John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn march with striking doctors – coordinated strike action and a Corbyn-led Labour that supports workers could defeat the divided Tories photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)
Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns alleged that “dangerous Corbynista ideology” lies behind the junior doctors’ strikes. Presumably by this she means the ‘ideology’ of rejecting austerity and supporting workers fighting back.
Workers were thrilled to see the leader of the Labour Party standing shoulder to shoulder with junior doctors on the picket lines previously because it stands out so much from the example of the majority of politicians. It’s essential that he and all those supporting him do this boldly again for the future planned action.
Although the next round of planned strikes was called off, this important dispute remains an example of the battle taking place: Corbyn, with workers in struggle and all those against austerity on one side; the Tories, the Blairites and their big business friends on the other.
The representatives of this pro-capitalist side within the Labour Party are getting desperate. Corbyn himself has recognised the purge taking place of his supporters being denied votes in the leadership election and told the Guardian that he is investigating.
Only semi-behind the scenes the Blairites are scrambling around making contingency plans for if Corbyn wins – as they realise is increasingly likely. They have variously been reported as planning to change the leadership election rules, bring cabinet appointments under Parliamentary Labour Party control, quickly going for another challenge against Corbyn, or splitting to form a new right-wing party.
But none of their tactics are working. Every move they make only drives more workers and young people towards the conclusion that a win for Corbyn is a win for our side. This momentum must continue right up to the vote and beyond, and be drawn into a mass movement for a federal Labour Party with a socialist programme, standing firmly with all those fighting back.
