Over 100 people attended the conference of Socialist Alliances in England in Rugby on Saturday 5 September, the largest to date. This was an indication that Alliances are spreading to new areas.
Ken Coates, MEP, brought greetings from the Independent Labour Network, which is beginning to set up local groups. This was however not followed by a much-needed discussion on the relationship between different parts of the fragmented Left.
The main discussion was on what national structure the Alliances need. Until now there has been a small liaison group to organise the conferences and produce the occasional national bulletin.
With the spreading of alliances there were moves to expand the democratic structure to one which can take national campaigning initiatives as well as coordinate better.
Unfortunately, the discussion was marred by two factors. Late circulation of draft proposals from the liaison group meant that many alternative proposals were only available on the day.
The other problem was that the CPGB (Weekly Worker) mobilised in large numbers to argue for their proposals for a very tight structure for the ‘United Kingdom’ (!) reflecting their view that alliances should be about permanent polemical debate.
This deflected from the discussion which needed to be had between those committed to building the alliances as campaigning bodies into debate about the most appropriate structure.
Eventually, the conference voted to adopt the liaison group’s proposals of a 15 person committee, with safeguards to prevent domination by any particular tendency, as interim proposals, with a further national meeting in 6 months which can amend them.
The afternoon was devoted to discussion of the key issues of Europe and low pay. The Europe discussion was introduced by four speakers. John Palmer, European Affairs editor of the Guardian, argued the left should support a strengthening of the institutions of the European Union, while Ron Dorman of the Campaign Against Euro-Federalism argued for defence of national sovereignty. MEPs Hugh Kerr and Michael Hindley argued a more coherent line.
The discussion reflected the confusion on the Left about the single currency, which needs to be clarified if there is to be any impact in next year’s Euro-elections and the referendum on the single currency.
The discussion on Low Pay, introduced by UNISON Executive member Jean Thorpe, brought out the problems with the government’s proposals on the minimum wage and benefits and the poverty trap.
Despite having adopted proposals which could provide for nationally coordinated campaigning, the conference did not actually agree any campaigns.
As many speakers emphasised, the prime task at the moment is to build up the local alliances through work around relevant issues… but this could be considerably strengthened with some well organised national initiatives.
Overall, the conference was a step forward, but also reflected the problems in turning the socialist alliances into a force which can make a difference.