The uproar has still to subside over the proposed Tory rent increases in London (and will not subside if the left plays a correct role in harnessing the tenants' justified anger into a coherent opposition However, Transport House has seen fit to join in the affray and try to decapitate the movement before it gets started. Ina letter dated 5th December, which was circulated to all CLPs and Labour Groups in the GLC are, Mr. L.G. Sims, secretary of the Greater London Co-ordinating Commi ttee, wrote:
"We must also consider the part that the Party can play in the GLC
estates themselves. There is bound to be strong reaction from the
tenants and we must take the initiative in the estates to avoid the
more extreme elements ‘cashing in' by exploiting the situation and
advocating actions which could only result in worsening the position
of tenants and lose them public sympathy." This is obviously an attempt to head-off the left from intervening in the campaign to stop the ridiculous increases (as much as 70%, in some cases). On Sunday 10th December, Robert Mellish called a meeting and outlined his proposals to all London CLP secretaries. When certain Labour Party secretaries formulated militant action against the increases, e.g., rent strikes and the burning of increase notification forms, Mr. Mellish nearly exploded. He warned that action would be taken against extremists. Obviously, the tenants cannot rely on Mr. Mellish and his cronies to fight the rent increases. However, it would be a mistake to think that the tenants should not try to fight their case through the Labour Party. They must take this course of action if they are to have any chance of winning and action must start soon.