Labour Party conference kicks off in Bournemouth on Sunday with the main issue to be debated being Brown's proposals on party democracy. As you may be aware, the LRC encouraged Labour Party members to respond to the consultation, which closed last Friday, 14th September.
On Tuesday, the Labour Party NEC voted to accept the proposals (the results of the consultation have not yet been announced) and so it appears that from next year CLPs and affiliates will no longer have the right to take resolutions to Party conference.
- Read Tony Benn's article on the proposals My last real conference?, from today's Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2172940,00.html
Even this year, 96 of the 120 contemporary resolutions were ruled out of order by the Conference Arrangements Committee. Please do everything possible to help get the motions accepted, prioritised in the CLP ballot, debated and passed by the conference. Get your CLP Secretary to email the CAC cac@new.labour.org.uk
LRC Chair, John McDonnell MP said:
"This closing down of debate within the Labour Party by Brown's imposition of such centralised control is cutting him off from the debates of party members and the concerns of the population at large.
"If Labour Party members are denied a say in this way, they will increasingly be asking: what is the point of going to conference or even of being a party member?
The proposals still have to be voted on by delegates at conference - so urgently lobby your CLP and trade union delegates today to VOTE AGAINST the 'Extending and Renewing Party Democracy' proposals.
LRC fringe @ conference
ANOTHER WORLD IS NECESSARY
LRC Rally & Social
Tuesday 25th September
7:30pm 'til Late
Marsham Court Hotel, Russell-Cotes Road, East Cliff
Speakers include: Tony Benn, Billy Bragg, Brian Caton (POA), Katy Clark MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Lynne Jones MP, Paul Kenny (GMB), John McDonnell MP, Keith Norman (ASLEF - tbc), Mark Serwotka (PCS), Christine Shawcroft (LP NEC), Alan Simpson MP - tbc
Other events
Sunday 23 September 2007 (7pm)
Labour Against the War conference fringe meeting.
Venue: Bournemouth International Hotel, Priory Road, Bournemouth.
Speakers include: Tony Benn, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Yasmin Khan (de Menezes
Campaign), Milan Rai (Peace News), Christine Shawcroft (LP NEC), Walter
Wolfgang. Alan Simpson MP (chair)
Monday 24 September 2007 (7pm)
Labour Briefing / Socialist Campaign Group/Campaign for Socialism
Extending or Exterminating Party Democracy?
Venue: Royal Exeter Hotel, Exeter Road, Bournemouth
Speakers include: Tony Benn, Rob Kelsall (GMB), John McDonnell MP, Gordon McKay
(Campaign for Socialism), Cllr Susan Press, Darren Williams (Welsh Labour
Grassroots), Christine Shawcroft (LP NEC)
Defend Council Housing has a fringe meeting at 5.45pm Tuesday at the Bournemouth International Hotel.
Then after conference:
LRC Yorkshire Event - 21st century socialism
Saturday 29th September
This one-day forum is open to all trade unionists, Labour Party members and supporters of democratic socialism. A great chance to come and debate the future of the Left!
12pm-5pm, Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. View map at Streetmap
Speakers include: Alice Mahon, John McDonnell MP, Linda Riordan MP, Mike Wood MP