The Lpys and the Socialist Way Forward

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centred around the debate on the defence of nationalised property relations in the Soviet Union against imperialism. After a constructive discussion amendment opposing defence of the Soviet Union was heavily voted down.

The need to work in CND and Young CND was shown by the massive turnout of youth. on CND demos, and the conference emphasised a serious approach to this work. We opposed the call by national CND to reduced the age limit of YCND from 21 to 18. THE workshop on the politics of Militant was introduced by Dale Ackroyd, an ex-Militant supporter, who pointed out the differences we have with 'Militant' on Ireland, on women and on the peaceful road to socialism which 'Militant' now advocate.

He argued that it is impossible for the working class to take power without a fight, and highly dangerous to suggest that the bosses will concede their wealth by popular demand. The answer to women's or gay oppression is not just the nationalisation of the top 200 monopolies but a fight for the immediate interests of the oppressed.

The discussion that followed centred around the method of 'Militant', which I, we said, is propa. ganda rather than action.

The need to fight 'Militant' with action amongst youth was stressed.

The section on the workers' government spelt out the need for a government that was accountable to the working class rather than the bosses. It pointed out that previous Labour governments had done the bosses' dirty work for them, and this must be stopped.

As the conference recognised, if we are to achieve all the aims we want, then we are going to have to have a government that can begin to implement them - a workers' government.

Dale Ackroyd The discussion was introduced by Andy Dixon of Stockport YS. He felt that the section could be improved, and proposed that conference adopt it, but submit it to the new steering committee for further discussion. We agreed. IN THE introduction to the women's workshop, Kate Williams of Wolverhampton YS explained how women's oppression is related to capitalist society. She also discussed the question of sexism in the labour movement, and how young women were particularly oppressed.

There was a discussion on the age of consent and other legislation, whether we are in favour of abolishing it or lowering it. There was 80me it. There was some discussion on Women's Fightback and also whether we should SOC THE conference decided to sponsor the paper Socialist Organiser, recognising the assistance both political and practical SO has given to the movement, as well as thê political agreement that we have with SO. In the

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