Labour movement conterence on reland: Feb 27

Scan page 5

Hostile THE Labour Committee on Ireland is co-sponsoring a labour movement conference on Ireland on February 27th in London under the title "Ireland: time for Tory policies to go" • The conference will provide an opportunity to discuss the situation in Ireland and the LCI will be arguing for the labour movement to adopt policies that represent a clear break with bipartisanship and recognise that Britain can play no progressive role in Ireland.

This task is particularly urgent in the unions. For years most British unions have been actively hastile to any attempt to raise the question of Britain's role in Ireland.

They use the argument that any open opposition to British repression or to partition simply divides the trade unions in the North of Ireland and they hide behind the barely-existent 'Better Life for All Campaign"

Strategic The unions' position was graphically demonstrated at the 1981 Labour Party Conference. A large proportion of CLPs voted for resolutions supporting British withdrawal, but only two small unions did so.

The February 27th conference aims to provide delegates with the arguments to fight to commit their organisations to support British withdrawal and oppose partition.

Trade unionists from Ireland and Britain will be speaking on the situation in the labour movement in both countries. Clive Soley MP and Ken Livingstone will be introducing a section on 'The need for an end to bipartisanship" which will be followed by a considerable period of open discussion by delegates.

The conference is on IN TURKEY, the trial continues of leaders of the DISK trade union confederation by the Evren junta.

In Britain the Turkey Solidarity Campaign is organising a speaking tour by DISK leaders in Europe, to take place February 27th at llam at The Theatre, 309 Regent Street, London W1. Delegates or observers' crede entials cost £2 and are available from Labour Movement Conference on Ireland, 1 North End Road, London 1W14.

The LCI will be holding its AGM on February 6th in Birmingham. It is open to paid-up members for 1981 (with speaking and voting rights, fee $1.50), other Labour Party members with speaking rights only, {2) and non-Labour Party observers (£3.50).

The AGM will be looking at the last year's work, discussing motions and forthcoming activities and electing new officers. There will also be workshops covering work in the unions, work with women and with youth and in CND, as well as one discussing different strategies for British withdrawal from Ireland.

Further details of the AGM are available from Don Flynn, c/o LCI, Box BM 5355, London WC1.

between March 24 and April 2.

Labour movement

bodies are invited to affiliate to the TSC and sponsor the tour. The TSC can be contacted at BM Box 5965, London WCIN 3XX.

----- pull-quotes -----

INTERNATIONAL ACTION