Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 5th July 2002

1.1 Present:

Guests: Christine Shawcroft - Labour Against the War, Norman & Marion Traub - Southend Stop the War Coalition

1.2 Apologies for absence: Des Heemskerk Amicus - AEEU, Dave Rossi Amicus - MSF, Tim Sneller UNISON, Clare Wormald UNISON

1.3 The meeting opened at 8.00pm, with IP in the Chair. Dave Rossi, STUC President, is presently working away in Scotland.

2.0 Guest Speaker - Christine Shawcroft, Labour Against the War (LATW)

2.1 Christine began by explaining the background of the formation of LATW. The campaigning group was set up last Autumn in the wake of a national demonstration against the war in Afghanistan, when it was noticed that there was no Labour Party presence. A group of Labour Party members decided that a campaign was needed to put pressure on the Labour Government to change its policies on the so called "War Against Terror", drawing upon support from the Socialist Campaign Group and the Trades Unions. LATW is not intended to duplicate any of the campaigning activities of other anti war or peace groups, and supports the national Stop the War Coalition. So far LATW has produced an academic briefing which demolishes the case for military action against Iraq. Supporting M.Ps have presented Early Day Motions (EDMs) to further the aims of the group. Many e-mails have been circulated, to which there has been a worldwide response.

2.2 At the meeting of the Labour Party National Executive Committee (NEC) following the events of September 11th, there was a strong feeling, particularly among the Trade Union Section representatives, that the US and UK Governments should not overreact by taking military action against Afghanistan. The best course of action would have been to bring the terrorists to justice, especially as Al Queda have cells worldwide which are recruiting on the back of the actions taken by Sharon in Israel.

2.3 From the outset of the military campaign, despite claims of targeted bombing, there were heavy civilian casualties. Today the war in Afghanistan is still going on and with civilians caught up in the military action. There are concerns that there will be "mission creep" as the US extends the military campaign against Iraq. Although the US are using the international situation to remove regimes they dislike, they are not tackling countries that are known to harbour terrorists such as Saudi Arabia.

2.4 In this country, one of the effects of the war in Afghanistan has been the Government seeking to restrict civil rights by permitting arrest without trail for those suspected of being a terrorist. Proposals to bring in ID cards being pursued by the Government add to a climate of hostility and prejudice towards refugees and asylum seekers, which in turn contributes to the growth of fascism and the far right.

2.5 A strong anti-war movement can be built to oppose the extension of military action by the US and UK Governments. The costs of military action will adversely affect the working class by misdirecting funds away from schools and other public services. History has shown that Labour Governments have been destabilised by following US foreign policy. The Government should adopt a proper ethical foreign policy which addresses the effects of wars and terrorism, as well as the population movements caused by the instability which they create.

2.6 The Stop the War Coalition is planning a major demonstration to keep up the momentum against an attack on Iraq. They are highlighting the effect of western policy of arms trading with dictatorships throughout the Middle East. They are also campaigning on the situation in Palestine. The build up of nuclear weapons must be challenged, along with Blair’s support for the views of Bush and Berlusconi when the talk up military action against "rogue states".

2.7 Christine concluded by saying that pressure can be applied to Labour politicians, particularly if public opinion turns against their support for US policy which could lead to losses in elections and the loss of their own seats.

2.8 Norman Traub advised that the Southend Stop the War Campaign had been formed in October 2001 with support from CND and other local groups. They have already organised demonstrations in the town. They have succeeded in mobilising the Asian Community, who have felt the backlash against Moslems and Moslem Countries, and have given substantial support to the demonstrations held so far. The Campaign has been able to bring together different strands of the working class and has fed into the opposition to the continuing attacks under the neo-liberal agenda being pursued by the UK and US Governments. The Campaign will be holding a public meeting with Jeremy Corbyn MP, at Southend Central Library on 12th September.

2.9 The Chair thanked Christine for attending and addressing our meeting.

3.0 The minutes of the last Southend TUC meeting on 5th June 2002 were noted.

4.0 Branch Reports

4.1 PCS

RH explained the background of the attempt to have Mark Serwotka removed from office as PCS General Secretary. The retiring GS, Barry Reamsbottom, had made an agreement with the Union to leave employment on 31st May 2002 with 2 years’ salary as compensation. However, in this year’s NEC elections the so called Moderate Group gained a majority and they have sought to have Serwotka’s election overturned on legal advice. The matter will be settled in Court, a preliminary hearing on 21st June ordered the PCS to meet the costs of both parties. The full hearing will take place on 15 July.

It was agreed that a meeting organised on 24th July at the Labour Hall, which will be addressed by Mark Serwotka, should be held under the banner of the Southend TUC. Furthermore, it was agreed that the cost of the meeting would be met and that the Secretary would advertise the event to our supporters.

4.2 Pensioners

DT reported that the Southend Pensioners Group will be holding its annual rally in August with Alan Hurst MP as the main speaker.

Derry also mentioned the Help the Aged campaign against age discrimination, which will be outlawed by European legislation in 2004. The Essex Pensioner has contacted all 17 M.Ps in Essex asking them to support an Early Day Motion on age discrimination. So only 6 out of 17 have responded - Teddy Taylor, David Amess and Bob Spink have pledged their support.

5.0 Finance

6.0 Correspondence

Justice and Fairness for Pensioners - rally & meeting - Thursday 4th July

30th Anniversary Pentonville 5 - commemoration & social - Friday 26th July

ASLEF - Salud BBQ for Cuba - Sunday 4th August

Campaign Against Domestic Violence - Action Programme

Fire Brigades Union - new pay claim

7.0 Other Business

7.1 It was suggested that the Trade Union Friends of Searchlight are invited to send a speaker to our next meeting.

7.2 There will be no meeting in August.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 4th September