Spring/Summer 2004 - (Volume 8, Issue 1)
| Challenges For Today | News in Brief | Response to Richard Commission Report |
| Meetings & Events | Connolly Association Appeal | Branch News |
A hard copy of Red Alert is available which includes a 'Communists in the capitalist press' section with numerous cuttings form the Western Mail, Evening Leader, South Wales Argus and the Pontypridd & Llantrisant Observer showing articles from the CP election campaign, letters on the CP's position to the fuel blockade and the Foot & Mouth crisis and notice of the Welsh Communists BRS launch events.
Newly elected Welsh Secretary, Rick Newnham, outlines the challenges
facing the Communist Party in Wales
One of our major tasks as communists is to continually assess and
re-assess the political, social and economic conditions of our time and develop
strategies of action based upon that analysis. This task requires us to be objective
and self-critical whilst creating the conditions that will promote
the necessary unity to challenge the forces of imperialism. Any analysis that
ignores these
objective conditions or retains strategies due to a blind loyalty to tradition
is doing a major
disservice to the movement.
The International Situation
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union we have witnessed the ‘advance’
of neo-liberal imperialist policies and a reduction in the capacity of many
nation states to retain control of their economic and social policies. However
there are indications that the false alliance of the major imperialist powers
is beginning to break down now that the Soviet Union cannot be deemed to pose
a threat. Despite the creation of the new terrorist threat, designed to bring
the leading imperialist states into US control, there is a reluctance to comply
particularly from Russia, France and Germany. The US preference for using military
means rather than coercing international forums to establish control of economic
resources highlights this inter-imperialist tension. The reluctance shown by
Germany, France and Britain in establishing a standardised European level of
public borrowing and monetary union shows once again that inter imperialist
rivalry is a factor that will not allow the adherents of a unified ‘globalisation’
to fully justify their vision.
For communists this situation requires us to expose the nature of imperialism
through the labour movement, the peace movement, the anti EU campaigns and the
anti-globalisation, world poverty and environmental forums. These campaigns
are all linked through their potential opposition to the common causal barrier
of imperialism. There is, however a lack of political understanding regarding
the common enemy and in particular the role of the EU. In Wales this is exacerbated
due to Plaid’s uncritical EU position.
The British Context
The continuing dismantling of the welfare state follows a trend that British
governments have been involved in for decades but since the collapse of the
Soviet Union and the weakening of the organised labour movement in the 1980s
this trend has increased. The British signing of the GATS agreement commits
Britain to the dismantling of public services through opening up these services
to private competition. There is a need to step up the fight to retain public
services as is being done in other European countries. However, in doing so
we need to expose the role of the European Union and the World Trade Organisation.
British imperialism appears to have opted for a strategy of playing junior partner
to US imperialism in the hope that this ‘status’ will provide a
competitive edge against its European ‘partners’. Like the US, Britain
has a high level of military expenditure and in order to utilise this ‘advantage’
it has to create wars and instability to remain competitive.
In economic terms Britain’s establishment has abdicated any form of supposed
representative responsibility for the population’s well being. Entirely
geared up for the needs of transnational corporations and banks the government
blames any economic ills on the inevitably of market
forces or internal skills deficits.
By ignoring the question of accountability over big business the government
shifts the focus of attention towards the population’s inadequate capacity
to attract these exploitative forces to invest here. As communists we need to
fully expose the government’s unwillingness to make big
business accountable to any populace. We must be careful not to become involved
in competing with the low paid workers of other countries in attracting transnational
investment. We have the same struggle in wrestling control from the transnational
corporations across national boundaries and exposing the government for their
unwillingness to address this basic requirement.
In political terms the key question that faces us is whether the Labour Party
remains the key objective in building working class unity. The situation at
the moment is extremely dangerous because of the haemorrhaging of both trade
union and Labour Party membership and the potential
for further splits in the movement. Because unity is the key objective we are
in danger of losing influence in the organised labour movement if we explore
alternatives to the Labour Party and in danger of losing influence in the wider
labour and progressive movement if we become associated
with the Labour Party too uncritically. In remaining uncommitted on the issue
we contribute to the appallingly low levels of political understanding across
the movement and allow further disunity through ‘right wing’ labour
economism or ‘left wing’ sectarianism.
Lenin’s position after the First World War was to call for maximum unity
in the formation of the communist party and to support the Labour Party where
our candidates could not stand. But the key point of this strategy was to expose
the Labour leadership when in government for the first
time. What seems necessary is for us to drive an ideological wedge between the
vast membership of the Labour Party and its corrupt and criminal leadership.
We also need to recognise the low level of political analysis and activity in
the Labour Party and its relative isolation from other
progressive movements. One example of this was illustrated by the lack of Labour
Party and trade union banners present at the large anti war demonstrations.
We need to spend considerable effort on creating unity between the labour and
trade union
membership and other progressive forces.
Combating Fascism
The immigration, economic and social policies of the government and the general
level of distrust and disinterest in pseudo-democratic politics has created
a situation that the fascists are hoping to exploit. With considerable support
from the bourgeois media the fascists have been able to divert
frustration against the social results of imperialist policies and blame them
upon the fellow casualties of such policies. Without understanding the causal
factors fascism can only be countered by appealing to humanistic concerns. Whilst
the appeal to humanistic concerns is vital in building the largest possible
alliance against the fascists it is also important that we expose the establishment’s
role in creating the social conditions where frustration, alienation and hopelessness
prevail. There is a need to maximise the breadth and extent of anti fascist
opposition and the Wales friends of Searchlight
initiative is beginning to play a lead role in Wales on this issue. We should
ensure that this initiative is fully and actively supported from the whole movement.
Trade Union Work
The recent elections of progressive leaders in some of the major unions combined
with what appears to be a slight increase in militancy is to be welcomed, but
its significance should not be over-estimated. Britain has retained its anti
trade union legislation, privatisation of public services
continues to be championed by the government and the number of manufacturing
jobs continues to decline. All three phenomena are a direct result of neo-liberal
government policies designed to give transnational companies unfettered freedom
to maximise their level of exploitation. The government, bolstered by the support
of the European Union and the World Trade Organisation is an accessory to the
mugging of its own population.
As communists we need to use every opportunity to expose this crime throughout
the trade union movement. The false benefits of Europe in particular should
be campaigned against. To this end we need to ensure through:
· A heightened presence at the Wales TUC
· A higher profile for the Morning Star with targeted sales to conferences
and to branch officials
· An increase in the profile of Rebecca Books
· A more sustained approach to create links between trade union branches
and progressive
campaigns
· A concerted effort to increase the Party’s mailing list to advertise
public meetings and
literature. Party members should help to ensure this list is updated and increased.
Communist Party Organisation
The most pressing priority is recruitment. To meet the demands upon us we need
to recruit more cadres as a matter of urgency. For this to become a reality
we need to raise our profile, level of propaganda and recruitment effectiveness
through:
· Standing candidates in all elections
· Increase Morning Star sales and profile
· Ensure a continual programme of Morning Star readers & supporters
meetings is sustained
· Develop a Wales Communist University
· Increase our regular mailing list
· Produce and distribute localised propaganda more effectively
· Targeted recruitment
· An increase in enquiry follow-up response efficiency
· Ensuring we have an organised presence at all major demonstrations
and cultural events
· Ensuring Rebecca Books is publicised and utilised to a greater extent
· Using the local/Welsh media more consistently.
As the incoming Welsh secretary I am aware that we face huge challenges but
am equally
convinced that only with a strong and vibrant Communist Party can real progress
towards
a socialist revolution be made.
Rick Newnham, Welsh secretary
Welsh Committee elects new leadership
Alric Newnham was elected unanimously as the new secretary of the Communist
Party in Wales, after John Lent stood down due to personal and professional
pressures. John Lent was subsequently elected as chairperson.
New Welsh committee officers:
Secretary - Alric Newnham
Chairperson - John Lent
Treasurer - Brian Williams
Morning Star Organiser - Nikki Hardman
Industrial Organiser - Dominic MacAskill
New secretariat elected
The Welsh committee elected a three person secretariat - Alric Newnham, John
Lent & Brian Williams - that will meet between Welsh committees and be responsible
for actioning and monitoring the work of this committee.
Welsh Congress decisions to be actioned
Affiliation to the Bevan Foundation
The Communist party agreed to taking an active part in this new ‘Welsh
Left wing think
tank’.
Establish a Welsh Morning Star Committee
Nikki Hardman will work on proposals to action this decision to be discussed
at a future Welsh Commiittee meeting.
Publish a bi-lingual version of the Welsh Congress resolution
Robert Griffiths to action this decision in time to distribute at the Wales
TUC congress in May.
Establish a Communist University in Wales
Dave Brown will set up a team of tutors to work on the syllabus for a Communist
University to be held in the Historical Centre (Pontypirdd) over a weekend in
October with a Saturday social in Clwb y Bont.
Elections
CP to contest local elections
The Welsh committee agreed to contest the following Local Government seats:
Cardiff wards - Adamsdown & Splott
RCT wards - Taffs Well & Mountain Ash
Flintshire ward - Shotton
Election website copied
The National Library of Wales is establishing a Web Archive and contacted the
Communist Party to seek permission to copy our 2003 National Assembly election
website for inclusion in the Welsh Political Archive. Needless to say permission
was granted.
Rebecca Books
Management committee meeting
The WC agreed that Dominic MacAskill should convene a meeting of all CCTUS/Rebecca
Books subscribers to develop a strategy and action plan to increase the profile
and use of this valuable resource.
New leaflet
A new leaflet is being produced with a map to direct users to the bookshop.
Catalogue
Dave Brown will also be cataloguing the bokshop’s stock inputting this
data onto the
office computer.
Standing Order drive
The WC agreed to have a drive to increase the numbers of subscribers to CCTUS/Rebecca
Books, as standing orders had sliped from a high point of £240/month,
when the centre was established around 6 years ago, to £110 today. This
drastic drop in revenue has undermined the long term viability of our premises
and book shop. All comrades are urged to help with this subscriber drive.
Wales TUC
The WC agreed to:
· produce a delegate pack for the Wales TUC Congress in May, including
a special Unity bulletin.
· to produce a Welsh ‘Needs of the Hour’
· to invite delegates to get involved in a Welsh Trade Union Left Forum
As well as organise the usual Morning Star sales and collections.
Morning Star
EU Meetings
The WC agreed to hold a series of meetings around the question of the EU and
the EURO, in the run up to the European elections in June. The Secretariat will
discuss details with Nikki Hardman to co-ordinate with branches.
Fête De L’Humanité
The WC agreed to organise the trip to this years Fête; there was a discussion
over the best mode of transport and the deciosn was to go by bus and ferry -
as the best way of keeping the group together and ensuring that the event was
a political as well as social
event. It was also agreed to disuade comrades for going independantly by declining
to book their hotel accommodation. with the organised group. Dominic MacAskill
and Brian Williams to co-ordinate trip organisation.
Wales Friends of Searchlight
The WC is encouraging all branches to affiliate to WFoS and to support its actions
to combat racism and fascism in Wales.
Membership
There are still some members who have not completed the registration/standing
order form to be sent to Party headquarters. Even if your not paying by standing
order you still need to complete the form to be issued with your membership
card.
Welsh Communists welcome the Richard Commission Report as a step towards establishing a real People's Parliament for Wales
The Communist Party in Wales issued this press release following discussion
of the Richard Commission Report, that was published the
preceding week, at the Welsh Committee meeting held on 4th April 2004.
The Executive of the Welsh Communist Party, meeting in Cardiff over the weekend,
welcomed the Richard Commission Report as an overall progressive
contribution towards tackling the powerlessness of the people of Wales.
The Communist Party in Wales has been at the forefront of the campaign for a
Parliament for Wales since the original launch of the campaign back in 1950
but
the Communist Party has always called for a Parliament of a new type.
The Communist Party advocates that the Assembly should be given the powers and
resources to control and develop the economy, to create the best framework
for the provision of vital services, to protect the environment and to strengthen
the cultural identity of the Welsh people. To increase public investment in
public
services, to stop the PFI privatisation of our Health Service and Local Government
and to provide investment for our run down council housing without
requiring them to be sold off through Housing Stock Transfers.
To this end, economic, law-making and revenue-raising powers are inter-
connected.
In welcoming the Richard Commission Report, Rick Newnham the Communist Party’s
Welsh secretary, stated, “The Richard Commission has done a great
service for the people of Wales in identifying the need for the Assembly to
have law-making powers and to have an elected body that reflects the true will
of the
people (through the use of the STV electoral system) but has failed to grasp
the reality that revenue raising powers are not only desirable but essential
to the
project of making the Assembly into a real power for progressive change.”
Rick Newnham went onto say, “It is clear that the Assembly doesn’t
currently have sufficient resource to meet the needs and aspirations of the
people of
Wales, the Communist Party believes extra resources can be obtained by revising
the Barnet Formula to take into account the needs of Wales not just the
population and by shifting the burden of taxation from the poor to big business
and the rich.”
Rick Newnham ended by calling on the Labour Party, when it holds its recall
conference in September, “To take hold of this historic opportunity to
fundamentally shift the balance of political power towards ordinary people,
don’t fudge the issue but accept all of the reports findings including
the desire for fund-
raising powers and incorporate them as part of a socialist manifesto for Wales.”
The Richard Commission Report at a Glance
Proposals:
· Primary law-making powers for the National Assembly by 2011
· Beefed-up powers to introduce secondary legislation in the meantime.
· An increase in the number of AMs from 60 to 80.
· A change in the election system to the Single Transferable system of
proportional representation.
The report also argues that tax-levying powers are desirable but not essential
for the Assembly to pass its own laws.
Communists to put pressure on Labour
Communist have been influential in developing trade unions policies on this
issue and will be working, inside and outside the Wales TUC, to ensure that
pressure is put on the Wales Labour Party to implement the Richard Commission
Report in full.
South Wales Morning Star May Day Rally & Sociallive music with Dave Burns,
20 Years Since The Miners’ Strike and the Fight for Peace, Jobs and Justice
Today
7.30 pm, Saturday 1st May Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd Admission: £5/£3
Speakers include: John Haylett (Editor, Morning Star) & Billy Liddon (Unison
official & ex-Cwm lodge secretary)
Proceeds to the Peoples Press Fighting Fund
Cardiff Morning Star Readers and Supporters Group
Present
A Discussion evening on: Little Moscow’s: Lewis Jones & The Welsh
Revolutionary Tradition
Led by Dr John Callow
With Revolutionary Songs by Dave Burns
To be held at Rebecca Books 182 Habershon Street, Splott, Cardiff Friday 23rd
April 7:30pm till Late Admission: £3.50 includes Curry/Rice and Chapatti
Cardiff Morning Star Readers & Supporters
Public Meeting
The European Union -In Whose Interest?
With Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru AM), Darren Williams (Labour Party), Rob Griffiths
(Communist Party) & Dominic MacAskill (Wales TASC)
Thursday 6th May at 7.30pm Rebecca Books 182 Habershon Street, Splott.
2004 Fête De L’Humanité (PARIS)
The South Wales Morning Star Supporters’ trip to the Fête De L’Humanité
in Paris is back!
9th – 13th September 2004
· Travel by Executive coach and ferry
· Three nights hotel accommodation in Montmartre close to the famous
Basilique Du Sacre Coeur
· Ticket to the three day Fête
· Tour of the sights of Paris
All For ONLY £160.00
If you wish to book a place on this weekend cultural, political, musical &
culinary extravaganza then just send, with your details, a £50.00 non-returnable
deposit (Cheques made payable to Morning Star Supporters) to
Fête De L’Humanité, CCTUS, 182 Habershon St, Splott, Cardiff,
CF24 2LE.
Further information from Dominic MacAskill 07779140118
Tolpuddle Festival 16 - 18th July
Join the Welsh communist contingent at this years festival. Book your tent pitch
by sending £20.00 to South West TUC, Church House, Church Road, Filton,
Bristol, BS34 7BD
check out: www.tuc.org.uk/tolpuddle
e-mail Dominic: office@welshcommunists.co.uk if you’re intending to join
us there.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign Cymru
Notice of Events
Tuesday 27th April - Public meeting, 6.30 pm Temple of Peace, Huam Zomlot (Councillor
for Political Affairs, Palestine General Delegation) on “The illegal
Israeli Wall” Saturday 15th May - 1.30 pm PSC UK Rally. Trafalgar Square,
London. Coach seats must be booked in advance. £15 waged £10 unwaged.
Leaving Cardiff 8 am.
Sunday 13th June - 10.45am for 11 am Sponsored Walk for society of In’as
El-Usra Women’s co-operative training centre and orphanage. Meet in field
next to
Atlantic College, St George’s Field, St Donate’s near Llantwit Major.
For further details on any of the above contact: PSC Cymru c/o Beatysmith@hotmail.com
or telephone Beaty on 029 20886113
Dear Friends, Supporters and Members,
We in the Connolly Association can be proud of our past, as Derek Warfield,
leader of the folk group, the Wolfe Tones said recently, “The Connolly
Association is one of the few political organisations that have stood the test
of time, they have lived through the rough times and never wavered in their
campaign to end partition, or in their efforts to enhance and assist the well
being of the Irish in Britain”.
Our greatest strength is our unfaltering commitment to a united and independent
Ireland and our ability to continually take political action, which moves us
one step closer towards our goal. Our single greatest challenge now, is that
we once again organise and utilise our strengths to step up our campaign to
persuade those in government and power of the need for rapid and immediate movement
to secure the success of the Good Friday Agreement.
This is the task we set ourselves. But we need more active members who can contribute
and
participate in the work that needs to be done.
To meet this challenge we must be more professional in our approach, we must
lobby more MPs and influence the decisions makers, we must organise more public
meetings, sell more papers and extend the bookshop hours.
Our dilemma is that:
· We have members from Cornwall to Caithness, but not in sufficient numbers.
· We have our paper, the Irish Democrat, but we do not have enough readers.
· The Four Provinces Bookshop, one of the few Irish Bookshops in Britain,
with as many books in stock as a Belfast or Dublin bookshop but does not have
enough customers.
Do you want to help? Do you want to play a part in the shaping of a united Ireland?
If so, all we ask is that you ring the office as soon as you read this appeal
and offer to help in whatever way you can. There is a role for you in the Connolly
Association... Will you join with us in helping to shape the future?
Jim Redmond
Connolly Association Executive Committee
Connolly Association
244 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8JR
Tel: 0207 8333022
The Irish Democrat newspaper is available at Rebecca Books
New Quotas set for branches (details available from branch secretaries)
Rick Newnham oulines the reasoning behind the Welsh committee’s financial
targets.
The Branch Quota targets for 2004 are demanding but realisable, they include
a necessary addition for the Welsh Committee to enable the committee to conduct
its
important business of running the Party in Wales. It is vital that the branch
targets are met in full to ensure that the Welsh Committee can pay for: travel
expenses, printing costs, postage, affiliations, telephone bill ..etc
Fund raising events such as: raffles, sponsored walks, socials, collections
or just increasing the number of Direct Debit payers should ensure that your
targets are met.
All comrades should contibute a payment, however small, to the quota target.
All branch payments should be sent direct to Brian Williams (Welsh Communist
Party treasurer) 15 Green Park, Talbot Green, CF72 8RB. Cheques to be made payable
to ‘WCCPB’.
2004 Branch secretaries list
Cardiff - Dave Rawlings
Cynon Valley - Nigel Maskell
Flintshire - Glyn Davies
Gwent - Dave Brown
Gwynedd & Mons - Nikki Hardman
Pontypridd - Dominic MacAskill
Swansea - Roger Jones