LABOUR PARTY democracy is under attack in Birmingham Yardley constituency where to date the Acocks Green ward has turned down three transfers and two new applications for membership.
members would in any normal circumstances have been automatic. The three have been party members for two, three and four years respectively — all are active trade unionists. One was previously a GC delegate and vice-chair of a Labour Party branch.
In fact, at their first branch meeting on 4 July, one of those transferring accepted membership. At his next meeting on 5 September he was asked to leave as his transfer was 'up for discusion'. The initial decision was dutifully reversed.
The other two transfers weren't given even this respite.
At the meeting on 4 July they and two new apout o 'investigation' when the Membership Secretary claimed that she had been 'reliably informed' that Havertisemen The transfer into the ward of three Labour Party "30 Trotskyists had decided to move into Acocks Green, set up a commune take over Yardley Labour Party' (Birmingham Ladywood GMC -personal capacity)
Since the four were all living at the same address this was itself considered suspicious. Subsequently 'interviewed' by the Membership Secretary for periods of between minutes and three hours, all three were asked questions which throw some light the process •of political vetting employed.
Besides being asked Acocks Green, Acocks the interviews included questions like: 'Do public demonstrations help did canvass for General 'Do you belong to CND?' and more bluntly 'Do have left wing views ike the rest?
On 5 September both the •ICW applications WelC then turned down. The lasted approximate v one hour and only confirmed what was everyone's suspicion that they were facing exclusion from the party because the views which they held and the campaigns which they supported.
To date the five have all indicated their determination to appeal against the decisions. statement of the facts surrounding their exclusion has been produced, and a statement supporting their right to be members Acocks Green ward is being circulated within the Yardley constituency.
Support will then be sought throughout the City Labour nationally. As activists they recognise that more than their own individual memberships stake. Socialists throughout the should also recognise this and rally to their support. systematically demolished by the directed against the Tamil-speaking people.
The Tamils are demanding the establishment of state in their homelands, referred to as telam, which the Northern and Eastern of Sri • Lanka.
LUVICCO They have opted for this solution as a last resort to ensure their safety and survival.
Today the only 'effective challenge to the ruthless Sri Lankan regime comes not from the once. powerful left Prom the two Tamil libera tion groups who are wag. ing 'an armed liberation struggle to Secure dr dependent Eelam the LTTE and the PLOT.