21.05.1998

Begging the question

Around the left

The workers’ and revolutionary movement as a necessity requires political openness and honesty. This means the fullest possible debate of allthe possible nuances, ramifications and consequences of political ideas. It also means a frank discussion of our own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of other left groups.

The Socialist Workers Party falls far short of what is required in this respect. Its instincts are to protect its members from any ‘harmful’ facts or influence. For instance, it very rarely admits in its publications that other left groups exist, let alone enters into debate or polemics with them. When it does concede, almost grudgingly, that there is leftwing life beyond the SWP, it does its confused best to smother this embarrassing fact. It therefore came as a welcome surprise when last week’s Socialist Worker made mention of rival organisations in two articles. The first concerned the election of Dave Rix as general secretary of Aslef, while the second covered the May 7 local elections.

Last week Simon Harvey commented upon the fact that in the Morning Star report on the Aslef elections, “comrade Rix’s political affiliations are mentioned only in passing” (Weekly Worker May 14). Socialist Worker does the same. The report states: “Rix is not a full-time officer of the union. He works at a depot in Leeds, is an Aslef branch secretary and a member of the SLP. At 35 he will become the youngest trade union leader in Britain when he takes up his post in January” (May 16). It completely overlooks however the important state-electoral politicalimplications of Rix’s election victory. The article prefers to keep the story within purely trade unionist political parameters.

It goes on to say:

“Every trade unionist and socialist should welcome David Rix’s victory as general secretary of Aslef. It is a long time since the left have won such a leading trade union position. Union leaders know that this is a significant victory. They also know that anger among ordinary union members is not just confined to Aslef. In every union members are demanding their leaders stand up to management and to this New Labour government. Rix must build on the confidence his election has given to union activists ... Rix should encourage solidarity action between the two unions. Joint Aslef and RMT meetings should be held in depots up and down the country.”

All this is fine, of course. But what about joint SWP and SLP meetings? And why did the SWP not explicitly support SLP, Socialist Party, Socialist Alliance and CPGB candidates at the general election last May and in the local elections two weeks ago? These and many other questions are implicitly raised by the article - but not even vaguely addressed.

Similarly, in its coverage of the May 7 elections themselves, Socialist Worker admits the existence of other left groups, but the absence of relevant comment begs many questions. It states:

“In some wards candidates to the left of Labour stood. Former Labour MP Dave Nellist, now a Socialist Party member, got elected to Coventry council with 53% of the vote. One SP candidate won 38% in Lewisham, south London. Another SLP candidate polled over 20% in Peckham, south London. Three ‘Independent Labour’ candidates were elected in Hull. But in most areas socialist candidates did not do as well as that and the results were uneven. The votes for left candidates reinforce the picture of people looking to the left of New Labour for answers as the government betrays their hopes.”

The SWP, of course, advised workers to vote Labour on May 1 1997, knowing full well that the government would “betray their hopes”. In the run-up to May 7 the SWP kept quiet about what its members should be doing. In the midst of the elections throughout England and a referendum in London Socialist Worker refused to take sides in the ballot box. Should workers continue to support the New Labour butcher? Or should they back the growing left challenge - albeit fragmented and uncoordinated?

Be that as it may, does the approving tone of this report of electoral interventions by left candidates signify a change of approach? Will the SWP now abandon its pro-Labourism and look to actively cooperate with other left groups? There are rumours that Chris Harman - editor of Socialist Worker and effective number two in the organisation favours SWP candidates. We are also told that he is in a minority position on its central committee. Nevertheless life is on his side. Each month that passes with New Labour in power increases the deep stresses and strains within the SWP’s leadership. Sooner or later something will give. A split or fragmentation cannot be ruled out.

Either way we look forward to the day when SWP members join us in putting forward a working class alternative at the ballot box.

Don Preston