| Save the Labour Party |
| Briefing for Labour MPs 4 February 2004 Campaigning for a ‘A 3rd term with a growing, active membership’ 1. In his address today to the PLP the Leader of the Labour Party concluded: "We [Labour MPs] need to show the same discipline in the parliamentary party as members are showing out in the country". 2. STLP believes that as a Labour Member of Parliament you will be all too well aware of the latest membership figures, activism and opinion within CLPs. We applaud party discipline for the right reasons. 3. Individual membership was lower at the end of 2002 (the latest published figures available) than when the current Leader of the Labour Party was elected. Activism is reported anecdotally as being at an all-time low. A sample of latest membership returns from OQS suggests that while the loss of members has slowed, it remains significant. 4. Prospects of any recovery before the next General Election are limited, except perhaps in London following the readmission of Ken Livingstone. The “top-down” approach, which has fuelled controversy over foundation hospitals, top-up fees, and foreign policy is not popular with CLPs or remaining members. 5. We note the decision of the NEC last week to set up three working groups on Partnership in Power. 6. Winning elections, deciding policy democratically and democratic socialist values are at the centre of STLP’s aims and objectives. It is no longer apparent that they are at the centre of the Party’s thinking. 7. STLP is an organisation of Labour Party members from all over the UK and across the political spectrum. It has adopted a constitution, held regular members’ meetings and a national ballot for its committee. Keynote speakers have included the Rt Hon Michael Meacher MP, Tony Lloyd MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP; leading political scientist, Professor Sir Bernard Crick, and NEC member Ann Black. 8. We are looking for MPs and prominent party members willing to champion the cause of recruiting members, encouraging activism, and supporting members having a meaningful say in policy making. 9. STLP is encouraging CLPs to submit responses to 21st century Party consultation document. We are willing to post links to submissions in full on our website www.savethelabourparty.org 10. A regional network has been established by STLP to link more effectively with CLPs to promote its aims in the run up to both this year’s elections and the next general election. 11. We are also offering to publish resolutions of contemporary interest from any Labour Party unit on our website to encourage openness and accountability inside the Party and public debate in our local communities, regionally and nationally. The first, from the Isle of Wight CLP post Hutton and tuition fees (second reading), has already been posted on our website. 12. STLP circulated a model resolution for the 2003 Annual Party conference calling for an Inquiry into the state of the Party. A contemporary motion tabled by Stafford CLP, and an Emergency Motion post Brent East tabled by Hackney North and Stoke Newington CLP were both ruled out of order by the CAC. 13. The underlying issues remain. By adopting this new approach focussing on membership, policy making and principles, we hope to make a positive contribution to the Labour Party’s electability and long term future. Peter Kenyon, Chair 4 February 2004 |