[page 4]
When Scottish Socialist was launched, it was set up as a democratic journal produced by SIP members, controlled by its readers and supporters. It was launched as a socialist journal, with a commitment to clear socialist policies set out in its editorial statement.
At the October conference of the SLP. Jim Sillars and the National Organising Committee set out to destroy democracy in the SLP. They did not succeed. The branches they expelled, together with a majority of delegates met together and called a reconvened congress for November 14th.
Those who led and upheld the explusions wanted room for Sillars to play the power game in Westminster to go over his members heads and concoct private deals with the SNP. unfettered by the trappings of democracy and unchallenged by committed socialists in his own ranks. They have given John Robertson the nod to continue the right wing antics which made him notorious as John Boyd's hatchetman in the AUEW, and, most scandalous of all, to continue his reactionary campaigning against womens abortion rights.
Sillars and Robertson have shown that they have nothing but contempt for the party membership. They treat them either as voting fodder or as whipping-boys. The depleted rump which they are now trying to build represents little more than the dreams of a few tired journalists. It is doubtful whether Sillars can now count on more than ten activists apiece in the major Scottish towns.
It is for this reason that the November 14th Conference embodies the real potential of the SLP. It expressed a commitment not only to democracy, but also to socialism. It secured the support of the bulk of party activists and its most prominent trade unionists: out of 130 people present, 52 were accredited delegates from the October conference.
It immediately set about implementing the October conference resolution for an open conference against
the cuts. It gave overwhelming support to STUC resolution 17, charting a course of opposition for the labour movement to the social contract
a fully socialist society under workers control and rejecting class collaboration. It fixed a further conference for January for a fuller discussion of policy.
It is not the supporters of the November 14th Conference who have split the SLP. It is Sillars and his cohorts. The November 14th conference unamimously adopted a resolution from Edinburgh SLP chairperson,
Hamish Henderson calling for an immediate opening of negotiations with the Sillars NEC for a democratic reunification. Within eight hours, without a whisper of consulation, Sillars had splased his refusal all over the pages of the press.
The future of the socialist alternative promised at the foundation of the SLP lies with those who attended or supported the November 14th conference. Socialism in the SLP has received its baptism in fire. We are confident that from it, a new and vital force in Scotland and Britain will emerge. This is where the ideals on which Scottish Socialist was founded lie. This is where we place our commitment.
JOIN THE SLP SUPPORT THE DECISIONS OF NOVEMBER 14TH.