08.02.1996

Opening up the debate

John Milligan, Lanarkshire branch secretary of the RMT, was a member of the Labour Party for many years, and left over the poll tax and different industrial issues. He is involved both in organising SLP meetings in Scotland and in the Scottish Socialist Alliance. Nick Clarke spoke to him

Do you think there is a contradiction between the SLP and the SSA?

My position is simple in the sense that I’m keen to promote a socialist agenda, irrespective of whether it is done through the SSA or the formation of the SLP. I am organising meetings for Arthur Scargill to speak in Scotland as part and parcel of that process.

Do you think there would be a problem if both the SLP and the Scottish Socialist Alliance were established in Scotland?

No. I don’t think there will be a problem with that, because at the end of the day people make up their own mind whether they want to be in the SSA or the SLP. Bear in mind the SSA is made up of disparate groups, political organisations, campaigning groups and individuals. So there is already a degree of pluralism in the whole business.

 What I don’t want to see - and I don’t think anyone wants to see it - is some kind of competition or beauty parade between socialists of any description. The SLP has not come to any conclusion yet on its constitution, because although a draft has been issued it hasn’t got full status - it has not even been discussed by the membership as yet.

Do you think there is a real chance of changing that constitution?

Different views have been expressed by people who have an interest in the SLP, who want us to get into another dialogue on the constitution and, indeed, the programme. I think that’s going to come about and I welcome that. I’m not an individual member of the SLP yet, by the way. The debate should be opened up. I’m keen to get involved and the commitment is to have meetings in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland, for the SLP to be part and parcel of any debate on the socialist agenda. If the SLP is formed and people become members, I would like to think that, if there is an alliance, the SLP could be part of it.

What is your view on affiliation?

I’ve got problems with dual membership. I worry about people using it as a flag of convenience. We’ve had some experience of that with unions. It would be better if we were all in the one party. There will be tensions but these can be overcome by more open discussion. The SLP should now be prepared to present its constitution to open meetings and forums. You need people to draft an original constitution but there’s got to be the opportunity to change it.