Labour Briefing no. 89

INSIDE:

+ Party Conference previewed

Ye Is Maxwell in retreat? vw Interview: Bi Kagarlitsky on the new Soviet Socialist Party. vx What's so red in the shades of the greens? vx Getting ready for NAC Conference ewitness Palestine

UNCHAIN OUR UNIONS!

As Labour’s Conference meets, a new star rises on the “realist right”. Pontypridd MP Kim Howells has given advance notice of his bid for a place in the Shadow Cabinet.

In a month which has seen the jobs of South Wales miners cut to pieces, ex-NUM official Howells used the first edition of The Sunday Correspondent to urge Labour not to repeal the Tory trade union laws which have shackled our movement for the last ten years.

“People in the South of England... will reject any party which promises to abolish those laws completely,” prophecies Howells. “They no more favour unbridled trade union power than they do boss power.”

“And,” he adds, ominously “I don’t blame them.”

But there are millions who would disagree — not least in the trade union movement, which for Howells has served its purpose as a stepping stone to parliament.

Every time workers have fought to defend Jobs and conditions, the Tory laws have been used against us, outlawing our picket lines, seizing our assets, and blocking solidarity action.

Labour owes at least part of its lead in the polls to the new confidence felt by workers — and expressed in widespread industrial action. As a result, more and more workers have seen for themselves the iniquity of Tory union laws and the urgent need to get rid of them.

Labour must pledge itself now to untie all the chains. Anything less, such as Howell's “reasonable reform”, will simply not

By the Labour Briefing Editorial Board

generate the support needed for the return of a Labour govemment.

Howells’ outburst is not the cry of a lone wolf. It is part of a co-ordinated move by the Labour right to make the Party more acceptable to the bosses and detach it from its traditional base in the organised working class.

Labour must not only repeal the Tory union laws, it must take steps positively to empower the unions, to enable them to deal with the huge shift in power to the employers under Thatcher — on bargaining, health and safety, information, discrimination, victimisation.

Howells and others may throw up their hands in horror at the prospect of unions having their “immunities” restored. But under Thatcher it is the bosses who enjoy near total immunity — freedom to sack workers, close factories, and increase exploitation.

We must be given the legal freedom to fight these moves. The call for a total repeal of Tory anti-union laws amounts to this — no more and no less.

Howells jibes sneeringly at “Labour's walking consciences” who have “human debris around their well- heeled feet.” But the most well-heeled feet at Labour Party Conference belong to our trade union leaders. Will they vote for the best interests of their members? Indeed, how many of them have even consulted their members on the union law issue?

EZ

P&O seafarers werent the only strikers to find ther right to take ‘fective industrial action stopped bythe Tory antiunin laws.

It should never be forgotten that the unions created the Labour Party and finance it to this day. Socialists want Labour to stand up for its real, proven supporters — and ignore the editorial writers of the millionaire press.

If trade union leaders short-sell our movement when casting their block votes on this part of the Policy Review, Margaret Thatcher will sleep peacefully, knowing her work will remain intact long after her government has gone.

The fact that this decision rests in so few hands is not another argument against the block vote. It underlines, rather, the need to hold our union leaders to account and for the democratising of the block vote. It is indeed long past time for union members to have a real say in what is done in our name —and with our money.

Capitalism? “We've Cracked It!”

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fateful documents to be __plicatedlanguage.” your comrades discussing 25p postand package for each produced by the Labour Party __In-Bristol we have sold over economics and taking astand copy. For orders over 10 since “In place of strife”. 600 copies. Since publishing against the anti-socialist copies forget the post and

it effectively commits a fu: we've been asked to address economic policies being ture Labour government to a otherwardpartiesontheideas promoted by the Labour Party

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‘some sort of “compromise” by fected with anti-semitism. Can Send snippets and info to Glasses AB (the nobs) the rich and one for

constructing an inter- the genuine democrats stand Gr Perisco} support the Tories, the poor.” denominational “place of against the tide? Colum, Labour Briefing BTPCE those desig. °304 agree that nore prayer’ outside the death PO Box 1235, London N4 2UY fated social classes secialist planning art i DE (the dispossessed) Would be the best way

Poland has a viciously anti 5 Moons te solve Britain's

= ste proportion of economic problems.” Ex-Briefing with a pottical and coreer | voters in favour of Only 29% disegnes. i fojectory of such clasic | giving the unions Policy Review? Finger supporter Fits Same Nigel should soon | sore say in the ren- on the | pulse? Congratulations this issue to DAN CARTER of South Big Times enter ne textbooks c.g | ning of industry and et NS London and RICK HATCHER of Birmingham, who win Nigel Williamson, former model case — a case le economy has gone

last week's prize for Most Avid Reader of the Small Print Briefing supporter and —_—_ what. weleavetoyourlm-

in Briefing, These two comraes were the only two to contributor, former editor : Outrageous respond to our plea in the last issue to note our change Gtribune formeredtorot PS: Vacancy for aloumalt | oA i ional lof address, and send their articles for this issue to our Labour Party News and at Labour Briefing. ‘a new PO Box number. New Socioter hes Just Qualifications: Ideological | Fist Gould, then Meacher

“Just in case either of them writes any more articles, @ reminder: articles, correspondence and money should Editor of The Times. ton. now be sent to Labour Briefing, PO Box 1235, London IN42UY. You can telephone Briefing on 01-809 3927.

been appointed Pottical flexibility, naked ambI- | Radical rumblings from

: the unlikellest quarters keep cropping up in the Tion te equality a= | dally papers.

"The next Briefing may be a litte late, as most of The _ fellows: Of course, only the most Team will be in Brighton all week, and will only have four ‘ I moved to lower the | heartless cynic could at- |days to prepare the paper instead of seven! Phone in for the NEC meeting age of consent to 18 | tribute these outbursts updates on progress. Which refused to ins once and a lot of | (Gould on share sibly expect a few amNext issues (Mage a commitment to thanks I got for it | dividends, Meacher on —biguous and belated No. 91: Deadline for articles 3/10; distribution 11/10. je the ages of from the gay com | antiunion laws) fo vole remarks to wipe the Published by Labour Briefing: for munity. if you let seeking in the forthcom- months and years of KinPO Box 457, London SW2 SUZ. heterosexual and gay them do it at 16 pret- | _ingNéC elections, nockite toadying from the

Printed by East West Graphic, 01-354 3827 sex, 2 ty soon they’11 be | After all, Gould and _mindsofleft wing CLPs. plained his opposi- doing it at 14.” Meacher are intelligent Couldthey?

abour Briefing No. 89 September 2-October 10th Page 3

Editorial

Labour Party Conference:

time to rock the boat!

This year’s Party Conference meets amidst more favourable circumstances than for some years.

‘The summer of discontent showed the potential power of the ofganised working class and the mass hostilty'tg Tory policies. It also showed that significant sections of the working class are prepared to take action in defence of their living standards and bargaining rights.

‘The worsening economic indicators, soaring interest rates, and high inflation have begun to allow Labour to break into the Tory heartlands — and this is now clearly reflected in opinion polls.

On the policy front the Tories are in serious trouble on the environment, the NHS, and the Poll Tax. In this context Labour, and in particular the left, should be facing Conference with confidence and optimism.

Instead, we are being offered what Tony Benn has called “policies conceived in the winter of despair and published in the springtime of hope.”

With a renewal of industrial action by trade unions {and of public support for unions), what a time to insist that unions must continue, even under Labour rule, to be shackled by Tory anti-union laws.

With Gorbachev setting the international pace on peace through unilateral tives, what a time to reject nuclear disarmament — and insist on increased weapons expenditure.

With popular disgust at the effects of capitalist anarchy on the environment, on public transport and public health growing daily, what a time to jettison the principles of socialist planning.

‘Worse yet, any dissent — even timid outbursts from Gould, Prescott, or Meacher — is slammed by a Walworth Road machine which increasingly sees itself ‘as the Labour Party — and all those dues-paying,

BRIEFING

TAKE THE POWE!

leaflet-delivering, door-knocking activists out there are clearly dispensable.

Kinnock wants a quiet Conference; we must do our best to ensure that he is disappointed. We must bring the anger against Tory policies into the Conference Hall,

‘We must make it clear that the struggles which are shaping our world — and which are the real impetus behind the welcome improvement in Labour's opinion poll ratings — will continue, whether or not Neil Kinnock acknowledges them.

As socialists, we will be working flat out to bring those struggles into the Labour Party — and to expose the inert politics of the Policy Review to the dynamic power of the class struggle.

Double-talk on refugees

“We're free!” they cried as they crossed the border into West Germany. But were they?

Undoubtedly, West Germany can claim a higher level of political liberty than its Eastern neighbour. The Stalinist GDR remains one of the most repressive regimes in the world. And, for many, the Westem standard and style of living (as seen on TV) seems a great improvement over their own.

However, despite 40 years of the Stalinist closed-door policy, only 20,000 GDR citizens have chosen to walk through the (momentarily) open door to the West. This is no apology for Stalinism — or for its sham-socialist East German state. But it indicates that many East Germans are well aware that Westem_ “freedom” means different things to different people.

Those East Germans with professional or scientific skills will clearly be better placed to exploit it. For others, it is nothing but the notorious “freedom” to sleep under Westminster Bridge.

Capitalist politicians are using the stream of people Jeaving East Germany as a photo-opportunity in the

Jong propaganda war against socialism in general. They do not show the same concem for ather peoples who wish to choose where they live.

Behind all this there is a fundamental difference of principle. For capital, human beings are merely Potential labour, to be sucked in or spat out by a Particular national economy at its convenience. Hence the central role of racism in justifying whatever immigration controls capital chooses to impose.

The very West German government now accommodating the East Germans had no compunction in throwing out literally millions of ‘Turkish gastarbeiter (migrant workers), who had ‘sought economic advantage and political “freedom” in the Federal Republic, when capitalist economics demanded.

East Germans who seek a “better life in the West” are feted. Vietnamese refugees are told by the British ‘government that they are doing the same thing — and that this is the reason why they will be compulsorily repatriated.

This British government is, of course, a past master at fanning the racist embers to avoid domestic trouble ‘over their economic policies by deporting Sri Lankans, Kurds, and others to anything but “freedom” — often unlawiully.

Socialists do not have the hypocritical double-standards of Britain's headline-writers. We fully support the right of East Germans to live in the country of their choice; just as we back the right of the hundreds of thousands of Germans deported from the Ukraine by Stalin during World War Il to retum to their chosen home.

For socialists, international solidarity — based on the concrete recognition of the common interests which bind together all working people — dictates an end to ailimmigration controls and freedom of ‘movement for all the world’s peoples.

Behind the headlines

Shades of Green

Mainstream media coverage of the Green Party Conference was a clear cut case of quantity exceeding

quality.

While the centralising, antisocialist faction currently in contol of the Party's head office ‘managed to push through some of its “reforms” (. adaptations to

“normal” bourgeois political Having allowed their stall practice) it dda't gots way on

Journos to trivialise snd verything.

Fldlcute the proceedlngsin Wol-

‘rerhampton, the leader writers

ot stuck n-— pompoualy les- 7

KiuitcCreczonienseats BY Mike Marqusee

Stop being so trivial and Hornsey & Wood

ridiculous.

The Guardian, in particular, showed chutzpah in its patronis- {ng sermon on the necessity ofthe Greens making themselves as ‘much like all the other parties as possible (especially by suppress-

Green CLP

Members of the Association of Socialist Greens fazed reasonably ‘well in the ballots for Green Party Council (the closest the greens

Semel achat) come toan NEC). a weees Seeecg ined Ideological

Er Se moment che Meola wee ee ——— ‘sves have hecome commonplace.

‘The sentiments are laudable, but exactly how does one act on them?

twas all 00 easy for people at the Green Party Conference to score points against the shallow opportunism of other parties on this issue — and unless we find 2

either grossly mi sxpesecied (growth, population) sx simply ignored (energy, smeecens, health).

better way of linking “red” and “green” than the arithmetical whimsy of electoral pacts, there ‘will be little to choose between Labour and Tory “greenery”.

Useful

‘What seems 10 me more useful isfor socialists tointervene sharplyin what promises to be along running, deep-cutting battle of ideas within the Greea Party aad ‘the much wider green movements).

‘While socialists rightly claim that you can't really be “green” tunless you are also “red”, many powerful voices within the Green Party do not agree

‘Sara Parkin, for one, whose middle class sang-froid (down 10 the calculated catch inthe throat) and shameless self-agerandisemeet ake ber (for my money See eet oe ee

eco per Edward Goldamh (modeled 2 mee cree way on “the intemal baimce of Rainforest the ecosystem”) is the be-all and

‘end-all of green polities.

“Teddy” is the brother of Sir He preaches the virtues of

James, whose recently announced various defunct “traditional” pplan fo save the rainforest and civilisations — where the family resolve the debt criss though his unit was sacrosanct, womenknew

“Foresteco” initiative showed

their place, and foreigners were that eco-rhetoric can serve big a

excluded.

‘Rank and fle inspiration atthe Groen Conference

\Green Party activist, bot that 2 ses deed Sipe sae ec ee Ti bee wel re mary a

Ia 2 quite mmoerving exszy called oe “Exaiogy of War”

Se pepe aoe whee mtg be Se Later me ing scGicieat special seperation [Green Parties — bot f cammet be betweenintringcally antagonistic xvonded

societies. At its core will be the ques

Needless to add, “Teddy” is also tough on “permissiveness”, public spending, and Karl Mazx.

tions: How do we save ourselves

from environmental catastrophe?

‘The point here is not that there | »Atwhat price? is an eco-fascist lurking behind | And (above all) who will be the friendly smile of your local expected to pay that price?

Labour Briefing No. 89 September 27th-October 10th Page 4

Socialist Movement

Economic Notebook

Looking at the Labour Party ‘A new agenda for

the Labour Left

‘The Socialist Movement will

be making a big impact at this year’s Labour Party

SOCIALIST MOVEMENT Labour Party Members’ Meeting

Conference,

‘A major frlage meeting wi | Saturday October 14th, 11.30-5.00pm takeplaceonMondaynightand | Key Books, 136 Digbeth, Birmingham an open meeting on Thursday | Details from: Davy Jones, 13 Moreland Mews,

‘ill diseass how Socialist Move. tLondon N1 1HN. 01-607 9579. ment supporters should organise within the Party.

“This discussion will be con- _‘™aSscampaigns into the Party: it The Labour left will also be timed in Birmingham on Sanur. 80 involves re-examining our’ able to draw strength from the day, October 14th, ‘ow political agenda. Socialist Movement trade union

“Te majority of participants at Too often we have allowed conference in November. In the all thee Societ Conferencesto ourselves tobe portnyed as con-_past.he left has filed to organise date have been Labour Party sefvatives defending the stains its trade union supporters

Even during the 1981 Deputy

members, but as yet no attempt 4% eadership Campaign we failed

hasbeen made organise them. Only now, for example, isthe

‘AtihelastSocialiaConference Labour left beginning to discuss toappeal directly to top stewards cone supporter of the left wing the need fo green our class and ordinary trade union memCLPs Conference suggested that Politics. Toitscredit, the Socialist bens and lied instead on influen-

Movementhad slradyorgenised tial friends a series of Red-Green events in bureaucracy.

conjunction with the Socialist En- This approach made it easy for vironmental and Resources As- those same “friends” to abandon sociation (SERA) and the As- us when rank and file anger atthe ‘sociation of Socialist Greens ‘Callaghan experience began to

By participating in these ebb. ‘events, the Labour left will equip The Socialist Movement

the Labour lott had been far too within the bashtul in putting forward its views within the Socialist Move

ment. He certainly had a point.

By Bryn Griffiths Tottenham CLP

itselftotakeonNaclearJackCan- should also embark oo the much Tet orgmisaiion Is cenainly ningham and the Labour front ceded debate on how the trade needed within the Labour Party. beach. tunion Fink with the Party should ‘The Campaign for Socialism, cx Through the Socialist Policy be democratised. tablished in the aftermath of the Review, the Socialist Movement _To date such a debate has been Benn-Heffer leadership chal- provides us with the mechanism squashed for fear of annoying our

to develop positive alternative

lenge, has floundered amidst policies and thereby escape the

acrimony on various issues,

seul Low it dhosld relaic 16 trapof always appearing tosimp- 0 longer afford such conserstruggles outside the Party ly say "no to whatever Kinnock vlan.

‘Atthe Labour Brifing fringe comes up with. meeting atthe Shefficld Socialist _On democracy and civil liber- Equipped Conference, Reg Race criticised ties, we have allowed Roy Hatthe caclusvely intemal Labour tereyand Charer88 tomakethe Equipped from the start with 2

running. But through our cam-

Party approach.

He described the following

‘commitment to work with those in struggle outside the Labour

scemiothelfignsiogete stand gay ighs andpalce Pay, the Soca Moves Pany to adopt «policy trough haresamentwehaveenteredareasprovidesuswith an “s Polio icamiecyicet onstich Weerizand Gx Letom | logew the Eabear tof Gok {hen at Conference then permad: right are ll bat sent. SS aes ing the NBC to adopt the policy We need to articulate this ex- "Inform your local Labour left, ME lytosccitallignoredby he perience — and ke it into the Briefing or Campsign Growp of Parligmentary Labour Party LabourParyintheformof abold the forthcoming mectingr and ier ci GeNMC and redial emsocretic’ “mig eae you cia anaed wah raw up the manifesto, programme ideas fraction

ven nthe early 80s, when the ‘Across Europe radical green CLPD tacticians played such an Women pattiesheve been blossoming ou

Side the existing workers’ or ganisations,

The task of Socialist Move ‘ment supporters in the Labour Party is to make sore that this radicalisation finds its expression ‘within the labour movement.

‘We must forge a new Socialist agenda which is green, democratic, and relevant 10 workers’, including women workers’, weal struggles and ex

periences.

important role in the left's ad vance, ous success rested on the anger of the public sector union rank and file, who forced their leaders to demand a better deal from the Labour leadership.

‘Today the Socialist Movement advocates # “twin-track™ ap: proach: fighting the intemal Party battles, but at the same time extending our horizons to the ‘myriad of struggles taking place in the outside world.

‘This i nor a one-way process in which we recruit people from

‘Women for Socialism has become the first nationwide socialist-feminist current in = Tong time; it has 2 lot fo say to [Labour Party members.

‘in organising Labour Party supporters in the Socialist Move- ‘ment we will have to place the ‘concems of Women for Socialism atthe forefront.

‘The Labour left will not be ef- {ectively rebuilt whilst itis dominated by men and stymied by male trade union bureaucrats.

Market forces meet cocaine:

Time to legalise?

| Drugs are mow the number ipa =e the United States. | _ ‘The crack epidemic has | added a demonic twist to the despair and poverty of the ghettoes.

‘The “overspill” effects (AIDS ‘proliferation, crime, crack babies, overloaded public health facilities), ignored by white ”

force (rug armies, sirforces, couriers and dealer).

Imports of coke into the US voared, prices dropped, and wholesale dealers were forced dowmmarket 10 offload exce supplies

“Thos emerged the “marketing device” of the $10 crack hit, teieging onko wiki eect of the poorer “consumer”

“legitimate commerce, their sale controlled, taxed and supervised, theirdangers proclaimed onevery packet, drugs would poison fewer customers, kill fewer dealers, bribe fewer policemen, raise more public revenue.”

‘The argument is tempting and i is clear why this radical course in being seriously considered — the prospect of the total break-

proteins Paneer pis atoreton ae ees | By DavePalmer ener net Sorgen cg. HOUT Noell oc Pea eeeriae a US-backed Columbian Presiden Green CLP ‘tem. Any attempt to attack those

profits would mean, The Economist warns “attacking the ‘banks that big countries protect.”

tial candidate Lais Galan by the Medellin cocaine cartels, Bush announced a $7.86 billion “war”

By the end of 1988 the New ‘York wholesale price for 2 kilo

‘against drogs. had fallen to $12,000-8,000 dol-_Far better, then, to tum those "As part of the package, the lars. Even at that price huge profits over to state regulated,

State Department is sending $65. Pfofitscanbemadeincrackform: quality controlled and “socially

million inemergency aidand 100 Kilo can fetch $40,000 on the responsible” capitalists.

military advisors to Columbia to stects. But The Economist's argument

‘The glut in supply in the US may force coke distributors 10 tum to Buropean markets, where the wholesale price is still duee times that in the US, and the “Medellin cates can exploit their Spanish connections while the Mafia engages in coke/heroin barter deals

For The Economist this proves

falls fat, ultimately, because ofits refusal 10 tackle the demand side of the equation.

According to free market theory, individual coneumers should be allowed to order their ‘own preferences inthelight of the fullest information and ap: propriate taxation

‘Without coherent measures to

deal with the “supply side” of the

Few believe this latest crusade | by the US state can possibly win. | Altemative proposals are now

The Economist — which dubbed Bush's war against drugs “Mission Impossible” — applies neo-classical economic logic to

we Geiarpakbiica cuss, that “The drog Wade is a fine ameiorateita multiple social and ines. specimen of unrestricted com- economic calises, legalisation Tl calle for the complete Petition wich eficiently brings would undoubtedly leadto amas destiminalisation of the'cone, down prices and pushes up con- sive increase in hard drug abuse. ‘sumption of hard drugs and all sumption Bidiised?

“Govermments refuse t0 limit the trade by regulation, ation tnd discouragement. Instead by ly to mirror the traditional ‘ational laws and intemational dichotomy — authoritarian conventions, they try to prohibit moralism on the one hand, in”

ffecmatket libertarianism on the

trade in them, under regulation (and taxation) by the state.

Third World producer ‘As forthe left, we seem main-

countries might become more stable andless“comupt”, buteven ‘more dependent on the trade. Legalised drug capitalists would, of course, promote their

ther — which is cleady inade- i prodctin the ual way, and dis- ‘quate to deal with the current hard Sena. tribution through legal channels, droge crisis, would. inevitably increase 11980 the US spetumdesS1 Sailaility in previously un The economics of Peru, filion to stop drugs imports. fapned markete Bolivia, Columbia are now totsl- Though by 1988 it was spending i Iydominatedby anexporttradein $4 billion, the price of drugs was _ An end to prohibition of hard cocaine worth an estimated $60 illfalling andtheirsaler volume drugs might reduce some of the | billion a year. ising. State prohibition cannot sss0cited crime, bu it would do

| The Andean peasant can earn | maybe $150 from an sere of | maize or £5,000-10,000 an acre

ccounierveil market forces. ‘Arocent Senate sub-committee valued global trade ia drugs at from a crop of coca. $500 billion a year ($300 billion ing social despair — any more in the US). The US coke market than Bush's “war against drugs Dangerous alone is worth around $100 bil- will ‘ ‘I

In the US young, black, inner lion Moreover, small dealers, cut city youth face a similarly ration- Estimating production costs at out by legal outlets, would be

nothing about the social roots of the drag crisis in the ghettoes — ‘unemployment and ever increas

iifhighiy dangerouscarerop- $200 1 kilo, transportation forced to look to offer income | fica: sare on welfare or cam another $200, and additional generating activites Thecreation thousands dealing ere. com (bribes, enforcement) at of allemative opportnities for

‘According to The Economist coke was wholesaling in New ‘York at $60,000 a kilo in 1980

$1,000 meansihat the total cost of US cocaine impors is only 3.5% of tumover ora mere $3.5 billion,

these people is not on the agenda of the US govemment or The Economist.

wien it sas the beight of fashion otal tex-freeprofitof$96.5bil- “Incidentally, this writer isin in yuppiedom. lion (aprofit ate of 2.850%). agreement with 7he Eeonomiston

Third world producers Faced with such enormous atleat one point There sno jorresponded thigh levels of Fist entrepreneurial incentives notification for the continued i-

| World demand by planting new | acres, building more laborstories, | and recruiting = suitable sales

wonder state probibition has failed. ‘The Economist proposes that in

legality of cannabis, which is a ‘mild narcotic beating no relation ta.cocaine or heroin.

Lea Bridge Branch Labour Party Hackney North & Stoke Newington’CLP

Labour Councils: Don’t Collect the Poll Tax!

BIRMINGHAM LABOUR

LABOUR — TAKE THE POWER!

wices for salman Rushdie

Against fundamentalism and racism

For the right to dissent Labour Party Conference Fringe Meeting Wednesday October Sth, 1pm Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton

“Socialism, Free Speech, and Anti-Racism”

WITH: Southall Black Sisters ‘Campaign Against Repression in Iran Narendra Makanji (Black Sections) Mike Marqusee (Labour Briefing)

BRIEFING

abour Briefing No. 89 September 27th-October 10th Page =

Campaign!

Fed up with New Realism, Kinnockism, Post-Fordism, and Why-botherism? Wanna talk about it?

Make a date now for the...

Labour Briefing Annual General Meeting 1989

Saturday, October 28th

114am-5pm (Registration at 10:30)

Durham Road Community Centre, (near Finsbury Park, London)

* Opening Debate: Priorities and prospects for the Left _ Panel discuisgion with Ken Livingstone MP, Cllr. Martha Osamor, Tessa Van Geideren (NUR), and Graham Bash, Contributions from the floor will be welcome.

*Workshops on Labour Party, Local Government, Green Politics, Democratic Rights, Trade Unions.

*Internationalism, 1989. Session with speakers from struggles around the world, chaired by Jeremy Corbyn.

*Labour Briefing in the coming year. Proposals and debates on the fortnightly paper, local Briefing Groups, political positions, etc.

Plus: elections to new National Steering Committee.

Finale: Rally for Socialism with Reg Race and Mandy Mudd.

O Creche O food O stalls O

* Briefing Raffle Prize Draw! The draw take place at the October AGM. Tickets still available from the Briefing office. Top prizes! Good cause!

For more information phone the Briefing office (01-809 3927)

‘ill now

or write to PO Box 1235, London N4 2UY. All Briefing readers welcome!

Anti-Deportation Update

Defence Campaign, Chorlton Workshop, Chorlton Ceatral

This column features short updates on

anti-deportation Church, Barlow Moar Road, campaigns featured in Chorlton, Manchester M21. O61pees reeor: +Francis Okanlami. Home Please take up office appealing egainstruiing campaigning requests. that deportation order was i

‘Victoria and Stephen legally served andithusinvald.

Apetor. Victoria abandoned when on visit from Ghana, Stephen's father deported. Ap-

‘peal agsinst deportation lot; Vie toria and Stephen ia sanctuary since August 10th. Defence campaiga delegation now in Ghana collecting information about problems if Victoria reumed. Deportation currently being delayed on medical grounds; Home Office may change its mind. October 7th: Benefit, Spm, ‘Church ofthe Ascension, Hulme, Manchester

Contact: Victoria & Stephen

CATA

284-286A Seven London N4 2AA 01-800 5551

Bimonthly magazine

Published by the

Socialist Society and the Conference of Socialist Economists First issue (October/November) Now available.

£1.20. Annual subscription £7.20 post free.

May issue fresh order. Backing from NALGO. Letters to MPs and Home Office needed.

‘Sam Manna. Refused reentry into Britain after brief visit to Jamaica. After public campaign, Home Office becked down. CASE WON.

“Ali Cifticiogullarl. “Megal entrant’, subsequently married to British citizen; one child. Despite broad campaign backed by Liverpool City Council, deported. CASE LOsr.

© INDEPENDENT

Sisters Road

Labour silent on UDR/RUC terrorism

Collaboration between sit

The RIC was a mili

es! = ® colonial force which 2, Sincethe 1985 Accord, Britain

British “security forces’ ECE kas _tessmclicegeneciais ind lovali in at i

and loyalist terror groups in {5 crack republicanism inthe war C2blishment, the constinational Ireland has been official (yindepertence nationalists and international policy since at least the mid ‘opinion behind partion and conFos. tinued British re by claiming it

Thascombised the draving «BY PIERS. is committed to addressing up of Central America-stzie. = MOSTYN nationalist grievances.

‘The revelation of UDRjerrorist links undermines the colJaboration of Haughey and the SDLP with the British govern-

Britain's strategic aim, since the late 70s, of “Ulsterisation” has involved the replacement of the British army with an expanded UDR.

For example, it has recently been announced that the UDR is to be amed with plastic bullet ‘guns — giving it a “public order" Function forthe frst ime.

Despite the Stalker affair and the shootto-kill controversy, the Anglo-Irish Accord helped to

death lists and the assasination of prominent political militants swith a policy of arbitrary killIngs aimed at terrorising the nationalist community.

In 1980 Miriam Daly, Noe! Lyttle and Ronnie Bunting of the Irish Republican Socialist Party ‘were murdered in their homes.

In 1981 Bemadette McAliskey and her husband Michael nearly died after 2 violent attempt oa their lives. Gerry Adams escaped ‘with his fein an attack soon after his election as MP.

More recently Sinn Fein Councillor John Davey and nationalist lawyer Pat Finacane have been ‘victims.

‘Countless others have died — many with no record of political involvement. The perpetrators acted on very accurate information or operated with impunity dae tothe unexplained absence or inactivity of security forces.

This collaboration is not an atypical phenomenon. It flows directly from British rale in the Six Counties.

‘The “RUC” — formed afterthe patttion of Ireland in 1921 —was ‘simply the Royal Irish Con- ‘stabulary under a different name.

‘The RIC was 2 militarised

Not eaiticd with the RUC, however the new mionirogimc lobed fr gue and money toes. tablish milizas

‘The mostimportnt, th B Spe cials, represented the effective legalisation of the permitry Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) founded in 1912 to resist the Home Role Bil

Inthe late “60s the RUC and B Specials were openly involved in st Cathobc programs in whic ‘oomndsof tunics were forced cont of their homes and entre sate bot down.

Under pressure to disband the Specina the Labour government of the tne intel incorporicd them into the army and called it the Ulstes Detence Regina

remains 2 ally sectarian force — with 2 98% loyal com: position ad 100 convictions for | teroristoffences.

Tes ccatdiclonecs pow = ‘emus for the povemnnest.

Ballas tinal forts warn Incand i the need to defeat “to ro sod etic “ew wd crder”. British involvement threatens tobe discredited if itis | based on forces that arc themsel- | vestezocst,

London W1 (Oxford Circus tubs tube).

House of Commons.

‘The responsibility for the events at Springfield Junior School lies squarely with Birmingham Council's Labour leadership.

Fatal flows in their policies on racial equality gave rise to the dispute, and their refusal to recognise black parents’ con- ‘cern—that thereisnolanguage barrier to involvement in their children’s education — is preventing its resolution.

‘The laager mentality that sur faces when black people make demands on Labour's professed anti-racism came out in Chair of Education Les Byron’ereferences to" mob rule” and Council Leader Dick Knowles" remark that “people wanting to set up apart Iheid in edveation would be better off in South Africa”

Racist reactions like these are gvarantced to reinforce treads towards ethnic separatism 25 well as providing fuel for the Tory

The appointment of a white, non-Asian language speaking teacher to a Home

: gham’s Springfield School provoked protests from parents and the community. For many reasons, the affair showed up the racist approach of the City Council Labour Group. RICHARD HATCHER, Ladywood CLP, reports.

tion of Asian parents. The Education Department docm't

‘The Springfield dispute has revealedthree fundamental weak nesses un ite policies, apart from its notoriously low spending record.

sPrecedures {or consultation and negotiation with parents and the community, black and white, ate non-existent, Consequently policies and practices are im posed from the tap down.

“School govemors (and others involved in appointing staff such ‘asheads and advisors) often doa’t have the training or support to.ensure that they address racial ine quality and respond to community concems

The need for more bilingual teachers still isn't’ met Birmingham's new poticy docu: ‘ment on community education,

‘while fal of rhetoric on “partnership", makes no mention of the Tanguage issue in honie-school relations.

In six months’ time, Local Management of Schools will be phased in, This doesn’t mean an end to the Cooneil’s respon sibilities for these matters — though they would undoutvedly like to wash theiz hands of ther.

Butt does mean that questions of the nights of parents and school employees, the appointment of teachers and policies on racial equality, willbe decided solely by school governors

This has explosive implications which governors on the left need to addrese if future Sprinafields are to be avoided,

How can the immediate dispute be resolved?

Birmingham Community

Free

Dick Knowles has tried to shift the blame onto a smal) group of anti-Labour Party activists stir ring up the community.

They may well exist, but the only reason they have any purchase is that they recognise the

genuine concems of a large sec

fovertum some of the nationalist resistance to the RUC and UDR. The revelations of UDR/RUC terrorism may threaten this,

Throughout the debate oa RUC collaboration with terrorists, the Labour front bench fas remained silent,

‘When pushed for a response, Labour spokesperson McNamara called for the RUC's role to be ‘upgraded in view ofits record of non-sectarianism” and “upholding the rule of law’

‘The labour movement must challenge this collaborationism and expose the realities behind ‘he Accord and British rule

Ulsterisation must be discredited as any kind of alternative {to a total and immediate British withdrawal. A campaign is needed forthe disbandment ofthe RUC and the UDR, as well as for luvops out.

For free speech on Ireland

March and rally

against the Ban

October 19th 12 noon: assemble outside BBC, Portiand Place,

jarch to rally.

‘pm: rally at Dominion Theatre (Tottenham Court Road

2.30pm: Lobby of Parliament, St Stephen's Entrance,

Free speech means free reporting! Lift the ban!

| Springfield School The real issues

Relations Council ace demanding thatthe teacher be removed from the post. But this is not the

She was appointed according to the agreed procedures for teachers having Protected Teacher Status (which gives priority to teachers facing redeployment) and bilingualiem was not a condition of the port

Unilaterally over-riding procedures which safeguard ‘employees’ jobs would set a precedent which would rebound con other teachers, white and black,

The Council should immediately open negotiations, in. cluding with the parents,on a new and constructive bass, including the offer of an additional, bilin_gual, home-school liaison teacher forthe school

It should also begin wider ‘negotiations with the Asian com: ‘munity and the teachers’ unions ‘on home-school lisison posts, bared on the principle that if parents want bilingualism stipulated in the job specification, it should be,

A resolution along these lines vas passed on September 13th by Birmingham District Labour Party. Only Dick Kaowles voted against,

Labour Briefing No. 89 September 27%h-Oetober 10th Page §

The Women’s Page

NAC Conference

Choice future!

On October 28/29th the National Abortion Campaign holds its annual conference.

‘The past year has been a quiet time for the campaign, with only — Ann Widdecombe’s failed attempt to reintroduce the David Alton Bill to worry about in Parliament.

By Leonora Lloyd NAC

Internationally, however, it has been more exciting.

My trip to Washington to take part inthe historic March for Women’s Equality on April 9th ted to a strengthening of intemational links. not just with women in the United States, but from all over the world.

‘Ata Women's Health Conference in Madridat the end of July, it was agreed that closer links between campaigns working on abortion rights were needed.

from the US experience.

This is just one of the topics being discussed by panels of speakers and in workshops.

Other issues include the new early abortion method, RUA86, bow to deal with the media, working in the prochoice Alliance, the trade ‘unions and Labour Party, and how the NHS changes will particularly affect women.

Perhaps the most important discussion will be on how we approach the next series of attacks. The government is introducing a Bill dealing with the proposals of the Wamock Committee on embryo research (see last Briefing).

Initially it will go to the House of Lords. The committee stage, on the open floor of the Lords, will provide plenty of time to discuss any amendments.

Anti-abortioaists will almost certainly try not only to censure that the Bill prevents any use of embryos at any stage, but also to introduce an abortion time-imit clause

news

‘As a result a new intemational journal is to be produced, which will suppleiment the existing journal of the Women’s Global Network ‘on Reproductive Rights. The first edition is being produced by NAC,

‘The main organisers of the April 9th March, the National Organisation of Women, are sending a speaker to the NAC Conference.

‘She will talk about “Operation Rescue”, the anti-abortion groups who attack clinics and clinic workers and users.

‘This isno longer an abstract discussion for us here in Britain

A group calling itself “Rescue” has been set up in Sootland, reports of pickets outside clinics have been reaching us from all over Britain, and leaders of “OR” have been touring the country recently

NAC has invited clinics and advisory services to attend out conference to discuss the best ‘say of dealing with this situation and how we can leam

‘The latest information is that the government intends to leave this to private members, as usual

We also know that the antabortionists want a private member's bill to change the ‘way such Bills are dealt with, tomake iteasier for attacks on the Abortion Act to succeed.

‘The debate at the annual conference will centre on the best way of dealing with all this.

Inthe past, every time there has been a major attack, NAC bas set up a specific campaign to deal with it — like the very successful FAB. Ourmembership doubled as a result: but having a separate campaign ‘meant we lost much of the initiative.

Now two co-ordinating ‘groups — one to defend the existing law and the ProChoice Alliance — already exist. We must look at bow we can work through them and retain our role ain campaigning mate mise the benefit to NAC

as a fighting

NAC has obtained the distribution rights of a video made in the US by the Feminist Fund for the Majority, called “Abortion: For Survival”.

‘Made as the answer to “The Sileat Scream” and “The Eclipse of Reason”, it is a hard-hitting, moving, and powerful account of how access to safe, legal abortion is important to all women, world-wide.

Tt opens with an abortion which, unlike that featured in the two anti-abortion videos, concentrates on the women and her reactions.

“The video, which will be shown at the NAC Conference, is available for hire or purchase.

Details of the Conference, video, and international journal can all be obtained from NAC, Wesley House, 4 Wild Court, London WC2B SAU (01-405 4801).

‘Conference Greetings from

Women for Socialism Fighting for a socialist feminist future:

Join us!

WIS, c’o 7 Cumberiand Park, London W3 6SY

Following the appalling Supreme Court decision which has made abortion effectively illegal in many states, US pro-choice campaigners are hitting back on all fronts.

‘Already, in the state primaries, they have secured the election of a number of sympathetic candidates — both Republicans and Democrats. They are preparing for another ‘Washington demonstration on November 12th,

Expectations are that November 12th will far outdo the previous march, which in turn was even bigger than the 1963 Civil Rights March. As oa April 9th, there will be simultaneous marches all over the US.

tam particularly interested

Send to: Leesa Herbert, ‘101 Vartry Road, London N15 6QD.

Labour Briefing No. 89 Septamber 27th-Octaber 10th Page 7

Labour Party Conference

Conference Preview

Socialism, not software!

I used to look forward to show itself in the debate on representative power required Labour Party Con- Employment Rights, where by black people. ference. the TUC line against se- __Asexpected, there are plenThe cut and thrust of questration of funds and for ty of resolutions on the endebate.the left gains on the legal secondary picketing _vironment(though a lotoflocal NEC; the mighty T&G cast- should win the day. ‘government and rural motions ing its votes against the The other knock-on of the have also been lumped into leadership, the victories for _ TUC willbe on nuclear power, this section).

Party « jamocracy, Where the Policy Review sel _ We need to differentiate benationalisation, disarma- _outis likely to be reversed. tween the genuine radical ment. green movement, which has

the potential of bringing

But Brighton 1989 will be hundreds of thousands of

sheer misery: a further shift to By DAN CARTER

the right, isolation forthe lot, young peopia into the pottcal triumph for Kinnock. ‘rena, and the flash-ir-theWhy, then, are wa going? Euro-pan of the Groen Party, First, because the Draft Alas, unilateralism will be already reduced to 5% in the

‘Agenda showsnoless than 45 _ditchedatConference, despite opinion pols. resolutions and amendments dear majority of resolutions So, as far as Im concerned, calling for democratic debate _iN its favour. We should be it's no to Red-Green Alliances land amendment to the Policy 2Ware of this now, so and electoral pacts, but a Review. Indeed, the resolution demoralisation doesn’t get resounding yes to giving erbooklet shows ltl significant Worse than it already is. Vironmental issues their rightshift to the right among the , Most CLPs will vote in ful place in a socialist LPs. favour of existing policy, along programme

‘Second, because increased is ee aba —— ie ‘On the Poll Tax, we will be action by trade unionists is "4 fegained unilateralist backing motions for a mass slowly being reflected inside Policy in the past and have non-paymentcampaign abled the Party. This wil particularly °VerY hope of winning it by Brighton, Liverpool, and

PHOTO: Leesa Herbort

again in the future, London CLPS. Lesbian and gay rights On ireland, the political = Hornsey Vale (wher: the: Poly Revlon | tate of Wo “Teme. To Gar ian Tvs al 0 Mati ecruthee the cider paper foc Deford at Ws Sis Fab Paty ewe? Branch Labour ‘came out with the Orwellian Part idea of “greater equality" while battle forcontrolof LPNiollow- The complete failure of the Roy Hattersley. Shadow arty dumping actualequalityonthe resolutions than in recent ing the departure of editor masa membership campaign Cabinet elections must be age of consent) can be reat: yoars and no chance of = Nigel Willamson, ane of the (recruiting, only marginally comingup. i debate. pockets of resistance to fewer members than we lost The defeats we will suffer Conference Sia oewmuae <oatieatdiiewim ccmameacens civerenttn st: ee ena Delegate: to ee issue a Nate patirvier ie is Bgl = Peter Mandelson at Walworth to argue that real mass mem- _the failure of the left to work priority if we are not to face a But don't expect to Road. bership will only be seriously to build a base in the Support Black serine pene back tue wideout ating. Gn. other oeperiaitional qaclaal pokes al cnn, ene umn eres peoples Rignt-to. |», A Nene commorice c= 1 an mee Wa bese piee < suentonss es eer fe seople and not purely of General Commitiees. was al : power of | wondered how Kate Hoey ganisational methods. _ways.a “shor cut to socialism |Self-Organisation Teached. General Committees and in- _ would escape certain — and Socialism, not software, will echoes mance neay inthe Eabour Briefing will back an af- troduce postal balloting {asad- democratic — deselection in build the mass party! initsolt. fillated socialist society for _vocated by the drinking clute- Vauxhall. You've got to laugh. Keith __Theleftmaybe weakenedin Party! black people withlocalandna- NULSC), presumably as a _Noproblem;|ustchangethe Vaz, selected on a lett wing size, but its resolve has tional representation. We cer- pull-out ‘section of Labour rules so no reselection takes ticketinLeicester andaformer strengthened. Briefing will Support Black tainly won't back the Hat- Party News (onthe page after place when by-elections have advocate of Black Sections, provide a focus in Brighton for teem tersiey camp's insistence that the Leadership tolls youwhich been held more than 18 nominated for Deputy those socialists who still ‘Sections! white worthies be allowed to way to vote): months after the previous Leader — yes, you've realise there's adiass stuggle Join and thereby reduce the Infact, waichoutforapower General Election! ‘guessedit—the Asians’ friend going on out there.

We can win at Brighton!

Given what's happened to hasbeenimmense. Every paperof then advocated remittance on the __tion. courage the adoption of policies ‘That means reinstating it first! the other progressive our community carried ovtraged age of consent. The Party's sponse —afew ofofferingpostiveimagesofler: We eal for the strongest porLabour policies, it is not articles and Democrats and However, LCLGR, which had words in the manifesto and ian and gay sexuality, so as to sible tum-out for our lobby of

Surprising that the Polley Greearwerequicktocxploittheirorganaed the forces to win the silence everywhere clse—mere- challenge the deep-rooted Conference, 2-2pm on Monday

: 5 ee ‘ate, overturned the National 1y played into the hands of the prejudice that we are inferior io tetas. ‘hectares Reitherdid Neil Kinnock’sfull Executive. Althe following Con- bigots beings. Pefespalisis nt caine tg Weasy'y coke ern ec iee (ereg eneten ee 2 | Needed bred shaad. Metohiy mas gaey da, eee ‘mitment to full equality for — PPL Shcs sng pays to vote thindemajoniy. ful of Labour councils led to the lenges deep-eated homophobia, hivselhout, i lesbians and gay men. Labour, assuage the anger. Ifany- infamous Section 28 athe endof which exes both in society and

‘The debate at the National thing. feclings wer inflamed by 1988, banning the so-called the lsbour movement. Executive Committee saw the the hypocrisy of his cal By Peter Purton “promotion ofhomosexualty"by ‘There areiwo levels of opposi- Islington North explicit refusal to include » “Thee is powerful support for and Debbie Epstein ca Authoritce tion. CLP’s Executive ‘commitment toan equal age of it equality, built up by years of cps The initial response of the The bigoted element, led by Memberssdail consent. And it replaced “full campaigning at all levels of the LCLGR and Labour front beach was, scan Hatterley. doesnot belicve that - cqualliy” with “greater fury Marfiageuiouwesle Conference elon Steeppeat ad tock» locker tt gays ald $0 greetings to equality” — whatever that committed by policies adopted at amazsive mobilisation toreverse equal Conference: Este tomcat feiowncutecccOrrecet , delegates pete The wessec pig serined

seems thatthe statement ea years. ‘tthe 1988 Party Conference, of any public mention ofthe ese lier in thi section of the Policy "The TGWU recenily held is Pe teokn cep ag apes jem a capo ao apse Review, that “A Labour gover- gra fulldebatconlesbianand gay _‘Thiswasthehightide.Progres- reject Section 28 and to reafim abouts electoral prospects Bob Crossman sent {will make) the promotion sights this sommer. sive Labour Councils, like the the Party's commitment to fall“ LCLGR has always argucd for George Durack, of equal opportunity and equal "Despite strong pressure 10 fol GLC, had heen popolarsing the equality. The NEC, as in 1986, Labour io be public in its support "Talal Ke tights one of its major priorities” Jow the Jeadership line, there is question and the fantastic was unanimous in backing the for our rights. Recognising the op oe decsnotapplytolesbiansand gy alan a good prospect of passing response of the miners 10 the resolution level of public prejudice, we die Niles =a the Labour Campaign forLesbian backing offered by Lesbians and LCLGR has fought a long know that it is as necessary to Jan Schling

The betrayal — largely the and Gay Rights (LCLGR)"s Gaysopened doors to traditional- campaign to commit Labour to 1 strgale agting homepbobia ait sick, Self | ‘work of the right led by Roy Hat- resolution which reinstates full ly unsympathetic unions. policy which commits s Labour is against racism and sexism. Saison a senicy —wascaried by only 17 Cquality and an explicit commit- "The Tories finally woke up to government to repeal all laws the policy is merely Gerard Tierney ses toll tment ioan equal age of consent. the. significance of lexbian and which discriminate aguing lex be bigote ith Veness

The damage done to Labor “Thefimteverdcbatetock place gay righis, and used it agsinst inns and gay men 2 PCE

seengs lesbians and g

‘men atthe 1985 Conference. The NEC Labour in the 1987 general elec- such discrimination. =n

Labour Briefing No. 89 Septomber 27th October 10th Page 8

Labour Party Conference

Red and Green

A Labour-Green electoral pact?

‘This agreement would cocompass the 50 parliamentary seats in the six Baro-constituencies where the Greens came second (0 the ‘Tories, plus acomparable number of Tory-Labour marginals else- ‘where.

If the transfer of votes from ‘Green to Labour and vice versa vwas successful in winning one third of these 100 seats, such an clectoral pact would make the dif

Fresh from addressing a fringe meeting at Green Party Conference, PETER TATCHELL enters the debate on Labour's electoral way forward with a controversial new plan for Labour to consider.

The victory of the left and Green parties in the European elections has opened up new opportunities to challenge the right wing 1992 project of

tablish a radical consensus oust the Conservatives and set Britain (on a course of social regewal. Despite Labour's improved electoral performance and ‘opinion poll ratings, it is sll far

eer eek colar Homcetainthat ainurcn ia Fenn brmena Labor try native vision of © “Red-SfComtong lt would give the Greco thie

Green Europe” committed

to economic democracy and

ecological sustainability. Despite the real obstacles to

Labour's previous midterm first representatives at opinion poll leads were later Westminster, who might well dramatically reversed and support Labour in forming resulted in massive defeats in minority govemment, if Labour

co-operation, there Is much 1983 and 1987. filed o secure a majority. common ground among Rather thanrisk a fourth Tory _ The possibility of success for Socialist, Green, Co victory, it would seem sensible this stralegy would be further enindependent left for Labour and the Greens to pat hanced if similar deals could be regionalist parties such as aside any inclination to political _strack with the Scottish National Basques la the European par- vanity. Party and Plaid Cymeu to make Hament. Tnstead, they should seriously both Scotland and Wales “ToryDuring the 1984-89 European consider an electoral agreement free zines”.

parliament, the Green-Alicma-- which would involve standing 2 Far from ring a sell-out of

tive European Link (GRAEL) single LabourorGreen candidate either Socialist or Green pringroup of MEPs brought togsther against the Tories in marginal ciples, 2 Labour-Green electoral ‘working alliance between: ‘constituencies. could, at last, give

sthe West German and Belgian This candidate would fight on _radicalsfrom both pasties the long, Greens; 4 political programme of en- overdue and much needed. par-

‘the Italian revolutionary socialists from Democrazia Proletaria;

‘and the Dutch Green Progressive Alliance (itself a four-party electoral pact between the Greens, Radicals, Communists,

‘viromental protection and social justice, plus proportional repre-

sentation.

LABOUR BRIEFING FRINGE MEETING 1989 ANEW AGENDA FOR THE LABOUR LEFT:

and Pacifist Socialis) Despite their differences, the WOMEN SPEAK OUT! member parios of GRAEL co- ‘with tperned closely to rt radical Alice Mahon MPagenda within the European par- Martha Osamor; tore Black Sections; Haringey Councillor Tn so doing, GRAEL pointed Rebecca Fleming: the way to the kind of ploralisc Labour Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights politics and broad based alliances ‘hme Wagstat? ‘hich are cris! to Green and Pergamon sirmers

left advance throughout Europe.

Within Britain, the Green Party's spectacular result in the ‘European elections indicates that Left-Green co-operation would become increasingly relevant to the advance of progressive politics at Westminster.

Mandy Mudd Labour Briefing National Steering Committee Chair: Pauline Purnell ‘Women for Socialism 'SUN., October 1st; (at close of conference session) ‘Brightheim Gentre, North Road, Brighton. ‘Admission: £1 waged; 50p unwaged ‘All welcome!

(Our most urgent task is to es-

The new careerism

Mandelson: myth and reality

“Reorganisation” in ad- son has “the Party’ behind

ministrative bureau- him. "The party’, in this case, is

tures which now dominate the] Labour Party?

cracies can have many ‘There seems tle doubt that

figden meanings — and presumably the private onehe he has been offered sometapredictable conse- ‘went to with Kinnock the night what more than just « Par-} betars. llamentary seat his selection

quences.

‘Those who work In town halls, trades unions, of indeed nthe Labour Paty it selffhavetearned toviewthe in such close harmony its dif- ‘word with suspicion. ihe

Se etc wate feat owt wich oe es and byzantine corridors of But since Mandelson is Walworth Road, “reorganis- ciearly the one with the brain, politician, the apparatchik-| ion” has brought with it a new doesn't leave much for _come-cabinet minister desig spectre tohaunt Party workers Kinnock. rate, with no history of 9 and send shivers through — Go-operation between Neil roots Party or trade union| Mes ano cusitshed te cate nea aoe idealistic potion that perhaps Cosy stitching up of Party The process by which un] they were workingwihin some Pel for the endorsement of lected officals have come to ind of democratio body. LEC minions. Peter has his dominate policy making at the

That spectre is Labour's ye on highar things. expense of democrat. par new broom, Peter Menelser- The Party bureaucracy has tipaion fe bad enough tonof the Party into four direc: But when these officials use

their authoritarian powers to}

jorates, Mandelson wi a lee i incendie step into safe seats and poten-

Mandelson is clearly close to Kinnock. Speculation about tails and dogs is tempting, but since both seem to be wagging

and election goes according to plan, we could be seeing al

turbing

lined him up for selection in

two seats — Hartlepool and ‘Stoke on Trent. Both are safe

ae eae acer ot Labourturf and both have retit- tial governmental office, the| fe ey SRE ages: whole basis of the Labour| Party workers report that Party as ademooratic socialist

——_ Mandelsonhas been busy but- part is called into question. By our mole in the tering up regional organisers =~ Mandelson must be. Sen Gute from both areas. | stopped. It personal But why should a careerist entrepreneurialism is allowed

power broker like Peter

to triumph over collective] choice, then the future for}

democracy within our Party| looks bleak indeed,

Vote for Socialism Dennis Skinner MP

This new Directorate was placed firmly under LCC control, with Mandelson quickly

parllamentary seat, removing him from the centralised struc-

Labour Party as ground vote-catchimg machine.

Having emerged from the brash world of the commercial media, he soon began to establish a reputation as a difficult autocrat, with a managementstyle pitched somewhere between Sky Television and the Tirana Politburo,

Mandelson has had few links with the ordinary Party members and trades unionists

Labour Briefing Left Slate for NEC Elections:

Constituency Section: Abbott, Benn, Livingstone, Mahon, Skinner, Wise.

weet himameroctare | Treasurer: Strang.

just something to dig up and Women’s Section: Pettifor, Marjoram. pet fi

‘concrete over. oe NCC: Slater.

Mel he fisseeming. | Conference Arrangements Committee,

ly arbitrary pronouncements CLPs’ Section: Willsman.

‘on policy is told that Mandel-

Alf Lomas MEP South Hornsey pr Tenants’ Association Briefing Union For Peace and Defending Council Tenants’ | |noteng uae rights: Fighting for low cost, Council Pay Pe Socialism good quality housing Services! Pensi Greets all socialists ran the 1989 Labour Thi : arty Conferen Toward Greetings to Labour must support | |socialist A oa Labour Party Council Tenants’ ee in vera Conference Organisations government! President: — not attack them! Secretary:

Labour Brofing No. 89 September 27th-October 10th Page &

Labour Party Conference

Black Sections Defence Policy Review

Racism: a major Media polls hallenge for Labour —— serene before principles

‘The NEC meeting on Wed- Socialist Society, Black Sections Ministers has already declared nesday, September 27th, itself would not vanish. We will that it doesn't want to see the

‘will be a crucial one — not beeven more necessary atapmes. easing of movement acrssinter- | August's Labour Party es just for Black Sections but sure group within the new nal EC borders lead toaneasing | ‘News gives the game einer | Wieden 9 ieee taboar Party, Sociey, within he boar move. up om “it, dug pte. | ayay, soci sewers |

twill considef three options.» ™°8" 7 ee “3 “Labour's Policy Review Housing,

eae alist sth telivors est | ngs made ha credible alter: dations of the Working Party (see ‘Diher key arces which Labour | ative government in the eens fe gies) cor deasaea DE NGKeen tee A sens hich Lavon | ayes of many of the Party's £ roles Black Sect Society. Makanji Chai sro deal witha demowsical | Setural supporters who, in BS ny

‘The other two are associate r Party Black ‘nuttaceserife, | fecent years abandoned it.” a A patna fx Gin poopionet Labou Ly pao a = raat In other words, policy is dic- ‘"tdoesn't say. No wonder people didn’t some kind of anti-racist commit- Sections Gu Thention br Acans (ot ox | ‘atedby opinion polls—notby Eater itdlocusses the new vote fori pss ——— mint | Socleka penciples. international situation with Labour's election broadcast,

I the NEC decides to pat all We would continue to cam- HP Sure bat messin A) | in the same issue, Gerald changing world patterns of on “defence” at the last elocthese tothe Conference the Black paign as we've done aver the lat =" 4 Kaufman explains ‘why Powef, where disarmament in tion provoked a mixture of horSections will add 2 fourth — our six years —trying topush the af- "Wy. see whis Tax linked to the | Labour has changed its the USSR and USA.will come ror and embarrassment. crginal proposals as backed by fisted society inthe right dec ineuction of "pase law” detence poly about by economic necessity. __Tosay that unilateralism lost cemorods CLPs and severs! tion, constantly updating the ‘mvoioction of “pass Lev” ope | eee ere the Con- But apparently thie neces- us the last election is ale put unions. Black Agenda and wpplement- Cal abour market whch would | forence has even dacussed Sty does nol spp 10 he Ulf about by people who never

3€ notion of sssociate mem- ing it with local Black : : economy! Instead, m jeved in unilateralism. ‘The notion of ate g it Agendas intensify the exploitation and val- —— an says we 8 Switched from Trident to a Defence policy cannot be

bership for white people is anon- and a Black Women’s Agenda), Nt sense. Is the NEC really going to and taking up the wide variety of wit hs eal set up a black-based body in ismues which are of pressing con-

ee hunger-killer submarine and separated from domestic and reedanew pocyforanewin- Con erna amma international goal. The UK is

‘wich white people are welcome cemtoBlack people —andthere- Resistance the world's second largest

but only as some kind of — foretothe labour movement. By ieie sae supplier of arms.

Facond daw chia? "ThePoleyReviewforibemot We nave called for y Dave Spet Labour's foreign policy ‘Asfor the anti-racist society, it part fails to address these con- _, Wetnrecull Eee -, Coventry should ban all arms sales and

‘utterly fails to address the key is- ems. seerveectovenet ee support all oppressed people

strugging fr rational tera

tion.

1 Pians for industial converin a world bedevilled bY sion must be drawn up so that

poverty, deprivation and mas- Sores gar een oh

sacs of self-organisation and It docs mention racial attacks Lema apcossnd diset representation but once again fs unsatisfactory disobedience — for as long as it Ifthe NEC goesdownthisroad onimmigration—which remains MER wewillaguethatithasactedout- sbasictetofthePary'satimades ON IBS Of sek MPa 8 fide the remit given by Con- towards ack people eekeconaes Oa oe sive international debt the Proquee’ socially useiut pares bene many sections ofthe labs infinitely more serious! piling up of arms is an obscon- Prodice. instead of wos tay, Pay members must un- movement and for other op- “TNA! Soto ging 30 MPs Goioteson nates Pr pons derstand that these kinds pressed people 1992 scemelike® aut be ty ge at eae 30 oe 3 Mee aes death. solutions have been tried and major opportunity. But for black ein te coming | Years onshowsitisnot anew £600 millon @ dayis spent The links between nuclear

‘cont wating ate Treas = icy tal te cae'Sonemaone word scale powet anf rdoa weapon The Laer Pay face Ain mont drew be acco | E% ace. Wiser, and more than on Feaiin‘and fost be spek eat ha hore Gmupand,goingfurherbuckibe Restructuring chelige y Se = | Contchan: Ecducation combined. fuclear power stations a

But, it concludes, ‘there will being built throughout

Campaign’ Against Racial Dis-

crimination lounderedexscty on : Electi be economic probiems if we world, so more counties : Weare the ones whohavemost Finally, Labour's strategists ion ana this queion of white particips- 10 oe out ofthe cuent retrc- mst break decisively with their igre apie te mishe Ou yar

tion and black representation. ring ofthe European economy.

Conferencedeservesmorcthan “MiB Be Kar Suge rss - ‘2 shoddy compromise which rics suffer even worse con sign openly against racism and | before the election and not

y Particularly, one could add, weapons, increasing the fears of losing the racist vote. Whats perhaps new is that

‘ we reject any socialist plan- dangers of deliberate or acthe right turn has been done ring and accept the market cider use.

seers TMP ot aitions and more intense dis. says clearly tothe racists, “we | afterwards. ? eninge ae canton ct aiae "The WortingParyzecommen- imation than in Britain. Any do’ want your votes: gosome-| Labour has won previous and aime production should Commitment to not preseng datos wey crn sanidoevting dope wb he amigas | Iootand fort Genes pa Myspentennuemekstoget Shebutonscontaly ado meet most of our Cee ie ate ati Ae Sees Nar, Tid of unemployment — a far socialist domestic and foreign Soop ip tearersy ‘Already I note that East Ger- staged by the Tories and the | ties in Spain, 2, New nore popular potcy. Yatinthe vonaaet pairs ‘mans are welcomed into West media. Zealand, and Australia have jast election, Kinnock said the A defeat at Conference on velopment. Germany ad gst jobesight rey A og ms Labour fl to ad also won on @ unilateralist Gotence budgetwouldstaythe hie careat,st Conference on : ‘while Turkeand Algeriansarecx- _dressthe key questions Thave out- | policy. ‘same under Labour. —itme in Representation pelled. line above it willbe alto cary | The sectionon“Defence’in “This was not real thevght hears sara,

Tn addin we me the i of forourcnemicsiounicasharscit | the Poly Review fo narrow uniateralom tut he worstat ecianton.lionts. Ikwouldepesentamaorstep rai pares in rane and Ger- propaganda onsinight (ike the | and contradictory. I taks a words, it accepted the ther apncronne oa forward for black representation many and the disturbing response “loony eft"soriesabout Lbour- | throughout of “defending our likelihood of war, and tegcorrustgtone Wnts

‘and indeed for black people. of the mainstream parties. controled Councils) and Labour | country” and “the security of doo badly ob Gu iM ‘After the Formation ofa Black The ‘Trevi Group of Home will find tmetf beck onthe mpex | curieldnds’ butagarest whom —rojceed.eve tuiding of quite House and the (nlerational

y Trades | Islington North | [Socialist Campaign Group

Council Black Sections

ioners a = <x Reject the Policy Review!

Pwo Support the | |: Cutthe arms bill! A vx Spend on social needs! P , motions on vx No legal shackles on Trade Unions! > Wage: 8 Black Tony Benn MP Jeremy Corbyn MP srik Rechnitz Sections! CHAIR SECRETARY

[ony Cordell

Labour Briefing No. 89 September 27th-October 10th Page 10

Labour Party Conference

Interview: Tony Benn

The end of 25

years of

Thatcherism?

On the eve of this year’s Labour Party Conference, Labour Briefing spoke to TONY BENN.

‘Second, you have to ask yoorself how do we really go about changing opinion? The faythm of change in public perceptions may be quite quick or ong but doesn't necessufly elate tothe electoral oyele

“There's douby whateverthat what is now called Thatcher ‘won the argument and shaped public perceptions from the mid 60s. So we've had 25 not ten years of Thatcherism,

But just asthe Tories were able towin wien we were in office 0 swe can win while they're in of fice. New arguments are opening tap across the whole front and these arguments can be won.

Thied, how do you organise to do this? Our base has to be in the labourmovement, which s going to be critically important inthe

Briefing: How do yousee the prospects for the left at this year’s Conference?

TonyBenn: The Policy Review is going to be pushed through on the simple basis of being for oF against the leadership. The fact that the NEC has refused to per- ‘mit any amendment of the Policy Review makes the whole thing really jost a ritual

In Britain we are seeing politi cal choices obliterated in favour of a common view that is shared by all the political parties — on NATO, Europe, Ireland, market forces and control of trade

So atthe very moment when in Eastem Europe choice is break: ing ou, in Britain choice is being throttle. To pat it in rutshell there is a major crisis of repre”

seataion Sis with a shortage of labour that radiates aeoead wine "> Will pet abowr'bv-the calcio Hugo Young thinks of Peter *ainscapita

‘There'll be more women than ‘men in the workforce. Therefore women are going to need trade ‘unionism and allthis repudiation of trade unionism that has gone ‘on since the winter of discontent has gotto be completely seversed.

‘Of course trade unionism has {got to modemise itself, but the idea that there could be a Future forsocialism without the working class movement is an absolute ik lusion,

Kelner's recent view of Alan ‘Watkins's latest article. This iran extraordinary development at a time when the prospects are absolutely open.

‘You've got the end of the Cold war, the break up of military alliances, new possibilities of cooperation in Europe and of a major reduction in defence expenditure.

‘There's the breakdown of the

tancing itself from the unions. T ‘now think the idea isto win power by getting rid ofthe Party!

‘The Pasty isn't really wanted any more except as a mailing list (sehich is what the national comper system is), a uniform body ‘of people who will salute the leadership but whose thinking and campaigning processes are being deliberately strangled.

Labour Briefing: This is the heart of the problem for many Party activists who now find themselves frozen ‘out of any useful role. They areasking, why should Istay in the Labour Party under these circumstances?

Tony Benn: I suppose the standard answeris hat the Labour Party is the instrument of the British working class movement ané the first function of any new party on the left would be to ‘destroy the Labour Party in order to establish the case for itself, 10 destroy the instrument of the ‘working class.

does exist for expressing it.

‘This will happen and therefore ‘we've got to be very careful we don’t throw the baby outwith the bathorater.

‘The 90s are going to be very Jiffereat and if we waste our time trying to destroy the Labour Party to make a space for ourselves we will regret it.

Anglo-trish Agreement following the exposure of the government's responsibility for a system which hands over suspects to hitmen killers.

‘The whole thing is absolutely crumbling and yet a this moment they're trying to freeze usintoin-

mobility.

hope.

I think it’s a time of optimism but the Brighton Conference as such doesn’t look to ing to be more than just a rubber stamp of policy written in the winter of despair and published in the springtime of

So I his is ie’ top: tan but the Brig Con ference as such doesn’t lok 10 tnctaif is prog wbsmore tian justarubber amp of policy wit fon i the water of Sespalc and published in the springtime of hope.

Labour Briefing: We appear to have come to the end of a period. A whole series of s0called reforms have been imposed which restrict Labour Party democracy. How does this influence our current agend:

Tony Benr: After 79— indeed

Labour Briefing: After ference we enter a pre-elec-

i from 71 — the left including ion period. With Party Ci ppandoiherssetiseifthe tack structures increasingly Gf uilding Panty democracy and

closed to left activists, what should those activists be doing?

Tony Benn: First, everyone must want to get tid of the ‘Thatcher government. You have lo recognise that the electoral machine has to be sustained and that in itself creates aunited electoral front within the Labour Pany.

But [think you have to see the lection campaign as now being increasingly separate from polit cal questions.

‘we did secure considerable gains. ‘Undoubtedly it contributed to the radicalisation ofthe Pasty

‘But when I look back of it now I realise that you can have amarvellously democratic system but if the Party has los its radical impetus then the right wing rump Will always force its way through.

‘So you can’t think of the problem only in terms of capturing the Party machinery

used to think the right’s idea swasto win power by geting rd of the left, then to win power by dis-

Labour Briefing: Where ‘does the Socialist Movement fit into all this?

Tomy Benn: I's central. Before the 1987 election a few of us realised that win or lose there was ‘going to be a need for an independent socialist presence.

‘The Chesterfield Conference ‘as called and was a tremendous success. It offers people a home ‘where they can discuss things that are not discussable in the Labour Panty

‘And the times are propitious for the development of socialist ideas. The break-up of the Stalinist regimes in Eastern Europe, which the Tories are hailing as the end of socialism could very well become a renewing process

T don't know what shape or fou it will come in but the idea that the opening up in the Soviet Union is iaherenlly anti-socialist is quite the opposite of the truth.

My only anxiety is that some

eft must unite fight the Tories

Tony Benn addressing the Socialist Conforence,

people might be going for market forces which would be a mistake. But the opening up of political choices in the Soviet Union is a marvellous thing.

left for years. How do we go about overcoming the kind of divisions that scuppered the Campaign for Socialism?

Tony Benn: t's difficlt. You have to look at the different groops as schools of thought. The mistake that is made isto think of them — or for them to think of themselves — as embryonic political partes.

think the desire of some of them to assassinate each other is ashame. Anyway there's # litle bit of empire building which is ‘human but comupting i itself

Labour Briefing: What about the Green Party?

Tony Benn: The Greens are now soen as a very serious threat to capitalism and so they're getting hammered.

‘They keep trying to buy public support by saying we're aot socialists but of course their of fence is not that they're socialist bat that the inescapable conclusion of their policies ix anticapitalist.

“There are many Greens, such az those in the Association of Socialist Greens, with whom we ‘work in the Socialist Movement.

‘We can build a progressive aliance at the bottom, but I woulda’t go in for any LabourGreen electoral pact. It's a chimera, a substitute for winning the argument.

Labour Briefing: You've rejected proportional representation. What do you say to the people on the left, ‘many in the Socialist Movement, who are keen on PR in. order to address what you yourself called the crisis of

the NEC be in the coming year?

Tony Benn: It's primarily a platform, unquestionably. At the ‘moment there is no evidence that anything you say is listened to at all.

‘The classic example was in May during the debate on the Policy Review when Imoved that wwe repeal all the ant-trade union legislation which is both TUC

and Labour Pasty policy. All hell

set up a new socialist party in Britain thea PR would be a way

ofgeing abot = Fim not personally of the view broke loore. that breaking up the Labour Panty ___ We asked for » recorded vote

and they moved the suspension of standing orders to prevent it. The tragedy is that there ir a sea ‘change in public feeling which is ‘not reflected at all in the front bench statements of the Labour

‘would be an advantage for the left but for those who say openly that thisis their aim Iunderstand their adherence 1o PR.

But the first effect of it would be total centralisation of power in the Labour Party. The NEC would select every candidate

If T were persuaded that the possibilities for parliamentary change in Britain were extinguished then T would say let's have a powerless parliament that ‘ight be more representative.

think the 90s willbe quite different, not least because of the in security ofthe Western economic system,

This will narrow down ‘Thatcher's room for manoeuvre

and will mean that we will inherit

Of course trade unfonism has got to modernise itself, but the idea that there could bea fature for socialism without the working class movement is an absolute illusion.

‘a much more difficult economic ‘imation than at the moment. We

Bat don’t think that out of it could be formed a goverment

that could do anything at all won't be able to just walle in and ‘Under PR you could end up take over the helm. ‘with a government policy that ne People's expectations will be

cone had voted for because you ‘wouldn't know until after polling

hhigh. The pressureon Labour will bbeenormous. We shall have todo

ay whatthe policy ofthe govern- more than what's on offer in the ‘ment as going to be Policy Review. ‘There is also a valuable tradi But it's not a time to be

‘gloomy. There aren’t grounds for it, There are options opening up, If we address people in the lan- ‘guage of hope, | think you'Tl be surprised atthe response. The 25 ‘years of Thatcheriam are coming to-an end.

tion of locally elected and accountable representatives. Democracy does not fall clearly ‘on one side ofthis argument.

Labour Briefing: What will your role and priorities on

Labour Brioting No. 89 Septomber 27th-Octabor 0th Page tt

Reviews

Livingstone's Labour: @ re for the 905, Ken Li er mwin' Hyman, £12.

Ken Livingstone’s most endearing feature is his ambi tion.

He wants to lead the Labour Party and become Prime Mintster.

He would then* like to Gorbachevise Britain, extend perestroita across Europe. abolich NATO and the Warsaw Pact help save the rainforests and the whales, and prevent the human species from becoming extinct

‘He announees these ambitions in his new book, 9 personal ‘manifesto entitled Livingstone's Labour

‘The book opens with a wittly devastating account of how in 1987 Hattersley (promising to tax the very sections of the com- ‘munity he was most anxious to ‘woo) and Kinnock (outbidding ‘Tebbitt in denouncing Labour Councils ax “loony left") made the case for the Tories and snatched humiliating disaster from the jaws of what might otherwise have been mere

BOOK REVIEW

en... take the ower?

Jn a contribution bearing the

imprint of Socialist Action's John Rows, it is argued that for well over a century, Britain's inddustralias have been oppressed by a siccession of governments dominated by intemational finan-

Ken seems to believe we should emancipate the honest, productive industrial capitalists by organising them into a GLC. type alliance with feminists, greens, black activists and ‘militant trades unionists —in opposition to Thatcher and the bankers.

‘inthe next chapter —Glasnost UK — Livingston's genuine radicalism and political courage ‘come tothe fore.

With scholarly detail, the author documents the extent to which Britain has become = rmulti-mlllionaires'tax-haven run by the military establishment, ‘M6, and MIS.

“The book spells out the ruthless role of the security services in Northern Ireland, up to and including the deliberate massacrein 1975 of the Miami Show Band in order to smash the cease-fire negotiated between the IRA and the then Labour government.

Ken also documents MIS’s ‘monitoring and sustaining of sy=-

Livingstone shows that far from being comical fools, the ‘Spyratcher conspirators were eX ‘aordinarily successful

‘They and their successors in the security services treasonably conspired against the Wilson Government, got Wilson replaced by Callaghan, smeared Heath on the grounds that he was gay and s “traitor”, worked to get him replaced as Tory leader by ‘Thatcher — and (through Airey [Neave) pulled out all the stops to get Thatcher home and dry asthe ‘cccupant of No. 10.

By Chris Knight Lewisham East CLP

(Chapters on sexism and racism are followed by a discussion on Ireland, which couples an indict tment of the British raling class's bestialities over the centuries with a warmly sympathetic account of Irish repablicanism’'s refusal to be broken by such savagery

In the chapter on the Soviet Union, what shines through is an almost-unbounded enthusiasm For perestroita, making one realise that itis only slightly far fetched to classify Ken as Britain's would-be Gorbachev.

creditable defeat {emai pacdophileabuse by Nor “The Soviet reformers.” he

Livingstone then proceeds to them Ueland judges and other writes, “are trying to find their assess Britain's economic worthies in the Kincors boys’ _waytoachiewetheirreversble in predicament, which he believes ome, and Thatcher's high- tertwining of socialism and stems from our imperial history. minded cover-up ofthe issue. democracy which 1s also the

BOOK REVIEW

clasive holy grail of Westen socialists.”

"The book ends with aconfident assertion that contrary to the Eurocommunists and Britain's “Marxist” academics and soft lef, power is something which the left throughout Europe can sealistically aim to capture in the period of rapid change now open ing up.

Central to Livingstone’s clasion-call is the motion of a Europe in which perestrotka extends to the west and democracy spreads through the east, produc: ing a "common European bome” capable of acting as a counler- ‘weight to the global military hegemony of the United States and the economic dominance of Japan.

Taken as a whole, Livingsione's Labour is not 25 good as some of its individual chapters — it was evidently assembled in a hurry

Unlike Ken's earlier book on the GLC. this one does not flow very well, and lscks the gossip and humour with which Ken imakes his political points when speaking or being interviewed.

“The final impression left by the book is of a potentially major figure who is probably better at living politics than writing about it

Ken makes no claims tobe part of the revolutionary left. IF you call him an opportunist, his face lights up in agreemeat!

Beyond the Casino Economy

and the necessity for the state Beyond the Casino to mobilise investment Economy, by Nicholas manufacturing industry is Costello, Jonathan Mitchie refreshing. vt Seumaas Milne, Verso, ‘The most original and crea-_ discussion, containing lots of

tos Gaecoeck tive part of the book is a sus- which will help 4 “2 tained discussion of the socialists of many hues update This ambitious new bores o Penis cio coclalined seonomy would economic programme for cewsiopment ered application socialised economy woul

atadical Labour govern- crucial component of But Beyond the Casino mentisawide-rangingat- regenerating the British | Economy contains serious tempttoupdatethe 1970s economy. strategic laws. “Alternative Economic Tho-authors argue for Strategy”. S rationalisation of the top four Iidoes this from a view. By Phil Hearse Clearing banks, the top dozen point sharply critical of st- Islington North CLP © 29 insurance companies,

tempts by Kinnock and and the top merchant banks. previous Labour govern- They also argue for the ments to make peace with This stimulating discussion nationalisation of perhaps 25 capitalism. twas submitted develops a convincing argu- “strategic” companies which to the Labour Party Policy ment in favour of a national have disproportionate weight Review by CLPD and, of (andnationalised) optical fibre in their particular economic course,rejectedoutothand. grid, capable of carrying a sectors.

In an effective swipe at the “broad band” of electronic They do admit that it would *Post-Fordism” and ‘New communications. be preferable to nationalise Times" arguments of Marxism The authors show that lack the whole ofthe finance sector Today, the authors examine of standardisation of informa (together with perhaps the top the facts about modern tion technology — for ex- several hundred industrial

is production trends. ample, the dozens of com- companies) but argue that The factsdon't bear out the puter firms producing almost such are: sweeping claims that mass identical hardware in non- _ “unlikely to be politically production has been replaced compatible form — is an _ practical in current conditions” by “lexible specialisation”. ‘obstacle both to linking up ex- and “highly unlikely 1o be a vi

in an era of néar-universal _istingsystemsandtothemore able political option for celebration of the market the widespread and democratic Labour government.” book's trenchant defence of diffusion ofthis tachnology. “The programme outined by planning, public ownership, Obviously, national plan- the authors Is, as they admit

not necessarily incompatible with the continued existence of capitalism. Butit is, obviousiy, highly incompatible with the wishes of the British ruling class_and_ international capitalism in general.

‘Any attempt to carry out this, programme would mest with a furious and sustained attempt to bring down the government by legal and extr means. It would involve widespread financial and industial sabotage.

‘Such ruling class resistance could only be overcome by a mobilisation of the working class of truly revolutionary Proportions.

The strategic issue here is whether a programme for rad cal social change in the direotion of a socialised economy canbe accomplished withouta revolutionary clash between the classes.

Contrary to misconceptions basedon the final episode of a A Very British Coup, Harry Perkinsisintactalive andwell.

Political history trom Allende in Chile to the Socialist-Com- ‘murist coalition in France tells us Harry got it wrong. In the real world, he won't be getting huge loan from Russian ‘banks to bail him out!

Ken enthralled at 1987 Party Conference.

‘On the other hand, he wants times healthier than the cringing, power mher than the mere trip- babbling servlity of af

gure like

Pings of office, understands that Kinnock.

to get anywhere he must for the moment ally himself with the hhard left, and aims to change the world in accordance with whatever opportunities happen to ‘open up for hiz own personal intervention.

Given his principled integsity on Ireland, racism, sexism and many other issues, Ladmire such ambition. Itseemstome a million

‘Anyone in polities should want power, should be open about wanting it — and should know what to do with it when entrusted wath it.

We can work to empower Ken ‘onthe basisthat aLivingstone-led administration under conditions of rising class struggle would ‘open up immense opportunities forthe revolutionary left,

Yours sincerely,

VERSO, 6 Meard Street, London WIV 3HR

Dear Neil, Re: Amendments to Policy Review

Our suggested reading list:

Roy Bhaskar (Reclaiming Reality)

Alex Cockburn (Corruptions of Empire, The Fate of the Forest)

Raphael Samuel (Theatres of Memory)

Boris Kagarlitskey (The Thinking Reed, Dialectics of Change)

Rajar Anwar (The Tragedy of Afghanistan)

“Questions for Feminism”

Beyond the Casino Economy, by Nicholas Costello, Jonathan Michie, Seumas Milne.

Plus a selection from our backlist:

Paul Buhle, Ernest Mandel, Kim Moody,

Manning Marable, Mike Davis, Colin Leys,

Ellen Meiksins Wood...

It’s never too late to change,

VERSO

Labour Briefing No, 89 September 27%h-Octobor 10th Page 12

Trade Union Briefing

Which way forward for

socialists in the unions? A national conference for socialists in the trade union movement organised by the Socialist Conference. ‘The trade union movement isin the grip of New Realism alter taking a battering from the Tory government and ‘mass unemployment. There is a need to reassert the relevance of the trade union movement for the 1980s and figcuss a socialist response to the changes taking place. Socialists have to regroup and reorganise and start to come to grips with the political issues involved in this. Sheffield Polytechnic Student Union Building November 11/12th £6 waged; £4 unwaged For credentials and to book creche places, write to The Socialist Conference (TU), PO Box 118, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Solidarity Network

AGM/Conference

Saturday October 14th 12.30-5pm (Registration from 12)

Mandela Room, Sheffield Poly (opposite BR station)

Agenda includes: Speakers from recent struggles, including docks, rail, tube, NALGO; balance sheet of last year’s work; development of the Network and its Bulletin; Socialist Movement Trade Union Conference; election of officers. Creche facilities available only if booked one week in advance.

Credentials: £2 waged, £1 unwaged, strikers free.

‘fo register, send your name, address (and organisation if applicable) with a cheque to John Lang, 74 Kingsiand Road, Plaistow, London E13, from whom further details and leafiets for the Conference can be obtained.

Socialist Lecturers Association 1989 Pay Claim: Emergency Action Conference To bring activists together to discuss how we can achieve

offective industrial action and how we can put pressure on the NATFHE leadership to organise such action.

October 7th, 1989 New Imperial Hotel, ingham

Contact: Barry Lovejoy, 25 Philip Victor Road, Handsworth, Birmingham 620 2GB.

The Construction Safety Campaign

is organising a

National Lobby of Parliament

to demand better laws on health and safety in the construction industry, and to demand that the law is enforced on sites.

Thursday October 19th, 3-6pm

Assemble St Steplyens Gate, House of Commons, ‘Westminster, London SW1 3.30pm: Meeting with MPs in the Grand Central

Committee Room

Building employers kill workers through negligence and

greed — there were 160 deaths last year alone. Yet fines

‘on employers are a measly few hundred pounds and no

‘employer has ever been imprisoned for causing the

death of a worker.

‘This deadly trend in the construction industry is growing worse. Help us put an end to this unnecessary suilering. Join the Lobby of Parliament.

‘Support the Consiruction Safety Campaign.

A look back in anger

Within days of the govern- ‘ment announcing its intentions to abolish the National Dock Labour Scheme, solidarity was being organised in East London by what became known as the

ferent parts of the country.

Atthese mectings we were kept up to date by delegates from various areas, such 2s Hull, of the threat to the NDLS and the dockers' preparations to defend the Scheme.

‘These preparations included a series of mass meetings called by the National Port Shop Stewards Committee. One such meeting, attended by 500 dockworkers, ‘was held in Newham in the East End of London in January and laid the foundations for the East London Deckers Support Group.

‘There were many rousing speeches from the dockers on that day, but oe speech from a T&G official was particularly significant. He supported future action, bat wamed of the problems ‘of breaking the las.

‘This muled out any hope of the ‘T&G calling out the dockers a the ‘n00-Scheme ports, vital move if the dispute was to be successful

"The day after abolition was announced, dockers from several ports walled out on strike. The "T&G told them to retum to work.

‘Amongst those walking out were the dockers at the key port ‘of Southampton, who, as the dis- ‘pote progressed, were nottoshow the same level of commitment

again.

Returned

“The dockers retumed 9 work snd on April lth the T&G's National Docks Committee agreed toballot for strike action, but Ron Todd immediately interveaed to prevent the ballot taking place by fanouncing that he first wanted talks with the Port Employers.

‘This decision was ratified by the T&G Executive on Apsil th. Maay angry dockers lobbied that rmecting. The move away from confrontation had begun. Attempts by the T&G to tum the ‘station into alegal trade dispute ‘were seen a8 a sign of weakness by the government and the employers, who rebuffed tempts by the T&G to get A

‘A srike ballot was eventually agreed to on Apeil 20th. The Ti bury stewards pointed out 10 us that the ballot would not take place until after the local Council tlections and a by-election in ‘Wales had taken place

‘There were strong feelings amongst them that the Labour Pany leadership did not want 2 dock strike taking place at the ‘same time as these clections.

‘The dockers eventually begsn to vote on srke action on May 10th, some 34 days ater many had fre walked out on strike.

‘The Port Employers had been using this ime 10 intimidate individual pons and develop their propaganda campaign.

‘On the day the ballet stated, the Port Employers announced

that they were going fo use the courts to have the ballot declared illegal. The ballot result itself was ‘announced on May 19th, with 75% in favour of strike action.

During this period the East [London Dockers Support Group ‘was mecting, but we still lacked a focus for practical solidarity work,

We were, however, able to prepare literature outlining the ‘ockers’ case and the reasons why they should be supported. A successful fund-raising social also took place.

By an activist in the East London Dockers Support Group

‘The ballot was declared legal by the High Court on May 27th, but the Post Employers immediately sanounced that they would appeal against this decision.

“The T&G stated that it would stay within the law and so there ‘was sill no strike. Behind the scenes there were heated debates ‘at the ports with fears that individual deals would be struck to ‘replace the Scheme. The main atguments, though, centred on ‘whether to toe the official line and remain within the law or to take immediate actioo. The official Tine held.

Upheld

‘On June 7th, the Appeal Court judges upbeld the employers’ ap-

‘peal on the ground that a strike ‘would not be in the public inter-

et, the employers interest, oF the national interest. This decision basically meant that all strikes ‘would be illegal.

(On that same day the Support Group held a public meeting with, speakers from the docks,the Lon don Underground, London Buses, and the Passport Office.

All of these groups of workers ‘would be directly affected by the Appeal Court decision.

“The response from the well-at tended meeting was a firm com- ‘mitment of support forthe dockcers and al of the other struggles. “This meeting drew in many new ‘people tothe Support Group.

The following day, “unofficial” stoppages began at many ports including Tilbury, Bristol, ‘and Liverpool Significantly, Hull ‘and Southampton remained at work.

‘The T&G called on the dockers to retum to work and wait for the next stage ofthe legal procedure, ‘an appeal to the Law Lords. On, ‘June 10th, the National Port Shop Stewards met and recommended all-out action from Monday June 12h,

Ignored

“The call for action was ignored by ports such as Hull and Southampton and by the middle of the week there were clear signs thatthe action was crumbling. No attempts were made to “picket ‘out the larger ports

On Jane 19th all dockers retumed to work. The following day the Law Lords overtumed the Appeal Coust judges decision.

43

Walton MP Eni Heffer visits the Royal Seaforth Container

‘Tomtnal. Not all Labour MPs wore keen to support the dockers.

‘ussion at the Support

suggested that 1 n was inevitable as ‘would have led to official strikes being illegal and a rise in wildcat rank and file action, thus taking strikes out of the hands of the ‘union officials.

‘Thishad already been shown in the London Underground strike.

‘But the dockers had to reballot asthe 28-day period for taking action after the firet ballot had expired. The Support Group continued to carry out practical support with street collections, fundraising events, and leafletting. ‘One of the weaknesses of the Group was that no dockworker ‘wasabletosttendourmectingson 2 regular basis. This meant that we were unable to obtain first hand information and that political discussion took place without the involvement of anyone direct. ly affected.

‘This situation also revealed a weakness within the Tilbury ‘workforce when the stike eventually began,

co > = ‘Keith Stuart, Chak of Associated

Brtish Ports - managamont hold the tramp cards.

Vast numbers of speaking ‘engagements and considerable administrative work were re- (quired. This all fell ona few shop stewards who were to find themselves inundated and with litle back up from the rest of the rank and file who were not brought for- ‘ward to take up the workload.

This was later to leave hundreds of dockers inactive at a time when they needed to be in volved to enhance their morale.

On July 3rd, the National Dock Labour Scheme was officially abolished. On July 7th the ballot remult was announced with a three to.one vote in favour of strike ac-

It was now 91 days since the dockers first came out on strike 10 defend the Scheme.

‘The strike began on July 11th, ‘with the Port Employers threaten ing sackings if the strike took place. Todd announced that ifany ddocker was sacked then the strike ‘would continue until he was reinstated.

‘The strike ra into problemsal- ‘most immediately with some ports pushing for local negotiations and a recall National Ports Delegate Conference.

Outcome

‘On July 24th Southampton and Hull voted to stay on strike pend ing the outcome of the Conference. On July 25th the Tilbury stewards, along. with over 100 other dockers, were sent new contracts and told they had to return to work within wo days to a por that would 6 longer recognise their trade unin.

The previously solid workforce’ at Tilbury was split and the sacking threats succeeded. A strong drift back to ‘work began. Attempts to picket ‘ut Tilbury by Liverpool dockers ‘met only imited success.

“The recall Conference votedby 510 12tocontinve the strike with a strong conribation being made by Todd. The euphoria after that meeting was short-lived.

The following day Southampton voted to return to work and Hall came to the same Gecision the day after. By July 31st the only major ports feft on strike were Liverpool, Bristol, and Middlesbrough.

“The T&G National Executive met on August Ist and voted 1812 tocall off the strike.

Refusal obreakthe lawhadled toa massive defeat fr the labour movement. A oace militant port ‘was deunionited: hundreds of

lockers were sacked. Further attacks on all ports — not just exScheme ports — were being

‘There was plenty of support for the dockers but the dispute was never allowed to escalate. One of the positiveaspects ofthe srikeis that Support Groups that were formed in East, Nosth, and South, London have met and decided that they should continue on a ‘basis and Tink up na-

tionally with the Solidarity Network. ‘One of these groups” first tasks ‘will be to support the dockers sacked at Tilbury.

This isan abridged version of an article printed in Solidarity Network Bulletin No. 6

Labour Briefing No. 89 September 271h- October 10th Page 12 Trade Union Briefing

Pergamon strike

Maxwell in retreat?

legal threats, after which they

Nearly five months after started shaping their counter-of-

being digmissed, the Per- By a Briefing

. : fensive gamon strikers ar entering i . 3 Peritcal stage ther cam- _TSPOTLCT ss iMoesop ed volvement paign for reinstatement. He described the strike as with Labourand trade unions, the

Fi

from renaing out of “militant anachronism”, & poliical campaign proved les steam, the strikers uikshresidc fsmethingthat problematic thant would be were raving up plan for FRppened eight year ago, barely fey dealing. for example, wih Stage of ele strugele They sonuiedbyahandflof polical Murdoch,

have every reason to be confl-toonics! Mariccd is saply «rales dent,Alltbesignsarethat Max- ‘The wave of industrial action _anti-trade union capitalist. Max- a “ ee well Is softening under the that followed dealt a severe blow well differsin thathe is abletoad- ‘Strikers spalling out the message in front of Mirror Group offices. blows. fo Maxwell's politcal vision, dress Lahoar leaders as “Dear "Ths auikems were able to con- whichhenonetielesscontnuesto comrade” and sign his Jeuers years stalls ave been allocated gress creafes mote favourable is unlikely to be heeded, because front vicious management with peddle onthe pagesofihe Mirror. “Bob nly to a small number of “ap- conditions for solidarity inita- no ‘rade union leaderships —inthigh degree of confidence not Maxwell remains a highly di- ‘The pressare from the strikers proved” disputes (miners, Wap- tives cling the NUP s— would want jast'becatse they were highly liked figure in the labour move- was so grea that even Maxwell's ing, PEO Seafarers, GCHQ) ‘The strikers are asking the {orisksequestrationof therassts /politicised but primarily because meat. Thus, the strikers were not friends could aot afford tobe sen ‘This was an indication that the == TGWU,GMB, and SOGAT toin- by defying the law. the beginning of the strike coin- pitted against a faccless corpora anywhere near him. General Secretaries were sym- struct their drivers not to cross ‘They also know that all they cided with the renewal of militan- tion, but against a man whos ac ‘Labour Ieaders were lobbied pathetic to placing the dispute on picket lines or handle Pergamon can do is pose the question — in y among workers in a wide tions have lelta distinct and un- relentlessly wherever they weat. the agenda Prodacts and NATFHE, AUT, the same way asthe miners, the variety of industries. plestantimprintonmany workers Since last May, the strikers have Second, an amendment by the andNUTioinstractmembersnot Printers, and the seafarers did ‘The impact of layer after layer in this country lobbied every General Council of NUJ to the resolution on in- to buy, contribute to, or use Per- ‘The strikers want to take this ofwodergoingonthc offensive Thisexplsinsthealmostingant the TUC, visited trade anion con- dustrial lations legislation was _gamon and othortelated product. dispute to the heart of Labour ooo er sympathy forthe stkers that fences, and pushed ails in allowed to be composted, even NALGO-organised librarians Paty Conference. hardened the strikers’ resolve and springs up everywhere. trade union journals. though it named Maxwell. in universities, polys, colleges, _ Unfortunately, amendments was an important radicalising Supporters donot even wantto They have carried resolutions AY Congress itself. the strikers and TGWU-ACTSS bookshop from four CLPs to the NGA face hea petieeadocalsottnedse, tothe appropraic wade group in. wereatthehearofthe debate and workers, should also refuse io resolution on workers’ rights Maxwell's Gist action tothe pute in order to apportion blame. the TUC. the dispute made a big mark on handle thes products The stike were ruled ot of order. Th, the ct heed the views ot more For most of them Maxwell's All this work bore fruit at the the Congress agenda. A benefit office will soonprintthousands of only way to have reference tothe than one Labour leader and teputation st x unioe-basher is September TUC. forthe sirke was atlended by consamerboycot leaflets, which ke i a composite renin # tvould-be theoretiian who had enough. Fant ihe qucst to haves stall more than 200 people and'apet- willbe made widely available. challenge tothe Conference Arcentr Cotes’ mitancy "These factors helped the war agreed by the TUC General ton gathered 00 signatures ‘Of course, the most racial rangements Committee Report. twas thing ofthe past. A serie tcltecntot Purposes Committee —inecemt The eikers' success at Con- solidarity action would be carried The stiker also hope to speak

out by NUJ members employed fringe meetings, make collec-

‘elsewhere by Maxwell and by tions, and gather signatures for

print workers working on Per- their petition.

anion products. A victory at Labour Party Con-

“The strikers know that though ference will push Maxwell further

such action would help them win on to the defensive and pave the

|) sooner rather than late, their call way for his defeat.

Deindustrialising Scotland

Abumpy ride — on the gravy train

‘The deindustrialisation of courage = fiy-by-aight air com- deal in Limerick. developed during the Vietnam 4

Scotland, coupled with its panynoonchaseverheardof(be- _ Wangthen sold the Stirling site war and electronic fuses. At one 1 Scatland, coupled with Hs IN Srar at up mds tet tomoterepey vc pls meee pooe a) =| GTC ency: aan a oan ial which it was not allowed to do, to use it for maintenance work of the later per weck forthe Img

ty s will ley from Glasgow to New there. wareffor. not he mews fo anyone whe York) tote them fo cour TnnLaing.snindustryministe, "Other major customers are al- | Ambulance crews are == Everyone purported tobchigh- announced that since Wang had legediobave been UAE.Nigese. | well nto.an overtime ban By Kath Munby even a cursory fashion. lysupied shea theaitine woe now flfiled its obligations to Saudi Arabia. South Korea, | jy py ; : ee Plager easel aa eng ere es ea NW EE

aware that the flerce factional "Thus the freedom of this com- would not be altempting to China, and Pakistan. sOBne gene Saar SDTy, NUPE Oxfordshire

aking within thé 6.5% offer. sb struggle taking place within the pany to take off and land where it _recoverthe grants. Alllhail Silicon This atributeto Tory policiesof | 6-5% pay : Tanke ofthe Botta Terese Niestenpmcednereray Gk the ia few yer te Ferma | Tee unions caled the ac, Area Maked to this process. Considerations of pollution, Meantime, BP (who last ‘ith 8,000 employcesin Scotlan: nin support of a claim o|

Pigressuc oon, Laing = = nee epee Diane i eco |e ary 1%, needed to bring and Younger, who in the past nounced 870 redundancies in manufacturing employer. ambulance crews back in off before any settlement can wrereabletooffersomeprotcion BY DAVID Se Sey tei | ine with other emergency bereached. to Scottish industry (witness KOWLER BBP promised athe time of the of course of great interes to the | Services. Although overtime payRavenseraig), were thoroughly takeover that there would be no Scottish working class. But itis | _ The dispute dates back to ments are an important pet of discredited in the last General ealih and safely, or economic redundancies: one would there- not enough for Labour's | 1986, when local deals were ambulance crews’ wages, lag policy; it is a good example of foreexpectthe govermmenttouse spokesperson on defence, Martin | @xchanged for a national supportforthe actionhas been

Since then, new Scotish Tory Sig-fahioned “capitalist anat- ite “golden shares” to block the O'Neill MP. to demand that the | @gfeement which promised sold toss Forsyth and his aides, not chy deal But nota bt oft sorcery i pustatee ity with police and In London, in particular, above washing Ross Harper's Just how anarchic this anarchy The Latest scandal is Ferranti's Scottish jobs firefighters. overtime working has long dirty lincn in public, have made can be is demonstrated by the takeover of an Amescan-bused This position amounts to | _ Seltlements for both 1987 been used by management to the ranning. ‘Caterpillar affair. ‘arms dealer known as ISC. saying. if ISC had managed to | and 88 were below those for cover up staff shortages.

“The Tonics Ieadinglightshave “The company and government Ferranti had decided that in continve —by the use of bibery | the otheremergency services. A cal for “no shift changes” now decidedtoabrogaicanycon nected money ina highly order to sccue ts position as a —t0 sll military hardware to | Given the inflation rate, this (which has been made suc. trol over capitalism in Scotland. automated plant to produce “majorplayer"inthefieldofmass babaroostegimesthraaghoutthe | Year's afer represents a cutin cessfully in Oxfordshire) would ‘Tuiscan beeadly thustated bys trachinery eu could be weed in destroction it would need to world this would have been ac- | levelsofpaywhicharealready highlight such gaps in recrutseemingly insignificant decision. any Third World Country —and broaden their operations. ceptable toolow. ment.

‘The “analyse” have decided then closed ik The govemment The firm chown by Fermnti What socialists should be | The support for action is Public support for the amthat George Younger’s now ex- didn’teven get a refund. ‘was based in the US but listed on demanding, on the contrary, is | Strong. The four to one bulance crewsis strong. A nacedingly marginal Ayr ©on- “This eurhas een a rerun of the Landon Stick Exchange to “epen the books” Lct us se | Majriy in the ballot forthe tonal call for strike action Hitvency can no longer be this scenario when Wang pulled take advantage ofthe UK’smore where the gravy train bas come | overtime ban showed the could take advantage of protected by Prestwich's tansat- out of the Sting Technology tolerant attode to companies of from and wher: i is heading. Or ig among popular sympathy andbuild on

Tanieaispon aus Pack had £37 milion in grants this Kid. sre Coopersand Lybrand the only Tesist workers" militancy to win @ Rather tan directly renege on at apparently the Ish govern. ISC's min lines of businesspeople tobe trusted with thisin- | Management's demand that decentwage forallemergency their promises, the Tories en- ment was able to offer a betier were the Rockeye cluster bomb, formation? the industrial action is called — workers.

Labour Brieting No. 89 September 27th-October 10th Page 14

International Briefing

Building a workers’ resistance in

the Soviet Union — |

BORIS KAGARLITSKY is a leading activist in the _,,,A1 "N* Point Oe youn at eecther legal nor il- anthem to shoot fiat; we want less list of demands.

° the vite in SI aid now isthe ti Moscow Popular Front and is now closely involved with Getupapany. And Imutcon. legal Techniallyi’stolertedin them tobe the ones to begin hos- Then finally there was an t-

attempts to set up a new independent Socialist Party in {exIwassoriefustaraltomy the sence that people are not tiles tempt to redoce the sense of social the Soviet Union and to build a federation of inde- that 87 Tipreased solely for being mem-_Thelongterm goalistobuilds frustration and of hatred towards ' pendent left-wing unions. ‘Many of us continued to bers. mass independent, democratic the ruling strata to a few material

| Fevwas imprisoned under the Brezhnev regime for his proneuace the formulac which Atte sametime we arebeing {rade union movement. The demande, But very few of these participation in the socialist samizdat publication Left bad been so effective for several attacked in the press, which is a Federation is just the seed of that demands were met and the over-

Turn, ‘week bt which wom in fac a- gor sign, They fol we ae a movemont A rcvances wich ed 10 the His book The Thinking Reed (Verso) won wide acclaim belie bo = ae i cases scp iene pieces * are still very powerful. ___ when it was published in Britain last year and his next. > esa. wei Wet peated Oe ace book Dialecties of Change (also Verso) will be out soon. yg — sCinmamemne See a ie eg aad Kagarlitsky, who will be the Moscow editor ofthe new Spe arucprescl'wax ofc | Secintyrechacche i aeeati ner? ean derennes

joint Soviet-British publishing venture Interverso, was creation of s scialix panty anda” BK: We have support in Mor: go on strike, thee are demands, ee eee in London recently for the first time to deliver the Isaac federation of socialist trade com, Leningrad, and some it _caige amt ied ak” Ge Vheseenoeas ee

sim f the socialists within the broke people went intothe streets. ie i E lis ProprmmeprepacdintieSovit ownetke Itisanatemptiocreaie At the miners’ rallies the in the Soviet Union — and inks

democratic movemea! was '© but the Ylsinists were ot even Senin decades wil discuss =oitialeio——notinthe sense stkers wee chanting thatevery- with workers clrwhre firing

twildthelsow party. Wesawthis trying to lead the people who the whole politcal and social of hierarchy end privilege but in thing is lerible. We have to do the same enemies,

process going hand in hand with = n Tepe ce slings cree agenda and sct a stralegy. the sense of the quality of polit

Deutscher Memorial Lecture. He found time out of his sions. stil cities like Itkutsk. Also they go on stike. In the Soviet of fund. Bul we also need infor demanding schedule to talk to Labour Briefing. ‘some miners from the strike areas Union firstthey goon strike, then mation and experience.

LB: Doesthenew party have — because we sent people there they form committees, and then In particular, we are concemed

cept people from ST— became > ducing te stikes and they found they begin to articulate demands. bout the multinational. com-

they were the only ones withthe "By" We have a theoretical 2 number of miners wanting to ‘They goonstrikeoutofarcnse panies which are now exploring

bers of a left opposition, or- ipo pmig eee commitce whichmastby theend 08 ha ; —— Station. ll kinds of venturcsin the Soviet.

anise. Can you begin by ni of this autumn prepare a draft of a ix support in Moscow xe demands emerge in the — Union. We want to know about

ited Abeat ths Moscow ‘The greatest moment of the document which is now called Would sayistwoorthree hundred process of going on strike. their records in relation to the

* 3 Maa en See Sime cany aaa” One ap someant cot ee oe

opular Front? onng the ia et sng he Congres of “This will be the first com- thousands. But we are not ying reflect citer the real aims or the environment, and so.on, This il

Deputies. When the Yeliincrisis pechensive altemative politcal ‘0buildupthemembershipforits original sense ofthe strike help us build workers" felatance

coat of Sothe only leadership, the only Paradoxically. it will also be cal commitment and under trade unions — not just free trade politcal tool available to them the frst anti-captaliat document standing. A vanguard.

cost nde nnn inl Soe eee East European ' disp eegienieree which in tum was able to channel electoral party in the westem . incon i the iruggle for heh in tum w il §$SOCialists speak out agora ae ‘The crowds in the strects of the attempts of the ruling strata of building a Marxist party. We are Of course at the beginning of Moscow were very aggressive the Soviet Union to integrate cur not trying tobring people toa par-

Perens these Hear WER Mot rahe had been no organi county info te cptina wold. Scar Sdology but Yo = clear Labour Focus on Eastern Europe fringe |e e'tenaugh ac. 8 free inside the crowds ax a sort of new thid world Politalagenda meeting at Labour Party Conference | tiv fo alld anything sions. ee ey ial wba lpi 5.30pm, Tuesday October 3rd

Se ee een remus al ‘municipalisation of property Brighton NALGO Club

haeek ae peeies petal dees. ‘At the Congress itself, the ‘stead of privatisation democratic 164-7 Edward Street

“Que position he position ofthe Tieial eget eee lll sod

group called Socialist Initiative | er — id (he main poe of stration for as ae te poor eee fist tak wer to todd rong 82006 nericr and angrier. They movement which would refit TOPPoTted the liberal deputies but i atthe same time they flr the

the Maren of the asec, amd She seme te they. (ok would be democratic and left- “2 See aaa

ep ag sagan ed Speakers:

to create a political organimation Czeslaw Bobrowezyk

‘which soot usta radical wing of | (President, Solidamnose Commission in Wroclaw factory; ‘ficial porsrcika or a wocialy | Regional Committee, Polish Socialist Party-Democratic conscious wing of the liberal in Revolution)

teligentsn but clear alternative Oliver MacDonald

‘wing oreatated, ——_ ete (Labour Focus on Eastern Europe)

So once again they weat into ‘And we simultaneously orThis was very much * thestreets. Atthehighest point of We call it Third Worldisation: ganise the Socialist Party and the Yuri Badzio

Gramecian idea. We felt there Socialist member, Kiev Regional Committee Ukrainian . the mobilisations we had 200,000 an attempt by the ruling strata to militants of the Federation of | ( A 9

must be some Kind of socialist opie in the sree. become respectable newcomers Socialis Trade Unions. Popular Movement) 5

egemony within broad P'Bcthenwecametoaproblem. tothe world rling clas ‘You may laugh, becaase it | Support Polish socialists fighting austerity

democratic movernen. And this We managed to mobiixc bigger Of course for them to achieve sounds like we Want something, sabe enld tm om mis we wool CavieScemioatiowe teedieqicdes ee ws something | and privatisation by the coalition government! veto go through a ecinattee Oe cies’! dey alee meee et. Labeeeagt oe

| The UK Support Committee of the PSP-DR appeals

on eas nowhere and even posed certain the imposition of the new arran- The difference with Britain is And that was exactly what we hers ag certian cams tha'tetadctnicerweealready | fOF SUPport for the petition below. - swith the Moscow Popslsr "People would say that the That is why I have called this huge and bureaucratised or- | Please put the text of the petition to CLPs and other : Cum Asiandepaicsareaivaysphcooncoon “maretSiainim”. ganaios when they deciedto | labour movement organisations, together with ; __ voting against our Muscovite a pary.Wearestaring | affiliation to the UK Support Committee and a LB: What specific role did progressives —so we mustgoup 7 3. 15 the work of building ™ = cntiely different base. subscription to our bulletin, Socialist Messenger, at you play in the Front? to see them in the wight, wake Bh a party all bel For the time being we want to | 3 cost of £10. 'BK:I'simportantforpeopleto them up in their hotels, and being done aildmilitant minority unis. At | Please make cheques payable to Pollsh Socialist

Inowthat without Socialist Inia. demand to know why they were im Moscow? the momeat we have some Eee a ee, Scuuginaehandectsgay) _BK'Mealy. at is whew the SooneiniheFaicaicn | Patty Appeal, and send them to The Basement, 92

probably not have surfaced. Of We had to spend a lot of time Committee meets. We have trans- Ladbroke Grove, London W11.

‘course,there was sharp criticism and energy preventing this sort of formed Slinto the Socialist Com- © = Supporters of PSP-DA will be collecting signatures of Socialist Initiative for monop. thing. Sometimes the liberal Milles We now calif, andsex_ TR Whores? | forthe petition at the Labour Party Conference in olising the Popular Front. But deputies would refer to the 'P2structureforindividual mem- Kecrstd Brighton. :

‘wen people came to let the thousands in the streets but it etrand accountability ofleaders SO" ft toe Di SR Teaderthip positions s@ddenly changed nothing —elther onthe 845000. Kain and is the mining areas | “The coalition government in Poland plans to there werenoothercandidatesex- liberal or conservative side Iotereting'y.foralongtime all cre are groups. They were ac. | Marketise the economy and sell off national assets

‘the opposition groups were simp” in the strike but they were not | to private interests at home and abroad. This will

h ring to bring in as many AZANIA-NAMIBIA FORUM ope S paaiabe. Of ew sd wil nt befor sometime » | profoundly affect working people. It will deepen ig fore they weren't able to achieve majority inthe strike committecs. | ‘social inequality and provoke unemployment. says ‘mach — they were so hetero- Theyhavetoplaytheroleofpres- | we. the undersigned, call upon the new Polish ‘gencous they got bogged down in “H" EF government: FREE THE UPINGTON 26! (cudiegs internal steagyice. a SERIES +to legalise the formation of political parties in Write to Azania-Namibia Forum, sacle rem Sorin Commitee TB: Wat's thet attitude te | Poland by socialists, such as the Polish Socialist c/o Greenwich Resource Centre, Singer gue Pineal BCR ket aigcer aoe: cee reer ealirta cir by ayase Leactlied et Macbean St, London SE18. Teer teen Wii castecaeeeaseeae | basic human freedom.”

Labour Briefing No. 89 September 27th-Octobor 10th Page 15

International Briefing

Socialist militants have to face much sterner tests in ‘Mexico than in Europe.

Over recent decades hundreds have been killed by secret death squads organised by local bosses and parts of the state apparatus. In the same period $58 people were taken out of circulation and never seen again.

Jose Ramon Garcia is one of these desparacidos. Last Decemberhiscar was stopped by several men, one of whom was in ‘uniform. He has not been seen again

By DAVE KELLAWAY

His party, Partido Revolucionario de las y los ‘Trabajadores (Revolutionary ‘Workers Party) have campaigned tong and hard alongside other democratic forces to force the ‘government to mount a proper investigation,

“There have been marches, peti tions, and a 26 day hunger strike by PRT leaders. Meanwhile, the government of its local repre sentatives have tried to prevent public opinion seeing this disappearance as a political kidnapping.

‘The most grotesque smears hhave been made — Jose is supposed to have disappeared because he: wanted to go to ‘Nicaragua, was to join ETA, had personal problems with his com- ‘anion, was part of an organised stunt to help the PRT win back its legal status, and soon. *

‘On Tuesday August 29th the PRT called a press conference to report on ameeting with agovernent representative at which it submitted a detailed dossier on the case,

“The prest conference was altended by one TY station, all the ‘mainstream dailies, and the left prese (see picture).

As the Briefing correspondent was able to observe, the PRT commission dossier demolished all the specious smears regarding. ‘Jose's disappearance.

‘Two new elements were also provided by the PRT. First, ‘eyewitness evidence proving that 1 uniformed person was involved in taking Jose away was

Second, ani official has admitted that 2 previous statement hhe had made to the investigator

Rosario bana and PAT loaders address press conference.

PRT militant “disappeared” for nine months

tions, without trial, and rules and regulations beyond num-

‘At this moment al these are

being vigorously opposed by a determined army of stone-

throwing Palestinian children. My recent visit to the West Bank coavinced me that the Intifada is growing in strength, ‘commnitment, and organisation.

By Richard was 4 lic intended to divert ex | Woolven Brighton ec cite jeoeec in| 22 nee ee that "lead" on thekidnappersex- As part of an intemational ists. workcamp organised by Birzeit

‘The key thing is to keep up na-

Univesity Stodents Council 1 tional and intemational pressure. :

stayed in a Palestinian village

Salins's government bas said it | cari Kalel (ebro). wants 10 finally resolve the | ““Trreseecacaset alitloaf desparecidos problem. The cam- | ti living under occupation Paign around Jose Ramon's case | really means and how the Intifada 1s an obstacle to that project. works.

Salinas has personally | “They can't shoot the sun,” oor

telephoned Jose's companion 10 ‘commiserate but at the same time he lied about the case when on a visit to Spain, saying Jose has reappeared

‘One can only speculate about precise goverment respon ‘ibility but clearly the govern- ‘ment does have the power to get to the bottom of the affair.

Briefing readers can contribute {to saving Jose’s life by geting

host said, showing us his solar ‘lectricity panel, installed after the soldiers smashed the village

generator, Few Palestinians can afford

such technology, but this hasa't stopped them from inventing new ‘ways of fight back against op-

pression.

‘The military dominates the towns, cites, and refugee camps. In some rural areas “liberated”

bureaucratic rules affect all arcas of Palestinian life Particularly damaging for the

their organisation to support Am Amie ; =z : villages proudly largely agrarian economy is

nesty Intemational’s action on | hint thePalesinian ag ironly difficulty in obiaining export

thincaes temporarily. licences for the two major crops,

FI | Detention without trial iscomCSAC UML | cmon and wasrecentlyexicndedto full materials and UR piiaaeia aia meat.

loge new desert prisoas like thetent city know at Anoar3are ‘otorions for sbases of oman fights. Many detainees once released slfer from recurting i

CORPUMCESICICEME | nesses such ar eye problems (from sting in sand storms) ot

Oficial de Los Pinos, ij | shcumatism (from winter cold).

Mexico D.F. | In addition to these blatant forms of repression, myriad

‘grapes and olives. This has led to 2 sharp decrease in selling prices and hence a cutis small farmers’

“The Intifada led to the declar tion of the Palestinian state in ALgiers in November 1988.

‘This in tun has spurred the growth of avariety of committees and co-operatives dealing with agriculture, health, women, eic., complementing the official charitable associations which provide nursery education and

/] i1st-3rd December 1989 Venue: Kingsway

College, Sidmouth Street (near Kings Crosstube)

THE SOCIALIST

; oo OUTLOOK

FOR EUROPE

WITH: Ernest Mandel; Zbigniew Kowalewski; Oliver MacDonald; John Palmer; Bernadette McAliskey*; Tariq All; Alice Mahon MP*; Peter Tatchell; Branka /Magas; Ken Livingstone MP; Ai Meun Lim; and others. (“invited)

IMAJOR FORUMS AND DEBATES INCLUDE: The crisis of Stalinism in Eastern

protests should be [i send to: Presidente de la Republica,

Carlos Salinas de

Europe and China; A socialist approach to 1992; Socialist democracy and proportional representation; Women’s struggles in Europe; Lesbian & Gay [Liberation

Registration (rates for whole weekend: waged, off if you register by 13 November) from PO Box 1109, London N4 2UU.

ORGANISED BY SOCIALIST OUTLOOK

£12; students, £8; unwaged, £6 [all £1

Intemational student demonstration outside Western Embassy, Tel Aviv

medical cave in many areas.

‘An embryonic site is boing bom out of the sheer cmmitment ofthe Palestaisn people degpie adios lave harassment and 2 pari

Bot as the Inifada nears the ofits second yea, questions arebeing sated. How many more manyni! How long can aad Shonld the tactics of the Inada be sustained? Where is the diplomat procens ging?

“The PLO has done all that has been asked oft, incodingrecoe ning nrc axa sae, ot ha ito show frit Therelea grow. ing felng that Palestinians wi nly gethcir own and by t-- gaging in military arugle

Gaza workers fight computer cards

In Israeli-occupied Gaza, one hundred thousand Palestinian workers took strike action at the end of August against the introduction of magnetic computer-coded identity cards. Before crossing the “Green Line” to enter the state of Israel from Gaza, Palestinians must produce one of the new cards. ‘They are issued by the authorities only after all taxes, fines,

Solidarity with the Palestinian straggle must he pushed up the labour movement's agenda. We should demand recognition ofthe newly-founded state of Palestine and the PLO as its repre sentatives,

Material aid and fund-raising for co-operatives is urgently needed. An effective boycatt of Israeli products should b¢ ‘mounted andcomparisons should be drawn with South Africa.

{nthe student and youth movements the political debate must be reopened and one ofits major ob- [jectiver must be to stop the thousands of British nationals working for Israel on kibbutzes.

and fees have been paid and they are not issued at all to people suspected of political involvement who are presented instead with igreen cards denying them access to Israel.

In response, the United National Leadership of the Intifada called for a week-long sympathy strike by West Bank workers currently inside Israel, a ban on West Bank workers taking jobs

‘Thronghout the West Bank and Gaza this call was heeded with masked Intifada activists patrolling the roads.

Israel wants (o impose the new identity cards in order to ‘reassert its control of the population. Since 46% of the working popalation of Gaza have to travel into Israel to find jobs, this development will prove a key test of both the strength of the Intifada and its potential to damage the Isracll economy.

Labour Breting No. 89 September 27%h-Octaber 10th Page 16

LABOUR

Despite over a million non-payers in Scotland and massive nonregistration in England and Wales, the obvious widespread working class anger against the Poll Tax will find scant reflection on the floor of Labour Party Conference.

By Terry Conway Islington North CLP

‘Only nine Constituency A”ebvius sign of Labour Party members campaigning against the Pll Tax

Parties even bothered to Such arguments were the ment will not be maintained confidence to people to consubmit motions on this vital basis of the sell-out at the if the Torles tighten the _ tinue to defy the Tories. question. recall Scottish Labour Party screws. But the situation is The National Conference ‘Many activists in Poll Tax Conference in Govan last more complicatedthan that. against the Poll Tax on groups up and down the year — and of the ensuing _—First, itis necessary toin- November 25th in country see the Labour defeat of Labour in the volveailthe individualswho — Manchester will provide an

Party and Labour Councits

N irrelevance to the real k of building a mass movement to challenge the Tories.

In contrast, Brian Wilson MP argues in Tribune that the Poll Tax can only be Wilson predicts that the ment. to take action against the defeated at the ballot-box. existing levels of non-pay- Coliectlveactivitywiligive Tax.

Central Region Scotland

Govan by-election.

Wilson and his cronies show! ‘both for the suffering the Poll Tax seeks to impose on the working class and its capacity to ofganise against it.

have taken a personal stand against the Tax (those who" have not registered or not paid, and those who hate the ‘Tax but haven't had the confidence to take such a stand) ina mass democraticmove-

Important impetus in developing such 2 movement.

But resistance to the Tax inthe trade union movement will also be crucial, as will getting Labour Councillors

Labour coughs up for Tory Poll Tax

In May 1988, with District Council elections nearing, the Labour Party in Scotland endorsed the “Stop It”

‘which would be incurred in implementing the totally new coo cept of Community

the scale and range of the problems are much greater

continued for more than one year. “Its not uncommon for an

apparently simple enquiry to generate a four page letter In

the public, the Chair of Stirling ‘Trades Council was asked to leave the Council Chamber. As ‘an officer of the Council, the CCRO was allowed to remain.

anti-Poll Tax campaign. e : than the worstestimate,"saysa reply ot for an appealor objec- Seven Labour Councillors

Funded by the trade unions, Community Charge Regisra- tion torequireten manhoursin voted against the extra money {hls caumpaign printed 9 mille” tion Officer in a report sub- order to prepare answers. at the Labour Group meeting. leaflets 00 how to mess up the sitied to Central Region Coan- ‘Only four carried their oppostregistration machinery. aa Resolved tion into full Council.

‘The “Stop It” campaign left ‘To rub salt in the wounds of theta of rgaisng200-pay- dismayed Poll Tax activists the ‘ment to focally organised grass ‘Tory Coundilers voted.

Faoth gesens: Ooly ter Beaeiek By Rowland Sheret fot Faery Pages| ‘National Party and the Greens Scottish Labour the grounds that the CCRO now openly advocate wo ay Briefing should make his department

‘more efficient. ‘Under no threat of surcharge, without any pressure the Tories, Central

al Council Labour

Disrupted “The amount of necessary overtime worked in the Depart-

iment is too high and is having =

‘The Poll Tax has been dis-

rupted at every level in Scot- detrimental effect, not only on Group caved in toa Tory policy

land. At this very moment, be- _membersofstaffbutalsoon the bombshell? They voted to give opposed by 80% of the people

tween 600,000 and one million quality and quantity of their the Community Charge Officer in Scotland.

people have still not made any work. ‘an extra £250,000 per year to It must also be noted that a

Poll Tax payment. “Members of staff have indi- employ 18 extra staff. majority of the SNP Council- “While endeavouring to an- catedthey cannot maintain this They discussed the matter in__ lors went along with the Labour

iclpate many of the difficulties levelofovertime which hasnow secret session. Asa member of | Group.

SUBSCRIBE TO BRIEFING

|Make sure of your copy of the fortnightly Labour

Briefing. Annual are £12

|(individuals), £24 (Institutions). Write to PO Box

/457, London SW2 SUZ (cheques.etc., payable to Briefing).

groundwork that is done in advance, the better the ‘of success. supportfornon-cok by trade unionists and non-implementation by Councils willnot be enough. The existing movement is strong and vibrant in many J oommunities, but its tinks with the labour movement Zremain weak. Forces on the left of the S Labour Party have a real responsibility not only to fight on the Poll Tax question within the Party, but also to develop close working relationships with local paigns in ord demonstrate that ther Labour Party members co SS Se

Support in both these areas is more likely to come ‘when there is an attempt to arrest wages and benefits of non-payers. But the mort

No Tory Poll Tax!

National Demonstration in Brighton on the eve of Labour Party Conference Saturday September 30th

‘Assemble 4pm, The Level

March commences 2pm

Rally at Fishmarket Hard

Bring Trade Union and Community Banners! INVITED SPEAKER:

NALGO; CPSA; Brighton Labour Councillor; Dennis Skinner MP; John McCreadie (CPSA); Paul Foot (Daily Mirror)

‘Saturday Night Sept. 30th:

Ami:Poll Tax Benefit Gig at Brighton Polytechnic, Lewes Road, Cockcroft Bullding Conference Fringe Meeting:

Monday October 2nd, 7.30pm, St Peters Church Hall, London Road, Brighton

For a mass campaign of non-payment!

Coventry Labour Briefing

sends greetings to Labour Party Conference.

No Poll Tax here

— or anywhere!