NEARLY 600 people attended the Campaigr Group's Conference of the Labour Left on Saturday June 20, in Leeds.
Tony Benn, Dawn Primarolo, Audrey Wise, Ken Livingstone, Jeremy Corbyn, Bernie Grant and Bob Cryer among other Campaign Group MPs were there, and addressed the conference as well as listening to the points raised by the participants.
A basic resolution setting up a working group for broadening the Campaign Group into extra-parliamentary areas was overwhelmingly passed despite initial reluctance from some Campaign Group MP's to commit themselves to such a venture.
But, after a very inadequate discussion, the only resolution put to the conference around which to discuss a minimum political basis for a broader regroupment of the left at a later date, beyond but including the Labour Left, was defeated by a two to one vote.
This missed opportunity comes at a time when the left faces a situation unprecedented since the war — with strikes at an all ame low, a serious elec tion defeat and the Tories and the employers set to step up their offensive.
At the same time the present window of opportunity to more etfecavery orkanise ine ten u the post-election situation may not last for long. The idea that defining the key political issues posed at this time and organis ing arouna them is a raise one This conference however, isa step towards the formation of a united left current inside the Labour Party. Throughout the day there was a very tive and friendly mood, with littie of the sectarian bickering that has been a blight on the British left for so long.
Whilst not being over-op timistic, the moves taken at this conference could be the start of some positive developments on the left in Britain, particularly if the SMTUC conference on July 18th/19th and the Conference of the Left in October have positive outcomes. Weshall have to wait and see.