19.01.1995

SWP calls for state capitalism

THE SOCIALIST Workers Party has thrown its weight behind the campaign to save clause four, calling for its supporters to press for the passing of a motion against changes to the clause in their union organisations.

The recommended motion condemns the “market economy” and demands “public ownership and control”. It may win support. After all a study among Conservative Party members published last year found that 43% were in favour of “public ownership” for the gas industry and 39% for water.

It is surprising that the SWP does not seem to realise that the phrase is used to mean ‘ownership by the capitalist state’ - state capitalism - and has nothing to do with advancing to socialism.

For that the present system has to be overthrown. “The working class needs an entirely different kind of state - a workers’ state based upon councils of workers’ delegates and a workers’ militia.”

Now where have I read that one before? See Socialist Worker’s ‘Where we stand’ column to find the answer.

Alan Fox