Support Greenwich amendment
Socialist Organiser1983 1983-02-17Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 2 →
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''This conference recog Labour Party for decision nises the overwhelming by the 1983 conference"
Democracy THE 'register' has been exposed. As a means of expulsions it has proved criminally divisive, time-consuming and even • (so far) ineffectual.
But the NEC can still invoke Clause II(3) of the constitution which outlaws all organisations 'having their own programme, principles and policy for distinctive and separate propaganda.' As it stands, this clause threatens the basic freedoms of speech and association of every one of us.
Established
Fortunately a solution is available.
Greenwich CLP submitted to the 1982 Party conference a constitutional amendment which formally established, for the first time, the traditional right of party members to participate in pressure groups. The Greenwich amendment insists that groups accept the party's objects and do not oppose its official candidates in elections, but it aiso guarantees a right of appeal to conference to any greup or individual deemed by the NEC to be in breach of these conditions.
The Greenwich amendment would thus go a very long way to defend party members from arbitrary attacks by the NEC. Furthermore, it must, under rule, be put to the vote at the 1983 conference. • It does not, however, yet command the necessary committed support within the party's affiliated unions and CLPs. The agenda of union and regional party conferences must therefore be saturated with submissions supporting it.
Greenwich offers the rare prospect of a united way forward. We can't afford to ignore it. need for a government which will defend the interests of the labour movement.
Conference therefore urges Labour's leaders to concentrate their attacks on the Tories and stop trying to expel members of their own party.
Conference defends the traditional right of Labour Party members to belong to pressure groups within the party, provided that they accept the party's objectives and do not oppose its official candidates in elections. Conference accordingly supports the amendment to this effect submitted by Greenwich
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Socialist Organiser no.120 February 17 1983 Page 3
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