17/04/2008 by admin.

Towards The Convention of The Left: Progress so Far.  

The following is an entirely personal account of where things have got to with this initiative and, in particular, an appeal for further contributions to the blog discussion.  

I write as one of the dozen or so people who thought it would be a good idea to hold the “convention”. Since that decision was made a few months ago a growing number of people from in and around Manchester have got involved. Probably as many as 50 people have attended at least one meeting, and from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.  

At the last meeting on 31 March comrades from the SWP attended for the first time, as well as comrades from the LRC ( Labour Representation Committee) There were also comrades from Red Pepper,  Respect Renewal, The Green Party (myself !), The Labour Party, Permanent Revolution, The Communist Party of Britain and the AWL (Alliance for Workers Liberty)- sorry if I’ve missed anybody out- as well as a number of comrades who are not members of any political grouping.   

All of us attended as individuals, rather than as delegates from particular groups, and there appeared to be (as there has been throughout) an attempt to focus on what we all agreed upon and shared in common, rather than what divides us.

On Monday the comrades from Socialist Worker appeared anxious to ensure that our plans for Saturday 20 September complimented rather than clashed with the planned Stop The War Coalition demonstration which is likely to be held in Manchester on the same day.   The meeting affirmed this and the conference which we have planned for the Saturday will certainly break in the afternoon to allow participants to join the march.

We also discussed the possibility of moving the conference to the following day or possibly running it over the two days (The Friends Meeting House is not available for most of Sunday 21 September but there is a possibility of a booking at The University Students Union).  In addition to the “main” meeting at the weekend there is also an intention to hold a number of meetings on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday (rooms have been booked and initial themes have been agreed)   

The meeting on Monday began to discuss how best to use the space that we have. It was agreed that although much of the focus of our monthly organising meetings would necessarily be on the arrangements for the week itself we also hoped to encourage discussion and debate beyond Manchester in the months between now and September. Ideally such a debate might encourage comrades to attend our conference and possibly get involved in an ongoing project to build something more permanent thereafter.  

Although discussions at our Manchester meeting have been largely positive and encouraging there has been limited contact from comrades beyond the Manchester area. I at least am anxious to find out if anybody else is interested in what we are trying to do.

If you are please let us know.   

Peter Allen

Posted in Planning | 4 Comments »

17/04/2008 by admin.

A theme on trade unionism and workplace organisation in the UK and internationally

As was pointed out at the ‘big’ meeting, there is a major gap in the themes of the Convention as there is nothing specifically aimed at trade unionists or taking up trade union issues other than privatisation in the UK and internationally. A theme on trade unionism could focus both on drawing together current experiences and on dealing with the major political issues facing trade unionists.

I suggest setting up another sub-group to work out a detailed plan with speakers etc and a meeting to get together those interested specifically in this area.Here are some ideas to kick around for possible sessions. These are only suggestions and obviously open to amendments, additions and deletions but I think they might form the basis for a viable, relevant and interesting stream.

Organising the unorganised:·
Young workers·
Migrant workers

Where now for the unions?:
Should the unions still support Labour?
Rank and file organisation-Shop stewards network/trades councils; union lefts
Current disputes / Public sector pay freeze

International labour:
Solidarity with Iraqi & Iranian trade unionists
Fighting sweatshop labour: union organisation worldwide
Chinese workers and the Olympics IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED, PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL AT:
BRUCE@BRUCEROB.EU

Comradely,Bruce Robinson

Posted in Power and politics, People not profit, Statements, Planning | 3 Comments »

07/04/2008 by admin.

The Convention is gaining new sponsors every week. Read what some of them have to say below (all in personal capacity unless otherwise stated).

Joan Abrams, vice-chair Greater Manchester CND, CND National Council, Labour party member

“Political policies will not change towards the left until a socialist left is seen as an important political constituency. Only by giving a voice to a strong and convincing movement towards socialist policies may we turn the tide against the currrent assumed acceptance of a right wing consensus.”

Dr John Lister, author, The NHS After 60: for patients or profits?

“In this 60th Anniversary Year of the NHS it is vital for socialists to recognise what a massive asset we still have to defend in the NHS, a public service that reaches parts the private sector cannot or will not reach – because they do not offer the prospect of profits.”

Ken Loach, film director

“We should all welcome this convention. The fragmentation of the Left benefits the warmongers, privatisers and polluters. This meeting should help to affirm a Socialist alternative and to discuss how we can move forward. There is a mood throughout Europe to develop the anti-capitalist Left - we need to be part of that.”

John Nicholson, former Labour Deputy Leader Manchester Council and Convenor of the Socialist Alliance.

“We need to start defining a new way of working (even to reclaim that word “new”), so that we can come together in practical campaigns, regardless of the organisations we may belong to, so that we can stop the war and nuclear proliferation, the cuts and privatisation, the racism and environmental destruction.”

Councillor Susan Press, Calder Valley CLP, Chair Calderdale NUJ

“The Convention Of The Left is a serious opportunity for those of us who feel disillusioned by New Labour’s neo-liberalism to discuss the way forward . As a member of the LRC, I wish to carry on the fight for socialist values within the Labour Party. supporting left MPs like John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn. But I am also keen to campaign on issues like globalisation, peace and climate change with comrades from across the political spectrum . I look forward to taking part in the Convention.“

Raphie de Santos, Scottish Socialist Voice editorial board member

” I whole heartedly support the convention of the left. We need more developments like this that can bring together all those who are looking to build a left socialist alternative to New Labour’s failed neo-liberalism. Many comrades from the Scottish Socialist Party will coming down to Manchester to support and join in the discussions and share our experiences of left unity in Scotland.”

Clive Searle, on behalf of Greater Manchester Respect Renewal

“For too long we have been told by New Labour, and the Tories before them, that there ‘is no alternative’ to the free market and the wars that support it. This convention gives the Left, in all its variety, the chance to show that there is an alternative, to clarify what it looks like and discuss how we can work together to achieve it.”

Derek Wall, Green Party principal speaker.

“I would be very pleased to have my name lent to this venture.I am been very encouraged both by talking to John McDonnell and with a lot of positive stuff coming out from Morning Star that the left can work in practical non sectarian ways to promote change. Keep up all your good work”

Posted in Statements | 2 Comments »