Newsletter 7

Our first national meeting was a great success. More than 100 supporters of Left Unity – with over 55 of the new local groups represented – came together to discuss first steps towards a new left party. Many spoke of their enthusiasm and hope, of feeling inspired and empowered.

Towards a founding conference

No voices were heard against a resolution to move towards a new party – instead the discussion focused on how soon to do it. We have given ourselves six months! The date for a founding conference was set for November 2013. This is a tall order, but the meeting felt that given the wave of attacks on the working class it is both possible and necessary.

The meeting decided on the composition of a national co-ordinating group to help make sure this happens. Ten people were elected directly from the meeting in an open nomination process, with around 30 people standing. Every local Left Unity group which has 5 or more active members can also elect a representative to the co-ordinating group.

 Individual membership

The meeting voted overwhelmingly that Left Unity would be based on individual membership, rather than the joining together of already existing left organisations. As Ken Loach put it in his speech to the conference, ‘We absolutely need to be a democratic party and I support the principle of one member one vote, we’ve had manipulations behind closed doors and we don’t want that again.’ Read Ken’s speech here: http://leftunity.org/there-is-a-spectre-haunting-britain-and-its-called-nigel-farage/

The hard work begins now

The meeting decided not to vote on other resolutions and amendments that had gone to the conference because time was too short to do justice to the political discussion required. But everyone agreed – we plan to be a party of action, not just talk. Local groups are at the heart of local campaigns against the bedroom tax, benefits campaigning, Keep Our NHS Public, the anti-cuts groups, and in their trade unions and in actions against the EDL and the BNP.

People’s Assembly Against Austerity

On June 22nd thousands of people from different campaigns and political organisations are coming to London’s Westminster Central Hall for the People’s Assembly. More than 2,400 people have registered already. There will also be marquees on the street outside the hall, and Left Unity will be there making the case for a new left party.

Left Unity’s Bianca Todd with Tony Benn at the Nottingham People’s Assembly on Saturday

Please help us

If there isn’t a local group in your area – then help set one up. We also need people with computer skills, people with writing, social media and promotional skills – everything that will help get our message across. Contact us here if you can help.

And we need money

No political project can sustain itself without some funding. We’re very grateful to those who have donated already and to those who have made out regular monthly solidarity donations. It will all be put to good use building towards the new party. You can donate via the website or send a cheque, made out to Left Unity, to us at 5 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DX.