socialists attended a ised by on November b-7. conference attracted a wide spectrum of the left in Scotland, not members, Labour, SNP and unaligned.
The range of speakers was very impressive and reflects standing the scouana and by The weekend itself comprised a series or picnary sessions and workshop discussions CASUIC responses to some of the complex issues facing Scottish social.
Everyone I spoke to agreed that the conterence had been a success and had helped consolidate the leading role of The weekend was major discussion forum of the SSP since the Scottish and Buropean Elections. The first session Friday rally Tommy Sheridan MSP Dennis Canavan MSP, Margo Macdonald SNP MSP, the Anwar Chokar Family_ Justice Campaign and others. This was followed on Saturany morning by a discussion on Socialism which included Labour MSP jonn mcAllon, These sessions drove home the pomt toat i scound socialists different Labour and SSP - have more in that they can unite in common issues inside as WGI50IS0000OO John McAllion made the point that the Cuban Revolution both nabonalist and socialssl The need was to build democsocialists in the LP although not in great numbers.
establishment coup, not the voters.
The the SSP which detail the SSP the first real life after deselection PR had given voters freedom to with they wanted: two- party politics finished. Labour Party must ngot the argument to wait until after General or UCAS Election no longer applies. If after 2 years of fighting the Nationalism leadership the left find they have been defeated then they must draw the lessons and leave. His Several hours were spent in a land. Sinn Fein, the Phe Progressive Unionist Women's Coalition were on the platform, and Socialist Democracy also led a workwas The largest workshop was led by Billy Hutchison of the Progressive Unionist Party. It was the first time many had had an The left was opportunity to discuss with the PUP and many were interested to hear how a curren: leader of the UVF could still claim to be His hatred of the leaders •big Unionism' expressed admifor claimed to have copied methods communis from Sinn Fein, ily at integrated schools and promoting sectarian policies within the PUP Many questions remain. issue of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (RÍE) has been "PFl'd", and come enormous criticism least from the Scottish Parliathe controller HOWA Audit.
Glasgow is about to enter a disdeal for al its schools as well as effectively trydispose of its stock houses. involved at community, trade union and political level against all PFI schemes and the UNISON secretary from RIE and others discussed approaches to and this.
Social Partnership schemes are and stewards into Some gers as well as limited successes opposing cussed, however further meetings on both topics are necessary and will be organised The final session on the Saturday was on international socialism, and speakers included Ken Red Greet Alliance and Alain Krivine of of the Ligue Communiste Revolubonaire, French scion of tac was he Coates spoke of the need to build a comprehensive peace and movement. He argued that a cold war is restarting need to start a movement across burope • noid a conterence of the I The Danish Red Green alliance have 5 seats in a 179 seat parliament with similar votes to SSP and Greens in Scotland but a airer Pr system. ancy icci sode the EU cannot be reformed, it be dismantled and should work for a democratic alternative European countries co-operating should form an alliance to combat Neo liberalism Krivine was the best received day. He analysed Euronean decline of European Democracy, the failure (with not exceptons of communist and the beginning Bit with of recomposition on the space to build a broad party. We need to co-ordinate - organising internationally is kcy task facing revolutionaries, he of argued, to warm applause do you need to be Red to be Green' reflects the fact that the SSP has been active on anti motorway, anti hunt, and anti GM saigns against toxic dumps. The Greens and the SSP essenscience strand some foods in particular always The conference closed with the Internationale, general cess and a resolve to make the