Has British capitalism finally overcome what used to be called the
British disease: slower growth, higher inflation, continual currency crises
and a falling behind in living standards compared with the US, Europe and
Japan? Growth figures actually disguise a far more diseased system that the
media would like us to see.
The Annual Conference of the SSP (Scottish Socialist Party) meets this weekend
to discuss a draft manifesto for the European elections and debate other issues
against the background of the recent events in Spain. Despite the successes over
the past period there is a growing unrest in the party over the reformist and
nationalist drift of the leadershp. The road of nationalism and reformism offers no way forward for the working
class in Scotland or elsewhere. The struggle for socialism is international or
it is nothing. We must learn the lessons of the past so that we may prepare for
the future
The key role played by women in the 1984-1985 miners’ strike has been an
inspiration to working class women everywhere. Many other issues affecting women
have yet to be fought. Cuts in education, housing, transport and health just to
name a few. Originally published in 1986.
An essential lesson to draw from the miners’ strike is the vital role of
leadership. The miners’ leaders stood head and shoulders above the majority of
British trade union leaders. The leaders of the NUM were a source of
inspiration. At the same time these leaders were inspired by the courage and
determination of the rank and file miners, of their wives and their communities.
Unfortunately courage alone is not enough to win such titanic battles. It must
be accompanied by correct tactics and strategy.
Twenty years ago on March 5, 1984 the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)
embarked upon the most important class struggle in Britain since the general
strike of 1926. A ferocious battle ensued. Billions of pounds were spent by the
ruling class to crush the miners’ militancy. More than ten thousand miners
were arrested; two were killed on the picket lines and countless others injured.
Decades of so-called consensus were obliterated and the real and ugly face of
British capitalism was exposed for all to see.
An interview with Nigel Pearce, a member of the National Executive of the
National Union of Mineworkers and working miner. He explains how the strike
developed and the turning point that it represented for labour relations in
Britain. In spite of the defeat he says, "We were right to fight, we had a
duty to fight, and I’m proud to have fought, and I’m proud of all those I fought
alongside."