Politics in Britain is dominated by the general election • it's not iust the at its lowest level since the 1930s - despite the magnificent resistance to the Poll Tax. The Tories' anti-union laws, compinea with the tear or losts d job, have succeeded in holding down any fight-back to the shake-out of the recession -ably assisted by most union leaders.
Most workers are looking to vide relief from the 12 years of the Tories. After defeats over NES, social services and union education the rights, it is 'treading water' until after the election.
But Labour's leadership has note policy if heid and never.
ingly distanced itself from anti-Tory struggles over the years. It has also tried to kill off any idea that Labour will reverse the damage, with its well-worn phrase as the economy allows.
A Labour victory would still Don't lot him put you off! see the British economy in the tall-end of a recession. The Tories have not succeeded in restructuring British capitalism - quite the reverse. And given that Labour has no plans to take means a long wait!
despite Kinnock's policies, the Left have to be for Labour vote. Because of its link with the organised working class, a Labour vote 1s the only one which represents basic class independence Labour victory will bring its own problems, another defeat by the Torles would be a disThe left shouldn't sit back and wait for the election results, in the hope that things go the right way. We may only But we have a major task in building a campaign which calls for a Labour vote, but also raises radical policies which put workers' interests first.
We have a duty to warn against the austerity policies of an incoming Labour ment - but also to lay the basis now for the political opposition Socialists for Labour (SfL), launched carlier this year by Labour Party Socialists aims to be such a campaign. Its basic platform includes rejection of coalitions; repeal of the anti-union laws; restoration of cuts in public services; an amnesty for Poll Tax non-payers; anilateral nuclear disarma ment: a woman's right to choose and complete equality for lesbians and gay men.
It already has over 200 sponsors from trade union and Labour Party acavists, Incuding Ronnie McDonald from the OILC oil workers' union, Joe Marino, general secretary of the Bakers' union, Jeremy Corbyn MP and a number of trades councils and union branches.
Further sponsors should be just from Labour Party members), but the campaign also needs to be built in the localities. A recent rally in Manchester attracted several hundred people.
StL can link up with a wide range of single issue campaigns, linking their demands with a call for a Labour vote. will be around defence of the NHS. Labour may have gained the high ground in the pre-elec. tion arguments, but it is being commitments. Activists can wak up wit campaigns agat opting out, against hospital closures, and others Wherever possible we should try to get the Labour Party to make this a part of their official election campaign. But such is the mood of not rocking the boat, that even on single Issues this will be rare.
The only alternative to hiberjust peddling Labour's official solicies is to build Socialists for abour now The SfL national meeting on November 16 will discuss left policies and practical camparguing ideas. All whose ir road agreement with the campaien should be encouraged to come and bring their ideas.
Socialists for Labour National meeting Saturday, 16 November, 11-5 Camden Town Hall, London. Socialists for Labour can be contacted c/o 1 Gorefield House, Canterbury Road, London NW6