Some thoughts from the Scottish Socialist Party

Remarks ahead of 'Convention of the Left' recall conference on November 29th

by Colin Fox, SSP National Spokesman, 20/10/08

 

Introduction

 

The SSP is proud to have participated in the September 2008 'Convention of the Left' in Manchester. We congratulate all those who worked so hard to organise it. The belief that the Left in the UK could and should come together to develop greater understanding and cohesion was entirely vindicated by its success.

 

We feel some important progress has been made in developing greater respect and trust on the left and we see this as a necessary prerequisite for rebuilding the socialist movement in Britain as a coherent and effective force once again.

 

The subsequent capitalist financial collapse has certainly put into sharp focus the economic and political crisis on the right. But the collapse of the financial markets and the disorientation of their political classes at this time also poses huge challenges for the left and provides many opportunities to put over our alternative socialist case, yet collectively we are punching 'below our weight'.

 

Like others the SSP also accepts the Convention has a long way to go yet if it is to re-establish the strength of the collective left and achieve the political and policy objectives we hope to see implemented in the long run. It is disappointing that two important groups on the left, the Socialist Workers Party and the Socialist Party of England and Wales, appear less than enamoured at the emergence of the Convention, perhaps they feel threatened. We certainly don't, in fact we feel rather more optimistic about the Convention's prospects in making important headway towards its goals as long as it continues to work within a democratic and pluralist template.

 

The attendance of several Labour MPs and Labour delegates at Manchester was important. As we understand it Labour Party members made up the largest single political contingent over the week. It remains to be seen whether this reflects a desire for greater engagement by them with the non Labour left or simply a reflection of the Conventions proximity to the LP Conference itself. Either way it remains clear to us that working towards an effective left realignment must include engagement with the existing Labour left. For our part, the SSP took the opportunity to make closer contact with John McDonnell and the Labour left at this level.   

 

We welcomed, as others did, the statement of intent as an important first step towards greater political cohesion and unity. We also welcomed the joint initiative on energy bills and fuel poverty. We believe this could become the first of many such initiatives. Perhaps another area we could just as easily link up on is in combating privatization and putting the popular economic and social case for public ownership. There are bound to be many other issues fundamental to us that we can use to tap into the wide scale opposition that exists towards neo-liberalism. This is especially so, it seems to us, with the change in consciousness following the recent collapse of the financial markets worldwide.

 

We felt the website was and remains an excellent resource, well designed and easily accessible. We particularly enjoyed the leaflets that were easily understandable and to the point. We received them quite early so were able to distribute them widely.

 

Ideas for Recall Conference - November 29^th

We look forward to the 29th of November follow-up event as an opportunity to continue the process of dialogue and developing closer relationships between the different Left groups.I have some specific ideas to offer for the recall meetings consideration;

 

- I believe Manchester was a successful first step and we would certainly welcome it as an annual event.

 

-That future Conventions of the Left shadowing Labour Party Conference might be complemented by one which takes place alongside the TUC Conference.

Many trade unionists are still tied to Labour because their unions are affiliated. It might be valuable to make closer contact with them when they gather in their thousands. Unions are crucial in building further meaningful Left unity in any campaign. The suggestion would be to continue working with the union leaders but also locally with the branch stewards and branches on specific campaigns.

 

- On local Conventions it may be best to move towards a Scottish Convention of the Left in the first instance for next year using the same all inclusive template as was used at Manchester.