17.08.1995

Gould imposter

YOU COULD hardly say that Labour has faced a barrage of radical attacks this week. Rather a mild flurry of liberal criticism. Most are keen that Blair continue his modernisation process, but believe he should slow the pace down.

The Fire Brigades Union and the building workers union have forced the issue of a £4.15 minimum wage onto the TUC agenda. This may embarrass TUC leader John Monks, but a full scale union revolt against Blair is hardly on the cards. That tribune of the left in the unions, Bill Morris, has already said he will not push the issue with the Labour Party.

Perhaps the most outspoken, Bryan Gould has now denied the article. In it Gould reportedly defied all the pollsters and joined the Socialist Workers Party in claiming that Labour will lose support if it continues on its present course. Thanks for the advice, but we’re doing very well thank you, may be Blair’s response.

However the article did make the correct point that “the voters look in vain for a real alternative.” But the critiques want a reformed Labour Party. Until there is a genuine revolutionary alternative, voters will vote Labour in the vain hope of some change and Blair will keep all opposition in tow.