Campaign for a New Workers Party Declaration

[Nigel Irritable]

The following declaration for a new workers' party was launched by at Socialism 2005, a weekend of discussion and debate attended by hundreds of young people, trade union and community activists. Initial signatories include 21 trade union national executive committee (NEC) members and four councillors.

The campaign for a new workers' party will be collecting thousands more signatures over the coming months in support of the declaration.
If you would like to add your name, to get more information or take copies of the declaration, contact info@CNWP.org.uk.

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A century ago trade unionists and socialists came together to fight for independent political representation for the working class: the result was the Labour Party.

In the past the Labour Party, however imperfectly, provided a voice for the working class. Today, however, New Labour is a party of the giant corporations, its policies a continuation of Margaret Thatcher's attacks on the lives and living conditions of working class people.

Public services are being sold off; the occupation of Iraq has led to the deaths of thousands of Iraqis and over two thousand 'coalition' soldiers; democratic rights are being undermined in the name of fighting terrorism; and the Tory anti-trade union laws, the most repressive in the European Union, have been left almost completely intact.

At this year's Labour Party conference 99% of the trade union votes supported the reinstatement of trade unionists' right to take solidarity action. However, the Labour Party conference no longer has any power. This, and the other anti-New Labour resolutions passed, were immediately brushed aside by the party leadership. At the same time Gordon Brown made it absolutely clear that his future leadership of the party would not represent 'a shift to the left'.

We believe that the chance to reclaim the Labour Party has long past and there is no point in continuing to fuel false hopes. The recent success of the new Left party in Germany, winning 8.8% of the vote and 54 MPs, gives a glimpse of the potential for a new left force. We pledge to do all in our power to bring a new workers' party into being in England and Wales.

We believe it would be wrong, at this early stage, to attempt to predetermine the structure or every aspect of a new party. That can only be decided on the basis of democratic debate leading to agreement amongst the forces involved.

However, if it is to be successful, it is crucial that a new party, and any pre-party formations, be open, democratic and welcoming to all those who want to work together against the neo-liberal onslaught on the working class. This means that all groups and individuals, provided they are in agreement with the basic aims of the party, should have the right to democratically organise and argue for their point of view.

This approach will help ensure the new formation is attractive to trade unionists, community and environmental campaigners, and anti-war activists. Most importantly it will assist in reaching out to workers and to young people who are not yet active in struggle. In this way we can unite the strongest possible forces to build a powerful working class party that is capable of effectively opposing the anti-union laws, cuts, privatisation, environmental degradation and war.

We believe that such a party would represent a fundamental break with the big business parties which currently dominate politics, giving workers the opportunity to resist the neo-liberal capitalist agenda and fight for a socialist programme - including a living minimum wage, full trade union rights and for fully funded, democratically controlled public services.

info@CNWP.org.uk

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We, the undersigned, agree to campaign for the establishment of a new mass workers' party in England and Wales.
We will campaign for the calling of a representative conference as a step towards the founding of a new party.
We will also support all other genuine initiatives towards independent working-class representation, including the conference called by the RMT. (all signatories in a personal capacity)


Janice Godrich PCS President
Chris Baugh PCS Assistant General Secretary
Marian Lloyd PCS NEC
Rob Williams PCS NEC
Mark Baker PCS NEC
Jane Aitchison PCS DWP President
Sevi Yesidalli PCS NEC
John McInally PCS NEC
Danny Williamson PCS NEC
Kevin Greenaway PCS NEC
Roger Bannister UNISON NEC
Jean Thorpe UNISON NEC
Raph Parkinson UNISON NEC
Glenn Kelly UNISON NEC
Diane Shepherd UNISON NEC
Andrew Price NATFHE NEC
Bernard Roome CWU NEC
Gary Jones CWU NEC
Linda Taaffe NUT NEC
Robbie Segal USDAW NEC
Molly Cooper NUJ NEC
Jim Barbour FBU NEC
Dave Nellist Coventry Socialist Party councillor
Karen Mackay Coventry Socialist Party councillor
Ian Page Lewisham Socialist Party councillor
Chris Flood Lewisham Socialist Party councillor

There will be a website at http://www.cnwp.org.uk

 

[Ratan]

What another one. Dime a dozen, money for old rope etc etc.

 

[Nigel Irritable]

Strangely enough I haven't noticed even a single mass party of the working class grazing in these parts for more than a decade. If you've seen a herd of them about please do let us know.

 

[Ratan]

Strangely enough I haven't noticed even a single mass party of the working class grazing in these parts for more than a decade. If you've seen a herd of them about please do let us know.

I will do,gizzas yer moby number.

 

[Squatticus]

Already sounds a lot better than Respect. See all you SP types at the working-class representation conference in January?

 

[Ratan]

Already sounds a lot better than Respect. See all you SP types at the working-class representation conference in January?

I must admit that compared to respect it sounds ok.Sort of little and large compared to cannon and ball.

 

[Nigel Irritable]

Already sounds a lot better than Respect. See all you SP types at the working-class representation conference in January?

Yep, definitely.

Is there any truth in the rumours that the RMT leadership are going to make it hard for the left to attend?

 

[Ratan]

Roger Bannister UNISON NEC

???

 

[Nigel Irritable]

Yes that Roger Bannister. He's now a militant trade union activist.

 

[Groucho]

If I was in the SP I would be a little concerned that a declaration for an inclusive democratic 'mass workers party' was launched with signatories exclusively from SP members! Especially as the SP have been calling for such a party for many years - you would have thought they would have found someone from beyond their ranks to agree a joint statement. I think this says something as to the genuine willingness to work with people who do not share the totality of the SP programm.

 

[Nigel Irritable]

The declaration was specifically launched by the Socialist Party. The idea being to *now* have an open discussion on the subject, involving whichever forces want to get involved. This isn't the final product which others are now being presented with as a take it or leave it choice. We are trying to kickstart a real debate. So yes it does say "something as to the genuine willingness to work with people who do not share the totality of the SP programme". It says lets hear what you have to say.

This presents some contrast with RESPECT, where the whole deal was cooked up by the SWP leaders, Galloway and a couple of Muslim "community leaders" behind closed doors, with everyone else excluded, and then presented to the rest of the world as a fait accomplis. I realise that concepts like open discussion and real debate are alien to your organisation Groucho, but please try and use whatever imagination you have.

 

[Pilgrim]

I think this says something as to the genuine willingness to work with people who do not share the totality of the SP programm.

As opposed to the blatant and crass electoral opportunism and cross-class alliances with groups and individuals (no matter how objectionable their views may be), and the dropping of formerly inviolate socialist principles ('shibboleths, anyone?) prevalent among the leadership of a certain other party I could mention.

Generally, I don't have much faith in Trots, if any, but I'm more interested in this mass workers party than RESPECT.

 

[mk12]

As opposed to the blatant and crass electoral opportunism and cross-class alliances with groups and individuals (no matter how objectionable their views may be), and the dropping of formerly inviolate socialist principles ('shibboleths, anyone?) prevalent among the leadership of a certain other party I could mention.

Generally, I don't have much faith in Trots, if any, but I'm more interested in this mass workers party than RESPECT.

 

[Tom A]

Strangely enough I haven't noticed even a single mass party of the working class grazing in these parts for more than a decade. If you've seen a herd of them about please do let us know.

What, not even the SWP? RESPEC' mebbe? Or your own Socialist Party? How about the Socialist Judean Peoples Front? Etc etc etc etc.....

 

[Fong]

The problem for a party like this is its mass appeal.

I don't really think there is that much support for a far left party, and this is what the party would appear and be portrayed as.

There is certainly a LOT of room for a middle of the road party, but I doubt this party will ever be called Middle of the road.

Which is a shame, cause right now we are faced with two choices and they are both to the Right.

 

[Tom A]

There is certainly a LOT of room for a middle of the road party, but I doubt this party will ever be called Middle of the road.

In other words, the Lib Dems.

 

[Nigel Irritable]

What, not even the SWP? RESPEC' mebbe? Or your own Socialist Party? How about the Socialist Judean Peoples Front? Etc etc etc etc.....

Are you suggesting that any of these parties have mass membership or mass support amongst the working class?

 

[Fong]

In other words, the Lib Dems.

No, because the Lib Dems are not considered middle of the road by anyone. They seem an extreme party.

Middle of the road is what labour claimed to be in 1997, the Third Way, you remember all of that? That is what brought them support.

The fact that they decided the Third Way was to just do what the conservatives would do was unforeseen.

 

[mk12]

You think we need a new "third way" party? Why?

 

[Groucho]

The declaration was specifically launched by the Socialist Party. The idea being to *now* have an open discussion on the subject, involving whichever forces want to get involved. This isn't the final product which others are now being presented with as a take it or leave it choice. We are trying to kickstart a real debate. So yes it does say "something as to the genuine willingness to work with people who do not share the totality of the SP programme". It says lets hear what you have to say.

This presents some contrast with RESPECT, where the whole deal was cooked up by the SWP leaders, Galloway and a couple of Muslim "community leaders" behind closed doors, with everyone else excluded, and then presented to the rest of the world as a fait accomplis. I realise that concepts like open discussion and real debate are alien to your organisation Groucho, but please try and use whatever imagination you have.

So this 'declaration' is simply a re-statement of 10 year old SP policy signed by SP members. The SP have been harping on about the need for a 'mass workers party' for a decade or so. Either no-one has been willing to talk to you year on year no matter how many declarations you make, or the SP have not been willing to enter genuine discussions with forces beyond the SP circle. Either way it does not look too healthy a position to be in.

Is this declaration not really in essence boiled down to 'we still so wish with all our hearts that the SP could expand to be a mass workers party.'?

 

[Fong]

You think we need a new "third way" party? Why?

That is where the mass support is.

That is why Labour did so well, don't be mistaken into thinking that New Labour is actually working in any "Third Way" they are not, they are working to exactly the same principles the conservatives do.

This is why people are unhappy with them now.

People are crying out for a party that can deliver the ideals of capitalism and socialism together.

They are not mutually exclusive, but they require long term thinking where the entire system is viewed as a whole. Rather then the short term vote pandering choices being taken by todays parties.

 

[Nigel Irritable]

So this 'declaration' is simply a re-statement of 10 year old SP policy signed by SP members.

No, the declaration is intended as a first step in setting up a campaign for a new party - it represents a new initiative, which is intended to draw in whatever wider forces are interested. I realise that you are more familiar with an organisation launching a ready made front and then demanding that others join some psuedo-organisation which has already been prefabricated down to the last nut and bolt, but really Groucho the conceptual stretch shouldn't be beyond a bright lad like yourself.

Is this declaration not really in essence boiled down to 'we still so wish with all our hearts that the SP could expand to be a mass workers party.'?

If you were to actually read the opinions of others before you attack them you wouldn't end up looking quite so foolish. As even a cursory inspection of our material on the subject would tell you, the Socialist Party has argued continuously for a very long time that neither our organisation nor any other small revolutionary group will just expand into a mass party. A real new mass party will have to be much wider than that.

 

[Groucho]

If you were to actually read the opinions of others before you attack them you wouldn't end up looking quite so foolish. As even a cursory inspection of our material on the subject would tell you, the Socialist Party has argued continuously for a very long time that neither our organisation nor any other small revolutionary group will just expand into a mass party. A real new mass party will have to be much wider than that.

I am well aware of your material over the last decade or so calling for a new 'mass workers party' and various statements along the lines you give here, combined with the reality of a continuing inability to even begin discussions with any forces outside of the SP. This suggests either that the SP are singularly unsuccesful at securing their desired end - of discussions with wider forces on the nature of a new mass workers party (why is that?) or that the SP see these annual declarations (it is not a new initiative) as a propoganda exercise designed to win recruits with no genuine intention to build a mass party of any kind.

 

[Ratan]

I think this new party needs a media savvy tanned buffoon, a ugly women with a surname which sounds like a European state and a few bearded community dictator's. Other wise its a no -hoper.

 

[Nigel Irritable]

the reality of a continuing inability to even begin discussions with any forces outside of the SP.

Over the last few years:

1) The Socialist Party sought to join the Socialist Labour Party, but Scargill refused to allow any organised groupings within that organisation.
2) Founded the Socialist Alliances, only leaving after the SWP takeover finished them as real alliances.
3) Proposed to the SA and SLP that a new broader coalition be set up involving all of the forces to the left of Labour, a proposal which was ignored or refused out of naked sectarianism on the part of both Scargill and the SWP.
4) Took an initiative in Liverpool along with some of the dockers and the 47 councillors, which unfortunately didn't go anywhere.
5) Tried to get involved in the discusssions around the foundation of Respect but was excluded by your own organisation.
6) Took part in the joint Socialist Green Unity Coalition election campaign last time around.
7) Is now taking an initiative in trying to set up a campaign for a new workers party.

That's a pretty busy period by anybody's standard, although not all of it succesful by any means. Any way you look at the actual record it speaks of a willingness at all times to work with, negotiate with or deal with any other serious force to the left of Labour with the aim of contributing towards the creation of new part. Everything which has moved in that direction we have either joined, tried to get involved in or set up.

Your comments do however show a fundamental difference in approach between us however. The Socialist Party doesn't think that we will "build" a new workers party in the manner in which the SWP thinks it can build its non-socialist mess into a mass organisation. The working class creates its own mass organisations. As part of that class we do what we can to assist that process, but we don't substitute ourselves for it.

This is a new initiative because it represents the start, the first move, towards creating a new campaign for a working class party. It isn't the finished product, we haven't declared a new party and demanded that others join it or get lost. Instead it's a beginning.

 

[Fong]

I have a question, will this new party be willing to give up any of the core ideals of the current party?

 

[Nigel Irritable]

I have a question, will this new party be willing to give up any of the core ideals of the current party?

That depends on what you mean. The Socialist Party is taking it almost as a given that any new party of the working class will involve people and organisations with a range of opinions and that it probably won't share all of our ideas and policies. However there are certain political lines that we won't cross - basically we are ourselves only interested in any new party that bases itself on the idea of working class political representation.

 

[Fullyplumped]

We, the undersigned, agree to campaign for the establishment of a new mass workers' party in England and Wales.
We will campaign for the calling of a representative conference as a step towards the founding of a new party. We will also support all other genuine initiatives towards independent working-class representation, including the conference called by the RMT.

list of public sector union bureaucrats follows (all signatories in a personal capacity, of course)

Signed by a bunch of Trot dole clerks, Trot Social Workers, Trot teachers, and Trot councillors. This could be the start of something really big!!!

 

[Fong]

That depends on what you mean. The Socialist Party is taking it almost as a given that any new party of the working class will involve people and organisations with a range of opinions and that it probably won't share all of our ideas and policies. However there are certain political lines that we won't cross - basically we are ourselves only interested in any new party that bases itself on the idea of working class political representation.

Who are the working class you are talking about tho?

See Socialist Party I believe conjours images of Coal Miners, as does the entire 'working class' phrase. For the South East of England, this is far from what is true. Working class is more akin to office workers, van drivers and etc.

Their ideals are more based around conservative ideals, the idea of working hard and achieving. They do however have a social conscience. They do not want to waste money on 'projects' the likes of which Left Wing organisations are notorious for. If pressed they want equality for all races, but this is not the highest priority on their agenda, in their lives they see little of prejudice. They want their rights and beliefs as protected as any other. Its Offensive to hang the Union Jack or Christian Icons but your child comes home saying they need to wear an Indian Religous garment to school, or they are having a religous holiday which isn't christian.

If you want to make a party that appeals to the masses, these are the obstacles you need to overcome.

Right now any party with the term Socialist in it, is considered Far Left wing and therefore prone to ridiculous ideas that waste money.

If you are serious about creating a party that can combat New Labour/Conservative party, you will have to move far to the middle ground and prove that this is where you will stay by making solid commitments.

I am spouting, but I would love to see a third party emerge that catered to what a lot of people in this country want.

 

[Divisive Cotton]

Is this the Socialist Alliance Mark 2?