50 delc the second meeting of the Euro. marches sponsors campaign in Sheffield on January 18 The meeting, chaired by Alan Simpson MP, was addressed by Robert Cremieux of the French ACI campaign against unemployment and the Paris based European Marches Secretariat.
Robert described the development of the campaign in France and across Burope. He told the meeting that the French CGT trade union confederation was about to sponsor the march.
Glenn Voris, the British marches' secretary, reported on the acclopment or tac campaign in Britain. Since the Manchester launch meeting in October 1996, big support for the marches had been forthcoming from the trades unions including the Bakers' Un ion, and the probable affiliation of the RMT.
Many unemployed workers centres, the TUC Joint Consultative Committee, County Associations of hus, tas union councils. ion regions and branches had given their support, including five MSF Regions and the NW and London Regions of Unison.
Glen spoke about problems with the National Unemployed Centres Combine who, while claiming to support the European Marches initative, have chectively declared war on the British marches in witch-hunting terms, in favour of their roadshow.
The meeting agreed to make further attempts to seck unity amongst those who support the European marches project.
Reports from around Britain showed that local committees are being set up in every region along the proposed routes.
The North West is particularly strong, having a long tradition of unemployment marches. Since the Shetfield conference we have se cured support for the marches from the North West TUC, despite the opposition of the Combine on their Addresses by lan from the Magnet strikers and Herbie from the Liverpool dockers ensured that the mccains maisaca on a nigh note. Herbie assured us that with their support we should have no difficulty in raising the £30,000 we need to finance the marches - given that they are raising £23,000 a week at present.
The dockers and Magnet strik. ers have made a commitment to adEuromarches at every meeting they are The meeting agreed to make a launch conference 22/23 February (details belgi A steering committee was clected, chaired by Alan Simpson MP and Glenn Voris as secretary. Ireland, Luxembourg, Austria and Britain. of England. Come to Brussels!
On February 22-23 in Brussels there will be a major conference designed to launch the Euro-marches on a continental level.
Delegations will be present from all the countries participating: France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, The conference begins at 12 noon on Saturday and will conclude at 3pm on the Sunday, with a social on the Saturday night. Accommodation and food provided.
A large delegation will be going from Britain, including a coach from the north For details and tickets contact: (North) Glenn Voris 01744 -755889 or (South) Pete Cooper 0171 - 738 3362.
It seems likely that during February a large number of asylum seekers detained at Rochester prison will continue their hunger strike in protest against their treatment by the authorities. Their persistence has forced the national media to highlight the issue and campaigners are mobilising • PORTRESS BOROPE GEES Socialist Dutook Indian asylum seekers were derained and over 40 of the other 8 nationalities.
It is no surprise that so many refugees are fleeing from regimes with undemocratic, corrupt military and dictatorial Characters. The reason they are on the 'white list is not on the basis of any human rights criteria but that arms exports and other trading relations UK capital.
It is a no-win situation for a