Statement agreed at Socialist Party conference
Black and Asian workers still face considerable racism, primarily a
legacy from imperialism, in Britain today.
Whilst general social attitudes have changed considerably - 82%
would not be bothered if a member of their family married someone from
another ethnic background (Observer Race in Britain November 2001) -
towards blacks, Asians and other immigrant workers, all studies show that
racism has combined with all the other ills of capitalist society to
segregate and isolate the majority of blacks and Asians in the most
impoverished section of British society.
56% of minority ethnic Britons
live in the 44 most deprived boroughs (Observer Race in Britain November
2001).
The riots in Oldham, Bradford, Burnley and other cities in Northern
England have exposed the enormous amount of anger of Asian youth, in
particular, against the oppressive conditions under which they live.
Race discrimination is now one of the most explosive social issues in
Britain, for which New Labour has no solution.
In fact their policies have
led to a further increase in segregation and isolation of blacks and
Asians. In mostly black or Asian areas youth unemployment can be as high
as 40%.
Racist attacks, which have increased dramatically since 11
September, have also further increased the levels of segregation.
However, the leadership of many of the Black and Asian communities are
completely out of touch with the youth and the problems they face and are
often despised in some areas.
Amongst Muslim youth and much smaller
sections of other disaffected youth there will be a section moving towards
right wing Islamic political organisations.
Amongst other black and Asian youth the move towards other ‘black
nationalist’ or religious ‘fundamentalist’ ideas is still at a very
early stage but has potential to develop.
We need to remember that these
ideas cannot provide any solution to the problems of the world never mind
those faced by the Muslim ‘world’.
There will also be in these more volatile times, for blacks and Asians
in particular, a searching amongst a section of youth and workers for
socialist ideas.
Our party has always striven to have Black and Asian
workers over-represented in our ranks. This should be even more the case
now. Our general programme and activities, if put boldly, will recruit
Blacks and Asians.
But we must also address the questions posed by racism
through discussions in our branches to raise the level of understanding of
the whole party.
Black and Asian youth and workers will remain in our party if they lead
that discussion in our party. Our material in both The Socialist and
Socialism Today must explain the issues that arise and provide a programme
for the party to fight on this issue.
The party’s Black and Asian members produced material for the general
election and were instrumental in organising a conference with North-West
Black Members’ Committee of UNISON.
