Our Lon CUtS

Scan page 11

I WAS asked by Socialist on these issues at the I addressed a workshop Organiser to prepare, on behalt of London Labour Workers' Socialist League rally on October 10, and strategy for fighting Hes- Briefing, an article on our was asked why Labour eltine's proposed logisia- from office rather than councils should disengage tion of the collective Brief- tion. The clearest expost- allow themselves to be ing view is contained in thrown out by the Tories. This is not a fundamental Frank Hansen's article in the November issue of divide: but I think that London Briefing, and we disengagement has two are pleased to submit this important advantages over what is in effect a bankto Socialist Organiser.

The essence of the pos- ruptcy strategy. 1. It can be coordinated ition outlined is based on the following: on an all-London and nat1. On the understanding ional level, rather than allowing Labour councils to that the old routinist methgo bankrupt one at a time, ods of running local government are quite clearly at 2. it means that we can an end; and, fight from a position of mination that this time 2. on the basis of a deter- defending all existing seryround, it will be necess- ices and jobs, which would not be possible once a Labbe put on notice that they ary for the Government to our council had been forced will be able to rely on the into bankruptcy. Finalty, I must make it representatives our movement to carry through clear that Brieting supportTors are still carefully contheir policies. sidering all the options.

Rather than Labour cour- Criticisms will be carefully cils implementing the cuts, them to collective disen- means a commitment from considered ana discussed, and if sent to Briefing will of course be printed.

lagement from office, con- GRAHAM BASH rontation, and a pledge to Thorold Rd, Ilford, Essex).

STOP THE LONDON Labour Party's special conference December 12th will face the difficult but vital on task of formulating an action programme which unites Labour councils, trade unions and the labour movement in general, in a united campaign against Heseltine's law and the massive cuts which the rise strategy will not just be politically undesirable, it will be redundant as a means of halting cuts. Labour Councils now have a clear choice: fight back and challenge the Tory law, or buckle under and implement Heseltine's diktats.

Since the Lothian experience represents all our tomorrows, it is important Labour Councils against the cuts by Briefing Above all, Lothian demonstrates that it is extremely difficult (although not in every case impossible) to fight a central authority on an isolated, local level.

Unity in action is the key to forcing the Tories to retreat and make available the funds they have stolen from us: est possible discussion tactics to take place.

The essence of the policy, however, can be formulated already: it involves councils acting together, facing up to the threat of surcharge, refusing to make cuts, and setting an all-London date - notified clearly in advance - for collective disengagement and confrontation.

Following a speciallyconvened meeting of the Briefing. Editorial Board, this 'Fighting to Win strategy (outlined in earlier contributions to Briefing) was amended and clarified through the tabling of two model resolutions for the December 12th special conference.

The first is designed to apply to existing Labour Groups, while the second applies to in-coming groups following the elections in May. Wording from either resolution can be used to amend the EC statement to be presented to conference.

The text of the model resol utions is in the November issue of Briefing: 20p plus postage from 158 Thorold Rd, liford, Essex. Socialist Organiser is suggesting • the following draft resolution for the London Labour Party conference: 'This Conference calls upon the existing Labour councils in London to resist Heseltine's legislation on the following.basis:

• No cuts whatsoever to be made in jobs and services, no matter what the circumstances, • 1982-3 budgets to be drawn up on the basis of defence of jobs and services; a freeze on rents and rates; and the fight for a full restoration of government grant;

• Organise now for the backing of community groups and trade unions for this stand, including industrial action in the event of Tory commissioners and/or surcharges. Press for the 1982 local government workers' pay claims to be met in full, and give complete support for any industrial action involved.

• The May election to be fought on the basis of the above policies, inchiding the necessity to fight the Tory government.

Conference instructs the Greater London Labour Party EC to organise now for the above, and for the implementation of the Labour Party Conference's decision for the reimbursement of surcharged councillors'