The Socialist 11 August 2005

Defend democratic rights

Trade unions must mobilise against terrorism, racism and war

Dewsbury: Uniting and organising against racism

60 years after Hiroshima: Nuclear proliferation makes socialist change more urgent

Justice for Heathrow's Gate Gourmet workers

No hospital closures

Journalists on all-out strike

Firefighters defend life-saving services

Royal Mail announce redundancies

Northern Ireland after the IRA statement: Why the 'peace process' continues to flounder

Greek workers resist neo-liberal attacks

Union split reflects crisis in US labour

Previous issues, etc

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Workers' unity against war and terrorism

Defend democratic rights

THE HORRIFIC terrorist attacks that have taken place in London and around the world have been condemned by the Socialist Party.

But we warned that Blair would use these attacks to intensify a climate of fear and crack down on civil liberties.

Stop the War Coalition Demonstration

24 September 2005

Assemble 1pm Central London

Now, Blair's new plan, which includes secret, judge-only courts, will further attack civil liberties and whip up racial tension.

It confirms that the terrible actions of the suicide bombers have been used by Blair to attack working-class Muslims and all working people.

It will not lessen the chances of further suicide bombings and will create more tension.

These draconian plans will not just be used against suspected terrorists but will be used against the workers' movement, the anti-war movement and anyone who dares to dissent against Blair's foreign and domestic policy.

"Extreme views"

The government is preparing a definition of "unacceptable behaviour" to include anyone who expresses "extreme views that are in conflict with the UK's culture of tolerance".

In the USA, the introduction of the Patriot Act after 9/11 has been used against anti-war protesters and Green Party members.

The experience of the 'Troubles' in Ireland showed that a clampdown on civil liberties was used against the workers' movement.

The use of Diplock Courts and the use of internment without trial did nothing to stop terrorist activity.

If anything it intensified it and acted as a recruiting sergeant for terrorist organisations.

Blair claims the "rules of the game are changing" but his determination to tear up human rights legislation will not be a 'game' for the many innocents who will be caught up in this widespread attack on rights and liberties.

Blair's proposals represent a serious threat to anyone who opposes the New Labour government's support for US imperialism's invasion and occupation of Iraq and subjugation of the peoples of the Middle East.

Whilst the majority of people in Britain have no sympathy for those who advocate support for suicide bombings, many also understand that Blair's new measures will further worsen the situation, rather than bring a solution.

The trade union movement has not so far adequately responded to Blair's actions in the aftermath of the bombings.

The trade union movement needs to act decisively and effectively to protect and safeguard the interests of working-class people.

That can be best done uniting workers in building a campaign to ensure that the government is put under the maximum pressure to withdraw the troops from Iraq and withdraws its plans to erode civil liberties.

The trade union and anti-war leaders must give a clear lead in building a mass campaign to withdraw the troops, remove Blair and end Britain's role in the oppression of the peoples of Iraq and the Middle East.

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