening Times in May claimed these were Militant fronts, In an accompanying interview. Stop 4 Chait Brian Wilson MP vowfed that Labour would dea! with these “*Trotskyiter

‘A patronising line has surfaced in this debate (aotably in an rile by John Maxton MP in the Glasgow Herald) which tries to identify mon-payment advooates as “middle class" mmisleaders.

‘These people will suffer no harm, the argument goes, because they will simply bank the unpaid tax. Their innocent wictims on Social Security and in Jw paid jobs will end up paying the price.

‘Calling those working class people who refuse to register oF {> pay "dupes" is deeply. inSulting to those who should be Feceiving encouragement and Teadership from the Isbour movement. It is an attempt t0 Smear and dismiss ont of hand those who recognise that only a mass campaign of non registration and ultimately nonpayment will stop the Tax.

‘The local “Campaigns continue to provide the best example of sustained mass political 2ction since the miners’ strike. In East Pollokshields (where Labour Regional Councillor Margaret Dick has produced

impression that some were on a reconnaissance mission to see what SLA had to offer.

IPs _not_ possible to categorise SLA at present. ‘Their break from the LCC remains partial and results from the political situation that developed in Scotland following the general

election.

Their platform (printed previously in Briefing) will {ead them into open conflict with the Leadership over the Poll Tax at Scottish Labour's recall conference in September. However, their eriticism of the Leadership is based on self-

tact Margaret_Stewert, 36 Gueen Street (Top Flat), Sti ing. FKS THN, The information

Potr

FINI. /

leaflets showing that the average household bill will be 250% of the, cent rates) Pollkshelds ‘Against the Poll Tax (PAPT) is areal live force, including Labour, SNP, CP, WRP and ‘SWP activists, church members and, crucially in Glasgow's ost Asian ares, represeatation Of the Muslim and Hindu ‘communities.

'PAPT has a clear line of supporting any form of resistance fo the Tax. We will try to ‘rganise support for anyone ‘who refuses to register or Day.

We've also supported Stop ies campaign. of frustrating fegistrtion by demanding lanswers (oa series of questions ‘When caavassers are in the area wre've been out warning people Nand most have responded by rot answering the door.

‘Recently our 300-strong march through the area was Strongly welcomed by the populace, We have regular Rewsletter and are currently canvassing for supporters, t0 Sign up to pay a minimum 1Op 3 ‘month to keep us going.

IPAPT's activities are a model ‘of what the Labour Party could

fod everywhere ‘Oniy this Kind of initiative can Gefeat the Tax. Instead of attacking people who're trying to turn the tide, Wilsoa, Maxton, et al should’ be backing every form of opposition and mobilising Labour to take the lead,

preservation; they do not offer a socialist alternative.

It would be an. oversimplification to define the SLA as merely the LCC in new clothes; we should cer- ‘support their stance on the Poll Tax. But the best way to ensure SLA does not slip back into the soft left swamp is to build the Campaign Group in Scotland. ‘Here, a quid pro quois re quired.’ Quite simply, the Campaign Group will not become a serious organisation in Scotland until it adopts a correct analysis of the importance of a Scottish Assembly.

eck on Strip, Searching, is jlable for €2. (including ap) from the seme address.

PHOTO: Derek Spee

Labour Briefing No. 65 July 61h-19th 1988 page 7

Labour Party

Haringey witch-hunt

Militant’s Ally Pally Rally

Right take the road to isolation

Ructions have followed

the ouster of Mandy Mudd asthe democraticallyselected Labour candidate in the Bruce Grove by- ‘election and the imposition

‘and clear it up fast if we can’t.

The streets must be made safer. We can all play a part — by reporting faulty street lights, by getting the police back on the

Sf right wing witehrhunter i tan Willmore. local beat.

‘On Wednesday June This message is accom 22nd, the right wing (LEC) pened. by two Sfcors of Vottenhem CLP Photographs. One shows resigned, The week fn elderly ‘white. woman before, the GC hed voted talking to 2 tendly local decisively to condemn police officer The other thor part in Mandy's Shows 2. young” white repoval woman walking. sione Seo Sown a dark street

by ce rqusee ‘

Haringey Labour Tories Briefing If it didn’t say “Labour omit Git didn't have the

With their suppor faling tose...) you'd assume the away day by dey, the of leaflet’ Came from. the

Tories — or worse.

Bruce Grove has one of the highest proportions of black voters in North Lon: don. Willmore is being of. fered to these voters as a replacement for Bernie Grant MP.

Party members across the country — black and white — should lodge protests with lan Willmore, clo Tottenham Labour Par. ty, 1472 West Green Road, London N15.

Mandy is now waiting for the NCC to set a date

ficers_ were left with no choice at all. Nothing became their tenure in Power so much as their prompt resignation.

The left now looks set for a comeback in Tot- ‘tenham. Elections to. fill the vacancies will be held at the July GC.

Both Haringey GCs voted on the on the night of June 22nd to nominate Benn and Heffer. 3 surprise development that signals increasing local opposition to the particularly virulent strain of the LCC which has distempered Haringey Labour politics of late. candidate issued a leaflet to all voters in Bruce Grove which has enraged

“Preventing Crime’’ it She intends to contest the we Vendeliem makes Tumped-up charges with to live. Muggings and poor cent antics of her acstreet lighting mean cusers, local Party women and old people are members are increasingly

worried about going out.

lan Willmore will work with local people and the local police. He wants to use the Council's money to help local people stop crime and vandalism.

‘The Government hasn't given Haringey Council the money to fight crime proerly,” says lan. ‘So it’s up

rallying to her defence. Briefing Money is urgently needed! Yes, Briefing readers have many calls on their {mostly empty} pockets, but, remember, Mandy's

real “‘crime”” was fighting the cuts — and building

fous.” Labour Briefing! Labour will back crime “Send contributions to prevention schemes. and Haringey Against the

work with local people to deal with vandalism. We need to stop it if we can,

Witch-hunt, c/o lan Lund, 23 Earlsmead Road, Lon: don N15.

Chesterfield Policy

hight. Above: woman talks to representative of the very force which provoked Cynthia Jacrett’s death.

Good-bye to all that — and more

‘At Chesterfield, the Mental Health Policy Group

for companionship, housing. ‘employment and freedom from \scrimination.

‘means that what you're saying. ‘means absolutely nothing. That

tmany” be annoying f0 ti, bat fasued 8 Powerful Sve urge the sbendonment thee me milioes of people statement. of tems tike ‘crazy’, around the world whose core Itsupported the SHA’sre- “schizophrenic? and. ‘mentally ives are dimissed as, mean. - Ingess by terms tke "Noony",

cent document on mental hhealth Good-bye to all that, Dut urged that its proposals include immediate abolition of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and public ownership Of the drug industry.

Swe call for a campaign to close all) mental institutions, with no redundancies, and for Droperly funded, democratically Controlled community care programmes."

Reporting on the work of the

‘schianphrenic™ and “mentaly

Derogatory

“We hope that you will come to understand that"such terms

“We tees the suffet em- policy group tetinapenary rc anaivahe ana etoeasy a phason nes, labeling, Sesion, Convenor ‘Dard Fill wovgs te aes sees Giles BCtandintuwtonaiae’ made’'s nomi Of icing ““wene ebeaense

tion, which ser points. “Many of you will have been

branded as loony left during the

again and again until we have socialist polices for caring, based on people, not on suppress:

past two years,” he said. “If ing feelings with chemicals and “We urge tl you haven't you probably electricity or om drug company ment to support user involve. haven't’ been working hard profits,”=

ment in’ the” planning and enought For more information contact

‘management of services based fon choice of service and the

“But I would ask youto think David Hill, c/o. Labour Brief

what the term actually means. It ing, PO Box 457, London SW2

Razzmatazz Tendency

“Ted Grant addresses the Miltent rely in front of the vast portrait of Trotsky. What was that Trotsky said about the cult of the personality when pictures of Stalin started bedecking the Soviet Union? Billed as “Marxism and hoisted up his trousers during the delivery of an ‘esoteric lecture which seem-

“Come On Down!” to the collectors and thousands of pounds moved the length of

ed only to perplex the eager the Great Hall into the young comrades. organisation’s hungry Nonetheless, hundreds of coffers.

The faithful sent in personal messages with their gifts — £5,500 from a house ‘sale, £500 from a redundancy ‘payment, and, more poignantly, & week’s dole money from an unemployed youth and a disabled peson's mobility allowance, ‘The ‘more sacrifical the offering, the more excited the fun: raiser became ("a historic donation”).

Offered

You got the feeling that if granny had stood up and

red flags were produced from under seats to greet his arrival, as though the Royal Family were in town,

This personal adulation reached its peak around the dynasty of Leon Trotsky. The voice of Trotsky's grandson Esteban Volkov live “from Mexico via Telephone linkup)_was heralded. as though it were ‘Trotsky himself. His greatgranddaughter addressed the rally in person, evoking the kind of ecstasy in young women with bleached hair

rather bizarre. Across the ‘opulent bourgeois interiors of Alexandra Palace were displayed the banners of a different class, huge and scarlet.

By our Briefing mole

Marx, Engels, and Lenin and snow-wash denims offered to commit hara kiri were dwarfed by avast por- “usually reserved for in order to donate her life trait of the man himself, Madonna. assurance to the cause, the Leon Trotsky, handsome This cult of the personali- crowd would gladly have

and powerful in broadbrush ty around a political. leader up on it.

red — our guru for the who spent his life fighting the flashing ‘afternoon. such excesses seemed messages. on the video

‘The audience, 7,500 perverse and even rather screens declared the £50,000 strong, mostly white work- obscene. target had been overshot Ly ing class youth, the majority Backdi @ thousand pounds, the ‘women, filled a hall the size F nin compere's voice was drown-

ed out by stamping ap-

“The backdrop to all this plause, whistles, and the un-

excitement was a clumsily

of four football pitches. It was an impressive political

achievement (three times the staged battery of special ef- mistaKeable sound of a size of Chesterfield only a fens (dry ie, ‘cectronie womans scream.

‘week before). music, fireworks, videos)

Unlike Chesterfield, these which gave the serious Pot!

And so, after a cheerful rendition of the ‘“Internationale™, the day came to an end with many questions still unanswered.

@Had the absent Derek

comrades were given no chance to contribute ‘anything (except money) to ‘the day's proceedings. The ‘only role of the thousands

political proceedings the air of a badly-managed rock concert

The ‘display reached its epitome during the day's unlikely peak experience —

flag-wave the fundraising appeal. ~ Harton been eliminated by a Tendency’s white male Outstripping even Trotsky’s dud firework? heroes. grandson in the mass @Did the Tendency’s Peter Taafe, John hysteria stakes, this was a youth project extend to the Macreadie, and Tony cynically cool’ exercise in 300 children in “the largest Mulhearn led the way with crowd control, taking the creche in labour movement familiar fighting thetoric to form of a bizarre adaptation history

@ Why was “Cuddly” Ted Grant the only comrade not to have discovered the Next for Men catalogue?

@ And Gust to put it all in context) will 7,500 comrades,

rouse the rabble. Only Ted of *"The Price is Right”. Grant, Militant’s “elder” As frantic messages spellstatesperson and ‘‘majot ing “Militant Appeal”, Marxist. theoretician”, let “E66”, and “Money, the side down. Like Some Money, Money” leapt onto ramshackle academic, he. giant” screens, the

Imecting of basic human needs doesn't mean you're wrong: it SUZ

snuffed, sneezed, "and chair/compere called attend the Briefing AGM?

Labour Briefing No, 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 8

South Africa

The Freedom Charter of

South Africa

‘The Freedom Charter was unanimously adopted at a “Congress of the People”, held in Kliptown, near Johannesburg, on June 25-26th 1955.

‘The Congress was convened by the African National Congress (ANC). the South African Indian Congress. the South African Coloured Peoples’ Organisation and the Congress of Democrats (an organisation of whites supporting the liberation movement). It was attended by 2.888 delegates from throughout South Africa.

‘The Charter was adopted by the four sponsoring organisations as their policy and became a manifesto of thele struggle for freedom.

We. the people of South Africe, dectar world to know:

hat South Africe belongs to all who live init, black and white, ‘and that no government can justly claim authority unless its bas fed.on the will of all the people:

‘@ that our people have been robbed of their birthright to land, liber. {fy and peace by 2 form of government founded on injustice and Inequality;

‘ehat our country will never be prosperous or free until all our peo lelive in brotherhood. enjoying equal rights and opportunities: ‘ethat only 2 democratic state, based on the will ofall the people, an secure to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race,

‘sex oF belief

‘And therefore, we the people of South Africa, black and white together equals, countrymen and brothers — adopt this Freedom Charter, And we pledge ourselves to strive together, Sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes set out here have been won.

for ail our country and the

‘The People shall govern! Every man and woman shall have the right to vote for and to stand ‘35.2 candidate for all bodies which make laws.

‘Ail people shall be entitied to take part in the administration of the country

“The rights of the people shall be the same, regardless of race, colour oF sex

Bodies “of minority rule, advisory boards, Councils and ‘Authorities. shall be replaced by democratic orgens of self ‘government

‘All national groups shall have equal rights! ‘There shall be equal status in the bodies of state, in the courts and inthe schools for all nations! groups and races.

All people shall have equel right to use their own languages. and to develop their own folk culture and customs

[All national groups shall be protected by law against insults to ‘their race and national pride.

‘The preaching and practice of national, rece or colour ination and contempt shall be @ punishable crime.

‘The people shall share in the country's wealth! The national wealth of our country, the heritage of all South Africans, shall be restored to the people.

“The mineral wealth beneath the sail, the banks and monopoly in dustry shall be transferred to the ownership of the people as a

‘whole. ‘ilother industry and trade shall be controlled to assist the wellbeing of the people. ‘All peopis shall have equal rights to trade where they choose, 10 manufscture and to enter all trades, crafts and professions.

‘The land shall be shared among those who work itl Restrictions of land ownership on a facil basis shall be ended, and all the land redivided amongst those who work it, tf banish famine and land hunger.

“The state shall help the peasants with implements, seed, trac

‘and dams to save the soil and assist the tillers.

Freedom of movement shall be guaranteed to all who work on the land

‘All shall have the right to occupy land wherever they choose.

People shall not be robbed of ther cattle, and forced labour and {arm prisons shall be abolished,

to

ye equal before the law! | deported or restricted without a fair

twat

'No one shall be condamned by.the order of any government officist

"The Courts shall be representative of all the people:

Imprisonment shall be only for serious crimes against the peo: ple, and shall im at re-education, riot vengesnce,

“Tne police force and army shall’be open to all on an equal basis ‘and shall be the helpers and protectors of the people.

‘All laws which discriminate on grounds of race, colour or belief shall be repealed

All shall enjoy human rights! ‘The law shall guarantee to all their rights to speak. to organise. to meet together, fo punish, fo preach, 10 worship and to eduacte their children.

‘The privacy of the house from police raids shall be protected by

“Ail shalt be free to travel without restriction from countryside 10 town, from provinee to province and from South Africa abroad, Pass Laws, permits, and all other laws restricting freedoms,

shall be abolished.

There shall be work snd security! ‘All who work shall be free to for unions, to elect their officers fanid to make wage agreements with their employers.

"the state shall recognise the right end duty of allio work, and to draw full unemployment benefits.

‘Men and women of all races shall receive equal pay for equal work

‘There shall be # forty hour working week. a national minimum wage. Baid annual leave, and sick leave for all workers, and mater ity leave on full pay for all working mothers

‘Miners, domestic: workers, farm workers, and civil Servants shall have the same fights as all others who work.

Child labour, compound labour, the tot system and contract labour shell be abolished.

The doors of leeming end of culture shall be opened! The government shel Gecover, develop and encourege national {alone for te enbencerent of Sur cultural ie. excharge of books, Geos and contact with other ands

‘the aim of elucstion shat be fo teach the Youth to love thet people and thet culture to honour human brotherhood, bert ond Peace children. *

Tighe education an technica sining shal be opened 1 by ofmere

[ash itteracy shal be ended by 8 mass state education plan.

The colour ber cava Me, in spot and in educeton shal be avotshed

There shall be houses, security, and comfort! All people shall have the rights to live where they choose, to be Gecently housed, and to bring up their families in comfort, and Secunty

‘Unused housing space shall be made available to the people.

Rent and prices shal be lowered, food plentiful and no one shall 90 hungry.

"A preventive health scheme shall be run by the state.

ree medical care and hospitalisation shall be provided for all,

with spacial care for mothers end young children.

‘Slums shall be demolished, end new suburbs built where all have transport, roads, lighting,

“The aged, the orphans, the disabled and the sick shell be cared for by the state.

‘Rest, leisure end recreation shall be the right of all

Fenced locations and ghettos shall be abolished, and laws which break up famiies shell be repeated.

‘South Africa shall be s “ully independent state, which respects the rights and sovereignty of nations.

There shall be peace and friendship! South Africa shall strive to maintsin world peace and the settle ment of all international disputes by negotiation — not war.

Peace and friendship amongst all our people shall be secured by upholding the equal rights, opportunities and status of

"The people of the protectoretes — Sasutoland, Bechuanaland, ‘and Swaziland — shail be free to decide for themselves their owr future. ;

‘The rights of all the people of Africa to independence and seit- ‘government shall be recognised, and shall be the basis of close co- ‘operation.

‘Let all who love their people and the country now say, as we sey

here: ‘These freedoms we wil fight for, side by side, throughout our lives, until we have won our liberty.

ing fields, creches and social

Nelson Mandela

Freedom March

Glasgow to London 600 miles

‘On June 12th 1988, the second anniversary of the imposition of the State of Emergency in South Africa, the Neslon Mandela Freedom March started from Glasgow.

‘The 25 marchers — each one symbolising one year of the 25 years spent in prison by Mandela's co-accused at the Rivonia Trial of 1964 — call for the unconditional release of Nelson Mandela and all South African and Namibian political prisoners.

‘Amongst the Freedom Marchers will be a number of former spartheid political prisoners — one South African, one Namibian, one British — as well as representatives of the Liberation Movements of ‘Southern Africa: the African National Congress and the ‘South West African People’s Organisation of Namibia.

it is vital that the people of Britain demonstrate their support for Nelson Mandela's unconditional release. You can:

‘@Join the Freedom Marchers as they pass through your town.

‘© March the final leg of the Nelson Mandela Freedom ‘March on Sunday July 17th from Finsbury Park to Hyde Park, and attend the Rally in Hyde Park on that day.

'® Wear the “Free Nelson Mandela” Badge with pride on his 70th birthday on July 18th.

Free Mandela! Free Namibia! Free South Africa! Sanctions now!

For badges (50p each), or to join the Anti-Aparthei Movement (waged £ 10. joint membership £13, unwa: ‘ed £4.50, students £6.50 — cheques payable to the ‘AAM) contact Anti- jid Movement, 13 Mandela

‘Apartheid ‘Street, London NW1 ODW. 01 387 7966.

Resistance ii

APART

Anti-apartheid activists from all over the July 17th celebrations of Nelson apartheid movement still needs to be the resistance in South Africa and at liberation movement provide a lead

We also publish the programmatic organisations, the Freedom Charter 0 extract from a speech by Haroun Pat which deals with the position of AZ. revolution.

Oliver Tombo addresses the rally in Glasgow, as the Mande

hes ‘reached the ANC?

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 9

South Africa

. MASS ENT

sritain will be converging on London for andela’s birthday. But a mass anti-

uilt in Britain. We look at the state of ow the recent debates within the

br the building of the movement here. ositions of two of the liberation

the African National Congress, and an

| of the Azanian People’s Organisation 0 on the coming South African

AZAPO The nature of the struggle

‘The Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO) was _ fected, the latter will then founded in 1978, against a backdrop of increased transform the property relarepression of the movement towards self- tions of society in the in-

terests. of the majority bal {namely the workers and Peasants) who must not exreise control in name only,

determination. Perceiving political limitations mainstream African nationalism of the 1960s it sought to unify black consciousness and socialist class

Cees but also in fact ‘The struggle for national tion that an imperialist vic- _In Azania this would 5 liberation in Azania is not tory over the Azanian people mean addressing oneself to:

is highly unlikely, but that _ @the land question, with imperialism and its agents its related problems of for have embarked on a ed removals, baleanisation rategy to end colonialism and bantustanisation;

stitutes a’ class struggle sucl/a'may aso coench the ownership of capital between the two an- neo-colonialism. which today rests with

simply a struggle for selfdetermination from col-

Hi

multinational corporations 7 Strategy and local capitalists, and, Steve Bantu Biko (above! @the workers’ ownership _ [2m2!98 the figure mast secialiom will have to cngage _Thistrategy is manifested of the means of production Ziyeagteu avi" Bleek and fight not only the ruling i the support given to the in Azania. traces ts 10008 back 10 this Gass, but also that clement idea of a national conven- These constitute the _ movement. Sf” the. Black pete tion, or any other form of minimum contents of a pro- ‘will always remain a struggle Pourgeolsie as represented negotiated settlement. gramme which seriously for majority rule — not only : by the Dantustan’ leaders, The dismantling of apar- contemplates a socialist in terms of the numerical Ma binck business lenders,” theid will not in itself bring revolution in Azania. strength of blacks, but

‘This reactionary class has about a socialist revolution. equally important, in terms been a calculated creation of The consummation of the Socially of whether effective political the Botha regime to serve as ational liberation sirugele power will rest with the ‘2 buffer between the racist it Azania can only be ef- At this point, let me state workers who constitute the minority resime and the fected if and when, that those of us who are natural majority of any black working class. first, the remnants of the politically, socially, given society and in our

In our view, the struggle ne0-colonial bureaucratic economically, _psychologi- society it is black people. for national liberation in capitalist state machinery cally and otherwise of a ‘Azania, has to be directed have been completely black character would, _(Speech given by Haroun ‘against’ national oppression smashed, without any apology what: Patel on European tour in and economic exploitation, @and second, when the soever, remind the “‘multi- Spring 1987 as agreed by ‘The socialist revolution has transfer of political power to racials" that the struggle in Central Committee, Patel is

to be fought on the realise. the black working class is ef- Azania has alway been and row General Secretary:)

between NACTU and.COSATU on the agenda?

The three day general strike on June 6-8th was a historic action by South Afriea’s black workers.

Tt was the largest action of its type in the country's history.

1k confirmed that the black “independent trade union "movement "has become the spinal. cord of the resistance to the apartheid resime

"This role was previously plnyed_by. communky based DSteanisations, particulary the Utter Democranc Front (initiated “bythe ANG) Hewcre ibe two Soart of Sta of Emergency have taken the cl

‘More than 2,000 people have been ile and) about 30,000 Hprioned. The presure was Incremed withthe banning borders on 17 politcal organisa: Sons including the UBF and ‘AZAPO. on February 24th tis sear

‘he same order hit the main gress of South Altican rade Tia (COSATU), probibiting the’ organisation from calling for farther ear, has had Spring ite impacto the “Membeship ofthe whole in milion workers, some 30% of toa ofthe country. This figure omparee favourably with rade

Tor only ie membership stil these i 1986, the number of Site days way't milion. a eedom Merchers start thoir walk. Siac of Emergoncy and the st

Unions lead the battle against Botha q

‘question onto the agenda. The anti-apartheid organisations 10 restricted to the situation within By Steve Potter {government has won the sup- concentrate on opposition to South Africa, Within the an Norwood CLP ort of bosses for the new repression and apartheid.” apartheid movement in this a _Eetisiation which wou "This position of not making country, failure wo adopt a yracGmloaiss, the Tigure roe to9 Woutlaw strikes “forthe same acceptance of the Freedom tice in ine with A-AM's formal ‘million of a similar reason less than a Charter (and thereby, by im- position of supporting all those ‘Behind these statistics arema- year afer the first work plication, the Leadership of the forces fighting against. apar-

jor strikes in the public sector stoppage”: ANC) a precondition for united theid, has resulted in splits and (particularly rail and post), 25 emean that unions can be action now seems to have been divisions which have diverted ‘well as. in the retail trade, prosecuted for damages caused endorsed by the ANC itself from the task of building the ngineecing and chemicals. Ics by unofficial action (a direct Shortly befoce the COSATU mass movement in the labour these strikes that accounted for steal from Thatcher"): ‘congress Took place, a delegs- movement, the black communithe spectacular rise in average @make days of action legal tion from NACTU travelled 10 ty and amongst youth. i ‘wages of COSATU members of and unions liable to prosecution Harare for an offical meeting The failure 10. adopt a 4 186, far ahead of those won by ifthey call them: with the Leadership of the straightforward position on the ; any other sector of workers, ia- @enable employers to. ANC. NACTU was met by a question of the unions. en-

cluding whites. negotiate with minority unions topclevel delegation headed by couraging the closest possible

er a a eg { Peay ate aan dew enenet © hues tence g geen Oe ee ee : Soe ict Scary me eae Gee eee” cet eareraer ee ; Ses Cee Loses See aoe ee | ee Se ain ur po goed ges

Melee secant omer Taek ete emetic eee peace eee ey cea

wed ni Sa SEE TUK Gee cen tees’ fercny euhic COSMTO: bn Ouiew: os eeenisal “sear

Se ee ro aa en meee tceat ns a eerie Cerceeene

Te, ee anil Coc nacror stakes nee ats ora ieee eee ate

Re aes Ee bees Ware ee

ee a a oe ee ee ee ee Sees Sa ee a

Se Se oe ees earmitee ce arian iern a anee Satan

ward to fill the gaps. ference of COSATL, using the would not be on the precondi- campaign by A-A aroused { Se ee renee See ees

predominant role nationally. the scope of united front action” paigns led by the unions — a posals to incorporate the car. NACTU has important and well through the perspective of those Step. towards replacing the _paign’ into the events survoun Orpanised groups of membersin forces which support the vacuum which has existed with ding the Mandela march was a Q number of different in. Freedom’ Charter, the pro- the weakening of the UDF and welcome, i limited, step Gustries. Pressure for unity is grammeof the African National other popular forms of forward. ‘now growing in the workplace. Congress. ‘organisation, ‘The A-AM Leadership has to Tn March 1988 an agreement This was the stand taken by These developments mark the realise that until ¢ changes Its for united work was reached ia 12S year’s COSATL Congress, recognition that the process of sectarian atltude towards. the the metal industry between Which adopted the Freedom political recomposition within. black consciousness and other NUMSA and two NACTU Charter as part of the pro- the liberation movement is very non-ANC. traditions. theit tunions, and similar moves have gramme of COSATU itself. far from finished. The adoption capacity 10, build in the black taken place in the chemicals im. But this year’s COSATU con-- by the ANC of a more community will be greally Gusiry where NACTU has the gress showed a marked step pluralistic aproach to the ques: hampered. majority of members hay from {this position with the Hon of united action within the If there is a pluralist wind of ‘Ata tational eve, the urgen- majority of delegates voting for resistance matks @ break with change blowing. from South cy fora united response tothe an appeal for “'a conference br. the practices of recent year ‘Africa, it can only strengthen few labour laws has forced the inging together a broad range of "Such practices are not the movement here.

A. —-

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19ch 1988 page 10

Features

ta

| EN YR ONL AWCHTS REDO

Graeme Cookson

RIGHTS

@ A ol

@ a . = Aas

ai

= t=*) <<

AND JUS

How can we fight this shady alliance of fascists, the police and the state? Crucial s following

the cal from organisations like AntiFascist Action, and Broadwater Farm (ebove), to unite our

forces.

success in

_ |Chesterfield

Making their first_ public

appearances of 1988, : tional Front members joined Ulster loyalists in an Orange Celebration march in Chesterfield on June 18th,

By DAN CARTER

A ‘counter demonstration, organised by the umbrella Campaign hay Against Loyalist/Fascist

Parades {including Anti Fascist Action, Labour Committee on Ireland, and Troops Out) was some three times larger than the 300-strong loyalist march.

robe Diimant SE

Wiliam ot

in Septembs

Labour Students Left Caucus Calling all socialist

students!

‘The Left Caucus of Labour

Manchester Polytechnic

Labour Club has issued

draft programme for

discussion amongst soca for a new

Students

sectarian manner.

‘The following is the introductory statement of general principles.

‘An initial meeting to set up a left group alot tines is being considered for September. Any students Interested in receiving copies of the full $06 document, getting more information, or becoming involved should contact: Roland Wood, 22 St Hilda’s Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9PQ. 061-872-3258 (@1-641-4158 after July 31).

position.

living

Counter-demo

aa wy

Chesterfield Labour Council, lice its counterparts in Exeter, provided the impetus for ‘the Orange parades ‘by their willing participation inthe Orange

tercentenary celebrations. ‘All enti-faacists should now be preparing to mobilise for the public activities in Exeter

Caucus is a radical new formation inside NOLS and NUS based in Manchester. ‘Our starting point is a rejection of the bankrupt Leadership of NOLS as, well as the inadequate SSiNop- ‘Though we are very small and only just beginning to organise, we feel it is necessary to begin the struggle for a new alternative Leadership in NUS. We are a hard left campaigning and _ democratic organisation fighting for alism. This means we demand a Leadership that is willing to fight against the Tory government's attacks on education and student standards, actively

promoting rank and file ac-

In his weekly

“sound

off” column, the right wing editor of the Exeter Leader, a weekly free

sheet, ' refers “militants” the

Celebrations.

He comes (feluctantly)

hijacking Tercentenary

to

the conclusion that ugly con-

frontations in Exeter are creasingly likely ‘September.

He wants the Police

“blow the whistle” — and ‘ban both the marches of the. Orange Order and of Anti-

He also reports. on

the

first of the Celebration events in Exeter — the much ‘vaunted (by the local Labour

Party) ‘“Flower Festival” Exeter Cathedral. ‘Labour has replied to

its

tities by stressing the entirely inoffensive and nonpolitical nature of this event, but the fact is it has been

“hijacked” by perialists and militarists.

members in this struggle.

the im-

We are also fighting for a

Socialist

Labour govern-

ment which will promote

socialism and working cl

lass

interests as firmly as Thatcher represents the interests

of her class,

We are internationalists. We therefore uncompromis-

ingly support: @self determination

for

the Irish people and a united

Ireland;

‘emajority rule in South Africa and an end to the

‘Apartheid system: ‘@ self-determination

for

the Palestinian people and the recognition of the PLO

as their egitim: representatives;

ate

‘@the Nicaraguan people's struggle for survival against

US im i ‘@and support for

the

Like

other Cathedrals, Exeter's is bedecked with the

decaying standards battle-honours of the Devonshire Regiment and earlier (now — disbanded) military formations raised in the county.

These flags, of course, never were “unfurled in the strife unblessed”” since our cause was always (arrogantly assumed) to be “right”, God (being male and white) was always on our side.

By Chris Churchward Ex-sergeant, British Army, Feb. 1941-Aug 1946

Local Contact for ExServices CND Group (personal capacity) Devon Labour Briefing

and

Now, by some remarkable mental’ contortion, the “authorities”, whether of ‘Church or State, find it cot venient to link the fracas in the South Atlantic with William and Mary. Personally, I'm too obtuse to see what the connection is, between Thatcher's Blood)

(though notin Revolution of 1688. ‘The Devon and Dorset Regiment was the one in

Jones

Ireland!)

‘which Colonel “H strved as 2 Second nant before progressing (is that the term?) to the Paras, gaining exalted rank, getting himself killed in an act of bravado, and

‘Tony Benn has got it right when he advocates the disestablishment of the Church of England. It is disgusting that the Labourled Exeter City Cuncil, and the Dean and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral, can lend themselves to this exploitation of the “Falklands

struggles of _ oppressed Peoples the world over.

‘We are not dogmatists or sectarians, but we believe that these demands are the bottom line as basic socialist principles.

In_ our view NUS is dominated by various shades of bureaucracy and careerism. We consider bureaucracy and careerism to be obstacles towards the proper functioning of mass Participatory movements,

We are therefore against all manifestations of selfinterest in the Leadership of the union, as we are opposed to manoeuvre and deceit to gain political advantage. Only “an honest. and democratic_movement can defeat the Tory attacks and play a role in the fight for socialism.

Behind the Battle of the Stones

This letter has been sent to the police officer in charge of the police

tack on the crowds who made their way to Stonehenge for this year’s summer solstice by a traveller who was trying to attend the celebrations: Dear Mr Smith,

When Mr Cook was in charge of the Solstice Celebration last yeer, there was no battle. [negotiated with English Heritage (with & man from the NCCL ac: ting as_mediator) for a hired coach to collect the disabled, pregnant women and young children from the sites and take them to the Stones, not because | feared a violent confréntation, but because some of us can’t walk 12 miles, in cluding myself, as I em Confined to a wheelchair.

them’ mentality

1 didn’t read your mind till too late. The local news reports on the radio had been reporting developments in completely non-emotive language until midnight, when we were suddenly referred to as an army.

That's when | knew you were preparing a scenario of confrontation.

| have heard both the new-age travellers and the local rate-payers comment that the. whole police Operation is a stupid waste of money, but | think it is both intelligent and sinister.

It gives you a fare train. ing opportunity to turn your lads into mindless milltaristic robots capable of hurting women and children!

{assumed from the — So what if the office=in helpful response of English charge on the ground canHeritage in their will- not keep control because ingness to provide _ his voice is drowned out by

transport, that the walkers would be allowed into the Stones, as in 1987

I was parked up on the smaller site near the Parkhouse roundabout, informed everyone on site that the attitude of English Heritage was positive and thet those genuinely unable to walk could have 2 seat on the bus.

Kevin Oubridge, aged 10, son of Brig who is Chair of the Green Party, was planning to come on the bus with us, but at the last moment he opted to

the din of helicopters? it's all good practice for the lads and therefore well worth the money.

A friend of mine claims to have observed plain clothes police agents provocateurs in the front of the crowd.

used to do police liaison work for local CND in Befordshire, so | have some understanding of the breadth of personal discretion among senior officers. twas certainly within your power to choose peace or war at the Stones,

walk. «In July or August 1985, He ended up having two Mr Grundy wrote to me narrow escapes, once saying that he hoped |

when a descending truncheon was separated from his head by one person only, and later when the police caused the walkers to flee.

He was almost trampled in the retreat.

Women were coming out of that situation ter tified, especially if they had ‘taken children with them.

There were no grounds for any of us to assume what you were planning. If you were a general, then your successor? you would need con- Is the battle of the gratulating for playing your Beaufield and the battle of cards so tight to your chest the Stones just a beginning that your “enemy” failed in @ protracted war. in to read your mind. which the police can have

‘But senior police officers the yearly pleasure of prac: are supposed to be above tising the tactics of this simplistic “us and confrontation?

would never again have cause to complain about the conduct of police officers in Wiltshire. Well, this time | am complaining about attitudes at the highest level.

I cannot expect you to feel what we Teal for the Stones. It is a religious ex perience and therefore dit ficult to communicate to a non-believer.

You are about to leave Wiltshire. What sort of prejudices will you hand on to

Labour Briefing

No, 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 11

Features

become ‘‘evil

Not the least sensational issue thrown up by the Cleveland child abuse inquiry is the allegation that innocent parents have been deprived of their children.

For this, the manipulative tabloid press blame overdoctors, social

‘But similar concern seems singlularly lacking when it ‘comes to anothet group of innocent parents — lesbian mothers — whose children are routinely taken from them by the courts.

‘According to the Lesbian Custody Project, every year at Ieast 30 women are legally denied custody of their children — simply because

ity.

‘These women are not accused of abusing their children. Their love and care for them is not disputed.

‘At the end of the however, all their positive attributes as mothers count for little. Their lesbianism alone is sufficient for judges to deem them unift mothers.

A survey by the Lesbian Custody Project found widespread judicial ig norance, prejudice, and bias, According to survey, where conflicting evidence was given by father and mother, judges were included to favour the fathers? side.

They also gave greater weight to psychological and welfare reports favourable to the father’s case. As a result, fathers tended to get

custody, sometimes in spite of a history of personality problems and violence.

‘According to one lesbian mother: “The feelings, wishes and welfare of my children, and what was best for them, was not taken into account at all. The object of the exercise seemed to be to punish me for doing wrong Ge. being a lesbian) by depriving me of my children.”

Tn cases where fathers were given custody, the ‘woman’s access rights were often restricted by stringent conditions: they had to keep their lesbianism a secret from the children, they were forbidden to go to the children’s school, and their lovers were not aliowed to be present during visits.

Describing her ordeal in court ‘and the subsequent supervision order placed ‘upon her, one woman said that she and her lover were ‘made to feel that they were “the worst, most despicable criminals in the land”.

i, in the view of Lord Justice Wakins, delivering judgement in an appeal case in 1982, the granting of custody to a lesbian mother “‘can only be countenanced by the court ‘when it is driven to the conclusion that there is, in the interests of the child, 00 other acceptable form of

custody." ‘However, even the lack of acceptable alternative

custody does not always tip the balance in the woman's favour. In one case, despite

welfare reports _ which highlighted the father’s “shortcomings” and the mother's “stronger character and discipline”, the judge awarded custody of their six year old boy to the father.

“He is obviously a young man @28) and no doubt capable of development,” the judge explained.

‘A 1978 appeal case involv ed a father who had won custody. despite his. admis sion of indulging in “‘abnormal sexual practices"; despite his lack of suitable accommodation for the children; despite welfare and pyschiatric reports which recommended custody for the mother; and despite the children’s opposition to living with their father.

‘On appeal, Lord. Justice Or ruled ‘that it was reasonable for the lower court judge to ignore the ‘welfare report recommend: tions and to prefer the opiions of the father’s

‘PHOTO: Martine Stead

By PETER TATCHELL

‘One of the most overtly political rulings against a lesBian mother occurred in 1976. After conceding the quality of the woman’s care ‘and toncern for her five year ‘old son, the judge desribed ‘the potential * * 10 the boy from living in a lesDian household as.

Lesbian strength on the April

that if people came to approve of lesbianism, “it would mean the decay of society... We definitely cannot have approval. It would be detrimental, anyone might be influenced if it were approved of.”” Perhaps those who have shown such passionate commitment to the rights of Cleveland parents should now extend their crusade for justice to the many caring lesbian mothers who have been deprived of their

30th Stop the Clause demo

children — for no other reason than their love for another woman,

Lesbian Mothers’ Legal Handbook The Women’s Press, £3.95

Lesbian Custody Group, c/o Rights of Women, ‘52-54 Featherstone Street, London ECL (01 251 6576)

Speculum: a m

idwife’s musings

By TESS KEWLEY SRN, SCM

Eating by numbers

People these days seem to want’ quick, easy meals.

The fact that a lot of refining and processing hhas to be done in order to food quick and easy to prepare is often forgotten.

‘Apart from this, a great deal of food is coloured (to make it more attractive to the consumer) and certain foods are irradiated in ‘order to prolong ‘’shelflife”.

‘The manufacturers toll us that this Is for the good of the consumer, so that food is sate to eat for longer. However, let's not forget who makes the profits when prawns, for ex ‘ample, sre rendared “sterile by treaaian

‘Despite the fact that some men pay lip setvice to “help Ing’ with the housework, io mixed households i's, on the whole, the woman who does far and away the bulk of the chores, including shopping ‘and cooking

We mustn't forget that primarily we eat t remain

nd that the addition of food at

ees to mak ‘tractive fs unnecessary and indeed harmful in many cases. Givan that. many” women ‘work outside the home, spoed.

im preparation of meals is im portant; but $0 is nutrition Pood additives are, therefore, ‘8 women’s issuel V's take 8 closer look at ‘numbers. An E" number ‘awarded to additives in use in the EC. which have Undergone safety checks YE mumbers denote food additives which are er ‘rely innocuous, @.g. £300, which is Vitamin C, used as an anti-oxidant, to prevent fatty foods becoming rancid. However, many substances which have been 3 "E" numbers are not at safe and cause a wide range of diseases. The artificial colour ngs 102-185 are azo dyes and are a prime cause of hyperactivity in children, ‘Some manufacturers are waking up to the ides that Deople don't want artificial Colours of this nature and are Starting to use safe natural iterative colourings which don't couse side effects These are £160-172, and you should check the labels ‘carefully before you buy. Flavour ‘enhancers (monosodium glutamate. for example) are under considers tion for the "E” prefix, despite they fact that they cause quite Unplegsant side effects, in chiding nauses, palpitations, izziness, and’ migraine-tke symptoms.

Several "E" numbers are ‘not permitted in foods intend- (ed for children under the 392 ‘of 12, but monufacturers fre- ‘quently ignore this directive.

“The answer, of course, is to tty to buy unprocessed food, ‘organic’ vegetables, and 10 Grink fresh fruit juice rather than squashes witch proudly Sey. “contains no artificial Sweeteners, colourings of flavourings", but omut to mention that they call_ contain sulphite-based preservatives (usually E21." or 223) dangerous to asthmatics.

To remember writing to Rowntrees beause Smarties Contained E920. (or maybe £321}, an antioxidant not per mitted in foods intended for abies or small chidren, Pointed ut to the company

sat. Smarties were aimed primaniy at children.

‘Their response was that the ‘orange Smartie was the only one treated with £320, Because it made it taste bet ter, and the orange Smartie is ‘the most popular

However, | have. recently poticed that the additive is no longer being used in Smarties, 30 it shows that writing to manufacturers may be wotthwhile — even if you get sly epi

‘Ae for artificial sweeteners, onutra- Sweet” (aspartamel hae never been proved ssfe.

Indeed, it has been linked with serious diseases, such as cancers, es have saccherin ‘and mannitol, which are also permitted sweeteners.

if you neve to sweeten food, "honey is best (or pisin ‘sucrose, in Small quantities)

The miners” strike was a brea

FM admit here and now that the treatment of cancers and ‘other serious diseases by diet

subject | know a great out, but it has worked

ing. ‘ae a nation of heart disease sufferers. It can't be ‘coincidence that we also con- ‘sume vast quantities of fast food’” — OK for the occasional sack, but highly unsuitable as ie det

kthrough in showing that eating can be a commual activity. Can we go 2 step further, and take control over what goes into our food?

he

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 12

Letter

Building Briefing

WRITE BACK!

aan

NATFHE breaks new ground

Dear Briefing,

"The B, Weaver v. NATFHE ‘ase (which arose out of NATFHE’s policy of refusing advice and assistance to members who make complains of racial harassment on the grounds that sich complaints might threaten the tenure of the member(s) ‘complained against has raised a ‘number of issues outside the ‘Scope of the original complaint

‘One such issue has arisen from the evidence submitted 2 both the Industrial and Appeal ‘Tribunals, namely that NATFHE "would not support somebody ‘where the member Acknowledged that his conduct was unlawful, including ‘reaches of the Race Relations Act

“The logic ofthis policy is that ‘official union support would ‘not be provided to any member ‘who ected unlawfully by con {ravening trade union laws, such a secondary action in defence Of the Jobs oF conditions of ‘other trade unionists

Tf complaints were made that ‘members were acting unlawful Jy, and if they acknowledged that they were engaged in linlawful” sevondary action (which sould be dfficule not 0 acknowledge), NATFHE's policy would preclude the proviHon of advice and assistance 10 them.

‘Comradely greetings,

Gordon Weaver,

Birmingham

Local Briefings

Bulletins launched in

Nottingham and Birmingham ———— _-

“Benn and Heffer — Robin

Hood Rides

the headline of the first issue of Nottingham Labour Briefing.

The latest local suppie ment to the indispensable national fortnightly kicks off with a powerful front = page statement backing Se Benn and Heffer.

‘Unlike Kinnock and Hattersley/Preseott and thelr sup

Briefing with a brosdshest

new Social Security Act, City calling for support for the 20

‘and County Couneil politics,

porters.” Nottingham Briefing Section 28, local hospital Sirmingham Labour CounSupporters sigue. “Benn and closures, abortion rights, end cilors suspended from the Hetfer stand full square with the PAO strike folow. [abou “Group fer voting the milions of people in Britain It looks Eke Nortingham against cuts.

‘The Birmingham comrades set out alist of practical tasks and political demands and in vite left Councilors and Party members to join in building 2

‘united, democratic, socialist

Labour Briefing will have plenty to offer independent left ac Uvists — oF those who might become activists. Contact 83

Zulu Road, Nottingham, NG7 oR.

tah believe in collective work ‘nd strength and who loudly condemn the Tory. selfish greedy, immoral ‘load Samoney’ class exploiting t

‘working people of Britain and

the world.” In Birmingham, the demise left "And that's just for starters! of ‘the (somewhat uneasy) Contact John Wilton or Informative articles on "'Campaign Briefing” group

Mendis, 3k Sections, the

Vira}

and bulletin has signalled the IGunch of Biemingham Labour

Published by Labour Briefing, PO Box 457, London SW2 5UZ

Printed by East West Graphic (TU), London

Labour Briefing, PO Box 457, Pol Tax begio to hit home: London SW25UZ

LGIU Puzzler

“Poll Tax wil undercut democracy ‘but any strategy based on legality is a nowesarver.”

That's how the lees Pol Tax "News (buleon from the Local Government Information Unt)

‘af,

Noe surprisingly. one of the main

‘topics at the annual LGIU Con-

The hallowed free-market ‘economy may not be ser¥- ing Thatcher's property- ‘owning democracy as offectively as is claimed.

‘House prices in the South Bast are rising so fast that even stereotypical middle lass newly-weds can’t got ' foot onto the property ladder, Ist slone & foot across the threshold.

Ts all a question of supply ‘and demand. In their feryour to cut local governent expenditure the Tories ‘have drastiosliy reduced the number of Gouneil houses being built, thus reducing the overstl housing stock supply.

‘The private sector expan: ‘on in house building has ‘been insufficient to meet ‘the overall demand. Thus, in 1978, 279,000 new houses ' were built, 480,000 Coune and ‘149,000 in the private seotor." In 1987, after eight _yoars of free market Thattherism, 203,000 _ new houses were built, 52,000 Gounell” and. 171,000 private sector — "an Sverall drop of 76,000.

‘The same is spparently true ih thet other bastion of in- ‘orementsl cost-etficiency, the UBA — land of the brave and (erstwhile) ‘home of the free

‘Home prices have more than ‘doubled there in the past ‘ten years and the proportion of people under 35 able to ‘buy has fallen from 649% to 63%.

Never mind. Republican ‘Senator ‘Alphonse D'Amato of New York has ‘an anewer which will no

doubt soon find its way into Thatcher's catechism

Socatee Acton Nine comrades from Socialise Ac- staring out from the lapel. Wwonturned wptothemecting:n Emer Terry Ashton — ful me peptic pe Secretary of the umbet of SA npportes whe Greater London Labowr Party turned up forthe Nacional Com nrsa suey face ference” in face wh dhs erating aver speaking for the fore Lek Wing Opetore oor me ig oe semen Specs.

lashed our at poor olf Labour Briefing. te source of al evi in

seth Ee gorerere oo I ‘brigade showed ‘enough interest in the reviled Chesterfield process co use their one-off majorcy £0 vote © exchide nontabour Party ‘members trom the West

yak eto Confer

onder what" Soca Con-

ferences newbyoected ‘Re 1 you don't kes, 6u0 81 Sona Searing Comite wl

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Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-10th 1988 page 13

Reviews

et

Harry Perkins — Take the Power!!

A Very British Coup, Channel Four TV, Sundays, 9.15pm

Over-slick, reformist, and unconvincing it may have been, but A Very British Coup still packed some punch.

It brilliantly spotlighted the utterly ruthless ruling class. dictatorship which preserves capitalist rule behind the scenes, regardless of which party happens to have @ majority in Parliament.

Fighting Back: Speaking ‘out for Soeciatism in the Eighties, by Tony Benn, Hutchinson, £6.95

This collection of articles and speeches by Tony Benn is a welcome contribution to the present Leadership debate.

Itis part of the wider eampaign to assert the primacy of S04 politics. within the Labour Party.

Fighting Back ranges over many topics. There are thoughtful observations on socialist and democratic ‘concepts and practical contributions to the various political struggles of the Period under consideration the Thatcherite 80s.

‘When compared with Neil Kinnock’s literary effort Making Our Way, Ben's book illustrates yet again the enormous gulf between the two candidates for the Party Leadership.

Tony Benn’s greater vision and commitment to socialism is complemented by a larger talent. While

Running concurrently with coverage of the Soviet Union’s Nineteenth Party Congress, Channel Four’s “political thriller"” may have made some viewers. wonder. whether we couldn't do with a bit of glasnost and perestroika over here!

Imagine Arthur Scargill in charge of @ future Labour government, and you roughly have the pic- ‘ture. The ruling class pull out all their extr parliamentary stops.

But perhaps to equate Arthur with the fictitious

Harry Perkins is unfair. For surely 2 Scargill administration would at- ‘tempt to assert its power more vigorously than does the likeable Harry on television?

By Chris Knight Lewisham East CLP

marie ‘absent from Perkins’ strategy is the organised working class. The whole story focuses on what goes on within the socalled “corridors of power”. Mass action on

Book Review

battling through the 80s

Benn writes his own siuff, Kinnock, purged of rhetoric, ig merely the piffling sum of the opinions of his political advisors.

Af Party Leaders were selected on basic ability, then Tony Benn would be an ‘easy victor at Blackpool.

By Richard Heffernan Hornsey and Wood Green CLP

Benn's book is not meant to be a “set text” oF “socialist manifesto”. It is a personal contribution 0 the politics of the present.

Fighting Back includes Benn’s response to the Falklands War, his advocacy of the miners’ and the

5° causes, his case for British withdrawal from Ireland, his arguments for a democratic and informative mass media, and his everrelevant plea for a Labour Party committed to all the struggles of the dispossessed and the oppressed.

Throughout the book, Benn makes constant reference to the democratic and liberation basis of

socialism. Whilst many of the speeches illustrate his parliamentarist/ approach, Benn, despite _ remaining within the rules of the House of Commons club, vigorously chastises the authoritarian nature of the British state.

Whilst he champions the rights of the legislature against the dominance of the exevutive (in the British Rauical tradition), his arguments illustrate that existing institutions can not be in themselves the means to advance socialism.

Nor can they protect what he calls “inherent —inalienable and ancient ‘democratic rights" — rights which he believes require the extension of _ democracy beyond the limits of the ex. isting system,

Fighting Back makes a useful case for a socialist foreign policy based on nonalignment, a non-nuclear defence policy, and internationalist principles.

While Benn (characteristically) makes no criticism of the Eastern European bureaucracies he argues for the dissolution of

the streets to smash through this whole rotten system is neither seen nor — apparently — even contemplated as a possibilty

Each Perkins "victory is the resuit_of some Dureaucratic manoeuvre from_on high — as when the. “reactionary” power workers” industrial action i overcome, not politically, but through a threatening telephone call to the velectricians’ ClA-backed leader!

Inthis, the film accur ly reflects the worst weaknesses of sections of

(Cold War structures and for an_end to the NATO alliance.

Above all, Fighting Back illustrates Ben's incorrigible optimism and his positive belief that socialist values, presented . with vigour and conviction, will gain widespread support.

While Benn is clearly worlds apart from the present Labour Leaders, his book makes no critical references to them — nor to the present direction of the Party. Nonetheless, much of it effectively exposes. the bankruptcy of the Kinnockites, and, barrasses the 1981 who have since become the born-again social democrats and fashionable pessimists of 1988 — currently ensconced in the upper reaches of far too many ‘Constituency Parties Parties.

Finaily, Fighting Back illustrates "many of the reasons why Tony Benn remains a leading advocate of ‘Socialism and why socialists, both now and in the future, will be in his debe

the Bennite left. (The series is based on a 1982 novel by Chris Mullin, sometime Tribune editor, now House-bound MP.) “They have a good idea where power in the state really lies — but very little idea what to do about it.

Scargillite

A Perkins, Scargill, or Bennite Labour govern ment would face all the problems which this film depicts — and no doubt more. But it would also have an ally capable of resolving these problems.

Perkins has all the right instincts, but he lacks weapons — he lacks a sufficiently organised, centralised, ruthless _alternative to the utterly ruthless state machine of the ruling class.

Lessons

ft is impossible not to ‘conclude with the obvious ‘eninist lessons! A future “Perkinsite " Labour government would. stand fo chance unless it was backed up >y an organised revolutions'y movement. Victory would mean mobilising the working class to occupy and take over the factories, streets, and major public buildings

NN ’

0 as to defend the revolutionary legality of the administration.

Soviets would have to be set up in order to form a new state machine on which the administration could rely. The Monarchy would have to be abolished, and all the top Generals, Admirals, Judges, and Civil Servants Sacked,

Defence

Armed workers’ defence squads would have to be established and the existing armed service confronted, split, won over where ‘possible — and finally mastered by the Labour administration, (There would be no reason to doubt that the bulk of the “other ranks” would be sympathetic assault on privileges in such 2 social and political climate).

None of this could be accomplished purely ‘from above". Only a revolutionary party footed in the living struggles of | the working class could defend a “’Perkins’” government, answer ruling class sedition with working class insurrection — and by that means translate office in Parliament into real state power

Scenes from A Very British Coup show Harry Perkins i fall

flow. PHOTOS: Courtesy Channel 4

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 14

International Briefing

19th CPSU Conference

Gorbachev and the ‘‘glorious : revolution’’ of 1988

‘The socialist revolutions of the 20th century have a similar pattern to the bourgeois revolutions of the 17th and 18th centures in Holland, England, and France. The latter threw up dictatorial state forms — most notably those of Cromwell and Napoleon.

By OLIVER MACDONALD

The initial democratic impulses were thrown back and, in England at least, it took hundreds of years’ to carry through "basic democratic political aims.

So the democratic impulses of October 1917 were crushed, and the world's ‘frst proletarian State was twisted into a Stalinist dictatorship.

Ever since, socialists have asked how long it will ake for the democratic political revolution 10 triumph in the USSR. Will it take as long in this proJetarian state as it took earlier in the bourgeois world?

Conference

Some see in the events surrounding the Soviet Union's 19th Party Conference the arrial, even the telumph, of this

{ng of popular politics in the lat 18 months has raised hopes of all kinds,

‘One thing is sure, the process that has begun there is openended; no one can know its eventual outcome.

‘The greatest error the left here can make is to judge the reform movement on the basis ff the Gorbachev Leadership’ economic, social or foreign

Upsurge in ‘the Baltic An army of skeletons

Locke's ingenuity lay in justifying the control of parliament bythe landed gentry. and bourgeoisie. Gorbacher's “insenuty lies in justifying the control of the Supreme Soviet by the politcal establishment of the Communist Party

in his opening specch 0 the 19th Conference he claimed that setting. up opposition partes was an “abuse of Perestroika” 4nd made no call fora change in Pany rules 10 legalise inner Panty tendencies and factions

So, "all power” to. the Soviets inthe Sate — bot img all power in the Soviets to 3 20 million strong. Communist Party, controlled from above

But if Soviet workers m the main centres. begin to move, Stamping their wil on political events, ‘the reactionary. camp within the Party could be swept away (hough removing them from other centres of power would be more difficul).

Up to now, the great bulk of the Soviet working class has re ‘mained uncommitied, and thus hhas not yet fle ts own strength Within the Party Leadership ts voice has been Boris Yeltsin: in favour of democratisstion and egalitarianism agains. the Privileges of the Party eit. Policy. The overriding issue is bachev has made it abundantly "Working class Communists

battle for clear that his own aim is not a throughout the USSR saw how opular power in the USSR democratic political revolution. the Party. Leadership savaged Today. His mo Jacobin; he is closer ‘0 Yeltsin last autumn, with Gor-

"The Gorbachey Leadership the Whig politicians who made bachev making no attempt to

hhas raised the slogan of “All the “Glorious Revolution” in distance hime from the

coupled England in 1688. ‘rimitive Stalinist frenzy.

‘with civ liberties and’ reedom What matters in the months Of opinion. Will these slogans Ideology ahead is whether the forces for be taken up and transformed in- i

{Othe realities of popular power Their ideology was provided by the working people of the by the Liberal theorist, John Soviet Union i the months to Locke (whose collected” works come?

PHOTO: Androw Ward Meport)

If they are, then aniiegalitarian trends in the policies ‘of the Party Leadership will ‘Stand no chance of undermining the social rights of working people. At the same’ time, Gor

marches on Moscow

Nowhere are the ns of Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s Glasnost policy more subversive than in the three Baltic republics of | Estoni Latvia, and Lithuania. After a brief period of independence following World War |, all three countries were occupied by Soviet troops as a result of the — Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939, which sealed the short-lived deal between Stalin and Hitler.

By Colin Meade Surbiton CLP

In 1941, tens of thousands were deported from the Baltic regions, many never to return.

‘This experience led to 2 widespread belief that Hitler was preferable to Stalin — at least before the Nazis had had time to show their true-colours

‘and was a major reason —_in_ February, despite _tionalist rally in Tallinn, the why collaboration with the threats of police action, 2 capital, and promised to Nazis was not uncommon big demonstration took present the demands to amongst the Baltic place tocommemorate the the Soviet Party Conpeoples, founding of the indepen- ference in the form of 2

‘The return of the Soviet dent state in 1918. general proposal for ‘army in 1944 saw further Then, in April, the of- reordering relations betdeportations, while guerilla ficial cultural unions drew ween the constituent

forces continued to fight up a comprehensive pro- Republics of the Soviet | bie for e catalogue of rapes,

the Soviets for years after _gramme in which they urg- Union. the war, ed the Estonian Com- — Movements of this kind In Estonia — where pro- -munist. Party (ECP) to strengthen Gorbachev's tests have been most open adopt a series of positions position within the Party. = @ demonstration in on economic and political Only he has the credibility August 1987 saw calls for autonomy, immigration, to engage in a dialogue the publication of the text cultural freedoms, free with their Leaders and of the 1939 Pact end its contacts with abroad isolate what he and the Rotorious secret protocols. {including Estonian com- Party view as nationalist Protestors also demand- munities. — and non- extremism. ed the abandonment of 2 Communist political cur- Nonetheless, they also Bhosphate mining project, rents!), defence of the na- present him with a sticky Festrictions on the im- tional environment, pro- problem: can he satisfy 3 migration of non-Estonians motion of the Estonian demand for a complete into the Republic, and in- language, and the recogni- break with the past when creased efforts to teach tion of Stalin's crimes as this could imply a demand Estonian to non-Russians. crimes against humanity. _for a break with the Soviet it is reported that in On June 16th, M. Union itself? December the Central Vielas, a pro-Gorbachev Whatever happens at ‘Committee of the all-Union Leader, took over at the the Party Conference, the Communist Party passed a head of the ECP. The nationalist dilemma will fesolution claiming that following day significant continue to haunt Gor: Glasnost had gone too far ECP figures took the plat- bachev in the foreseeable in Estonia. form at 2 massive na- future,

Students and workers strike

Events have overtaken the recent negoti between Angola, South Africa, Cuba and the us. The talks, over Namibian dependence and the war

Angol stalemate anyway.

By Piers Mostyn Namibia Support Committee

Now, ‘the recent Angolan military offensive is generally recognised to have inflicted the most serious military setback on the South African invading force in over a decade,

Inv Namibia a general strike by workers has combined with 2 burgeoning school student boycott to produce the biggest mass mobilisation in the counuy since the 1971 General Strike by contract workers — 2 high point in Namibia's century old struggle for i Gependence and Setermination

‘The student protest is agsinst the proximity of South ‘African miitary beses to the schools. it began in March ‘when 700 pupils. st Ponhofi High Schoo! vote to go home indefinitely until a nearby base occupied by the brutal Counter.insurgency unit Koevoet was removed.

“The bases are deliberately sited close to schools and hospitals to intimidate students, “nurses and teachers, When SWAPO guerbles launch stand-off attacks fon bases, the troaps vent their fary by fring shells on schools

Knowing them to be sym. pathetic. to the liberation

‘Soldiers have been responsi

assaults, and covert bombing Centred ‘on schools over the years. In April, 1987, 13 Brimaty schools in the North twere burnt down in the night by. soldiers, Teachers have featured prominently among those subject to mags arrests and the death squads

‘By May, 20,000 students ware boytotting classes in the Northern war zone — closing ton secondary and 20 primary schools. By June the protest had spresd South — with all Schools in Nomibie's ‘largest Black township, Katutura, on strike in solidarity.

With 40,000 on strike, the movement has become the fargest student protest in the seven decades of South African rule over Namibia,

The South African response has included mase geste ‘aids on the pro-independence ewspaper The Namibian, and

the arrest ofits editor: and the break-up of student gatherings

by police ast bullets, tear slamboks.

‘On June 21st and 22nd, the unions. fliated to. the ‘Na tone!” Union ” of © Namibian Workers (NUNW) — the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), the Namibian Food and lied Union (NAFAU), the Metal and Allied Namibian "Workers." Union (MANWU) and the Namibian Public Workers Union. (NAPWU), between them organising 60,000 workers — held = general strke in solidarity with the mass student protest and te demands.

‘Miners ‘Union General

Utenge, an Robben Island prisoner, hes that ‘it was the

sisted on the strike — not the ‘union Leadership.

He said the strike could be seen as. ““an expression of how serious the workers feel about South Africa's occups tion of Namibia... they have all had relatives. or friends ar: tested, family members assaulted oF harassed, or hed property destroyed by the ar: my, Its realy surprising that the workere have not risen up before now ‘

Ulenga is one of dozens o signatories to an advert in The Namibian, placed by a cam: paign called Release the Com. Fades, demanding the relesse Of detainees such as Jason ‘Angula, SWAPO Secretary for Labour, and saying ““They ‘must imprison ail Namibians if they want to silence us. We ‘stand behind you: Namibia will be free

"The workers and students of Namibia are in urgent noed of our solidarity. This is a Tremendous aod heroic strug ale by an over-exploited, op pressed nation of one anda half milion againet the ful might of South Africa and the multinational,

itis eseential that we break the ‘elative silence that stil exists about. the. situation Suport for SWAPO, the trede tunions, and students needs to be buit in the Labour Party ‘and Trade Unions

‘A useful focus would be amongst teachers and Students, as already begun in the NUT — and calling on the Usaders to take action:

A central aspect has to be opposition to British silence ‘and collaboration — whether by companies or the government,

Find out more. about the Namibia Support Committee's solidarity campaign. Contact NSC, PO" Box 16, London NWS 2LW. tel 01 367 1941 for information and resources. Donations ‘urgently needed!

PHOTO courtesy Action on Nes

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-19th 1988 page 15

International Briefing

Colombia Year of Action on Ireland

Briefing supporter LUIS GARCIA interviewed ASDAUBAL JIMENEZ, founder member of the United Workers Confederation of Colombia (CUT), Banana ‘Workers’ Leader in the Uraba Region, currently in a London hospital after being shot four times in the latest wave of repression.

‘The CUT was founded in 1986 after 40" years. of relative ‘workers’ passivity and sec {arian party political divisions.

tts base lay with the independent unions which had Tefused to join any of the old party-controlled confedera:

jon (CSCTC) dissolved

‘and thousands of ‘workers abandoned the Liberal and Conservative blocs.

‘One milion strong, compris: ing 80% of organised labour, the CUT i not afiated to ay

al grouping and_main: {ins ful Internal democracy.

‘As a result, the workers hhave been able to push their ‘organisation into the political arena. The CUT now takes up political positions on a number of questions independently of the ruling class and of its instruments within the labour

‘The migrations of peasant farmers and rural workers to the oi acted 2s 6 passive, backward influence on the unions, now have 8 different effect. The rural immigrants and their grown-up children ere today

“The growth of independent working class activity has led {0 growing repression. At first the emplayers and right wing politicians organised the ‘Assassination of lett wing politicians and union leaders ‘on an individual basis. Recentiy, assassinations have token (of a different character, with hundreds of workers’ and peasants shot “or abducted over the past yer

“Asdrubal Jimenez worked {for the banana workers union jn the main banana zone of Uraba. in Antioquia. Trad tionally, the banana growing rogions have boon very backward, with schools, hospitals, sanitation, roads and housing insufficient for the people's needs and income. levels amongst the lowest in the country.

Recently the multinationals (such as United Fruit) have been losing some ground to. cartel of national grows

‘The Social Democrats ‘Sweden (SAP — the main workers’ party) have governed most of the time since the Second World War.

This has often been with the ‘support of the Eurocommunist VPK.

But since 1982, when the Social Democrats. returned to government after six years in opposition, they have implemented austerity policies, starting with a big devalua~

mn of the Swedish krone ind an increase in VAT. “This bourgeois policy from a labour government has created cree opposition among, Social Democrat members and trade unionists.

Tt staried with the so-called

Call for trade union boycott

These growers proved even more repressive then the US Corporations which hed in the past organised some of the worst massacres on the Continent.

or the national bourgeoisie, union organisation was equated with the guerrilla sc tivity that also existed in the region and it demanded a Imilitary response.

'With the murder rate rune. ing st twice the national ‘average (already the highest in 2 world for @ country not at war), the desth squeds. and the army crushed the unions ‘and removed the fragile protection enjoyed by labourers packers, and dockers

"The truce which previous Betencurt govern ent arranged with the guor fllas took away the ‘employers’ main excuse for Violent attacks on the unions. The workers. used the resulting breathing space to ebuild "thelr unions, which ‘grow rapidly

‘When the truce broke down in 1987, there was a resumption of nd romiltarisation of the region

‘The repression has become ‘9 massacre: over 700 banans workers have been kiled since 1982. Numbers of workers being gunned down now run inte double figures.

“Trade unionists should back the call for the boycott of Col combien products, in particular cosl, flowers, coffee and bananas. The ~ Colombian Solidarity Committee and the Committee for Human Rights have produced an informative report on the banana zone ‘which will help motivate the boycot..

‘Asdnubal Jimenez is prepared to speak to union Branches and other labour movement bodies on the experience of the banana ‘workers, the political situation in Colombia, and the boycott strategy.

‘Unions will be asked to provide ‘material. ‘support "to workers who refuse to handle Colombian products. We heve to prevent the victimisation of workers who act in solidarity ‘with their Colombian brothers {and sisters by gaining offic Union backing for actions.

“The fight for the boycott is 8 fight for the right to fe of hun dreds of thousands of trade unionists, polticel. activists, and peasant farmers in Colombia,

Contact:

the

By FINN JENSEN

“Dala_ uprising’. (Dale. is a Swedish county.) Lifelong Social Democrats began publicly challenging government polices. The “"uprising’” came toa standstill withthe assassina tion of the’ Swedish Prime Minister Oluf Palme, which created 2 mood for unity.

But the “uprising” is now more active than ever, ‘Socal Democrats in trade unions are demanding an extra 1,000 Sv. kr. (£80) per month for everybody and strikes in supPort of this demand have Already broken out

‘Rank and file members of the Social Democratic Party have formed Socialdemocratic

Alternative” asa left opposition inside the Party. They will be is suing their own literature in the

1968 was an eventful year in the North of Ireland, as elsewhere.

Why, then, is so little said of the’ Irish’ dimension in magazine articles and TV retrospectives dedicated to the twentieth anniversary?

Because, 20 years on, the struggle "in Ireland ‘continues.

‘What began as a civil rights movement in 1968, inspired by black struggles in the United States, has developed into a war fought at a cost of £1 million a day to the British government.

A Year of Action to mark this 20th anniversary has been launched. It offers socialists a unique opportunity to make Ireland a majjor issue in the British labour movement.

‘A campaign for unconditional British withdrawal has ‘enormous potential support, indicated by:

‘epolicy successes in the Labour Party, National Labour Women’s Conference, and national trade unions in recent years;

‘@the increased political profile of the Irish community in Britain;

‘@the continued resistance of the nationalist community in the north of Ireland itself ‘@ political developments among —_anti-imperialist

Left opposition grows

campaign for the general elections in September, and placing their own candidates on the official Social Democratic slate

In the County of Jonkoping, the" “Alternative have seven: ‘Councillors fa the city of Nase jo. They will need about 20,000 ‘voles to_get one MP.

"The ‘Socialdemocratic Alernative have declared themselves in favour of a policy of soidarity with the workers’ movement and opposition to bourgeois Policies ‘which have cut down the public sector and transferred ‘wealth from the working class to the monopolies, the capitalists, and the bureaucrats,

‘The Social Democratic government in Sweden does not have a majority in Parliament, Te needs the votes of the Euro ‘communist’ VPK. But to the Socialdemocratic Alternative, the Euro-cooumunists offer ao

1GRG march earlier this year: now the Year of Action gives us the opportunity to mobilise the British working class in support of the Irish nationalist struggle.

PHOTO: im Tha

Time to go!

‘The Charter’s wording is somewhat ambiguous and this has been exploited by some of its sponsors. Clare ‘Short said:

“We are saying a peaceful settlement in Northern Ireland entails a_ British withdrawal and we have got to get on with the debate about how that is to be accomplished, leaving behind sable ion. We sre ot

about —_ pulling cepts or al ata

‘A “settlement” can mean many things to many people. A large number of Irish activists have been concerned that the Charter may repre-

alternative as they support the policies of the government

‘The VPK also has big internal problems and might not pass the 44% limit for representation in Parliament at the general electons in September.

Ireland recently told the Chesterfield Socialist Conference that_a withdrawal movement will not be led by socialists or _ republicans. Presumably, his strategy for building a withdrawal movement relies on winning worthy and influential individuals to the cause.

This is mistaken. Socialists and those identify ing with the national liberation struggle have always led the successful struggles ‘against imperialist domination and colonialism (Vietnam, India, Zimbabwe). Why should ‘Ireland be any

in the local community, by ‘making the links between Ireland and other issues, and by centrally involving the Irish community, the labour ‘movement, and the women’s ‘movement.

‘Of course we want the support of prominent politicians and individuals, but not if this means excluding socialists and republicans from political leadership of the movement.

‘The whole left must make Ireland a priority issue during this Year of Action. Wherever we are active, we can make the links:

‘@ women’s oppression — and strip-searching;

‘@ civil rights, the repressive state —- and Stalker, Guildford Four, Birm: ingham Six, et

enew police powers, plastic bullets — and harass ment of the nationalist community;

‘@Alton’s attack on abortion rights — and Irish women’s continued need for travel to England for abortions:

@ Labour Councils’ housing policies and cuts — and anti-Irish racism and

Coffee is Nicaragua’s biggest export earner and is vital to the country’s economy and the survival of the Sandinista revolution.

‘50, since 1984, International Brigades have gone to Nicaragua from all over the ‘world to supplement the workforce during the coffee harvest

By Stephanie Grant Islington North CLP

repatriation;

‘@the disarmament debate —and Ireland's neutrality;

‘the crash, the economic crisis’ — and Ireland's massive debts;.

The building of a mass movement for withdrawal should also be made one of the continuing themes of the Chesterfield Conference

Our aim is to. involve ‘everyone who is prepared to mobilise on. the issue of withdrawal. In the short {erm, the best way to do that

building local campaign ‘committees around the Year of Action.

Success here willbe measured by our ability to ‘cement real working links and build open, democratic, non-exclusive structures, A Women's Year of action, ‘organised on this basis, of” fers a real opportunity to draw new women to. the ‘cause of Ireland.

‘Briefing supporters can:

discuss the Year of Action locally;

@ help set up local Time To Go Committees, on an open, democratic basis;

@approach local campaigns active on Ireland to Set up the committee (for example, via a public meeting) ensuring that the Irish com-

ties groups, and local politicians are invited to participat ‘@draw up a timetabl the year, to get © labour movement, cultural, and commainixy “wots; ‘@consider local initiatives such as: a lawyers’ conference, a film festival, a prisoners’ appeal, exchange its, and Local Authority

Conferences on the needs of Se Irish community in “Atain

‘The Nicaragua Solidarity ‘Campaign (NSC) seads four such brigades every year. Each brigade isin Nicaragua for six weeks,

If you feel you would uk+ to take this opportunity you should apply without delay to NSC Brigades, NSC, 23 ‘Bevenden Street, London NI SBH.

From NSC press release

Labour Briefing No. 66 July 6th-191h 1988 pase 16

Here's our final round-up belore — Briafing’s "summer break. But don't forget that the campaign goes on during

‘touch just because the paper ‘on holiday

‘We'll be back withthe latest news in Septomber! ‘@London For Socialism ‘The campaign in the capital hhas already scored @ number ‘Of unexpected successes. ‘with Bene and Hetfer winning ‘nominations in atleast 20 con Stituencies (including Brent

Hackney North

wide ‘and contributions trom Sharon ‘Rutkin, “Ken Livingstone, and ‘Mare Wadsworth.

‘More information from Niget Lee, 51 Braidwood Court, Hyson Green, Nottingham, 788059. eNewham The Newham Campaign for Socialiem held a meeting ad- ‘dressed by Tony Benn on July

organisers believe

ing a Bill to repeat all ant-trade Union legis‘ation passed by the Tories since 1979. eferring to Bills introduced by the Campaign Group on = range of topics — justice for mineworkers, ireland, nuclear

‘we wil do when we return 0 power, and we have got to repare the legislation now that would carry our policies into effect.”

Defeating Aparthei

This is not a conflict confined to South Africa in which we are merely spectators. for the British economy is closely tied up with South Africa. with whom we do a great deal of trade and from whom ‘we receive a number of important raw materials. For example, the uranium which we use in our nuclear power stations comes from Namibia which South Africa ‘Sccupies, and British power stations tum that uranium in- ‘to plutonium which is then sent to America where itis us- ‘ed to make the warheads for the US Cruise missiles that

S*But we must be ready to go further than that. and if the Africans need weapons to pursue their struggle for democracy. as they will, Britain should be ready to suppWy them. TONY BENN

NEW! Postcards from Briefing: the fun way to spread the word for Tony and Eric!

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Benn-Heffer Local Contacts

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John Nicholson

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Geoff Cutting

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Jon Lansman

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