the 5 per cent norm.
the ruling class are worried by power-struggle within the party.
class [at the moment down via incomes poncy. should not be lightly dismissed.
those at work.
The Queen's Speech will clearly see Squire to carry on regardless of Labour Conference decisions.
as the Fire Brigades Union were treated last Xmas.
Labour Party was formed. THEPOLITICAL situation in Britain today is characterised by two dominant features: the inability of the Tory Party to offer a coherent and united alternative to Callaghan, and the revolt against The Tory Party leadership is seriously divided on the question of an incomes policy. The provocative statements by Heath and the publicity he has been given by the Tory press indicate that sections of the petty-bourgeois demonstrated by Thatcher and other Tory leaders. When this frenzy fails to win by-elections then it can be easily transformed into a In reality the real debate is between those sections of the ruling Smal unemployment rise, and those who prefer to keep living standards dilemma is that Heath represents the latter and Joseph and Thatcher the former.
In this situation Callaghan and Healey appear as capable and effective bourgeois leaders. Their real links with the trade unions make them even more valuable. They demonstrate, once again, what an important pillar social-democracy is for the British ruling Within the organised working class there is by no means universal or even majority consent for industrial action to defeat government policies. The Ford workers have undoubtedly paved the way for further actions, but the mood of the Vauxhall workers at Luton Lots of workers have accepted some of Labour's arguments. The notion that if we tighten our belts there will be more for all has been accepted by some as true. This view has been enhanced by the temporary economic stability and the rise in real take-home pay for enormously boosted by the by-election results, declaring his intent the nation and not any one class' will be the refrain, which will be widely applauded by the ruling class and its press. The public sector claims will pose the bio test forthe Callachan regime this winter. ne success at Fords will make it more difficult to treat the public sector There is, however, an increasing problem for those who believe that calls for more, more and yet more militancy aresufficient in this period. This is understood by many workers. That is why the fight for a global socialist alternative remains a vital task. Transforming trade union militancy into a political assault on Labourism is the problem which has dogged revolutionaries in Britain ever since the It is by no means an easy task. However the precarious condition of Brush capital necessitates a comprehensive struggle to fight within the labour movement for alternative socialist policies which break with the logic of the market economy. A useful first step could be for local Labour parties to insist that conference decisions are put into effect and demand the removal of leaders who refuse to do so.
The breakthrough at Ford has to be consolidated. But it will need more complex and more political tactics than simple exhortations for more militancy. That is the real task which confronts all frenzy favour letting OUR rights as British citizens are supposedly enshrined in a long and healthy democratic tradition. ments in the past week show how fragile those liberties really arC.
RICHARD CARVER reSPUTES * The Suppression of Terrorism Act came into force on 24 Callaghan, October. One of its effects is to *We serve broaden the extradition charged with political offence. and a0г0a0 * Joe Edwards, an Irish trade unionist, was detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He had been in Britain to speak at a meeting opposing the British presence in Ireland. Heis likely to be served with an exclusion order. * The 'ABC' Official Secrets trial continues. The defendants are wolourauss anu atormici soldier charged with communicating and receiving official information.
MASS The gave the world its first mass movement for rights makes it all the moresad that the But three developgrounds to include those British citizens wanted Party.
British working class democratic ine narusts. dares to raise opposition to the PTA in the unions and Labour the The Suppression of Terror- uncovered. ism Act has been a carbon copy or Ine FIA — a least in tne manner of its introduction.
enrecuve y VOSE removes the right of political knows who 'Colonel B' is and practice official jury rigging has been This doesn't mean that the problem will go away, but it is a step in the right direction importantly, most serious ABC charges were movement ABC campaien ha organised openly and demoits opponents.
It is a lesson that other such campaigns could take to heart the defenders West German Astrid Proll, for
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MURDER, RAPE AND ROBBERY... HoW BoUT YoU?
INVESIIGATIVE KEPORING..