SOCIALIST UNITY

8 June, 2009

BNP VICTORY SHOWS THE NEED FOR BROAD LEFT TO WORK TOGETHER

Filed under: Respect — admin @ 2:01 pm

Statement on the euro-election results by Councillor Salma Yaqoob
Respect party Leader

The historic scale of Labour’s defeat at the ballot box is evidence of the deep betrayal felt by those who once voted Labour in the hope of a fairer society. The depth of disillusionment with the mainstream parties is underlined by the shocking breakthrough made by the BNP.

Labour is wholly to blame for its own crisis and has to take a large share of the responsibility for creating the conditions in which the far right is growing.

Labour loosened the rules that gave licence to greedy bankers to gamble away our jobs and homes. Labour failed to protect our public services from wasteful and costly privatisation. Labour has overseen growing inequality and a chronic shortage of affordable housing. And Labour failed to tackle the scandal of MP’s expenses.

Labour’s failure to deliver for its core support has helped the BNP win votes in deprived white working class communities. Labour’s determination not to be outflanked by the Tories on questions of race and immigration has created fertile ground for racist arguments to win support. Too many BNP arguments have been legitimised by a political consensus that treats asylum seekers and immigrants as a criminal threat. The BNP has fed on the growth in Islamophobia, egged on by a barrage of racist coverage in national newspapers. Political ground was conceded to the BNP, and they have occupied it to devastating effect.

Labour has betrayed the hopes of millions of people who believe in a fairer and more equal society and those who believe in an ethical foreign policy based on peace and justice. These election results are a warning of the potential scale of the drift to the right.

This right wing threat cannot be confronted by conceding the argument in advance. There is every practical and political reason for tackling the recession by extending state intervention, piling investment into a massive programme of house building, taxing the richest to support the big majority of the population through this recession. But a recent survey showed that more than half the working population have seen a cut in pay, reductions in hours or a loss of employment benefits since the recession began. While bankers and shareholders have been bailed out, millions of workers are paying for the economic crisis through lower pay, longer hours or unemployment. The Tories, Labour, Lib Dems and UKIP are all competing with each other on who will push through the most ruthless cuts to public spending.

Giving ground to a right wing consensus will not undercut the growth of right wing parties. It will only encourage them. It is now critical that the broadest swathes of the left and progressive opinion in this country work together to lever the political agenda in the opposite direction.
We need an alternative to failed free market dogma.

We need an alternative to an electoral system that disenfranchises the millions of people who don’t vote for the winning party and consigns whole geographical areas to be taken for granted. And we need a reassertion of a politics embedded in principles of peace, social justice, equality and anti-racism.

The broad left must work together, irrespective of party affiliation, to maximise the impact of the progressive vote at the next General Election.

I am proud of the contributions that Respect members made by supporting Green candidates in the West Midlands and North West. In the North West, with BNP leader Nick Griffin on the brink of a breakthrough, the choice was surely clear. For those who would not give their vote to Labour, the Green candidate – Peter Cranie – was more than a credible alternative. A left-wing Green candidate, with a principled record of opposition to racism, deserved our support.

The results are in, and Peter Cranie was less than 5,000 votes away from stopping Nick Griffin’s election. Yet almost 50,000 votes were cast for the Socialist Labour Party and No2EU. Together they amounted to just 3% of the vote – nowhere near enough to make a positive impact. The plain fact is that had even a minority of that left wing vote gone to the Greens we would not be waking up to the fact that the North West is sending a fascist to the European parliament.

If nothing else, these results should spark a renewed and more energetic discussion about bringing the broad left together around a common agenda for progressive change. I will be speaking at the very timely Compass conference next weekend, and I look forward to discussing these and other issues with Labour and Green supporters.

I do not believe that the British public have become hostile to basic progressive policies on the responsibility of the state in providing decent housing, protecting jobs, and regulating the economy. But the retreat of Labour from even a modest social democratic alternative has led to a lack of connection in the public mind between the effects of the recession and the neo-liberal policies responsible for it.

The manner in which Labour has vacated the traditional ground of the left has served to weaken any convincing notion of a political alternative to neo-liberalism. This has created a dangerous vacuum which is in danger of being filled by hate fuelled simplicities of the far right. The challenge for the left is to renew itself and reassert some basic socialist critiques and solutions into mainstream political debate.

Respect will be doing everything we can to contribute to the renewal of a progressive and left wing politics. But we need to broaden our challenge to the failed parties. There will be many who want to see the values of peace, civil liberties and social justice represented at the ballot box, and in a fairly elected parliament. I encourage them to put themselves forward for consideration as candidates at the next General Election.

We need each other and this country badly needs a political alternative of the left.

It is not beyond our ability to create this alternative. There are lessons we can draw from the anti-war movement. In a hostile climate and against formidable obstacles, a clear message, delivered with determination and organisational verve, was able to influence, shape and organise public opposition to war. We need a similar ambition to ideologically and practically build resistance to neo-liberalism and racism.

To join Respect (membership costs £10/£5 per year) please visit : http://www.therespectparty.net/joindonate.php?page=join
To make a donation to our General Election fighting fund please visit : http://www.therespectparty.net/joindonate.php?page=donate

If you think you would be a suitable candidate to stand for Respect in a Westminster or local council election please contact Respect.

100 Comments »

“Yet almost 50,000 votes were cast for the Socialist Labour Party and No2EU. Together they amounted to just 3% of the vote – nowhere near enough to make a positive impact. The plain fact is that had even a minority of that left wing vote gone to the Greens we would not be waking up to the fact that the North West is sending a fascist to the European parliament. This was a completely unjustifiable indulgence by sections of the left.”

This just does not wash, and someone like Salma ought to know better before uttering such banalities. There is no perfect transferability. She says if only a minority of this vote had gone to the Greens all would be fine and dandy. But what’s to say an equal or greater proportion of SLP/No2EU votes wouldn’t have gone to the BNP? Going from my own experience in Stoke there is a segment of pissed off working class people the SP and BNP compete over for votes, and there’s no reason to believe this isn’t the case elsewhere. Had neither slate stood chances are the result would have been the same.

Comment by a very public sociologist — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
But, crucially, the Greens aren’t a socialist party.

I find these constant accusations that socialist groups or platforms are responsible for the BNP’s electoral success to be deeply offensive. For one, it isn’t guaranteed these votes would transfer over to the Greens. Even more importantly, the reason the fascists are getting decent proportions is because people just are not voting. The people not voting are predominantly former Labour voters from working class areas - areas where the Greens have no base. Surely it is more important over the long term to provide these voters with a genuine workers alternative?

The only party, other than the BNP, who are responsible for the rise of the fascists are New Labour. It is the vacuum they’ve left behind that the BNP are stepping into.

I don’t remember Salma making this point when the Left List were polling at a couple of percent…

Comment by Anonymous — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
‘Had neither slate stood chances are the result would have been the same.’

Nonsense. The left had the power to stop the BNP. If it had united to marginalise them in the North West, Griffith would not now be goose-stepping to Brussels.

Comment by ger francis — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
I agree with both the above posters. I voted No2EU and am glad I did. The idea of voting Green would never even occur to me - I am a socialist.

“Respect will be doing everything we can to contribute to the renewal of a progressive and left wing politics.”

By blaming principled and hard-working socialist and working class activists, who are actually trying to build something of allowing fascists to win elections? Good start.

“To make a donation to our General Election fighting fund…”

Oh, so you’re standing in that one? Better hope that Respect’s few thousand votes don’t allow the BNP in. Unbelievable.

Comment by RG — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
Salma: if Respect weren’t outside the labour party offering its constituents an anti-war, pro-palestinian, anti-Islamaphobe voice where would those voters go? They cannot go to New Labour so they would presumably remain voiceless or worse lose their youth to a different sought of radical. I can’t see them voting Green which has no social programme outside vague life-style aspirations much as many Respect voters are deeply concerned about the environment. I’m not against the Greens and I hope they can be persuaded to coalesce with the Left rather than do a deal to prop up New Labour or even the Tories in exchange for dropping half a runway or something.

Respect will do much better in talking with those behind No2Eu about how we can give voice to the voiceless and begin a class struggle movement to defend our communities, jobs and homes but which also links up with or puts pressure on the labour left where it can. Good luck at the Compass Conference but please don’t go there and blame the left for the rise of the BNP when we all know where the blame lies as the majority of your otherwise excellent statement makes clear.

Comment by Perhaps — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
@3

I agree Ger, the Left does have the power to alienate the BNP - by providing working class people with a party that actually represents them. A process which I believe those involved in the No2EU campaign are actually keen to develop.

Comment by RG — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
#1 makes a very fair point - the No2EU votes in Stoke were hard won by activists running stalls, leafletting estates and work places, approaching local union branches, intervening in the local media and engaging in electoral work across the Potteries to shift support away from the BNP and towards socialism . Is Salma suggesting that we should have done all of this on behalf of the Greens? Because, believe me, the Greens weren’t even doing it on their own behalf. The activists who made up No2EU in Stoke are the ones , along with NORSCARF (North Staffs Campaign Against Racism and Fascism)who are actively organising against the BNP, and we will continue to do so.

Comment by Chris D. — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
I voted Green in the West Midlands and I’m breathing a sigh of relief that I haven’t inadvertantly helped a third fascist MEP get in here. The Greens are well behind the BNP here, and in retrospect I probably should have gritted my teeth and voted Labour.

Does that mean that the Greens should stand down in the West Midlands next time? I’m sure labour will argue it, and could cut and paste bits of Salma and Ger’s argument to do so.

What happened in the North-West is heart braking, but pointing the finger at the Left isn’t the way forward.

Comment by Anonymous — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
Two BNP MEPs elected. 17% for UKIP. English Democrats get a mayor elected in Doncaster. The Outside Right, the populist and fascist versions are doing astonishingly well while a section of the far left bankrolled by a trade union that excels in muscular sectionalism indulges itself in pulling off 1% of the vote.

Trouble is the joke’s no longer just on the Left. Of course it is Labour that is to blame, it first took working class communities for granted, then disconnected itself from them as the party professionalised and gentrified and finally on policy issue after policy issue betrayed them .

But politics is about tactical decisions as well as strategic analysis. It was absolutely essential to stop the BNP getting MEPs elected. The NW was always likely to be the key battleground, Yorkshire and Humberside had been identified as one that they might win. What would it have cost those behind Ni2EU and the SLP campaigns not to stand, at least in the NW and urge full support for a highly progressive green candidate. Absolutely nothing, and what has this infantile disorder now cost us. Absolutely, a lot.

The defeat of the Left is now masive. After 13 years of new Labour its the outside right who are gaining while the outside left is in absolute disarray. the Greens doing much better but not making the kind of breakthrough they must have expected.

Those who cannot distinguish between the strategic ambition of a plural left and the tactical necessity to stand aside to ensure the best chance of a progressive stppping the BNP’s electoral advance have exhibited their self-indulgence. Their make-believe politics always assure us that just around the corner is the breakthrough. It isn’t just so long as those who believe in a plural left believe this politucs of the sect matters, it doesn’t. Salma is not only right in her analysis she is also absolutely right this Saturday to be opening up a dialogue with Cruddas, Lucas, Price and others. Its time to leave the debate with those that don’t matter behind and start talking with those who together might actually be able to effect some sort of change.

Mark P

Comment by Mark P — 8 June, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Here Salma Yaqoob has made a very telling analysis of the election result and a criticism of Labour that everyone, including the Labour Party people with whom I met during the campaign, can agree with.

It is absolutely correct, however, to argue that there is no perfect transferability of votes. Voting on class lines and on class issues does not always correspond to the comfortable schema that has all of progressive opinion situated along a ‘left wing’ and ‘green’ axis. Those arguing, in effect, that the SLP and No2EU let the fascist in are using the same discredited tactical argument that right wing Labour always used in relation to the Communist vote – that it let the Tory in. Ask the question why 50,000 people didn’t vote Green in the North West and we have an idea why unity is so vital and which direction the Greens need to go in.

The BNP cannot be beaten solely by ‘anti-fascist’ campaigning alone; less even by multi-party appeals to a politics-lite consensus. To isolate the fascists we need to win votes from them on the issues that have lifted their vote. Housing, jobs, the lack of a future for young people, the crisis of finance capital, the sense that the working class is excluded from politics, the EU etc etc.

The BNP are a problem but they are not THE problem. The are not that until the most reactionary and decisive sections of capital decide that the traditional ways of ruling will not suffice. They can be put back in their box.

If we ask the question, would a left wing Labour, socialist, green, communist council majority or parliamentary majority benefit the working class and the people as a whole only a sectarian would say no.

It is depressing the way in which Green ‘fundis’ and left wing sectarians mirror each other’s narrow mindedness on this issue. I don’t much care that the Green’s are not a socialist party. There is enough agreement on the main policy questions to make united electoral and political activity worthwhile. And on these results it is the only way ahead.

Comment by Nick Wright — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
No2EU has just published this statement: http://socialistresistance.org/?p=537

Comment by Duncan — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Simple question what did No2EU gain by standing in the NW and what was the political cost of their 1%.

The point is that not only was this a staggeringly unsuccessful lash-up which failed in the most favourable conditions of our lifetimes. But this one failure simply echoes the much wider and more important failure collectively of the left to generate any sort of challenge to either the economic meltdown or the expenses scandal.

In that context of failure maybe just a smidgin of common sense mixed with a bit of humility might have persuade the SLP and the No2EU that not standing at least in the NW and supporting the progressive Green Party candidate instead might have made some sense. Thats not letting Labour off the hook its ensuring a progressive MEP and stopping the BNP.

The fact that these campaigning geniuses behind the No2EU 1% are still fooling themselves that none of this matters spells out why Salma’s conversation with Cruddas, Lucas and Price is immeasurable more important than indulging the egos of those who seem to think that in climbing the heady heights of 1% means that they actually matter.

Mark P

Mark P

Comment by Mark P — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
a statement starting with a call for broad left unity which ends with a call to join Respect … not really convincing

Comment by Entdinglichung — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Mark P I don’t know who you think you are. I have been a member of the SLP for 13 years because I am a socialist. The Party that you are asking us to stand down to are NOT. In Scotland they support membership to the EU the biggest backers of Nuclear Power.

You like many blame others for the election of the BNP.

Before 1997 the BNP didn’t even have a councillor never mind a MEP.

You have two MEPs just like you did before - YOU were unable to get people out to vote Green. Why?

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
It is true, there is no ‘perfect transferability of votes’. It is also true that left disunity undermines anti-fascist struggle. Griffith could have been stopped if just under 5,000 votes had swung Green. The BNP have now made a very significant breakthrough which could have been prevented if the left had shown more tactical, and non-sectarian, nouce. This is not about ‘finger-pointing’. It is about learning some pretty basic, and very old, lessons for the future because Griffiths victory now raises the stakes considerably.

Comment by ger francis — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
Labour’s determination not to be outflanked by the Tories on questions of race and immigration has created fertile ground for racist arguments to win support.

The thing is, in many northern areas the vote comes directly from the Labour base - a direct switch. This is why Labour has to address these issues.

A lot of people don’t seem to understand this.

Comment by Ed D — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
A very public sociologist is quite right, I’m sure, that there is no perfect transferability. However, it would be foolish (and dangerous) to deny that the divisions on the left have gravely weakened us all. Comrade Anonymous has a whiff of the Third Period about him when he dismisses any suggestion of co-operation with the Green Party because it isn’t socialist. I suppose we should be grateful that he didn’t denounce the Greens as social fascists.

The reality is, that in terms of its formal policies, (opposition to Trident, to the adventure in Afghanistan, to privatisation, support for public ownership of transport and the utilities, a radical redistribution of wealth through increased taxation of the rich and the ending of their tax dodges etc,. etc., etc.) the Green Party is clearly far to the left of the British political spectrum. Comrade Anonymous ignores this, and the fact that the Green Party is home to an increasing number of socialists who are gaining increasing influence in the Party, which is already the most left green party in Europe. Just before the election, John Humphries even dragged out of Caroline Lucas the admission that, Yes, the Green Party was anti capitalist.

While we continue to slag each other off, the fascists are building their base. Salma is absolutely right when she writes “The broad left must work together, irrespective of party affiliation, to maximise the impact of the progressive vote at the next General Election.” She is absolutely right when she writes “We need each other and this country badly needs a political alternative of the left.” One of the few bright spots in the election was the support that Respect (and loads of independent socialists) gave to Peter Cranie of the Greens in the North West. I firmly believe that the Greens should give Respect a free run in Sparkbrooke and Bethnal Green in the General election and also support the campaigns of the handful of socialist MPs who will be standing for Labour, along with other socialist candidates, but that is a position I will have to fight for within Green Left and the Green Party. It won’t be helped by the sort of auto-sectarianism that has played such a great part in turning the Left into a splintered and ineffectual joke.

Sean T

Comment by Sean T — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Daisy hope you’ve enjoyed your 13 years.

Remind me again what % of the vote the SLP secured in the NW and what it achieved?

Mark P

Comment by Mark P — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
#12 “a statement starting with a call for broad left unity which ends with a call to join Respect … not really convincing”

Well what this starement shows, and our practice during this election proves,and the support for ken Livingstne before that, is that Respect doesn’ make joining with us a precondition for practical unity of the broad left.

Onbviously within that we would like people to join us.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
Mark P I’m not an opportunist. I vote for what I believe in. At least the SLP has been about for 13 years. We did well in Scotland and that’s were I live. It all looks well for the SLP come the Scottish Parliament Elections.

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
Calm down Mark
This is not “the most favourable conditions of our lifetimes.” It was an election in which the vast majority of the British people didn’t vote.

Comment by Nick Wright — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
#15

“The thing is, in many northern areas the vote comes directly from the Labour base - a direct switch. This is why Labour has to address these issues. ”

Yes - Labour does ned to tackle head on the issue of immigration,. But in fact it does the worst of all combinations: it makes sound bites that are anti-immigrant and islamophobic, while simulataneoulsy doing nothing to provide greater reosurces for those already disadvantages working class communities that are disproportionately affected by immigration.

How about this alternataive:

i) arguing that immigration brings cultural and economic benefits
ii) monitoring the population movement in order to assess where public serices come under strain
iii) directing additional resources for housing, health, education to those communitioes where population movement puts services under strain
iv) legal safeguards in conjunction with trade unions to prevent migrant labour being used to undercut the wages and conditiosn of indiginous workers.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Mark P and Ger are absolutely right. Ultra left adventurism obviously isn’t the chief reason that Griffin is now an MEP. But it has ultimately proven an obstacle to efforts by progressive forces to halt fascism’s electoral successes and for that harsh lessons should be learnt. Unfortunately I doubt they will.

Comment by Mikey — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
I don’t recognise these anti immigrant and Islamophobic statements. Just haven’t seen it. The second stuff they are already doing. They’ve also brought in a points system and cracked down on sham marriages.

Comment by Ed D — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
Mark P
“the Greens doing much better” - no thats not the case, they are still way behind their high point of 15% and they will never get a better chance than last night. Its unlikely to change for the general electon and the Greens only hope is to be part of a broad left alliance so that we can all work together (as Salma Yaqoob suggests).

Both No2EU and SLP offered voters a progressive, socialist alternative and made a resonable start considering the resources, manpower, time and money available across whole regions.

The Greens did not win a third seat plain and simple because voters did not connext with their policies and did not see them are relevant to their lives. Many 10,000’s of socialist voters sat at home rather than vote for “New Labour” but most did not and never will vote for the Greens.

Salma Yaqoob statement was good up until she mentioned No2EU and the SLP - but unity will be hard when N2EU and the SLP are attacked like this.

But there is a way forward is there not Salma? - the Greens and others on the Left can all work together in an election alliance.

So you are correct Salma when you state “It is now critical that the broadest swathes of the left and progressive opinion in this country work together to lever the political agenda in the opposite direction.
We need an alternative to failed free market dogma.”

But clealy this will require some major rethinking on the part of the Greens at national level if they wish to be part of this alternative.

Comment by Red — 8 June, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Oh, and within this context I don’t give a damn how many leaflets No2EU gave out, or how many stalls they organised, or how principled longstanding members of the SLP are. I care whether they did the right thing in THIS election.

Comment by Mikey — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Salma is absolutely right when she writes “The broad left must work together, irrespective of party affiliation, to maximise the impact of the progressive vote at the next General Election.”

Faction based political parties do not work. EG RESPECT, SSP, SOLIDARITY

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
#23 ed D

Yu couldn’t make it up

“I don’t recognise these anti immigrant and Islamophobic statements. Just haven’t seen it. The second stuff they are already doing. They’ve also brought in a points system and cracked down on sham marriages.”

A points system is all about anti-immigtant sound-bites for TV stoking racism; and the stuff about “sham marriages” is full of anti-Asian and islamophobic sentiment.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
Mikey - I voted for what I believe it. I have no problem with that. I do have a huge problem with opportunism.

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
#24 “But clealy this will require some major rethinking on the part of the Greens at national level if they wish to be part of this alternative.”

Yes, that’s right, let’s all of us in the tiny far left make demands on those electorally far more significant Greens. Let’s do it til they squeal. That’ll learn them, muscling in and trying to be all progressive and popular.

Comment by Mikey — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
Mikey give me one of the “far left” policies.

I will not vote for a party in Scotland that supports membership to the EU - one of the biggest backers of nuclear power - The Scottish Greens support membership to the EU.

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
#23

“I don’t recognise these anti immigrant and Islamophobic statements. Just haven’t seen it. The second stuff they are already doing. .”

But they haven’t have they. No government agency tracks migration, nor ensures that extra resoucres go to disadvantaged areas where there are lots fo new migrants. there is certainly no governmen push for increased social housing.

So that is simply all untrue.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
#30

daisy

You are growing tedious. The SLP are an utterly sectarian organisation that will neither negotiate with others, nor is it cabable of making wise tactical and strategic judgements itself.

Please toddle off.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
Methinks the SP does protest too much. If an electoral agreement with the Green Party is NEVER possible then how do you explain this, from an article about Lewisham in the paper of the SP as recently as December 2008?

“The Socialist Party has consistently approached the Green Party to discuss whether we could come to an electoral agreement, at least to not stand candidates against each other where possible.”

The Socialist 10 December 2008

Or is the SP only in favour of a one way process where the Greens stand down in favour of the SP, as I suspect is the case?

Comment by Prinkipo Exile — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
Daisy, my comment to which you refer, #29, refers to a different debate to the one you are attempting to have, i.e. should you have voted for the SLP in Scotland. That is an entirely reasonable debate to have: however, it is not the one that is taking place.

Salma’s article calls correctly for a broad left alliance to pull the political centre of gravity to the left - a considerable task. The actions of the supporters of the No2EU and the SLP in those areas where the BNP were successful (at the least) tragically misjudged their own potential role and responsibility in stopping the march of fascism.

Comment by Mikey — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
I quite specifically stated that the Greens had done much better (2&% up to 8% compared the the No2U/SLP risible 1%) BUT had failed to make the breakthrough. Thats why it is vital the Grens are part of the conversation, consider electoral agreements and Saturday is a potentially good start towards this.

As for Nick W, I always thought you were an unrepentant Marxist-Leninist. Not the ‘most favourable conditions’ c’mon? A global economic crisis with bankers the most unpopular people on the planet, then weeks before an election almost the entire political class are revealed as expense-fiddlers with Tory toffs funding mots and duck houses out of our taxes.

If those conditions don;t lead to soaring membership of left parties, an electoral breakthrough what will? After all this the combined outside right vote is around 20% the BNP’s electoral success dwarfs anything the left can muster. Barnsley once the hearland of Scargills has a 20%+ vote for the BNP. These are the conditions for a left breakthrough yet it can scarcely muster 1%, it cannot inspire people to come out and vote against a discredited establishment. Surely its aboyt time to face up to these home truths rather than settle for Marxist-Leninist micawberism.

Mark P

Comment by Mark P — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
If most people on the left can walk and chew gum simultaneously they ought to appreciate that it is possible to hold both these positions:
• that the rise in the BNP vote was fundamentally the fault of New Labour
• that some tactical thought and action among left groups outside New Labour could have prevented Griffin getting elected in the BNP’s chosen heartland and instead being beaten by an avowedly anti-fascist and progressive candidate of the Greens.

No one was being asked to surrender any principles - just to prioritise in this case dealing a body blow to a fascist party riding the crest of a wave.

I appreciate Respect not standing in the North West and urging its supporters to vote Green. That didn’t stop Respect in the north West being politically active in the election period in its own right, spreading its political beliefs. (I also suspect that had Respect put up candidates here or elsewhere it s vote would not have been much different from SLP and no2eu, but that’s another issue)

Anyway we’ve got to live with last night and do something about it. Fight for a better future not a better past. That means pursuing meaningful progressive alliances from here on to give confidence to voters and campaigners that there is an alternative. And that means including the Greens in this conversation too.

RG (4) says “The idea of voting Green would never even occur to me - I am a socialist.” Well, some news, there are many socialists in the Greens (some of whom are now organised in Green Left) and many socialists have been voting Green for years.

Finally on Andy’s four points - on the last one, where does that leave the rights of migrant workers?

Comment by David Rosenberg — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
#36

“Finally on Andy’s four points - on the last one, where does that leave the rights of migrant workers?”

Migrant workers should be employed on the same terms and conditins as the existing workforce.

it isn’t rocket science - basic trade union principle.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
Andy - why do you bully people you disagree with on here?

You can make a point without calling other posters tedious or using phrases like ‘toddle off’.

Red @ 24 - good post. Salma makes some good points but calling for unity whilst attacking progressive parties/platforms is clearly not the way to go.

RE: the greens - the GPEW is more progressive than most other european green parties, but crucially they have no base in the working class. I mean, none at all. This would suggest that the future probably lies in a red/green coalition, not in a tacit withdrawal of the socialist left in support of GPEW.

Comment by Anonymous — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
29 “Yes, that’s right, let’s all of us in the tiny far left make demands on those electorally far more significant Greens. Let’s do it til they squeal. That’ll learn them, muscling in and trying to be all progressive and popular.”

Mikey you have miss read my comments for your won reasons. Up till now the Greens has refused all attempts to create a progressive working alliance at national level always saying it was up to local branches etc (but strange how this changed quickly for the London elections).

My point is that I would welcome the Greens as part of a progresive alliance but this does require them to make a decision one way or another and at national level for it seriously work. Many progresive and socialist minded people would like to campaign and support both Greens, Respect, SP etc and indepenedent socialists as well some of the good socialist Labour MP’s. Agreements have to be reached, decisions made and this needs to occur in the next few months.

The Greens could go it alone again but after yesterdays results its vey unlikely on their won they will win parliamentry seats. Many of us would be only to happy to assist the Greens if and only if they are part of a progressive coalition (no one is asying the Greens or anyone else still cant use their party name within this coalition) as supported by Salma Yaqoob and many many others. Lets at least talk and see.

Comment by Red — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
“The Greens could go it alone again but after yesterdays results its vey unlikely on their won they will win parliamentry seats.”

You mean the results in which the Greens came first in Brighton, Norwich and Oxford?

Comment by Matt S — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
#35 On that basis given that the environment is in near meltdown the Greens should be winning every vote out there but they failed to win over the disenfranchised working class labour voters who are probably more worried about jobs, reposession, wage cuts, food inflation than some canvasser saying `never mind all that, you must vote Green to stop the BNP’. In Wales the Plaid and Labour left along with those behind No2EU are jointly discussing the way forward on Saturday. I hope the Greens turn up but why you are determined to put the blame on No2EU for the victory of the BNP is bizarre. You sound like some premiership manager with a £30 billion team complaining about a draw against Wrecsam because of a dodgy pentalty decision when they should be winning 10-0.

Comment by Perhaps — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
#38 Thank you. Don’t know if I will get this on as I seem to have been blocked by SOCIALIST UNITY.

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
# 40

Hmm, don’t think there’s much chance of the Greens winning Oxford East unfortunately Matt. Greens lost councillors in the city in last weeks local elections remember.

Comment by Duncan — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
People who claim that they are workers leaders in their work place and communities cannot escape from the reality that due to their poor judgement that they voted and campaign against the only left party that could have won more votes than the BNP! The Green Party!

Its called taking the lead comrades! You can hardly blame people you could influence if you think its more important that the no2eu gaining a few votes than the BNP being stopped!

Yes a Trade union taking a political path is usually possitive, its a shame that you allowed yourself to be tied to what appeared to be a UKIP mark 2 on the ballot paper and ended up forgetting what was the most important task - which
was to stop the BNP!

Comment by Roy — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
“Hmm, don’t think there’s much chance of the Greens winning Oxford East unfortunately Matt. Greens lost councillors in the city in last weeks local elections remember.”

Perhaps - I was just pointing out that to claim a set of results that include us beating Labour in three cities proves that we can’t win in the GE is, probably, a little irrational.

Comment by Matt S — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
#33 ‘Or is the SP only in favour of a one way process where the Greens stand down in favour of the SP, as I suspect is the case?’

My understanding of the situation in Lewisham was that the Green Party stood in every ward, including, standing against the sitting Socialist Party councillors.

However, the Socialist Party only stood in that one ward.

Comment by Denzil — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
Calm down Mark
This was an election in which twice as many people didn’t vote as did.

That tells us more about the nature of the crisis than a scholastic dissection of marginal voting.
I keep arguing, here and elsewhere, that a broad unity is the best response to this situation and that the key battlegrounds are the main urban centres of working people.

The left, however constituted, is not going to make decisive electoral progress in current conditions but it can try to work in a more constructive way with the widest coalition of forces that can be brought together.

Marxism leninism might have more to say about our current situation than ‘warmed over eurocommunism’. Most particularly Lenin’s insight’s into the extreme fluidity of the people during periods of crisis. After all, it was during the July Days, between the March and October revolutions when he was in hiding and the party was suppressed that he wrote about the volatility of the masses who one day followed the (fascist) Black Hundreds and the next the Bolsheviks

Comment by Nick Wright — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
#33 ‘Or is the SP only in favour of a one way process where the Greens stand down in favour of the SP, as I suspect is the case?’

My understanding of the situation in Lewisham was that the Green Party stood in every ward, including, standing against the sitting Socialist Party councillors.

However, the Socialist Party only stood in that one ward.”

Perhaps in sober light of the BNP gains, People on the left should be celebrating that Lewisham is a growing area for the left and sort this situation out - perhaps the Greens and the SP need to sit down and discuss what sort of Council they want Lewisham to be?

Comment by Roy — 8 June, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
The actual most effective way for the BNP to have been stopped in the NW last night was by UKIP getting something like another 900 votes.

If only those blasted Green voters had turned in droves to UKIP then the BNP wouldn’t have got in!

Or maybe we should have voted Tory?

No…wait…New Labour…

Last night the BNP received just under one million votes…I’ll say that again comrades…ONE MILLION votes…for a fascist party!

The reasons why the BNP were so successful are many and varied…but to blame NO2EU or the SLP just defies all logic.

Comment by unity - you know it makes sense — 8 June, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
I agree with Nick Wright.

The anti-Green vitriol from some commentators is unhelpful and irritating, but so is the blame game being played against NO2EU.

I would be interested to know (I dont pretend to understand the full workings of the electoral system used) whether Labour would have got another seat had the Green vote all gone to them. If so, that would have kept the BNP out.

I’m sure Ed D, who sees nothing wrong with nuclear weapons and ID cards, and cannnot see where New Labour has pandered to racism over immigration, would be happy to answer that question.

And Andy, the SLP are a dogmatic sect (I know, I left in disgust when the likes of Bob Crow were driven out) but I don’t really think that Daisy warranted the tone of your response to her.

Comment by Armchair — 8 June, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
Armchair Bob Crow was not “driven out” of the SLP. He is big enough to make his own decisions.

Comment by Daisy — 8 June, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
#49 I think the real question is whether we would have preferred left-wing representation from Peter Cranie or a complete shift to the right. It seems like a complete shift to the right took place.

As I have argued before, I don’t care what class the candidate is from or who they apparently represent, as long as they’re left-wing and pro-worker I don’t care.

Comment by Luke — 8 June, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
#49, #50 The argument that there’s a campaing to “blame No2EU & SLP for the BNP getting in” is just a silly knee-jerk response to a perfectly valid point.

It comes down to the question of whether, there is still a basis for a united front with Labour supporters against the Tories, BNP and UKIP, or not.
If you accept that there is, there has to be some awareness that being seen to let them in might bring the hostility of at least 25% of the electorate down on your heads. This is likely to reinforce the divisions on the left, not heal them.

Nick Wright, while criticising analysis of electoral results as scholasticism, adopts a thoroughly scholastic tone himself. But his example isn’t applicable.
Lenin’s “Left Wing Communism” might be more relevant.

Comment by prianikoff — 8 June, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
Tactical voting by the left to keep the BNP out is a short term solution and does not touch the most working people who are not on the left. It has been tried since the days of the National Front and we keep losing because the left is generally isolated and has no base and few people living in the areas that end up voting BNP.

A left alliance with a minimum programme that address housing, resources, nationalisation, political greed etc gives us something we can offer our workmates and neighbours.

The Greens are not socialist as a party (although many Greens are socialists) and do not have a working class base. They do sometimes support the same things as socialists like anti war, anti privatisation of the Post Office etc but then so do many liberals and even some tories.
On building thousands of new council houses,instant response units and more resources for areas under strain from recent immigration etc very little. A couple of Polish/Romani speaking teachers would have done wonders in my local school.

The trade union backed NO2EU is socialist and does have that base however small.

Any attempt to cobble an alliance of basically middle class left groups with the Greens will gather supporters but will leave most ordinary people unmoved.

A basic programme like in Andy Newman’s contribution 21 does appeal to ordinary working people. I and probably a lot of others have been argueing for something similar every day and most people I know at the Job Centre, in the local cafe and my neighbours agree.

Comment by unionworker — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
“Yes - Labour does ned to tackle head on the issue of immigration,. But in fact it does the worst of all combinations: it makes sound bites that are anti-immigrant and islamophobic, while simulataneoulsy doing nothing to provide greater reosurces for those already disadvantages working class communities that are disproportionately affected by immigration.”

What! Labour not hard enough on immigration? And where is the evidence for communities disproportionately affected by immigration? Are you referring to cuts in local jobs, housing and services by neo-liberal Labour?

Comment by Ray — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
#33: but that was entirley the point about the Greens. We did make consistant efforts to come to a deal with the Greens and were told to shove off.

Remember Darren Johnson saying the Greens had to stad in all the wards because it was part of their strategy to win a seat in Lewisham?

Now you’re complaining when NO2EU wants to stand across the country in order to get it’s T.V. boradcast. Given the media blackout we suffered it would have been pointless to standin 8 regions and not get the broadcast.

And by the way remember we were prepared to offer the support of two popular sitting councillors to any future Green parliamentary bid in Lewisham. What was the Green Party offering apart from using the BNP to browbeat other more progressive parties? Negotiation is a two way street.

The Greens have never, EVER, stood aside for ANY left candidate. In actuality the GP is exactly like the SLP. The only solution to left unity is to support the Greens. What good is that if they can’t win working class votes, the only way to stop the BNP.

The more I think about this the more ridiculous it becomes. If the Greens were really serious about forging a united progressive list why didn’t anyone from the Greens even lower themselves to writing to NO2EU to see if a deal could be worked out?

Comment by Neil — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
#48 “Perhaps in sober light of the BNP gains, People on the left should be celebrating that Lewisham is a growing area for the left and sort this situation out - perhaps the Greens and the SP need to sit down and discuss what sort of Council they want Lewisham to be?”

We’re ready anytime to discuss with you. Darren Johnson knows where to find us.

Comment by Neil — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
Why is Salma even published on ‘Socialist Unity’? She speaks of socialists only ever in the third person, and this sort of intra-left blame game nonsense does not foster unity with anyone.

Oh that’s right, because Andy Newman and Yacoob/Gallowah/Miah/etc are now a ‘party’, despite not standing in the election they’re commenting on, and despite their main common bond being animosity towards the SWP.

NO2EU were surely targetting socialists and working class people angry enough to vote against their labour party. That’s the same target as the BNP, only campaigning on democratic issues instead of hatred. Without radical working class candidacies, angry working people will sometimes be drawn to vote BNP. I won’t, but I have workmates who will. To blame radical working class electoral options for BNP success is either ignorant or dishonest.

Comment by Tony the Hippie — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
Nick, I wouldn’t fret yourself too much over Eurocommunism, warmed up or otherwise. As a member of the CPB I would have thought you’re hermitically sealed from any encounter in your party of of any such deviations.

But you do seem to want to studiously miss the point. Labour’s share of the vote has been in freefall ever since the Iraq War. An entire generation of progressively minded twentysomethings have few if any illusions in Labour. Two modestly sized trade unions have disaffilated on leftist reasoning. 100,000 plus member have left Labour exiting left. And in the past year a global economic crisis which is blamed by most on greedy bankers and deregulation with state intervention growing in popularity. Plus in the last few weeks the Westminster class has been revealed as almost al on the fiddle, Tory toffs especially.

Now forgive me if I’m mistaken but shouldn’t that be just a bit teensy-weensy favourable for a Left alternative? But not only is not one single section of the left flourishing it is the outside right that is getting a combined 20% of the vote, MEPs, county councillors, the Mayor of Doncaster elected.

Until we face up to this quite extraordinary rate of retreat, this failure to pose anything resembling a popular narrative to explain the crisis, to scale the kind of share of the vote that the Outside right is securing then we will simply lurch from one lashed together short cut after another.

My answer to this defeat is going to be different to yours. But the left should at least be able to collectively admit the scale of the defeat before we come up with our differing answers. The fact that some can’t even bring themselves to admit the dire position the Left is in and the uniquely favourable circumstances it has squandered since 1997 suggests there are those who aren’t even at the races.

Mark P

Comment by Mark P — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
I’ve re-read this thread, and come to the conclusion that the whole permutational anaylsis is arse, or thew highest order.

As someone else said, if we’d all voted Tory, then the BNP wouldn’t have got a seat.

One David Cameron. There’s only one…

Comment by Tony the Hippie — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
Mark P is right: the left should be stronger than ever before, but we squander the chance, over and over again.

We’re shit. And we know we are…

Comment by Tony the Hippie — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:44 pm
Cheap shot Salma. Must do better.

I did not get involved in the EURO elections primarily to defeat the BNP. I got involved with No2Eu because I wanted to defeat the EU, in particular the Lisbon constitutional dictat, which is unbridled capitalism and raises the BNP game to a higher level. No2Eu included in one of its four core messages, defeat of the fascists. So it is slightly jaw dropping to now be accused of aiding and abetting.

I think there is much agreement on this blog stream. More than some would care to admit. When it came to the key issues, of jobs, housing, public services, privatisation of post, the attack on sovereignty some on the left went walkabout, only turning up on election night with a megaphone.

New Labour is disintegrating and leaving a vacuum. Using level heads, comrades, who have more to unite than divide them, particularly those who fought the Euro election to propose a progressive alternative, have to sit down and work out a common platform for the struggle ahead.

I have just read Bob crow’s assessment. He rightly praises Hope Not Hate who I thought showed us all what can be done. I hope those in the CP, SP, SLP and Respect match the sincerity and urgency of his call.

Comment by Caxton — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
this is a disgraceful article.

will salma and respect never ever stand against labour or the greens again then? surely, respect should disband into the greens or compass then, oh, that’s right, some of them are going to….

for unity of the socialist left, trade unions and workers’ campaigning and community organisations into a new united left party!

ks

Comment by karl shayne — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
“The trade union backed NO2EU is socialist and does have that base however small”

What base? This is self-delusion gone mad.No2EU got 1% of the vote and after just a few months of existence. You cannot know the reason those votes were cast as the name was deliberately vague and they certainly don’t represent a ‘base’ - working class, trade union, or any other type of base.

If the word means anything a ‘base’ means layers of people who respect your politics, are prepared to back you time and time again - in good times and in bad. An organisation that has been around for just a few months claiming a base is like the SWP of old claiming to be the ’smallest mass party’.

Whatever people think about the Greens, it is clear that they do have a genuine base (however small but surpassing anything the left can claim).

Comment by TLC — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
#53 Aren’t you just deflecting the blame from New Labour and those who advocated a strategy of calling for a vote for the Greens or New Labour to stop the BNP and failed? It seems to me that if something isn’t done about the disenfranchisement of the working class then we can expect more right wing success with the workers staying at home. No2EU isn’t some kind of third period stalinism or sect like the SLP or the SWP who cannot work with anybody in fact its programme was too watered down if anything and would have probably done better if it had been called No2Eu yes to socialism for instance. Hundreds of thousands of workers have been disenfranchised by New Labour but are not prepared to vote for the hated self-serving sects and clearly in many minds that would include the Greens. No2EU will have to prove that it can work with others whilst at the same time putting forward an implacable socialist programme. In the same way, if Respect dropped its anti-war, pro-palestinian, anti-Islamaphobic stance for a deal with New Labour it would quickly find itself irrelevant and unable to gain the support of the voters who can no longer vote New Labour.

#58 The idea that Salma shouldn’t be published on Socialist Unity if frankly bizarre and probably a sectarian SWP attempt at stirring up division.

Comment by Perhaps — 8 June, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
roy

our sole aim in our political life can’t just be to stop the bnp - because if it is then they have already won. ive heard this from greens, respect (salma wing), swp et al. the only thing that can udnercut the bnp is for the left and trade union movement to lead a fight against the capitalist establisment, with pro working class policies. over time this will sweep the ground away from the far right - there will never be a ‘perfect time’ for a new workers party, but it is the only solution to this situation.

already uaf are out trying to mobilise the ‘anti fascist majority’ behind the political establishment - comrades you are well meaning but lining up with the establishment only adds to the kudos of the bnp when they present themselves as a radical alternative! look where unity with livingstone, cameron, gordon brown, high ranking priests etc has got us - we should be encouraging OUR movement, ie ordinary people in the unions and the communities to unite around basic trade union and socialist principles and polices. thats the unity that can challenge not only the bnp but also the system itself.

paul hunt
coventry

Comment by Paul Hunt — 8 June, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
Salma Yaqoob wants the broadest swathes of left opinion (unspecified) to ignore their party affiliations (unspecified) and work together (unspecified) to stand in some elections (unspecified) around a common agenda (unspecified) for change (unspecified).
Are you sure this isn’t Caroline Flint’s resignation letter?

Comment by bill j — 8 June, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
1.3 million people voted for the Greens. I guess we have no base at all. None whatsoever.

Comment by Luke — 8 June, 2009 @ 7:44 pm
95% (probably more) of Salma’s statement is about the material issues. 5%, probably less, is an accurate comment about No2EU and SLP in the North West.

Salma places the blame where it lies - with Labour and its allies. She also rightly points out that there was a concrete battle going on in the NW, with Griffin standing only where he thought he could win, which led to a need for serious tactical decision-making about who to support and how to campaign.

Those who supported No2EU could indulge that support in London - fair play, for example, to Nick Wrack, for standing. He knew he would get a small vote, but he also knew it would not compromise the battle against the fascists.

But in the North West, there were concrete material circumstances which meant the hard left should stand aside and campaign hard for the Greens.

If we want to rebuild the left, we’ve got to think creatively and tactically, as well as understanding the difference between short-term goals and long-term visions.

Respect in the NW did exactly what anyone who hopes to rebuild the left should’ve done - I’m way more proud of them than I am of those who played self-indulgent “Workers Party” games which will lead nowhere (well, I guess it’s led somewhere - now, we’ve got a fucking huge job on, to stop the BNP from getting even more credibility now it has a seat in one of the most ethnically diverse and economically deprived areas of the country).

Comment by external bulletin — 8 June, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
64. Whatever people think about the Greens, it is clear that they do have a genuine base (however small but surpassing anything the left can claim).

The greens may have a base somewhere but it certainly isn’t in any working class community and nor would they want one. I was disappointed that they kept their MEPs. At least they won’t be getting any MPs any time soon.

Comment by Tricksy Mix — 8 June, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
Luke
“1.3 million people voted for the Greens. I guess we have no base at all. None whatsoever.”

Fair point Luke (yes the Greens do have a base)even if a fair % of it last night was a protest vote (and a strong student vote in the South). But what base did you have in your first few weeks after you were formed? Stupidly TLC post 64 tries to compare the Greens who have been around decades with a campaign group (No2EU) that is just a few weeks old, how bizarre and diliberatly unhelpful.

Going by comments I have read today I get the strong feeling the Greens are going to “go it alone” - I hope not but please dont ask those who adopt a Socialist position to vote Green in the election either to stop the Tories Liberals/BNP - add your own mix, if they dont attempt to talk to other progressive/left groups/parties.

Comment by Red — 8 June, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
But equally so to have the constituent parts of NO2EU. The CPB has been round for yonks. The Greens have a growing base, and whilst some may have been protest votes, I think we can rest assured that they were progressive or left-wing votes. Whereas with the NO2EU vote, as it is said by supporters on here, it intended to pick up votes that may have gone to UKIP or the BNP.

The Greens will not go it alone, we have said no such thing. As a party we cannot contest every single General Election seat. Whilst some local parties may be bent on ‘going it alone’ the majority of the party are of the opinion that we have to engage with the wider left. In places like Brighton and Norwich we need those trade union activists and the wider left to support the Greens in their effort. Equally so I expect the Greens to support Salma in her efforts.

However, I must ask this, and I really, really should. What General Election seat(s) do you have an eye on Red that it may be possible for the non-Green left to win with a less than a year to go before the poll, or perhaps even an earlier one? I really don’t understand where you want us to step down. Is it only Lewisham? One council ward? Is that the only place? I am genuinely baffled about where you would rather stand a ‘left’ candidate (hopefully not standing under NO2EU) and expect the Greens to support them. Beyond Birmingham, I cannot fathom where possible.

Comment by Luke — 8 June, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
Luke

Respect have two winnable seats in London, Dave Nellist is a credible, (and in the current climate possibly even electable) candidate in Coventry, there is Peope’s Voice in Blennau Gwent, and remember that the Green Party has historically had excellent relationships with Plaid Cymru.

One troube is, and I understand the frustration of some green activists, that they could put huge effort into negotiating a deal with the Socialist party, for example, and then find that some maverik from the SLP, or Alliance for Green Socialism, stand against them in brighton anyway. And you average green party members cannot be expected to know that the different tribes of socialists are not accountable to each other

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
Andy, those areas the Greens will not contest. I am sure of that. We have no local party there, it would be a waste of resources, and London Greens would be focussing on Lewisham and Hackney.

It is possible a rogue left candidate steps in, but I also think the Greens on the ground would be wise enough to be pragmatic with the elections. They will recognise what resources they have or don’t, and may concede the iniative. In Wales we have no Green Party, that is a pretty safe thing to say.

I just think that this talk of the Greens having to step down will all be in areas where it’s not going to be marginal for anyone. SP do have a chance in Coventry- perhaps their best chance, and I would hope the local Greens can concede.

Comment by Luke — 8 June, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
Red, you may think I’m being stupid but I was commenting on a claim that No2 EU had a “base, however small” There is simply no way anyone should claim such a thing. It is the politics of self-delusion.

As for Trixsey Mix, this kind of ‘prolier than thou’ nonsense does the left no favours. The Greens have a good chance of winning seats in Norwich and Brighton. If you think you can do that without a working class base of support you clearly don’t know those cites.

But since you would prefer them to lose their MEPs I’m not sure you have much of a positive contribution to make to this debate.

Comment by TLC — 8 June, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
Luke

i think the way forward is to encourage people on principle to support better placed progressive candidates, even if there is no formal reciprocity - and build trust that way.

A much more difficult task is to orientate on the fact that a Tory victory will be worse than a labour ne, and therefore for the left to come up with some mature appriach to which labour MPs shoudl be supported - which has to be a wider list than JOhn Mcdonell and the usual suspects!

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 10:36 pm
“Andy, those areas the Greens will not contest. I am sure of that.”

Luke,

Not to sow dissension in the ranks, but I think it’s unwise to say that. As far as I am aware, the London Federation of Green Parties currently has a full slate policy. This is for the same reason that we have a full slate policy across Lewisham Deptford in council wards - because in order to build a vote in a constituency or region (in the latter case, for the Euros and Assembly elections) you need to get people into the habit of having a Green candidate.

Now, it could be that a credible argument could be made that Greens should stand down in those London constituencies where RESPECT do well, and in return RESPECT would commit to endorsing Greens in those London-wide elections…but we are a *long* way from that kind of committment from either side, as far as I understand it.

Matt

Comment by Matt S — 8 June, 2009 @ 11:02 pm
“in those London constituencies where RESPECT do well”

Matt, that seems a rather disingenuous way of describing a constituency where we have a sitting MP.

What you are describing is a Green candidature delibertaly seeking to topple a Respect MP.

Call a spade a spade.

Comment by Andy Newman — 8 June, 2009 @ 11:10 pm
Salma Yaqoob has set down a good position and hopefully the BNP victories will allow some sensible thinking to come into place. I for one think their are only a few Labour MP’s that the Greens or lefts should not stand against- perhaps we should start pulling a list together?

Comment by Roy — 8 June, 2009 @ 11:57 pm
No, that’s not what I’m describing at all. I’m describing a Green strategy for success in London wide PR elections which may have the effect of taking some votes from RESPECT in an important seat for them. That’s a long way from ‘deliberately seeking’ to topple a RESPECT MP. You’re describing a scenario in which Greens are proactively trying to get rid of RESPECT, while I’m describing one in which we are trying to maximise our own vote, using a strategy which might incidentally cause RESPECT problems.

Now, given Galloway and Yaqoob’s extremely constructive approach to the Euros, I think there is a strong case for investigating standing down in Poplar and Bethnal Green. What I was trying to say is that Luke shouldn’t give it as some kind of guarantee - because *at the moment* the policy is not for that to happen.

I suspect there will be moves afoot to argue that it should. I’m just trying to be honest in describing the current situation, as I understand it.

Matt

Comment by Matt S — 9 June, 2009 @ 12:01 am
Salma denounces those who supported No2EU (the other half of Respect) and the SLP for letting in the fascists (as they didn’t vote Green). And then makes a rallying call for “bringing the broad left together around a common agenda for progressive change”.

How are we going to do it? It is explained at the end – “sign up to Respect”.

Opportunism towards the Greens, denunciations of the left, and the old “join the Party” routine. Now that’s really attractive.

Comment by Stuart King — 9 June, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Ok matt, I understand, I was just trying to make it clear that the form of words “in those London constituencies where RESPECT do well” rather minimised what was at stake, and made it sound like we were arguing about who comes third or fourth in the election

This is an election where the Green Party have no credible FPTP electoral prospects for Westminster constituncies in London, and Respect has two credible winnable seats.

Now I know there are all sorts of structural and institutional obstacles to overcome on any agreement between political parties, but the Green Party also needs to have some self-awareness of its own inertia.

Even in your own terms, there is a looming environmental catastrophe that requires urgent multilateral government action; yet your strategy is gradually building up votes, so that in ten years time you may have a two MPs, and in a hundred years, when half the planet is scorched glass, you may become the third largest party in London.

The important thing about Respect’s support in the West MIdlands and North West is that it actually delivered, obviously not only down to Respect, but also the Green pary’s own approach, but the vote distribution shows that you did get a significant BME vote, that usually eludes the Greens.

Do you want to build on that? the choice is yours.

Comment by Andy Newman — 9 June, 2009 @ 12:25 am
#82

“Salma denounces those who supported No2EU (the other half of Respect) ”

No STuart, that is dishonest as well as disingenuous. Where there was no clear and present danger from the BNP, there was no harm in supporting No2EU, for example in the South East and Londin where Resect memebrs were on the No2Eu list.

The situation that we think was reckless was standing NO2EU in the three or so euro constitunecies where the BNP had a good chance.

This was a situation where tactical nuance would have suggested more caution, and indeed some leading members of NO2EU knew that, and informed me at the outset that No2EU was unlikely to stand in the NW, and then suddenly a list appreared Who was making the decisions?

Comment by Andy Newman — 9 June, 2009 @ 12:29 am
Andy a points system is not anti immigrant. It’s just a sensible way to ensure enough immigrants are needed for the right jobs, and thus you don’t have local workers believing conspiracy theories.

If anything the government acted far too slowly to deal with the sham marriage issue - which come from all over the world and not just asian countries - because of the political sensitivites with parts of its base. These are difficult issues and people have far too often not been as understanding as they should be to the government’s dilemma.

Comment by Ed D — 9 June, 2009 @ 12:44 am
As anyone else noticed that the supporters of no2eu are trying to deflect their role in the BNP victories by saying the SLP did the same thing - I think the point is that we expect Scargill party to take their own road - we expect better from others.

Comment by Roy — 9 June, 2009 @ 1:43 am
So now it’s “their [No2EU’s] role in the BNP victory” Roy, huh? As someone who has had the dubious pleasure of seeing Ralph Nader and the US Greens blamed for everything from the Iraq war to the continued usage of the car for private transportation (okay, not quite the last one) I can tell the comrades behind No2EU there will be more of this kind of thing. Much more. I hope you learn the lesson from us and don’t let it deter you, though.

Comment by christian h. — 9 June, 2009 @ 3:50 am
‘I hope you learn the lesson from us and don’t let it deter you’

Taking a specific tactical issue of how best to combat the BNP in the European elections and genrealising it into abstract principles which blurs differences of time and context reflects somewhat mechanical thinking, to put it mildly.

If the lesson you are trying to impart to us is to ignore any attempt to try get the left to work in a tactically united way, in specific situations where the fascists have a real chance of winning, and just plough on regardless, it is one we can well do without.

Comment by Ger Francis — 9 June, 2009 @ 11:50 am
An edited version of this article is now on Guardian ciF
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/09/labour-left-respect-europe

Comment by Andy Newman — 9 June, 2009 @ 11:51 am
This makes very depressing reading.

The sad fact is the BNP have completely captured the imagination and outrage ‘little
England’ has been bottling up all these NewLabour Neo-Liberal years;where was a sustained
and coherent Left in all this time,not to mention a grassroots Labour Party?
It was buried under the Vanity Publishing Press of 3 NewLabour wins.Even an illegal war
couldn’t undermine the NeoconNewLabs. Since 1997,4 million people have come to the UK,half illegal;for a lot of people this represents a loss of control of the borders (sad but true)
add to that the 7/7 bombings,people celebrating the death of British troops and a recession and you get the molotov cocktail of hate that we see now. A lot of theses issues were swept under the carpet. Many on the Left do not acknowledge that many poor,working class communities feel completely atomised and ‘over- run’. I live in South London where thankfully the BNP made no ground but I still hear this attitude being expressed. There is very real anger and the Left have not allowed debate to happen. New Labour have been in denial.
It would be great to see a unification of the left but could they manage it?
A history of fractious,hair-splitting is now having insufferable consequences.
It has to stop.

Comment by bob hope — 9 June, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Disappointing from Salma, to blame the SLP who have consistently stood in the EU elections and No2Eu, who were seeking to build a broad left coalition, is ludicrous.

It says clearly that salma, like others on the left, believes that this “broad left” will be on her terms, i.e. an alliance with the Greens.

The Greens in England and in Scotland have never shown any indication that they ewlcome such a move, they ant the votes of the left, as long as it is under their banner.

Can we stomach the next few eeks of waching party leader after party leader make these calls for unity when they really mean, “unite around me”.

The prospects of a unted left coalition are weakened by these sorts of attacks, it is shameful.

Comment by Jim Monaghan — 9 June, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
In Bristol Scargill’s party got more votes than No2EU!
The Socialist Party would have had more votes on its own.

It remains one of the most ill thought out left ventures ever and included the Liberal Party leader on a platform which to the unintiated to politics just appeared to be a minor version of UKIP.

I remains a fact that if No2EU had stood down for Peter Craine in the North West then we would have a progressive MEP elected instead of Griffin.

The Green Party also should wake up to the need for unity and start talking to other progressives (ie the Socialist Party in Lewisham!)

Comment by green socialist — 9 June, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
EDITED VERSION ALSO ON COMPASS: http://www.compassonline.org.uk/news/item.asp?n=4705

Comment by Andy Newman — 9 June, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Towards a new broad left party and community socialism

“If nothing else, these results should spark a renewed and more energetic discussion about bringing the broad left together around a common agenda for progressive change”.Salma Yacoob.

While I fully agree with this sentiment, I somehow dont think the Compass conference is likely to clearly delineate what is absolutely necessary in these urgent times.

If nothing else these results ” absolutely must” spark a renewed and more energetic and constructive discussion about bringing together and uniting “the broad left” around a common agenda,built on solidarity, sound socialist and egalitarian principles and politics and a clear,transparent and accessible democratic and participatory basis.

This must make for a solid foundation,working towards the vital and urgent creation of a new fighting progressive broad Left political party.

Such a party needs to be fully able and capable of attracting what´s left of the Left, from the ruins of the now utterly discredited New Labour / Labour party, as well as win over 100,00´s of former Labour party members and voters and able to win broad support throughout former Labout heartlands and multi cultural and multi racial communities,the Labour and trade union movement,the anti racist,anti fascist and anti capitalist movement, the anti war/anti imperialist movement,the gay and lesbian liberation movement,the womens movement,the green and global climate change movement.

Comment by Fleabite — 9 June, 2009 @ 11:40 pm
92 - How is it a ‘fact’? How could anybody assert that if No2EU had stood down in the NW and campaigned for the Greens then it would have resulted in a more progressive (ie green) candidate being elected as a statement of fact?

It is speculation. Let’s not slip into the realms of faction.

Comment by Anonymous — 10 June, 2009 @ 2:22 am
Apologies if this has already been posted.

Dear comrade,

Labour’s vote collapsed to a historic low in last week’s elections as the right made gains. The Tories under David Cameron are now set to win the next general election.

The British National Party (BNP) secured two seats in the European parliament. Never before have fascists achieved such a success in Britain. The result has sent a shockwave across the labour and anti-fascist movements, and the left.

The meltdown of the Labour vote and the civil war engulfing the party poses a question—where do we go from here?

The fascists pose a threat to working class organisations, black, Asian and other residents of this country—who BNP führer Nick Griffin dubs “alien”— our civil liberties and much else. History teaches us that fascism can be fought and stopped, but only if we unite to resist it.

The SWP firmly believes that the first priority is to build even greater unity and resistance to the fascists over the coming months and years. The BNP believes it has created the momentum for it to achieve a breakthrough. We have to break its momentum.

The success of the anti-Nazi festival in Stoke and the numbers of people who joined in anti-fascist campaigning shows the basis is there for a powerful movement against the Nazis.

The Nazis’ success will encourage those within the BNP urging a “return to the streets”. This would mean marches targeting multiracial areas and increased racist attacks. We need to be ready to mobilise to stop that occurring.

Griffin predicted a “perfect storm” would secure the BNP’s success. The first part of that storm he identified was the impact of the recession. The BNP’s policies of scapegoating migrants, black and Asian people will divide working people and make it easier to drive through sackings, and attacks on services and pensions.

Unity is not a luxury. It is a necessity. If we do not stand together we will pay the price for a crisis we did not cause.

The second lesson from the European elections is that we need a united fightback to save jobs and services.

If Cameron is elected he will attempt to drive through policies of austerity at the expense of the vast majority of the British people. But the Tories’ vote fell last week and they are nervous about pushing through attacks. Shadow chancellor George Osborne told business leaders, “After three months in power we will be the most unpopular government since the war.” We need to prepare for battle.

But there is a third and vital issue facing the left and the wider working class. The crisis that has engulfed Westminster benefited the BNP.

The revelations of corruption, which cabinet members were involved in, were too much for many Labour voters, who could not bring themselves to vote for the party. One answer to the problem is to say that we should swallow everything New Labour has done and back it to keep David Cameron, and the BNP, out.

Yet it would take a miracle for Gordon Brown to be elected back into Downing Street. The danger is that by simply clinging on we would be pulled down with the wreckage of New Labour.

Mark Serwotka, the general secretary of the PCS civil service workers’ union, has asked how, come the general election, can we ask working people to cast a ballot for ministers like Pat McFadden.

McFadden is pushing through the privatisation of the post office. Serwotka proposes that trade unions should stand candidates. Those who campaigned against the BNP in the elections know that when they said to people, “Don’t vote Nazi” they were often then asked who people should vote for.

The fact that there is no single, united left alternative to Labour means there was no clear answer available. The European election results demonstrate that the left of Labour vote was small, fragmented and dispersed. The Greens did not make significant gains either. The mass of Labour voters simply did not vote. We cannot afford a repeat of that.

The SWP is all too aware of the differences and difficulties involved in constructing such an alternative. We do not believe we have all the answers or a perfect prescription for a left wing alternative. But we do believe we have to urgently start a debate and begin planning to come together to offer such an alternative at the next election, with the awareness that Gordon Brown might not survive his full term. One simple step would be to convene a conference of all those committed to presenting candidates representing working class interests at the next election.

The SWP is prepared to help initiate such a gathering and to commit its forces to such a project. We look forward to your response.

Yours fraternally,

Socialist Workers Party

Comment by Steve — 10 June, 2009 @ 3:10 am
Any thoughts on the above. At first glance it seems a positive step, but I personally am a little wary.

Comment by Steve — 10 June, 2009 @ 8:01 am
Wariness is fine- we shoiuld still move forward and grasp the opportunity.

Comment by Jason — 10 June, 2009 @ 8:07 am
In Dorset, we were particularly hit by the division in Respect, as it was virtually half and half. We had no real enmity, however and voted unanimously in favour of my motion that we continue to meet monthly as like-minded socialists. Regrettably this didn’t happen, and as far as I know, Respect in Dorset hasn’t met since. Two weeks ago, after a month in the planning, we launched Dorset Socialists, consisting of the SWP and ex-Respect members (or they may still be members, I haven’t asked them!). The founding statement is explicit about members being able to maintain their own affiliation and contributing to a left space supporting political debate and trade union action. Ten people joined at the meeting. This may not seem much, but even getting 10 people in a room in Dorset, where the farthest members are divided by 80 miles of countryside without a motorway in sight, is fairly remarkable; Respect, at it’s largest, had 40-50 members, round 30 by the time of the split. I am in touch with the CPB in Dorset, independent trades unionists and anti-war activisats and remain friendly with Respect members. I hope we can all work locally under this umbrella, get some generalisation over tactics and try to do some work together. At least it’s a start.

Comment by Vlad-the-Drac — 25 June, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
“getting 10 people in a room in Dorset”

careful, we don’t want you to be deported to Australia, just make sure you don’t swear any oaths.

Comment by Andy Newman — 25 June, 2009 @ 12:25 pm

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8 June, 2009

BNP VICTORY SHOWS THE NEED FOR BROAD LEFT TO WORK TOGETHER

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