21.03.1996

Brent left in open discussion

Brent Socialist Forum held a successful meeting on March 6 to mark International Working Women’s Day. Kamala spoke from the Hillingdon hospital strike and Frances Jones from Women of the Waterfront.

Both women emphasised the transformation in their lives since the struggles began and the political lessons they had learnt. Kamala talked of their battle against racism, their determination not to be sold out, and their feeling of great strength despite the difficulties they faced. Frances spoke of the way the women had been able to take on the scabs and the police and circumvent the anti-trade union laws in a way that the dockers could not do.

The meeting was attended by a plethora of leftwing organisations and the debate centred around the question of party, in particular the SLP. The feeling of the meeting was that the need to discuss politics was paramount. These workers in struggle had given the left in Brent the opportunity to come together and discuss in a way not normally done. Even the SWP joined in the discussion and there was a sharp though comradely debate.

In this type of forum the nucleus of a mass revolutionary party can be seen. It also illustrates the fluidity of the present period. The socialist forums can provide an important avenue of debate and work on the party question and should not be seen or used as an alternative to the SLP. They are part of the same movement.

Brent Socialist Forum is now involved in the fight against the council derecognition of Brent Unison and is hosting a public meeting on the struggle on April 3l.

Siobhain McLoughlin