The alternative to Labour

This letter was published in the Guardian on 18 May.

Ghost of the left in the Labour machine

The coronation of Gordon Brown leaves a major question facing John McDonnell and his supporters. How can millions of ex-Labour voters disillusioned by the Iraq war, the acceleration of privatisation and the growing gap between the rich and the rest now have a political voice?

Britain doesn't have a genuine debate any more on domestic or foreign policy; for millions of people it doesn't seem like we even have three separate parties any more. New Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats act more like three wings of the same party, vying for a middle ground that is essentially defined by being pro-big-business.

So, do those on the dwindling Labour left carry on like prisoners within the New Labour machine - occasionally smuggling notes out through the bars? Or do they, like many of us, come to the decision that we have to start again and build a new, independent party that can gain the trust and support of millions of people in this country. Already we have wide support for that discussion, with more than 2,500 sponsors, including 45 on trade union executive committees. We urge John and his supporters to draw the political and organisational conclusions - leave New Labour to the millionaires and join the socialists fighting for an independent political voice for the millions of working people.

Councillor Dave Nellist, Campaign for a New Workers' Party

Dave Church, former Labour leader, Walsall council

Roger Bannister, member, UNISON national executive