Critical support of Labour is not slowing movement

Rob's accusation that "by still insisting on backing the Labour Party as 'the sole viable national option' to the Tories, the Morning Star is, in effect, acting as a brake on the movement," is both sectarian and idealistic.

Tusc do not form a "national option" themselves as they do not stand candidates in every seat - surely a pre-condition to forming a nationwide alternative.

The Morning Star acts as a leading socialist voice across the labour movement as demonstrated in its editorials, feature articles and championing of the People's Charter.

I'm sure that Rob is also aware that the editorial policy of the Star is based upon the Communist Party's programme Britain's Road to Socialism.

I don't have space to quote the document extensively but I do recommend Rob reads it.

In particular, he should take note of choice lines such as "the Labour Party has never fundamentally challenged the ruling class" and "the reformist outlook that dominates the Labour Party confines it to an exclusively parliamentary role within the capitalist system."

These are hardly ringing endorsements.

Labour still enjoys the support the majority of the largest trade unions, many of whom are also on the management committee of the Morning Star.

Tusc has no such support.

Those of us who still critically support Labour are not supporting "middle-class careerists," we are doing all we can to strengthen the socialist voice across the movement as a whole.

Tim Gulliver

Secretary, south Devon CPB