Recall Labour Party Conference!
By Maria Exall, CWU Executive, personal capacity
Hundreds of delegates left the Labour Party Spring Conference and joined the anti-war protest in Glasgow on 15 February. Delegates from CWU, GPMU, GMB, UNISON and other unions, as well as Constituency representatives took part in the 150,000 strong rally outside the Conference centre.
At the Campaign for Socialism/ Socialist Campaign Group rally in the evening, activists demanded a recall of the national Labour Party Conference, the sovereign body of the Party, to discuss the impending war with Iraq. They did not have faith that the decision of the Party leader would reflect the views of ordinary trade unionists and party members.
John McDonnell MP said the time had come to make the leadership of the Party listen to the members and supporters marching in London and Glasgow. He also called for the left of the Party to organise to challenge Blair’s leadership.
It is clear that Blairite leadership of the Labour Party is flouting the policy and principles of the labour movement. Not just in arguing for attacking Iraq but also on the important issues around the future of public services. As unions try to defend public services, the Government seems more determined to undermine them. We have seen the attacks on the firefighters despite their just and popular claim for increased pay.
We have seen the announcements of the extention of “commercial freedom” into the NHS through Foundation hospitals, and the introduction of market mechanisms into Higher Education through plans for “top up” fees.
Support this statement. Get your trade union to fight for its demand: Recall Labour Party Conference!
“We are dismayed by the actions of the Government in the firefighters’ dispute and wish to see a prompt resolution based upon the previous series of understandings between the FBU and the employers, with a clear commitment by the Government to provide the full level of state funding necessary to secure a modern professional fire service, paid staffed and equipped for the demands of twenty-first century Britain.
We believe this dispute has demonstrated the need for an urgent and thorough debate within the Labour Party on the future policies of the Government not only in relation to the fire service but also on the long term future of public services, including the issue of Foundation Hospitals in the NHS, the continuing escalation in the use of private finance in public services and the need for a programme to tackle low pay in our essential public services.
In addition, with the threat of war against Iraq ever more imminent, it is imperative that Labour Party members and affiliates have a fresh opportunity to discuss the Labour Government’s role in this impending crisis.
To enable this democratic debate to take place as a matter of urgency we want the recall of the Labour Party Conference.”
