Support Labour Briefing | Socialist Action 1983

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BRIEFING NATTINA No October 1985 TREBE ISALHT AT ERRATIVE!

by Cormac I-a comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those vho i feel! A NEW FACTOR in the organisation of the left at this year's conference was. an open bulletin produced by National Briefing sponsored by a series 'of campaigns pressure groups.

Over the week of conference this bulletin established the ability of National Labour Briefing to act as an open forum of ideas and as an organiser on the left of the Party.

The bulletin carried naces estenells CLPD'S Nomen's AC- like CND, mitur Commit CND,- Labour tee on reland, Against the Witch Hunt Aie ey otie, It published debates involving individuals like Tony Benn, Ken LivingDavid Blunkett StUle and dozens of CLP and trade union delegates.

What makes Labour Briefing so effective is the fact that it is based on and under the control of its readers. Its editorial board meets monthly and delegates from local lefts, affiliated campaigns and Briefing groups can attend and vote.

In this way Briefing is able to act as a genuine oroaniser of the rank and file left wing within the . The success of its bulletin at reflected this fact.

For example, Briefing's was the only slate to he elected in the CLP's section of the NEC election. It was the clearest voice for unity Socialist deren of policies and opposition to the witch hunt.

Following the conference Briefing can play decisive role stimulating the necessary debate on where the left goes here örganising a network of left caucuses throughout the country.

Briefing's next editorial meeting will be on Sunday 23 October, at llam, County n LocoR

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YET AGAIN, this year's Labour Party conference chose to ignore and deride the demands of women members for more democracy in the Party. In fact the women's demands were minimal.

They were embodied in composite resolutions calling for the Labour Women's Conference to elect places on the NEC; for a rules conference to draw rules for the • so that it can no longer be ignored; and for at least five resolutions to go forward from women's conAnne Davis, in opposing all the demands for the NEC, made a speech full gestures towards women - even going so far as to offer a polite reprimand to Chair Sam McCluskie for addressing women delegates 'girlie'. But for the most though she was engaged in tipping her forelock to the'men on the Labour Party did not fight clear policies about women. On abortion, for example, the manifesto reneged on conference policy for abortion on request.

(Islington North CLP delegate) take a clear stand for liberation we could begin to break down sexist attitudes dangerous divisions between men and women in the movement.

AND I AM GLAD WELCOME To TGWU and the NUM supported this resolution now we have to fight for them to be bolder in the future and back women all the way We have to take the Socialist Action 14 October 1983 ...and the leadership?

to the mas. of women who are joining unions at twice the rate of men organise them to challenge their leadership and bring their strength to bear in the Labour Party.

Women getting their foot in the door. The CLPD Action Cartoon: LIZ MACKI 'NALGO pamphlet 'Watch your language' — see Male Order below)

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ignores demands

TO REPORT THAT 52% of THE MEMBERSHIF IS NOW FEMALE!