'This is a time to show we have answers'

by LOUISE NOUSRATPOUR in Manchester
Sunday September 21, 2008
The Morning Star

Convention of the Left 2008:THE left launched an alternative conference to new Labour on Saturday in a bid to unite the movement to challenge the government's programme of "wars and privatisation."

A stone's throw from the Labour conference in Manchester, the Convention of the Left brought together a broad range of politicians and activists to plan the "rebirth" of the movement in the face of economic crisis.

Labour MP John McDonnell said that Labour's event was already degenerating into a debate about personalities, with fresh infighting between Blairites and Brownites.

"Large numbers of people who consider themselves socialists have been turned off by new Labour and it is important to regroup," he stressed.

"This is not about a new political party, but I hope it will lead to the rebirth of the left."

Delegates inside Labour's ring of steel called for "discipline and unity" to secure a fourth term in power.

In contrast, the convention stressed the need to offer solutions to people's real concerns.

Veteran socialist Tony Benn said: "This is not a time for sectarian squabbles or talking about what we think of individual ministers. It is a time to show there are answers.

"We must regain our confidence and give people reassurance that the heart of the left is here, thinking about their jobs, homes, public services and peace."

Derek Wall of the Green Party called Prime Minister Gordon Brown a "living political corpse" with no solutions to the economic and environmental crisis.

All the British economy now does "is swap debt and fund capitalism and that is now all going wrong," he stormed.

"The left must come together and put forward a programme of democratising the economy, articulating practical social policies and bring concrete change."

Respect's Clive Searle urged the left to "get its act together quickly, to show that there is a credible alternative to the failed free-market mantras of both Brown and Cameron."

The convention is scheduled to coincide with the Labour conference, beginning on Saturday and ending on Wednesday.