Sections Sections NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 1985 Sop Handsworth Explodes

Labour Party LABOUR PARTY BIach Bf ach Sections Sections NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 1985 SOp Handsworth Explodes

THE RECENT events at Handsworth in Birmingham have provided stark evidence that much-vaunted'improvements' in the living conditions of Black people in Britain's inner cities since the uprisings of 19E0, 1981 and 1982 have been no more thân cosmetic. The Labour Party Black Sections are horrified at the deaths that occurred at Handsworth and we offer our con- dolences to the bereaved families. The Tory Gcivernment stands indicted of criminal neglect of Bri- tain's Black communities. So do Labour politicians who col- laborate with oppression by calling for heavier policing to solve the problem. Lâbour-run Birmingham is a 'partnership' authority which receives a few extra crumbs lrom the Covernment. The petty cash which has come to the area in this way has made no impact on urban decay, bad housing and a local economy which makes it an l{e do not need mo¡e oi thls klnd oi pollclné exception to be employed ifyou are young and Black. Seventy-one tinderbox because of racism and mass unemployment. per cent of Black youth aged between 16 and 20 are out of work Representatives of the National Committee visited the area at because of the Tories' vicious and divisive economic policies. The the invitation of Birmingham City councillor Amir Khan. One ol right-wingers who control Birmingham City council with the aid of them, vice chair Marc Wadsworth, said afterwards: 'Those that community godfathers have allowed themselves to be manipulated cast the troubles as inter-racial have no conception of the unity by Thatcher. Proportionately more money is lavished on leafy which exists between Asian and Afro-Caribbean working people in suburbs like Edgebaston than the inner city ghettos of Handsworth Handsworth'. and Sparkbrook. The Indian Workers Association stated firmly: 'West Indians are Yet we have heard hardly a word about these inequalities from not to blame for the riots. lt was caused by social deprivation and Labour Deputy leader Roy Hattersley, MP lor Sparkbrook, and police harassment'. Shadow housing spokesman Jeff Rooker, MP for Perry Barr, which covers part of Handsworth. lt was Rooker who called in- Gommunity Policing stead for more police. Some have required We oppose the politics of tontainment' which mean more slush suggested that what is in Handsworth is more policing. We policing funds for tommunity projects' run by the godfather mafia and community urge caution. Community be a sham provide heavier policing. Black Sections stands lor the policies of power- can and a mask to a 'human face' to heavy- policing sharing. We demand that Blâck people, alienated from participa- handed focussing on targetting and intelligence gathering which, far improving relationships police tion in mainstream politics because of past sell-outs like the pass- lrom between the and the public, police ing of racist immigration laws, must be given a real stake in the make it worse and take us one more step towards a political structures of this country. state. What is needed are not bigger and badder police riot squads but policing by consent and under democratic control. We do not need The Fire l{ext Time more police on drug squads. We do need special police units set up Time is running out for the bankrupt politicians who oppose to combat the evils of race attacks made on Black people by fascist Black rights in Britain. We must and will be allowed to speak for thugs. And we need a determination by local authorities, ourselves about how best our needs and aspirations are to be spearheaded by Labour, to evict racist tenants, not move the vic- fulfilled. Handsworth is a warning of the Fire Next Time in Brix- tims to even worse housing. ton, Toxteth, Bradford, Southall, Leicester, Moss Sidg St Pauls, and every other inner ciity area unless Black Britons receive our people fair slice of the economic, political and social cake. Splitting Black Representatives of the National Committee visited the area at Great play has been made in the media of the supposed an- the invitation of Birmingham City councillor Amir Khan. One of tagonism between Afro-Caribbean and Asian people, pointing to them, vice- chair Marc Wadsworth, said afterwards; 'Those that burnt out Asian-owned shops and ignoring burnt shops owned by cast the troubles as inter-racial have no conception of the unity Afro-Caribbeans and white people. which exists between Asian and Afro-Caribbean working people in The aim of this is to split Black people and to divert attention ' Handsworth'. away from the real causes of the riots urban decay, unemploy- The Indian Workers Association stated firmly: 'West Indians are ment and heavy-handed, racist policing.- It is hogwash to claim that not to blame for the riots. It was caused by social deprivation and Handsworth is a tinderbox because it is a multiracial area. It is a police harassment'. 2 PPCaSPEAKOUI Black Prospective ParliamentaJV Gandidates Speak Out

,N THE past few montlis we have seen a handîul oi Btack ppcb selected In wlnnable or safe Labou¡ seats, Tñfs ls a blg step lorwa¡d îrom the last lenetat etection but oî cou¡se nowhere near the numbe¡s whlch woutd rcîlectthe prcportlon of Black people ln tåls country - tfiat would rcqulre a¡ound 30 [tps. Black Sectfons have played a big role ln ensurlngl tfie selectlon oî Black PPC'S. Ulrîo¡tanately In the sefec- procødute, tlon as wítli Rlrssell P¡oîltt In Lewlsham East, out 'gteat whlte leadets' have ln thefu wlsdom reÍused to endo¡se the candldacy. ln other CLPs Black Sectlons have played a rcle öy dlscussln S wtth GC detegates and otfier party members the împortance of sefectln$ a Black candldate. Blacksectlons iave kept up the potittcalpressureä i U" ptr- ty' Without tlrem tlrese îlrst small steps would not have been taken. tt is now up to theÞattyto eisure t¡¡at the lead taken by Lewísham East, Erent Soutfi and North, Tottenham and Lefcester East ls ¡ittowe¿. BeÍow we print a staternent by Russell Prolltt on Handsworth and stafements by otfrer ppc's on Btack Sec- tlons and their candidacles.

of the need for changed approaches to create Statement by Paul Boateng equality and full implementation through power We have committed ourselves in Brent South to sharing will any progress be made. work, not only for the early return of the Labour This is what we in Black Sections must and will f, Government, but to build a strong campaigning It continue to fight for. 3 organisation necessary to sustain Socialist RUSSELL PROFITT policies after the next election. Labour Prospective Candidatg l¿wisham Bast. Blacks and women have a critical role to play in È R this if, as a Partf we are to deliver on the issues of q) jobs, health and the threat world peace t{ to presented by the arms racg racism and the 5 North/South development crisis. Brent South Constituency Labour Party, in selecting me as its i prospective parliamentary candidatg has under- È t: written its belief that an all-white, overwhelmingly male Parliament Russell can never be an effective vehicle for Socialism. We are not concerned with 'More Handlworth's on tho way unlosr tokenism. I have been selected to represent all the power sharlng boglns now' !ay! Ru¡¡oll people of Brent South, black and whitg and to Profltt. contribute to the growth of a strong, broadly bas- The uncanny similarities between what has hap- ed Party, capable of winning community support pened in Handsworth, Birmingham, and the uprisings of Summer l98l ought not to be lost to the community, despite the disgraceful and unhelpful comments of prominent party spokespersons. Handsworth again highlighted the fact that Black Sectlonr and ny candldacy by l(elth u current political approaches to tackling racism Yaz o and dealing with the needs of Black people are not The Leicester East Constituency Labour party has v futile o only but hopelessly outdated. The time for not as yet established a Black Section, there are a o change is now long overdue. number of black comrades in the party and the my view, ln it is not only counter-productive, Black and Asian population of the constituency is ö but trite and facile, ,racial s to see Handsworth as now 3090 of the total. s rivalry' between Afro-Caribbean and Asian, or I consider that the Black Sections movement even between Black and white. ln truth, it is a de- has had a positive effect on the selection of all the mand f'or action in favour of the disadvantaged. BIack Prospective Parliamentary Candidates. The and involvement in the implementation Warnings of the against the continuation of present movement has raised the issue of race and racism Party's policies locally and nationally. day approaches have been loudly, clearly and in a positive and constructive way. But what is Cains have been made, both in terms of repeatedly given by the Black community, par- needed now is for the new black ppCs and the representation and policy in recent years, par_ ticularly those of us involved in the struggle for other activists in the Party to begin to formulate ticularly at a local level. The movement for Biack direct political participation. Sadl¡ these have the policies which will hopefully be included in Secctions has played a significant part in this. A been ignored or, worse, derided, by those who are the next Election Manifesto. That work must speedy and comradely resolution of the current closely associated with past failures. begin now. lf it does not we will become just a debate within the Party as to how best to Such individuals, party accom- including Labour footnote in the history of the party and the modate the needs and aspirations of the Black leaders who have benefitted from the old Com- history of Black people in Britain. community within the Party's Constitution is now munity Relations and ,Godfather' the style of KEITH VAZ required if we are to translate these gains into suc- operation, seem dis-interested in finding proper Prospective Parliamentary Candi¡te l¿icester cess at the polls and an important advance in the solutions, and, increasingly, are being seen as Esst. struggle to create a Socialist Britain. irrelevant. Let there be no mistakg unless the demands for power sharing and equality advanced recently by BERNIEGRANT power structures, particularly in the inner city areas the growing Black Sections movement, are taken Tonenham's Labour prospective candidate, Bernie where the Labour Party depends heavily on the seriously and real changes madg further uprisings Grant, told supporters immediately after his historic Black vote to win elections. And he added that Black are ,I bound to follow. victory over sitting MP Norman Atkinson; have Sections would ensure that our representatives re- The discriminated against and the disadvantag- Black Sections to thank for raising the temperature mained fully accountable to the Black öommunity as ed, burdened by racial and economic oppression, and making this possible'. He went on ro e¡

LABOUR PARTY Conference in of the Labour Party itself.' Even Bill Morris workers? When it is out of power then the Bournemouth is set to become a battle' has been forced to hit out at the White party hand of friendship is extended from the ground. At stake the soul of the party. leaders who characterise Black Sections as a Labour Party.' - He says he finds this The Black Sections National Committee Centre-stage is the struggle over whether form of 'apartheid'. argument 'repugnant'. has backed the demands of Azanians like or not the will of the rank and file on the The message of Black Sections is clear: for complete and inviolable economic amnestY sacked Qraish question of an for Black people must get a real stake in the and diplomatic sanctions against the fascist prevail miners can over the self-interest decision-making processes of this society, Pretoria regime. l¿bour Party and trade of a handful of Labour leaders hungry beginning with the Labour Party. Without union leaders must raise money for the for high office Feverish actions aimed at Black participation there can be no real solu- freedom fighters, block South African im- nobbling the leaders of big unions whose tions to racist immigration laws which divide ports and exports and step-up the campaign members backed the demand at the Black families, to racial harassment, to the for these minimal measures, Here in Britain TUC must not succeed. ruthless economic exploitation of Black Black Labour Party members want a cast- Sadly, the dirty work on Black Sections labour, to racist education, to bad housing iron guarantee enshrined in the constution has already been done. Black TitG deputy and to Black youth unemployment. Right- the same as for Women and Youth, ol our party general secretary designate and soon to be wing Labour MPs collaborating with oppres- right to self-organise. Failure by the to member of Labour's NEC, Bill Morris, has sion by calling for more police in Black areas give us recognition will be seen as a major been wheeled out by Kinnock's union to like strife-torn Handsworth must be stopped. snub by Black people, our most loyal sup- torpedo the issue. And the l¿bour leader porters. Black communities will perceive the himself has signalled to the big block votes by rejection as further evidence that entrenched racist attitudes still persist among Labour condemning the Black Sections campaign as Support Diane Abbott læaders who want Black votes but not an 'repellent' and its leaders as 'bankrupt'. He for the NEG told a select group of all-white and organised Black voice. predominantly-male Westminster lobby cor- Black Sections in 35 CLPs, from Man- came from just l5 respondents the demand chester to Birmingham and Nottingham and peo- or 20 people. He also crowed that Asian London, speaks volumes of the demand. ple will never accept' Black Sections. Proof that we have won the argument for leâdershio face At Conference the Labour Black Sections each time we have been given the issue from con- the reality: 20 motions on a fair hearing at rank and file level has come parties stituency representing thousands of from the findings of the NEC's own working Socialists. The Standing Conference of Afro- party. They said 'Yes'. So do a majority of back the Caribbean and Asian Councillors CLPs, the NUM, NUPE, Black councillors the Asian and Afro-Caribbean demand. And and the l¿bour Women's Conference. party CLP in Birm- members of Sparkbrook We have won the argument among the West London ingham and Southall CLP in rank and file This despite the undemocratic represent are fighting for the right to ways of unions like the T&G with their vested properly recognised themselves through interest in toe-ing the Kinnock-line because members have been Black Sections. Asian they sponsor him. Our message to unions by subjected to an unprecedented attack with large Black memberships like the Ti&G is leadership in both CLPs. Labour's national the same as the one we have given to CLPs In Southall this has meant an investigation with large Black memberships ask those into trumped up charges of 'membership ir- member what they want and stop- patronising regularites'. In Sparkbrook this has meant them by acting as if you speak on their propping godfathers the up of right-wing by behalf. NUPE asked their Black members Labour leaders in rotten boroughs. about Black Sections and they said 'Yes'. The Roy Hattersley is MP for Sparkbrook and, NEC's working party asked all parts of the a year ago, he wrote that a Black Section in labour movement and the response was 'Yes'. z his constituency would be a'retrograde step We must end the double standard by which q v and 'his' Asian members didn't want it. Kin- the 1984 TUC passed a composite agreeing to o o nock and Hattersley are being forced to eat 'encourage the establishment of 'Black O their words. Hattersley and his Black stooges Members' Groups' in the unions yet weeks set up to speak against us claimed the de- later the big unions votged against Black Sec- ð was just tions. TUC also agree with ethnic monitoring mand for Black Sections from Lon- a,€ don. The facts tell a different story - nine (same as the working party), the l¿bour Par- motions from outside the capital, ll from Díane Abbotû ty does not. And, in Blackpool this year, London. Our tally could have been higher backed the NUM's claim for reinstatement of had we not agreed in a number of CLPs to sacked miners and the reimbursement of support l.esbian and Gay comrades struggl- There must be no more sell-outs. Nothing fines. The Labour leadership do not. Help ing for an important first-time debate at less than total support from white comrades the struggles of the NUM, Women, Læsbian Conference. for our struggle is good enough. No more and Gay people and Black Sections The Marxist journal Race Today say: 'Kin- mealy-mouthed platitudes about freedom in transform Labour into a socialist party run nock's opposition to Black Sections amounts Azania (South Africa) or Black rights in Bri- by its members. The choice is simple - either to nothing less than Euro-centric bigotry. It is tain. Black Azanian trade unionist Qraish we do this and make the party relevant to not the leadership of the Black Sections that Patel asks:'When the Labour Party was in huge unrepresented sections of our support is 'bankrupt' or'repellent' but the leadership power what did it do to support Black or wdll perish. 4 ilECNEPORÎ Black Sections lead ilEC Working Party says'Yes' By Narendra Makanji r'eport ^H, in support of Black Sec- tions was produced BLACK Labour Party members, Racist Working Group, a 24 member body by a work- fighting to secure the recognition of to "challenge and defeat policies and prac- ing party r¡ndet the chaitper- Black Sections within its ranks, have tices which are overtly racist or racist by im- sonship of Ms Io Richardson had a major effect in forcing all major plication or omission". The draft constitu- MP. Eletren memberr, including political organisations in the country to tion of the group proposed that no more fo, were strongly in farrcu¡; fhe examine their structures, practices and than one third of its members shall be whitg remaining three were against. and policies regarding race equality. at least half the total membership shall The majority rejected a com- be women. This group will encourage local promise First and foremost we can point the solution that instead of to CND groups to work - suggestions from the Labour closely with local anti- forming sections, Black people Party leader- racist groups. ship that a national advisory committee on should organise as a socialist Àocéity All the three right-wing political parties on ethnic minority questions be set up within the longer established model of are also seeking to gain the vote of the Labour Party, together with an officer the Black the Poale Zion organisation. electorate. The Liberal Party has responsible for the affairs of Black people been con- They did so on three grounds. ducted a debate in the column of the party's o Class, gender and the ethnic monitoring of the Party's ac- and race are the newspaper "Liberal News" in which most three main tivities. It may be that we're a little cynical in - dividing lines in our of the contributors are whitel! chris Berry society: the the Black Sections, but we tend to suspect structure to offset racial calls for a new approach from scratch and discrimination that even these small moves would not have should therefore be seeks a way "to assure black people that the similar to those occurred without the pressure for Black Sec- the Party has already Liberal Party offers them a direct path to adopted tions. However we need to remind the to represent tade unions greater political development". According andwomen on its Labour leadership that these moves will be national executive. to Berry, the Liberals have not made enough There nothing but patronising tokenism unless r are already l0 societies af- progress and each attempt to develop a black filiated, rêcognition is given to the right of Black with only one representative voters' campaign has failed. between people themselves to organise and tell the them on the NEC. SDR which appears to have Party what moves are needed a scattering a .ã, separate or exceptional black to combat of Black members racism. and has reserved placei of A,fro-Caribbean socialist society for Black members on The Trades Union Congress (TUC) its ruling body, has with one representative on the ei- recently published a policy package adopted a resolution at its meeting in entitled ecutive would still understate the "Racial Justice" which was September 1984 which noted that little pro- discussed at its proportion of the Black electorate annual conference in Torquay. gress had been made in combatting euestioned that supports Labour. by the Black weekly "The Voice,,, an SDp discrimination in employment and in the The report salæ: 'It is in part leader said there was a ,ban- workplace. The TUC resolved to implement "if disproportion, because we need to avoid a then we would seriously consider black (sic) an 8-point plan which included the en- tustan' or minority representation of sections". people couragement of 'affiliated unions to set up Black in the Pany that we re- ject Poale appropriate structures to co-ordinate the The ultra right Zion's recommendation., Tory Party exhibits utter The majority group unions' work on racism'. In pursuing this confusion in its approach. The former party made these policy, proposals: the General Secretary of the TUC, chai¡ John Gumme¡ rejected black sections Norman ,If . Black sections should operate Willis, said in July 1985: our just a few days before the annual meeting of where practicable on society is to make progress in this area the Anglo-Asian Conservative Association the samè Unes and is - as ïvomen's sections, it vital that we do there must be an (AACA). The Tories are targetting the Asian active commitment - a Black sections should be open to equal opportunity by vote in the key marginals of the East and to all those people black .A,fro-Caribbean .Asian and organisations who can West Midlands (læicester, Nottingham and and use their inlluence members of the Labour party and authority to achieve Birmingham) and appear to have given up and it. I want the those who by parentage trade union movement to en- on london. This attempt is likely to backfire or colour sure that are black, who consider themselves it shoulder its responsibilites for as the handful of cultivated Asian this fully and effectively'. to be black, or are subject to businessmen were displaced by the discrimination on the basis of their The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament militarists led by Major Narinder Saroop at (CND), the largest pressure colour. single-issue the AACAs annual meeting. An inquiry has o group, has recently established an Anti- been ordered Each section should cover a by the white Tory bosses. whole constituency. o Black Sections should be represented on general and executive committees in the consti- tuencies. TVhere at least five Black Sections a¡e set up in a region there should be a right to representation on the regional executive. o The ruling body of rhe Black Sec- tions should be called the 'National

ra .Afro-Caribbean and Asian Labour 2 Committee'. o They also recommended that q( a H number of places should be iJ established on the national ex- *r ecutive for Black people elected by an annual conference of Black Sec- tions. But the working party opposes Coníar€,nca'84- the concept of mandatory inclusion Sracl soclrort domend of at least one black contender in ,þcognlûlon short lists for parliamentary selection.. PUBLIG ORDER 5 Public order and black people

by KEITH VAZ

THE new White Paper on 'Public Order' introduced by former Home ls tlils communlty pllcÍn¡f? P hoto: A N D R EV POTH ECA RY Secretary læon Brittan is an attempt outside the law more likely to be affected by the new increase police powers to over the The new proposals clearly infringe proposals. They have to be resisted at all long established right of citizens to the European Convention on Human costs. Once on the statute book it will be take part in public demonstrations. Rights which premits demonstrations almost impossible to repeal. The last Tlvo events stand out in recent history for any lawful purpose. Organisers will Public Order Act passed in 1936 has sur- as being of importance to the new be criminalised for activities which oc- vived intact for half a century. By that legislation. The first inevitably relates to cur on the demonstrations. The police reckoning the new Act will take us to the the events during the minersr strike will be allowed to impose strict condi- year 2036. when we witnessed on our evening tions on numbers and types of ac- television screens the most profound tivities. Pickets such as the ones outside Keith Vaz works for ø law centre and is misuse of police authority since the the South African "Embassy" will be Labour prospecitive porliomentsry can- force was created. The second is the subjected to police approval and they didate for Leicester East. legacy of the two abortive demonstra- will be able to direct where people stand More information can be obtainedfrom tions in support of the Newham 7. Both and how many can be involved. CROWD (Campaign þr the Right of demonstrations were brought to violent Black people are still shut out of the Assembly ønd Dissent) 38, Mount Pleo- conclusions by police officers acting mainstream of the political process, are sant, London WCIV 0AP The Labour Party's fiederal structure r a place fior everyone exeept Black members

THE Labour Party was founded not ln 1937 a seperate section for socialist, co- taucuses'. Representatives of the Black only to advance the interests of working operative and other organisations on the caucuses have reserved places on the people but also to forward the interests NEC, voted for by those organisations, was Democratic Party National Committee. of a specific group which lacked ade- introduced, along with separate voting for l¿bour also has recognised the special quate representation in British society trade union and constituency sections. As needs to represent young people on the Ex- Norwood Black Section note their the trade unions. in ecutive of the Party. It is time for the Party evidence to the NEC working party: - the Party recognised 'We now to ensure that black people have ade- From early on believe, had the makers of the constitution that exploitation concerned not only quate representation in the structure of the been given the same task today in the light of Party itself, at local, regional national class, and working class men, but also and the number of black people within the level. the role of women in society. It was for United Kingdom and their massive con- If the Labour Party were founded only on this reason responding both to the tributioh to the Party's electoral success, individual membership (as is the Socialist suffragette movement- and to progressve there would be no resistance from them to Party in France) the case against black sec- pressure women the creation of Black Sections . . . ' thinking and from tions would be a little stronger. But it is not. themselves that a special women's - The New Zealand Labour Party have the Its structure specifically recognises the case section was established on the National equivalent of a Maori section and the for representation of individual groups. Executive of the Party. American Democratic Party have Black LOGALREPORTS 7 6 tocArnEPoRTS Local reports from Black Sections

forgetting that, technicall¡ every single sonal smear campaign has been launched rights inside and outside the Labour Party tendance at ordinary meetings varies from ed to 7, the second highest in I¡ndon. meeting of fhe Constituency since February against Black Section activists in an attempt has only just begun and will intensify. Ef- O ¿EW'SHATfiEAST 12 to 20 and we have a regulai information We have also been fully involved in the 19E5 has been unconstitutional. After the to discredit them. forts are being made to sel up a Black Sec- mailing of over 200. local elecfions for the GLC and the Council. officers refused to cooperate with the selec- But to the Black Section this is a sign that tion in Nottingham South as well. We do not see Black Sections as a Although Labour lost the GI,C by-election tion, a vote was passed at the GMC calling we have won the political argumenf. These On lOth May history was made when substitute ior, but complimentary to, ward which white liberals in the Party try to blame for their resignation, which they refused fo smear campaigns are part of a general I¡wisham East took a positive step forward and other Party activity. Our Black Section on the Black Section, it was all too apparent do. realignment and righfward shift in the Party, to eradicate racism in the Labour Party by has often provided a half-way house into full that the Black voter was now far more Since the formation of the Black Section a reflected in a capitulation on the issue of allowing ¡ts two Black Section delegates participation for Black members, sometimes critical party. and demanding of the Labour large number of new Black members have ratecapping and on the miners' strike. The five reports above provide a taste of with full voting rights to sit on the GC for its long standing, who don't find the procedure They were not necessarily going to vote joined the Party. It is not only the leadership Those who are hoping that the Black Sec- what is going on in all the CLP's which have selection of the PPC or content of ward meetings attractive. Labour while Neil Kinnock was describing of the Labour Party who are worried by the tion issue will dwindle away after the Black Sections. Space prevenls us from in- We have come a long way and learned a lot We have held meetings on the role of JP's, Black activisfs as'repellent' and,bankrupt'. Black Section the old guard in the Black Labour Party Conference are living in cloud cluding more reports. of things since then. We have discovered that prison visitors etc. to support and advise pronouncements party It was these by the community are- even more worried. A per- cuckoo land. Political struggle for Black although we have strong grass roots support Black members already fulfilling those roles leader that led Black people to write letters for our cause, the middle class leadership of and to encourage others to take them up. We to the local press urging people to vote for the Labour Party seem to have just as much have a system of house-to-house visits by the Alliance as a protest against Kinnock,s hate for us. But we are determined that as Black Section members to recruit new policies. far as læwisham East is concerned this is members into the Party. Ilcall¡ Vauxhall has been active in where we make our stand. Our second Black Section social, which establishing a borough wide Black voice in The Black Section in East Iæwisham has we also see as a way of reaching out to the the form of Lambeth Black Section council begun to make an impact in that we are wider community, will be raising money for to co-ordinate the strategies of the 3 CLP beginning to see new faces which were never Ethiopia and the Lambeth Fighting Fund. Black Sections (includes Norwood and or hardly ever seen before at branch Current priorities are apartheid and the Streatham). We will be fully involved in the meetings coming to Section meetings. Black ratecapping campaign where Black com- Parliamentary reselection procedure after Party members who have been in the Labour munity mobilisation is essential to success. Conference despite threats from the NEC Party for 15-20 years have begun to come to Norwood Black Section is.now a perma- Section meetings and take an active part in nent fixture in the political life of Lambeth. local politics. Members have gone back Like the Black community, 'Come what from our meetings to their branches to may, we're here to stay.' . B'RIA,ilIGHAM, highlight issues of race and racism in our society and within the Labour Party saying, SPARKBROOK 'here is the reality, noìry what do you intend to do about it?" O UAUXHALL We have encouraged Black members to Moves are afoot to set up a Black Section in stand for positions whether they be in the the heart of Roy Hattersley's Sparkbrook branch, GÇ EC or school governors, and we The past year has seen the Vauxhall Labour constituency although Roy assures us that have had some positive results. We have now Party Black Section incre¡se its involvement 'his'Asians would not want a Black Section. begun our campaign to get more Black in all areas of local Party activities with full Things started when a resolution against members to stand af the next local election. representation on the GC and EC levels. It Black Sections was put in Sparkhill ward of We shall now find out how serious the Party has also taken an active part in local cam- Sparkbrook. Black people in the Party suc- is about fighting racism when we put our paigns at the forefront of which has been the ceeded in defeating the motion. members forward and see now many get Lambeth fight against ratecapping. Councillor Amir Khan told the Newslet- selected. It soon became clear that if the Council ter, 'Over the last few years Asian people So, comrades, the message from was forced lo make a rate, not only would have been used by white right-wingers just [æwisham East is 'UNITED WE WIN, funding to local Black community program- for votes - a colonial system. Black Sec- DIVIDED THE RACISTS WIN" mes be jeopardised, but Afro-Caribbean tions can play an important role in uniting and Asian people would be hit hardest with the community and in organising campaigns redundancies being made on a 'last in, first around deportations, mother tongue out' basis, completely cancelling out teaching and so on. We will be officially . NORWOOD Lambeth's policy over recent years of in- launching the Sparkbrook Black Section on creasing the number of staff recruited from 22nd September. We are also discussing set- the local Black community. In response to ting one up in Perry Barr. If things go well Norwood Black Section seeks to promote this, we produced a leaflet on the effects of we will think of organising a Birmingham not only black representation within and on ratecapping on the Blsck communify, fully District Black Section.' behalf of the Party but to take up policy supporting the Councilts no-rate strategy issues. This way we try to ensure that the and drawing attention to the disasferous ef- Party is seen to be addressing the needs and fects ratecapping would have on the local concerns of the whole community. Black population. o florTtfleHAInEAsT We are determined to strengthen our own In other areas we h¡ve increased the and the Party's links with the local Black number of Black school governors by more community. Special interest meetings, such than 10090, have provided representatives Nottingham East CLP unanimously decid- as the successful talk by a Black psychiatrist for all manifesto writing groups for the 1986 ed to set up a Black Section ¡t its AGM in on 'mental health and the Black communi- borough council elections, and have fought February 1985, and have managed fo hold ty', are therefore open to Black members for Lambeth to take over funding of the ground despite threats from the NEC and and non-members alike. This in turn has led Black Young Families Housing Action pressure from old esfablishment figures. to work in support of local Black workers in Association from the MSC In addition, the However a section of the 'soft left' and con- the mental health sector, both in voluntary number of Black rcpresentatives on stituency officers hsve stafed to waver on organisations and in the NHS. Average at- Lambeth council has been more than doubl- the issue of 'unconstitutional' selections, q

8 APANTHËID

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##*m#ffiffiffi #p,trffi lsolate South Africa I Freedom fior Azania SOUTH Africa's racist, neo-fascist supplied with financial and material Security apartheid regime Council and in the EEC. must be starved of aid. 4) A national publicity the oxygen of economic, campaign social and spearheaded by the trades diplomatic We call upon unions and contact. The Labour Neil Kinnock and the Labour Party aimed at Labour Party securing sup- Party Black Section's national com- leaders to urgently con- port and cash. vene a meeting labour mittee fully supports the call for of movement 5) An immediate end to the sale of leaders Black and white for- complete and inviolable economic - to South African goods by Co-op stores mulate a campaign aimed at: - sanctions and disinvestment aimed or use by Labour-controlled at bringing the racists in pretoria to l) Immediate disinvestment by unions authorities. their knees. and Labour local authorities. 6) An officially-backed refusal by trade party unionists But we believe that freedom for 2) A national Labour fund to pro_ to handle South African vide aid for Azania's freedom goods of goods destined for the enslaved Black majority in fighters South and Black trade unions. Africa. Azania will not be brought about 3) A concerted programme of pressure 7) Unconditional release of political solely by sanctions. Those fighting in Parliament aimed at securlñg sanc_ prisoners. to break the chains bondage of tions and stopping the British Black sections intend through the Black trade to stand and unions añd Government from vetoing such fight armed for Black liberation inside and liberation struggle must be measures on the United Nations outside Britain.

Photo: A N D R EIV POTH E CA Ry APANTHE¡D 9

It is significant that Soweto was chosen as the place where the unions met in June in an Forward attempt to forge unity. They discussed a r\\ /' draft constitution for a wider confederation of black trade unions. Unions already com- march 5\ mitted in principle to unification, and whose representatives have helped to draft the constitution are FOSATU, CUSA, GWU and D FCWU. The two other unions invited to the of the talks, SAAWU and GA'WU, will have to refer back to their constituent bodies so no early solution is expected. But the Soweto talks set ô the scene for greater unity. Black The black trade unions are now playing a bigger part in the political campaigns T against the regime. In the first years of their existence the black unions saw their first unþns task as the building of support by concen- trating on improving wages and working conditions. FOSATU and CUSA joined with the UDF and AZAPO in calling the hugely successful THE GROWTH of the black trade November 1984. This strike, the first mass two-day stay-at-home strike last November. union movement in South Africa has action in a state-owned enterprise, mobilised The death of Andries Raditsela, a promi- given increased confidence to the about a million workers and constitutes the nent Fosatu leader, shortly after his release from police developing struggle against the apar- most important political strike in the history detention, increased the bonds between the unions and the political theid regime South Africa today has of the country. movements. The unions also played their the fÍstest growing trade union move- The black unions are mainly organised in full part in the anti-election campaign last ment in the world. two federations: The Federation of South African Unions (FOSATU) and the Council August. Unions (CUSA). October of this year has Prior to 1978, black trade unions had no of of South Africa The been set as the three most important target date for the unification formal recognition. But in that year the unions outside the of the trade Federations are the General Workers' unions into a single federation. This will Wiehahn commission's report laid the basis Union un- (GWU), the Food Canning Workers doubtedly give a great fillip to the process for black union recognition. Between 1980 and of Strike (FCWU), drawing more workers into and 1983 the number of registered black and the South African their ranks and Allied Workêrs' (SAAWU) increasing the role unions rose from under 60 to nearly 470 Union three of the organised black whose leaders - working class in the struggle and unregistered black unions increased- of are among those facing against the treason charges. apartheid system. from 170 to more than 2'70. The number of workers organised in black unions went up by 200 per cent from 220,000 to 670,000 by 1983. - The ruling National Party hoped that by bringing black unions within the framework Britain's involvement of industrial law they would be able to exer- cise a tight control over them. But they have been unsuccessful, in curbing the militancy in aparthe¡d of the unions. This is illustrated by the table. IT IS not surprising that the Thatcher Government is refusing to impose sanc- Strikes by Black workerc 1973-1983 tions on South Africa when one realises Year No of Black workers the extent of British economic involve- Disputes on strike ment in the country. t973 370 98,029 There are around 1,200 UK companies 1974 384 58,975 with direct investment in South Africa 1975 276 23,295 totalling about f5,000 million at current 1976 248 26,931 market values. Added to this are around t977 90 15,091 f6,000 million in indirect investment shares in South African - t978 106 t4,0gg companies held by British citizens, companies, pension funds, 1979 l0l 17,323 etc. 1980 207 56,296 UK owned companies and their associates l98l 342 94,705 together employ more than 350,000 peoplg 1982 394 l4l,5t7 which is around 7t/o of the total numbers Eiack cectlon members plcket oî 1983 64,469 loln 336 employed in South Africa. Salnsburyt wâlcfl ¡tock¡ South Al¡lcan This means two things. First, we'have a eoodt special responsibility in Britain to help those This shows that after a temporary dip, fighting the murderous apartheid system. African government to concede a little to which reached its low point in 1977, the Secondly, the meek pressure put on the apar- head-off the risk of all those lovely profits combativity of the black workers began to theid regime by business interests and the being lost. The only type of solidarity and soar again. These figures do not include the even weaker calls for sanctions which pressure that black people can rely on is that massive strikes in the goldfields last year, sometimes emanate from similar quarters from the labour movement and black peo- nor the important strike in the state-owned should be seen in the light of the above ple. It is time to start showing that solidarity Sasol plant, which produces oil from coal, in statistics. They are calls on the South in a big way. to QUESTTOil TlilE QUESÎION TITE 1I

ticularly white working class racism. They and Answers on fear antagonising racist Labour voters if Questions they allow Black Sections to exist. Such a fear is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The cancer of racism threatens the unity of workers and Black Sections is a barrier to the achievement of socialism. Racism won't go away if we pretend it doesn't exist. The Labour Party must stop making ex- OVER THE past 2 years there cuses and tackle racism head-on including lras been a heated debate ín that which exists in its own ranks. Unity can the Labour Pafty over Black only be built by fighting racism and ir can only be built on the basis of equality bet- Sections. This artlcle ween black and white people. This equality expta¡ns why the demand îor is not achieved byjust saying it exists. It can tlre estaölisñment oi Black only be achieved by recognising that Black people are currently position t in an unequal Sectfons lras þeen raised by and that special measures need to be taken to BIacR acttvrsts ín the Party i redress the balance, These special measures and answers tåe arytuments include the right of Black people to oragnise pitted I to place demands on the Party and the crea- a$ainstthem. tion of places on GCs, ECs, all the way to the NEC for Black Section representatives. How not to create unity has recently been illustrated in Liverpool. By ignoring the ad- practices to continue, have movement, that the only way to fight against Elack sectþn öoobüall at tolilnÉ, Hil, Camlval Q: Why do you want Black Sectlons ln ed racist but ùice of Black community workers and ap- made matters worse for example, the an oppression is for those who are the vic- the Labour Party? pointing Sam Bond as Race Relations Ad- of immigration- laws and the Na- tims of that oppression to oragnise amining the policies and practices of the politicians put themselves forward they are tightening visor; the Council succeeded in antagonising Paper whic laid the basis for themselves to fight it. Black people have to Party in and out of power. immediately denounced as careerists? A.' Black people have been loyal supporters tionality Green the Black community at a time when max- the current Nationality Act. Remember, the organise as Black people to fight racism. It We treat this argument with more respect of the Labour Party for years. In the 1983 imum unity against the Tory cuts was re- police Southall 1979 which left cannot be removed by well-meaning white Q: Isn't is impossible to define who is black when it comes from Black activists who are General Election a Commission for Racial riot in in quired. The Liverpool Black Caucus also a Labour liberals acting on behalf of Black people, and therefore impossible to say who can and worried about Black careerists selling out Equality survey suggested that more than Blair Peach dead occured under opposes these particularly although those people must give their sup- cuts, as they will who can't join the Black Secfion? their struggles just as Labour Party activists 8090 ol Black voters who went to the polls Government. hit Black people hardest, but cannot unite port people fighting racism. it have worried about MPs reneging on Party voted Labour. Yet the Labour Party does not The Labour Party Black Section believes to Black with the Council on the basis of A: The Home Office has no problem with policy. We would simply answer that all reflect this loyalty in its structure or in its all this must change and that it will only subservience definitions when it deports hundreds of our movements contain careerists. The question policies. change if Black people in the Party oranise Q: Aren't Black Sections a form of apar- in reverse? brothers and sisters or when it divides is how do we control our representatives and At the level of representation, there are no to demand their right to representation and theid Is not the besf way to create equality to families. Police officers have no problems make sure they are accountable? We believe Black MPs, no Black people on the NEC, changes in policy. We believe Black Sections Q: what we are just treat people equally regardless of with definition when they harass Black that there is more chance of controlling far fewer Black Councillors than the propor- can help draw Black people into Labour A: What an insult to compare colour? youth. So why should we have problems? If Black 'leaders' with Black Sections than tion of Black people in the electorate, few Party activity, allowing them to organise to doing to a violent and oppressive South system which, as we can see on TV you are oppressed by racism and identify with the present system where so-called Black people on regional or district ex- play a bigger role in their wards, unions, African papers, murders Black people A: The following parable illustrates the yourself as Black, then you are welcome in representatives of the Black community rely ecutives, or on CLP General Committees. general committees and so on. Indeed this is and in the fallacy of this argument. Tlvo people start a the Labour Party Black Section. on white patronage for their token positions Few wards involve Black people in their what has tended to happen where Black Sec- every day. This argument is doubly insulting Section activists are the marathon racg but one starts with a heavy of power. activities. tions have been set up. as many Black in with sack of potatoes on his,/her back. After one At the level of policies, Labour govern- We have learnt from the histories ol anti- forefront of the solidarity movement the Azanian freedom struggle. hour the race supervisor says, 'You can take Q: Isn't is policy that really matten? The ments and councils have generally done little colonial struggles, from black struggles in means separate development. the potatoes off your back' and proclaims l[Iho is Black? Labour Party will only involve more Black to counter racism (the GLC is a notable ex- Britain and the rest of the world, from the Apartheid' 'Now you are equal!' Great, except that the people if it adopts policies which are attrac- Past Labour governments have struggles of women and gays and lesbians Black Sections aim to breakdown the \itlhen British colonialists debated In- ception), other runner is miles ahead as she/he has tivg not by internal constitutional change. and from of the British labour separation which now exists whereby the dian independence 30 years ago they pursued policies which have not only allow- the struggles with no overwhelming majority of Black voters vote been running for an hour sack of used the argument 'How do you define potatoes. Equality could only exist a A: Of course it is policies that matter and Labour but the National Executive Commit- if an Indian? Is he a Muslim, a Hindu, a special measure was taken to bring the run- whether how these policies im- tee and the Parliamentary Labour Party are Sikh?' in an effort to thïvart Black self- and are all-white preserves. ners level. determination. plemented. The Labour Party has to shed its Similarly, Black people have a legacy of history of complicity with racism and im- Black Sections aim to involve more Black 1 centuries of oppression, of discrimination in perialism and become a party which cham- people in the Party at all levels, to encourage i them to go to their wards and union education, training, housing, promotion For us Black is a political colour. We are pions the fight against racism and une- meetings and to be elected to GCs, coun- and so on, which means that they would still not Black because we eat different food, quivocally supports liberation movements cillors and as PPCs/MPs. We propose a be at a disadvantage if all discrimination speak different languages or enjoy different the world over. Black Sections exist and are divisions for Black people on the NEC the was removed overnight. Special measures kinds of music. We are Black because we being set up in growing numbers of consti- same as for women, youth, unions etc so are needed to compensate for this disadvan- suffer from a common oppression - racism tuencies precisely to ensure that the Party that whatever the outcome of elections to tage. Not only is the Labour Party refusing - and we will fight against all attempts to does this. other NEC places, there will always be Black to take any special measures, it is not even divide us into different ethnic groups. It is trite to counterpose the need to involvement and representation, and not doing anything serious to remove the burden change Labour's policies to the need for separation, at this high level of the Party. of racism from our backs. Q: Won't Black Sections just help Black Black people to organise in the Party. Unless In addition, much discrimination takes careerists and do little in the fight against Black people are represented at all levels in place unconsciously. Saying one is treating racism? the Party there is not much hope that it will Won't Black Sections split the Party? Q: people equally does not mean that one is in adopt policies that reflect the needs of Black fact doing so. It is very easy to discriminate A: When we hear this point from white peo- people. Even with better Black representa- A: The Party is split already with Black peo- unconsciously by using procedures which in- ple we treat it with icorn. We would give the tion, unless Black people organise to make ple excluded from positions of power. The directly discriminate on the basis of colour. argument more weight if Black people in the their voice heard, the Party's policies will real question is how do we build unity bet- Policies and practices need to be constantly Labour Party were allowed to develop their not change. The improvements in Labour's ween black and white people and on what reviewed and monitored to avoid such un- careers, but unfortunately the racism within position on the Immigration and Nationali- basis? The white leadership of the Party conscious discrimination. Within the the party hinders this. Why is it we rarely ty Acts have come about as a result of Black believes we can build unity if Black people Labour Party, the Black Sections are an ex- hear described as such the hundreds of white people organising in campaigns against keep quiet and if we ignore racism, par- cellent instrument for monitoring and ex- careerists in Parliament, but whenever black deportations and against these Acts. i7- -

12 QUESÍ|OT{ TtitE

One can go further. Improved policies are are still doing so today. We too are challeng- no guarantee that a Labour Government will ing this belief. repeal racist legislation. Past Labour We believe it absolutely necessary for Governments have reneged policies, on We Black people to organise in the I.abour Party believe that Black people in the party have tò to make it reflect their needs. As we begin to organise to stop this from happening and to get changes in policy, get more black coun- make sure that the Party campaigns against cillors and MPs, then more Black people will ractsm now. join and play an active part in the Party and recognise the value of Black sections. I¡ts The Labour Party Q: has had Women's Sec- of workers choose not to join Tlade Unions tions for years and yet sexism is still rife in but we don't close them dòwn as a result. the Party. How then can you hope Black Sections will eradicate racism? Q: What is the Black Sections programme? A: We do not claim that if Black Sections A: This question has been asked insistently were given the official stamp of approval by the journal 'Race Today' and we welcome tomorroq then racism in the party would it. Reading through this newsletter some miraculously disappear. No, Black Sections elements, of the programme we are develop- are only part of the solution, albeit an essen- ing are clear. But we are a new organisation, tial part. Policies and practices have to fighting for our right to survive. In these cir- change as well and Black people will need to cumstances it is difficult to discuss be more involved at all levels of the party. thoroughly all matters on which policy is Black Sections are a tool to achieve this and needed. Nevertheless we have begun such as with all tools, their effectiveness will de- discussions and will continue pend to do so, tak- on how they are used. ing positions Womens both locally and at our annual Sections and the Labour national conference. Womens Conference have becomes more ef- ,Race But sometimes we think Today' are leçtive in recent years as more feminists and barking up the wrong tree. We ask to be radical activists have come to the fore. They judged not just by what we say, but by what will be more effective still if the Party Con- we do. And if we succeed in winning the ference votes for the changes in the constitu- Labour Party and the trade union movement tion proposed by the Women's Action Com- A: First, we cannot help being a little cynical to actually do something about racism then mitteg including the right of the Annual about the way in which opponents of Black we believe the judgement will be favourable. Women's Conference to send resolutions to Sections leap on a poll which they think Labour Party conference and to elect the backs up their arguments but otherwise are Why you places reserved for women orrthe NEC. usually very hesitant to accept the results of Q: don't set up a Black socialist One thing is clear. If the Labour party other polls. organisation and apply for affili¡tion to the Labour Party? does vote to allow Black Sections it will be a To the extent that this poll may reflect the big step forward politically as it will mean truth - and there are many questions to ask that the Party has recognised the depth of about the coverage ofthe poll, the questions A: Such an arrangement wouldbe close to a, 'bantustan' arrangement. We want the racism in British society and in the Party, asked, etc - it does not make us hesitate for and the importance of Black people organis- one moment in our campaign for Black Sec-, Labour Party to recognise the centrality of ing themselves in the fight against racism. tions. There is a widespread belief amongst the fight against racism and to recognise our many Black People that one must not rock right to oragnise within the Party and be represented Q; How can you say that allowing Black the boat too much for fear of a white back- at all levels. We want this Sections in the Party will attract more Black lash. representation to be on the basis of being votes when a poll by 'Black on Black'show- This belief has been challenged by Black Black and not having our rights to be ed a majority of Black people not in favour youth who campaigned against deporta- represented lost in a melée of socialist organisations. of Black Sections in political Parties? tions and police harassment in the 1970s and Like the mens drinking clubs (the National Union of Labour and Socialist Clubs).

Q: Will you stop your campaign for Black Sections if the vote goes againsf you at the 19E5 Labour Party Conference?

A: No. We will not go away because racism will not miraculously go away as a result of a vote at Labour Party conference We lrrl/ continue to organisg to build Black Sections and push for their recognition by CLps, to push for regional recognition of regional Black Sections, and to push the Labour party to take and campaign on anti-racist policies. We will work to make the Party ô< more responsive to the needs of the Black ð communities, for more Black people to H register, vote for and join the Party, and in so A. doing we will build a stronger and more È united The ball will be in a Party. the court of aA< the NEC and Party officials: they can z choose to attack us, discipline us and create 6 disunity and public embarassment for the ñ Party, or they can choose to support us in our battle against racism. rr{TERVtEW 13 The Newham 7 Defence GampaiÉn rrr an interview with Unmesh Desai

THE NEWHAM 7 were seyen Asian youth charged Secondl¡ the case highlighted very clearly with a lot of pertinent issues. It threw up the time- afÍray as a result oî a i¡Éht outsíde the Duke of old questions of racist attacks, of self- Edínburgh pub in Newham. fhe fíght broke out aÍter a defence. More importantly, it threw up the question of local authority responses, of Eltoup oi Asian youth approached the pub when it what local councils are doing, of the posi- became apparentthat a seríes oJ vícious racíst attacks tions of Black people in society today in had been orchestrated by white racists who drunk spite of the GLC interest this year and in there. spite of race relations funding. We succeed- Three oJ the Newham 7 were acquitted and lour îound ed in turning this case into an issue. É,uilty, The three whìte racists on tüal at the same time Thirdly, the campaign greatly strengrhen- ed the anti-racist and anti-fascist movements wete only îound Éuilty oî common assauft and were in the country. A whole new layer of youth îined. The îour convicted Asians were sentenced to 7OO radicalised with the Newham 7 campaign. hours ol community service jud(e, NUM branches and Tiades Councils around and the who had at the country affiliated to the campaign. For first expressed his'understandin¡!, oj the whites, the first time we're getting sections of the actions, admitted that the Asians had acted under white working class coming to us on the basis of their experiences and on our terms. provocatìon and that you 'only had to read the By appealing not just to the black communi- newspapers'to see tlre sìtuation Íacin¡lAsians ín ty but to a wider section, we learnt that we Newham. could gain a lot more support than would otherwise have been possible. A major deÍence campaign put the trial in ilre context of sell-deÍence against racíst attacks rather than the BS: What sort of Black unity was there in prosecutions image of ¡langwariare. The BlackSectíon the campaign? intervíewed Unmesh Desaì, Secretary of the Newham T UD: Many people inside and outside the Defence CampaÍgn and one of the workers at the Labour Party have a romantic concept that Black unity is something N ew h am M on itori n ¡l P roj e ct, which occurs automatically. No. Black unity is built by political struggle. It is unity in action.

BS: Would you descrlbe the outcome oî the Newham 7 trlal as a vlctory desplte the convlctlon of 4 oî them?

UD.' It was a tremendous victory. Firstly, when you're talking of affray, you're talking of a custodial sentence and yet they were only given 100 hours of community service. And let us not forget that they're going to appeal against the convictions. Secondly, we do not see such struggles in terms of guilty or not guilty. We see such struggles in the Black community in terms ofhow far it advances the struggles of Black people. w Look at the real gains of the campaign. In 12 months of hard and persistent work we firstly, smashed the police line, a unique line which hasn't been used in similar cases beforq that the case was really about gang warfare between black and white youth and had nothing to do with self-defence against racls.t attacks. The police attempted this by puttlng 3 white racists in the dock with the Newham 7. The police and one or two newspapers tried to call the defendants the Newham. l0.but rhe whole press, the whole media, the. jury and .u.n ih. prosecution were Á forced to call them the Newham 7. 14 llttERvtEw

We proved .-L this in the Newham 7 and - Justice for the Pryces campaign (seefollow- \, , {r' tt/ ing article). The Newham 7 marches were a success because we linked these two issues. More than 3,000 people turned out and ther police, who had only been expecting 500 students, were surprised to see it was overwhelmingly Asian and West Indian kids marching side by side. The New Cross march was historic but that was predominantly an Afro-Caribbean issue. The Newham 8 march \ryas good not as big as the New Cross march, but still- good - but predominantly Asian. The Newham 7 /Pryces march from the beginning showed a fantastic unity between Afro-Caribbean kids despite police racrics of saying that trouble was created by the Afro-Caribbean kids and that there were two separate marches. Tènsion does exist between Afro-Caribbean and Asian people let's not deny it in Newham and >. - - A< elsewhere. But what we proved in this cam- o paign was fa that through identifying the com- E mon enemy, through coming onto the streets o À, together we can overcome these petty s diflerences. f¡ì The bond that has grown ô between local e kids has been very impressive because they are fighting a common enemy. It's a simple s political message. Racism is expressed in dif- A. Sorne ferent forms but because white society of tlie Newham 7 defines you as non-white it is a question ol Gate to keep a watch on 'the Asian boys ty members first. They have got to see their non-whites uniting and not fighting each talking about racist attacks'. struggle as part of a wider other over grants, patronage in Parliament struggle. They As the economic crisis gets worsq the have to see or whatever. their tasks as far more than elec- scenario you are talking about is a level of ting Black councillors or MPs. state repression not seen before in this coun- They must make sure they are accountable BS: How did the police react the to try. This is what the Labour Movement has campaign? to the Black community and that means to face up to. siding with popular struggles and getting UD: Between 27th April and the end of June Labour Party support for these struggles we had 95 arrests. There was not one single BS: What did Newham Council (a Labour outside the Party, and not just using the arrest in the previous Newham 8 campaign. council) do in the campaign? struggles to build their names. Prior to the miners' strike the police were a They have to infuse the race issue with the bit sensitive to community feelings. After UD: The Council gave the Newham 7 for- class issue, There are going to be lots more the strike they have a new mood of con- mal support but this was not enough. We powder kegs around th country. Unless fidence. They know they can get away with needed practical support which meant Black Labour Party members can find a way murder. That's what's so frightening. That's mobilising the resources of the Council and of harnassing the Labour Movement to the why Parvis Khan could be beaten up so the Labour Party behind the Newham 7. activities of the Black community on their openly in the cells below the courts because They could, for instancg have set up an en- terms then the two will always remain on dif- he refused to eat a pork pie because of his quiry into the Newham 7 incidents, an en- ferent paths, religion. quiry on Black people's terms, They would not have tried that two years Too often councils try to do things for back. They can try it in 1985, Thatcherite Black people instead of giving support to Britain. When the police broke up rhe first what Black people themselves want to do. Newham 7 march outside Forest Cate police Newham is a powder keg and when it ex- station they went for the women and the plodes the Council will turn around and say young kids. The idea was to frighten rhem let's give more grants to Black people. The from coming to future marches. answer is not grants; it is siding with Black Black people, Stonehengg Irish people, popular struggles. That is the answer. Until the miners . .. the link is there. The name of and unless Councils are responsive to the the game now is that when you come out on needs of the community, whether that the stieet you are seen as a threat. The responsiveness is established through Black Labour Party has not learnt about that. Sections or through other organisations, you They have not learnt that the police are not a then are not talking about socialism. neutral force. When we talk about policing we are also BS: What should Black Labour Party ac- Â< ð talking about intelligence gathering. The tivists be doing to promote this a amount of intelligence they had on defen- responsiveness? o dants and the defence campaign was phenomenal. UD: They have to see themselves as Black The most startling disclosure f¡l socialists first and not as Black Labour Par- a( in the whole trial was the confession of the o ex-Wimpy waitress, Maria Ison. Several z months before the Newham 7 incidents, she Fãrylz Khan alle¡ he was beaten up ln s had been told by CID officers from Foresr t ie coürt cerrs À. RACEATTACKS 15 Labour Party Black Justice fior the Pryces Section Statement on race attact

rified to play outside for fear of attacks authoritiesto fund Black community priority commitment in the manifesto and insults. The teachers ate reluctant groups working to defeat race attacks to implement all these demands. to take action against those guilty of and racial harassment on the street and The Black Sections campaign con- such behaviour. on housing estates. demns all those authorities who have youth If Black defend themselves 2. When known perpetrators live in sat idly by as Black people are maimed and their communities, like the Council accommodation, they are the and murdered under their noses. liVe Newham 8 and Newham ?, they are the ones who are evicted. Local authorities applaud the bravery of all those who ones subjected to state brutality. \iI/e must end the practice of moving the have fought back against the biggest pay tribute to the .Asian and Äfro- victims, often to even worse menace cunently facing Black com- Caribbean people who have come accommodation. munities in Britain. together in solidarity to fight against Harry Cohen, Labour MP for Leyton, 3. Police must respond immediately, fascist thugs. We repeat their slogan: has taken the initiative through the pro- once notified of incidents, and on ap- "Self-defence is no offence." Black motion of a Prir¡ate Members Bill entitl- prehension of the culprits, must press Sections calls fora bold political solu- ed the "Racial Harassment Bill", which criminal damages against them. No ef- tion to the evil of race attacks and racial deserves discussion and suppof. fort be spared to bring the harassment. We make these immediate must Lrabour Party members should be perpetrators to justice. demands: prepared to work alongside others in 4. Special police units, like the drugs broad-based campaigns to counter l. Local authorities in the inner cities, squad and serious crime squad, whose these attacks. In the thirties, the labour spearheaded by Labour admininstra- sole purpose is to combat race attacks movement played a major role in tions, to set up special units to take must be set up in the inner cities. repelling attacks by fascists on fewish complaints from the Black community 5. The Labour Party must mount a na- people. It is up to us to repeat this exer- and collect data on race attacks. These tional campaign and give a high- cise in the eighties. lllllllllltlrrlllrlllllltlttllrlrltl This newsletter and the Black Section intervention at Conference ul cost a great deal of money. Obviously we will not get much finance - from Labour Party HQ to help our future campaign and activities. o We will need an office and full-time worker. To do this we will have E to rely on individual contributions, and contributions from CLPs * and trade unions. Please fill in the form below and send us some {. money. Better still send us a standing order which will guarantee us regular income. l¡¡ - Credit LABOUR PARTY BLACK SECTION account no. o 50427206 Co-operative Bank PLC, 08-90-33, I Islington High Street, London Nl 9TR. * {.= To the Treasurer Labour Party Black Section l¡¡ 39 Chippenham Road o- London W9 E I enclose a cheque/postal order for f being a * donation for Labour Party Black Section. I require/do not require * a receipt.

~~¡t¡ Name: - o Address: = tllttlrltlttllllltltlllttllrttltlllt T^H,BOURPA,RTY BTIICK SECTION CONFERENCE FRINGEMEETING THURSDAY, 3rd OCTOBER ÃT THE \[rEssEx HoTEL, lIIEST CtIFf ROAD~~

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