Solidarity first! policies. If you do not solidarise with the struggles of the oppressed you have no right to be taken seriously in your criticisms.
The same is as true for organisations as it is for individuals. For some sectarian left groups, the issue is whether any particular campaign or struggle fits entirely with their political analysis: only if they are satisfied in this way will they support. Many go on to picket lines or demonstrations, or intervene in campaign conferences simply to further their own particular line or attract members to their own current - ignoring the interests of the class struggle as a whole. Strike support committees can be thus turned Into sterile debating chambers which alienate militant workers and produce Ittle in terms of practical support international solidarity is likewise turned away from mobilisation and action, towards polemics and wrangles. aet in this sectarian fashion. Milton
Miltant supporters for example in many areas refused throughout the miners' strike to join the miners' support committees: Instead they set up their own -seeking simply to raise the profile of Militant and recruit members rather than solidarise with the miners.
For the first four months of the strike the SWP did the same. Yet it was the non-sectarian support groups -embracing a wide range of political views- which made a real Socialist Viewpoint, No 8, November 7986, Page 36
contribution to the miners' strike.
Yet. as Kinnock shows, the sectarian approach to solidarity is by no means the exclusive preserve of the left. For rears. solidarity work on South Africa as been hampered by the dominant ole played by the Stalinist-led exiles
n SÁCTU, who have continuall opposed any form of links with the rising black trade unions which did not go through SACTU Itself.
There are many who believe on the other hand that in engaging in international solidarity work - on Ireland, Nicaragua, South Africa or elsewhere - socialists must abandon any criticism, and simply endorse the tactics and politics of the existing leaders of the struggle - Sinn Fein, the Sandinistas or the ANC.
Just as we cannot abstain from struggles because bureaucratic leaders will try to sell out. we should not abandon our right to criticise and argue for our point of view. Solidarity does not mean subservience. "March separately: strike together" remains a healthy guide both to united fronts and to basic solidarity.
Unfortunately the sectarian and bureaucratic traditions have long histories and are deep-rooted in the labour movement. There is little hope of arguing "Militant" into a change of attitude.
But many on the left can larn the lesson. When we rightly attack Kinnock for scabbing on the miners. let us also ensure that we approach struggles in a principled way. First we get into the fight on the side of the oppressed: and from this position of active commitment and solidarity we raise our criticisms. put forward our tactical suggestions, seek to advance the class struggle and construct within it a new leadership which can push aside the likes of Nell Kinnock
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