19.07.2000

Pat Strong of the Socialist Party

Anti-Taaffe left opposition formed

So it's official then. The Socialist Party finally has itself an opposition to the sectarian and opportunist line pushed by general secretary Peter Taaffe. This is welcome news indeed.

Only the test of events will establish the worth and staying power of Militant Left Opposition, but the early signs are good. The comrades involved in the project have just put out their MLO Bulletin, which is already circulating within the organisation. Its strength, at least to my mind, is the clear focus it has on what the comrades patently see as the real issue facing SPers at the present time: that is, how do revolutionaries organise to ensure maximum unity around a principled revolutionary programme?

The involvement of Nottingham rebel Harry Paterson is obvious in the 'Founding statement' on the first page, placing, as it does, heavy emphasis on the core question of democratic centralism (very relevant considering the comrade has been expelled from the SP for defending that principle). Readers will be aware that this was the key question addressed by the comrade in his rather abstract, but politically sound document, 'For democratic centralism' (see Weekly Worker March 23).

Other dissidents involved in the project say that the crunch issue for many of them was the leadership's stance with regard to the London Socialist Alliance and the recent Greater London Assembly elections. That being so, comrade Taaffe ought to brace himself in view of the ominous noises I am picking up from sections of the membership following the recent (incredible as it may seem) hardening of the line on the socialist alliances.

If the first issue of this (it has to be said, rather sparse) journal is an indication of the direction of the fledgling opposition, it seems that the comrades are steering well clear of the traditional format for CWI rebels. No lengthy alternative 'perspectives' document detailing the minutiae of differences with the leadership regarding the future of the British economy or mind-numbing speculation as to the direction of the Labour Party "in the current epoch", etc. Instead we are presented with a straightforward statement of aims and objectives. So, a genuine opposition and not another pointless little sect flouncing off to form their own 'party'.

Probably the most interesting aspect, and possibly the most problematic, is the group's assertion that "membership is available to all current members and to those excluded and/or expelled by our opportunist leadership" ('Founding statement of Militant Left Opposition', MLO Bulletin No1, July 10). In view of this, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility to imagine the Taaffe leadership taking immediate disciplinary action against anyone involved on the basis of 'membership of another party'. The bureaucratic reasoning being, of course, that MLO is a non-SP organisation. There will also be grave allegations about hanging out our dirty washing in public.

In fact it is difficult to see how such an opposition could have avoided involving expelled comrades. The bulletin states: "In order that we may protect our comrades still in membership from victimisation by the leadership, all correspondence and enquiries will be handled by expelled comrades."

Fair enough. But a couple of questions, comrades. Firstly, how do you anticipate raising matters through the official party channels while at the same time protecting comrades' anonymity? Secondly, how much attention to security have you paid? I ask because within a couple of days I had the names of four comrades who I was assured were members of the opposition. Better tighten it up a little, friends, or the thought police will be round double quick.

All in all, this is a great initiative and should be supported by all forward-thinking elements in and around the SP. Who knows, we may even see the likes of Merseyside Socialists and the Bulaitis/Hearse faction lending a hand. What about it, comrades? It beats sitting around on your hands while the struggle passes you by!

I will be particularly keen on seeing how much confidence these rebels impart to the wider membership, because even now comrades are still reluctant to voice their criticisms. At my branch recently, the question of comrade Paterson's expulsion was raised - only for the mover to be reduced to a crematory pile of cinders by the withering eye of the attendant full-timer. This is simply not good enough. A certain courage and backbone is definitely required if this venture is not to fizzle out with a whimper.

In another development, the rival 'CWI' mentioned in a recent issue of the Weekly Worker looks to be finally up and running. What will be the relationship between this and Militant Left Opposition? Surely this opportunity to give the CWI leadership a collective bloody nose is too good to pass up? Both groups have meetings planned for the end of summer. A principled coming together would seem to be the most obvious and sensible step. Hopefully other comrades will be able to attend as observers. After all, the wider issue of left unity is one that concerns us all and, together with the socialist alliances, could and should play a significant role in mounting a serious electoral challenge to Blair.

Interesting times ahead - for us and, of course, for comrade Taaffe.