Socialist Organiser

The weekly of the fused Workers Socialist League, July 1981 to April 1984

Flood Nec v Resolutions

Socialist Organiser no. 91, 1 July 1982 · scan p. 6 · about 524 words

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set LOIS witch- not endorsed by the NEC about the witch-hunt? Party.

hunt stopped. the LCC. I think that too ments. ward and every party memdo you think the witchis happening now?

OVER a long period the right wing has lost the battle for hearts and minds. They are incapable of presenting coherent policies and arguments which in any way inspire the rank and file members of the So they are resorting to organisational and bureaucratic methods to foist a right wing majority on the Party. This is the latest of those attempts to re-win right wing control.

What do you think we should do in the next 3 months?

To begin with, as many constituencies, ward parties, women's sections and YS branches as. possible should flood the NEC with resolutions condemning the witch-hunt, the proposal to set up a register of groups, and in particular the attacks on the Militant. And for the annual conference, parties which haven't submitted resolutions on the subject already should send in amendments opposing the witch-hunt.

And I think constituency parties and groups in the Party should make it clear now that they will not comply with the register, and that they will not be involved in any disciplinary action against those whom the NEC may expel.

Do you think there should be a new type of Rank and File Mobilising Committee basing itself on the support you received from all over the country when the NEC refused to endorse you?

At the time endorsement announcement inquiry into PETER TATCHELL spoke to Jo Thwaites about the plans for a register of groups in the Labour Party of my nonof the Militant around 300 resolutions were sent to the NEC from constituencies, plus further 300 • resolutions from local ward branches, women's sections and Young Socialists.

That total would provide a good base from which a campaign could be established. We need some kind of umbrella organisation to mount a fightback against the NEC's decision.

There's no doubt that ITH TORIES/ SDP there is a significant majority on the NEC, in the PLP and in the Shadow Cabinet who are determined hunt through to its logical conclusion. The possible expulsion of Militant and the establishment of this register only the thin edge of the wedge.

It will very quickly be extended to other groups. People will start saying that X may not be a supporter of Militant but look, they've got these ideas which are similar to Militant, they should be expelled as well. The trade unions have a considerable influence at THE PRESS FLABOUR RIGHT proscribed list. It would establish a permanent list for Head Office of people whom they deem to be on the left and possibly undesirable.

We also need to defend the LPYS, although that isn't under direct attack yet. A campaign to defend the YS is an immediate and urgent priority because if the present witch-hunt was to extend to a banning or the closure of the YS it would be a major disaster for the Party.

I'd like to add something on the NEC. I've decided in consultation with local Cath Tate

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