THE TORY inspired campaign over Libya this week exposed the face of Neil leadership of the Labour Party.
Kinnock's attacks on the NUM's contacts with Libya were a caleulated blow aimed at the Scargill leadership of the mineworkers Their aim was to weaken and isolate the main obstacle to a NACODS-type settlement of the miners's strike. Their effect is to try to make it more difficult for militants to raise support for the miners.
None of that is an accident. Basnett and Willis have no stomach for the fight which is needed to secure a victory for the NUM. Kinnock has sided with the right wing In une dispute from the beginning.
It is this weakness that the Tories are now trying to exploit. Thatcher's hopes for victory are still pinned on the leadership of the TUC backing down from support for the mers.
That is why David Basnett, who was last week described as 'weak and ineffectual', was suddenly hailed this week by the press as the "TUC's elder Stelal after had attacked Roger Windsor's meeting with Gadam. Ine wole mysterical witch hunt at the beginning of the week was simply used as a cover for the NCB's hardening position on the talks with the NUM - and the government decision to break them off. This government toughening of position is going hand in hand with stepping up the use of the courts.
Last week's sequestration of NUM funds is inevitably going to be followed attacks against both the miners and unions supporting them. By escalating their Build the attacks the Tories hope to send the TUC running for cover.
Instead the TUC, and left-led unions, must now turn to dealing with the threat mounted by the courts and stepping up the solidarity action.
The General Council must declare its intention to meet the legal attacks with industrial action. Any weakness will encourage further attacks against not only the NUM but also the rest of the trade union movement as well.
The breakdown OI the talks should be met with a rapid stepping up of the solidarity action. The main action!
targets are power blockade of coal and oil is still the first priority and the TUC, in addition to individual unions, should throw its full weight openly behind this campaign.
Also now there is urgent need of money. The legal attacks will inevitably increase the hardship in the coalfields. The trade union movement should ensure that there is no question of the miners being starved back.
There must be no repeat of the scabbing seen last week. The NUM's courageous refusal to make any concessions to the closure programme must be backed. • Stop the coal - stop the oil VICTORY TO THE MINERS!
MINEWORKERS' Defence Com- • Keep the money coming • For a 24-hour general strike mittee conference now confirmed for 2 December in Camden Town • For a national Labour Party demonstration Hall. London. Scargill, Benn, Skinner to speak plus workshops.
Details from the campaign c/o • For a national solidarity conference Ken Livingstone at County Hall or phone 01-981 3289. Publicity available now.
ACTiON SOCiAList Socialist Action 2 November 1984