• Jonathan Joseph It is split on a whole range British society is I of issues. most notablv the grip of a socia Europe. But the Labour and economic crisis. Party undergoing The traditional basis for changes too. If Blair gets the British economy his way. mass production and Labour will no longer be consumption of goods, the party of the working has been eroded. class and the trade unThe welfare state is in ions. it will become the chaos. As a result, the party of Europe and big business, a bosses alterconsensus ooties ov which all the main political native to the Tories. parties agreed with the When Blair announced basics, is no more. his intention to scrap The Conservative Party Clause Four - Labour's commitment to commor public ownership, the Socialist spending, public ownerPolicies for a Labour Gov- ship of utilities, benefits, ernment campaign was repealing VAT on fuel, launched. This is neces- trade union rights, a minisary since Blair's attacks mum wage, cutting arms will continue. His next expenditure and challeng step is to reduce the role ing discrimination. that the trade unions and Liberation! supports this constituency parties play campaign. All people who in deciding policy. wish to fight Blair Should A few weeks ago Libera get involved. In particular, tion! supporters attended it is important to raise the campaign's confer- these issues in branches ence in Birmingham. It of Young Labour and in was decided to fight college Labour groups, around the issues of full and in trade unions. a good start, but they are not particularly radical or socialist. We believe that a more fundamental reorganisation of society is necessary.
In our opinion, those in the Labour Party should instead be seeking to broaden outwards and look to the trade unions, the campaigns, and the struggles of youth, the op pressed, and the broader working class.
If Blair is to be defeated, it will not simply be because the left in the Labour Party does a good job. It will be because workers, youth and the op pressed start to fight for their rights. A Labour government will promote great expectations which will soon turn to anger. This anger must be channelled through the Labour Party.
The Labour Party left will not win on its own. It must link up with the struggles of workers, youth and the oppressed.
Get Active: To find out more contact: Socialist Policies for a Labour Government, c/o NUM, 2 Huddersfield Rd, Barnsley, S702LS.