Now -read the book!

Here is a link to my memoirs which, if you are a glutton for punishment, you can purchase online at https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/an-obscure-footnote-in-trade-union-history.
Men fight and lose the battle, and the thing that they fought for comes about in spite of their defeat, and when it comes turns out not to be what they meant, and other men have to fight for what they meant under another name. (William Morris - A Dream of John Ball)

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

No say for trade unionists about the Labour leadership

There will not now be an election for Labour Leader.

As an individual Labour Party member I shall have no say.

As a trade unionist proud to pay the political levy to the Labour Party I shall have no say.

A wise man once told me that there were two enormous obstacles in our way on the road to socialism in this country.

The first was the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).

The second was the General Council of the TUC.

Seems right just now.

Nevertheless, one day children will be born into a world without hunger, poverty or oppression and that day will dawn because of the struggle for socialism to which so many trade unionists devote our lives.

I know I am not alone in being disappointed this evening. I also know that I am not alone in being determined to continue to devote my energy to the sensible and practical struggle for socialist policies within the Labour movement.

I would also like to congratulate UNISON member John McDonnell for being prepared to stand up for the policies of our trade union at the highest level. The best of the PLP nominated John. Were it not for courageous and principled comrades prepared to stand up for their beliefs I would see no reason or purpose in Labour Party membership.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I find it incredible that the leadership of the big unions failed to act to get MPs to nominate a candidate with socialist policies.

Perhaps they are hoping that the membership won't notice this?

Cameron
UNISON member
Sandwell