WeeklyWorker

02.07.1998

Unique opportunity

London Socialist Alliance

The forthcoming period is an important one for the left in Britain. We face a Labour government which is the most rightwing in history. It has managed almost without opposition to maintain the anti-working class measures of Thatcher and Major. New Labour has openly committed itself to market capitalism and is confident in the belief that its constitutional revolution from above will make it the natural party of government in place of the Tories.

As far as Tony Blair is concerned, the working class is dead. But his smug confidence should not make us despondent. We know that sooner or later there will inevitably be a clash between the masses and their rulers. A financial crash in Japan, say, could produce this remarkably quickly. Our job therefore is to make sure that when that time comes the working class has a viable alternative to Labour - one in which revolutionaries can work alongside reformists, and have the opportunity of becoming the majority. The LSA is a bridge to such a united front.

Auto-Labourism is in deep crisis. The SWP has already declared its intention to stand in elections. Despite the ingrained sectarianism of its leadership, it may be possible to draw this group into cooperation, particularly in the forthcoming elections for a London mayor and assembly. The fact that the SWP has committed itself to standing against New Labour is a tremendously positive move. It gives us - the rest of the anti-Blair left in London - the chance to involve these comrades in joint work and future unity in the LSA.

There is also a wide body of opinion within the Socialist Labour Party that is not convinced by Scargill’s brand of go-it-alonism. Individual SLP members are already active in the LSA. Everyone - not least the SWP and SLP - knows that to be effective in the forthcoming London Assembly, mayoral and Euro elections the left must have unity. With PR we can actually win seats if we field a united slate - the LSA provides a perfect and ready-made vehicle.

To allow our forces to be divided would be a tremendous mistake. Unity can only bring us rewards, especially since no single group can hope to break through alone. On the other hand the 10% threshold for the election of a London Euro MP is within our reach if we forge a united campaign.

Some have said that Ken Livingstone deserves the backing of the left if he stands for mayor. He has an undeserved ‘left’ reputation from his days of running the Greater London Council. But Livingstone offers nothing apart from a diluted Blairism. More than that, he looks increasingly unlikely to run. He has been using the last few months in a very effective way. Pushing the claim that he is the most popular choice for London, he is actually angling for a position in government.

Livingstone would be more than willing to relinquish his stated aim of becoming mayor in exchange for a junior position in the reshuffle rumoured to be imminent. Blair might be tempted to offer him something in transport, for example. That would allow Livingstone to build his kudos. More importantly it could help Blair sidetrack any opposition, especially in regard to the privatisation of London Underground. Who better than ‘brother’ Livingstone to negotiate with the RMT - just when militancy is beginning to bubble.

What concerns us then is not so much the internal shenanigans of the Labour Party as the urgent preparation of a socialist alternative for the forthcoming European and London elections.

The London Socialist Alliance is certain to be the strongest SA in England. We can help in moving forward the whole project if we work together to overcome sectarianism with inclusive democracy, strength through principle, and openness. The general meeting on July 5 will be an important test of our ability to do that. An inclusive project with representation for all organisations and shades is vital. That is what the CPGB motion seeks to achieve.

Anne Murphy

 

Motion to the LSA submitted by CPGB

1. The London Socialist Alliance is a united front of socialists. It is open to affiliation from individuals, borough Socialist Alliances, trade union bodies, political and other working class organisations. The Alliance is committed to democratically agreed campaigns on any issue of relevance to furthering the cause of socialism.

2. The Socialist Alliances are not yet party organisations. The structure of the Alliances are based on inclusive not exclusive principles. Minority views are tolerated and given the opportunity to become the majority. The London Socialist Alliance shall hold general meetings to discuss the direction of the Alliance and debate political questions.

3. The London Socialist Alliance steering committee will provide overall political direction and administrative coordination. It will consist of:

4. The London Socialist Alliance is committed to a principled orientation to socialists within the Labour Party and progressive political organisations not affiliated to the Socialist Alliance.

5. The London Socialist Alliance recognises no contradiction between building and organising the Alliances in either a bottom-up or top-down manner. Borough Socialist Alliances have full autonomy to organise their own political campaigns and to implement London Socialist Alliance campaigns as they see fit. In addition the London Socialist Alliance will build the Alliances through initiating its own campaigns and where appropriate following the lead of the National Network of Socialist Alliances.