Quick recap
The meeting focused on coordinating and mobilising a radical left movement in the UK, with discussions on forming a new political party to address current challenges and represent workers’ interests. Speakers from various left-wing groups shared their perspectives on key issues, including the need for a clear definition of socialism, opposition to imperialism, and the importance of democratic processes within any new organisation/party. The participants agreed to organise/contribute to a follow-up meeting to continue steps toward forming a new political entity, emphasising the need for a democratic conference to determine policies and leadership while addressing potential divisive/grenade issues. It is understand that the Workers’ Party already exists and that common areas should be agreed.
Next steps
All: Develop a minimal program of core socialist principles and policies that can unite different left groups while building democratic processes. These to include public ownership, republican principles (anti-monarch and anti-Union), healthcare, education, energy, transport, and infrastructure
All: Document and acknowledge “grenade issues” to be set aside for future discussion
All: Develop a framework for addressing barriers to collaboration between different left groups and movements
Steering Committee: Plan and organise/contribute to a public meeting while coordinating with other groups to avoid duplication of efforts
Groups/individuals TBA: Create working groups to address media presence and develop a media network for the left movement
Individuals and groups TBA: Develop strategies to engage with the Palestine movement and recent strike actions
Trade Union Members: Increase organising efforts within trade unions to build support for socialist principles
Network of Independent Socialists: progress working groups focused on socialist democracy, unions, and local government issues
Network of Independent Socialists: Hold next meeting on June 23rd at 7 PM. SLN to publicise
Darren: Share the complete list of “grenade issues” with Esther via email
Summary
UK Left Movement Mobilisation Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing the mobilisation of a new radical left movement in the UK. Esther introduced the evening’s purpose, emphasising the need to unite various left movements and parties to address current political and economic challenges. She outlined the format for the discussion, including contributions from four speakers representing different groups: Republican Labour, the Workers Party, the Network of Independent Socialists, and the Campaign for a Mass Workers Party. The speakers were tasked with sharing their perspectives on how their movements could contribute to a broader left mobilisation. After the speakers’ presentations, members were invited to contribute to a panel discussion, with the goal of organising/contributing to a larger public meeting
Reforming Socialism for Workers
Andrew Hudd, a deputy leader of the Workers Party, emphasised the need for a clear definition of the term “left,” advocating for a return to core socialist principles rather than the current broad and often liberal interpretation. He criticised the Labour Party for its lack of direction and principles, calling for its replacement with a new Socialist party focused on representing workers’ interests. Andrew also highlighted the importance of opposing identity politics, which he believes divides workers, and instead focusing on addressing pressing issues such as reindustrialisation, public ownership, and environmental policies that do not disproportionately burden working people.
Left-Wing Politics and A Democratic Republic
Steve Freeman from Republican Labour emphasised the importance of democratic organisation and self-emancipation for the working class. The discussion touched on issues such as foreign policy, the monarchy, and the need for a radical left movement that goes beyond social monarchism. Participants debated the meaning of socialism, and the importance of democratic principles in any left-wing movement. The conversation ended with a call for further discussion on these topics and the need to frame issues in a way that aligns with socialist principles.
Call for New Mass Socialist Party
Roger Silverman discussed the decline of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer’s leadership, highlighting its shift to the right and loss of support among working-class voters. He argued that a new mass political party representing the 99% is needed, emphasising the importance of grassroots involvement and a clear socialist program. Roger also touched on the failure of previous left-wing parties and the potential for a political earthquake to reshape the landscape, suggesting that the groundwork for a new party is already being laid through independent left-wing candidates and councillors. Roger discussed the Campaign for a Mass Workers Party‘s progress and emphasised the need for a party based on working-class principles without imposed policies.
NOIS
Darren from the Network of Independent Socialists highlighted the importance of inclusivity, democratic processes, and the need to address the current political landscape, including the Palestine movement and the lack of a unifying figure. There needed to be a clear unifying programme.
Member Contributions
Comrade John T stressed the necessity of focusing on core values, unity, and grassroots involvement to attract more people to socialism.
Marie L raised concerns about the country’s preparation for war and the need to address these issues alongside the party formation- this linked with the importance of trade union democracy, highlighting the collaboration between unions and the capitalist system. She proposed linking the transformation of working-class representation with anti-imperialist struggles, urging a focus on concrete issues rather than getting bogged down in detailed policy discussions.
Phil P suggested prioritising key issues like electoral reform, nationalisation, and local government funding, while emphasising the need for a democratic and non-leader-based organisation. The group agreed on the importance of developing a democratic manifesto and discussed the potential role of trade unions and other organisations in a new organisation/party.
Ian D emphasised the need for a labor movement that is internationalist, a tribune of the oppressed, and educational, while criticising nationalist tendencies based on the British state. He argued against using migration as a political issue and advocated for solidarity with migrant workers.
Matthew J highlighted the importance of democracy within any new party and criticised the lack of open debate on the left during the Corbyn era.
All agreed on the necessity of opposing imperialism, with Matthew specifically focusing on Britain’s role in global imperialism and its implications for the labor movement.
Forming a Pragmatic Political Organisation
Esther prompted the discussion on forming (a) new political movement, with panelists sharing their thoughts on key themes and next steps. Andrew emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to socialism, focusing on addressing the immediate concerns of working people rather than getting lost in idealistic discussions. He suggested joining existing efforts like the Workers Party to make a tangible impact. The group discussed immigration, unemployment, and the importance of trade union involvement in politics. They agreed to have a follow-up meeting by early autumn to agree and progress next steps- working with other groups to be as effective as possible. Steve argued that the UK is preparing for war by supporting Israel in the Middle East while concealing its actions, and emphasised the need to challenge the monarchy and replace it with a republic. He criticiSed the left’s focus on social monarchy and called for a fundamental break from the current system. Roger discussed the campaign for a mass workers’ party and proposed a democratic conference to determine party policies, while noting that the new party may not initially reflect the desires of any one group. It was agreed that such a democratic conference should elect leadership, determine policies, and work out a minimal program that all participants can agree upon. Roger emphasized the importance of not getting bogged down in policy details at this stage, while Darren highlighted the need to work together despite differences, particularly on immigration. The group identified several “grenade issues” that could cause internal conflict, including trans rights/identity politics, the war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Palestine dispute. The steering committee will develop a plan for working with others to organise a public meeting, avoiding duplication of efforts with other groups.