Mobilisation a key priority at working-class forum

The RMT union-sponsored Camden conference was convened as a non-binding, non-resolution gathering of trade unionists to discuss the crisis in working-class representation and explore how to overcome it.

Around 250 activists from across the labour movement debated ways of mobilising around the People's Charter, union affiliation to Labour and the possibilities of setting up a new workers' party.

Opening proceedings, Prison Officers Association general secretary Brian Caton recalled his time in the Labour Party and said the left should "put aside its differences" to set up a new mass workers' party.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow agreed, saying that all that the main parties "embraced privatisation.

"I want my own political party that is going to fight for our people."

But Mr Crow said that it was wrong to criticise all Labour MPs, pointing out that he would campaign for Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.

"They have served our union in Parliament and that has to be recognised," he said.

Fellow platform speaker and Labour Representation Committee vice-chairwoman Susan Press said that the priority should to be preserve the "socialist MPs in the Socialist Campaign Group" in Parliament.

"New Labour has almost destroyed the party. There are now very few socialist Labour MPs and we need to help re-elect them," she said.

The People's Charter and the effects of EU legislation were also hot topics for debate.

Former NO2EU candidate John Foster spelled out the adverse impact of EU directives on government policy and the consequences for workers in struggle.

"The structural reform and restructuring taking place will facilitate wage-setting," he said.

"These international monetary policies are being lobbied for by central banks. The Lisbon Treaty was part of this offensive against the working class."

However, rather than calling for a new workers' party, Mr Foster said that mobilising around the demands of the People's Charter should be a priority for the trade union movement.

"The People's Charter can unite trade unions and communities to put policies back into the public agenda," he said.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack agreed, adding: "We can all sit in our offices and criticise or we can get involved in a campaign."