The resignation yesterday of Clare Short, the former international development
secretary, is a shattering blow to the Blair government. It could spell the
beginning of the end for Blair, as things begin to unravel with increasing
speed.
The Blair government faced its worst nightmare in the immediate run up to the
war with Iraq. According to the Guardian revelations, Blair, Straw, Blunkett,
and others in the Cabinet were on the verge of resigning if the Commons vote
went against them.
With most of the results in from the local council, Welsh Assembly and Scottish
parliament elections the message to Blair is clear – his imperialist adventure
in Iraq was deeply unpopular, and at least as unpopular are the government's
proposed attacks on public services, the introduction of foundation hospitals,
the further privatisation of the NHS, and the introduction of top-up fees for
students.
Almost a year after firefighters tabled their claim for a pay rise to
£30,000 a year, new strikes are being prepared because of the intransigence of
the employers and a Labour government hellbent on attacking public services.
The killing of two Spanish reporters during the war in Iraq stirred public
opinion in Spain and it increased the anger that the working class and youth
feel towards the present right-wing Aznar government.The Spanish Marxist journal, El
Militante, interviewed Jeremy Dear on the war and other developments.
The outspoken left-wing Labour MP George Galloway is facing a witch-hunt
because of his anti-war stance. This attack, orchestrated by the Tory Telegraph and
Sun, has been seized upon by Blair and his entourage.
Barbara Humphries looks at the conflicting tendencies within the British Labour Party on
the question of war. It is clear that the rank and file members of the party have always tended
towards opposition to war, while the leadership has swung the other way. At times however the
opposition has been so strong that it has limited the ability of the Labour leadership to put
all its weight behind war efforts such as the US war on Vietnam.
As we go to press the TV is broadcasting scenes of US 'victory'. Yet if we
have learned one fact in recent weeks it is that the first casualty of war is
the truth. This war is not finished yet no matter what the headlines say.
Tony Woodley, the left candidate for general secretary of the 800,000 strong
(British) Transport and General Workers’ Union, opened his election campaign by
launching a bid to "reclaim the Labour Party", which was at odds with
the union in a number of important policy areas.
Now the battle for Baghdad is under way, capitalist commentators are going
euphoric. The war against Saddam could possibly be over in days. The stock
market is already rocketing up on the prospect.
Capitalism is renewed, such is the current mantra.
With the latest issue the Socialist Appeal journal in Britain
has gone fortnightly. It will be published twice a month for the duration of the
war and its immediate aftermath. This is an important step forward for the
forces of Marxism in Britain. It is a clear indication that Marxist ideas are
getting a wider echo in the British Labour movement. To mark this occasion, we
are publishing the Editorial of the first fortnightly edition.