Peter Manson
Articles by Peter Manson
Sectarian left: Svengalis of Left Unity block unity
May 16 2013
Peter Manson examines two contrasting views of the new attempt to revive Labourism
Appeal from the editor
May 09 2013
Contributions have reached a worrying stand-still, writes Weekly Worker editor Peter Manson
Syria: Toxic weapons and revolutionary illusions
May 02 2013
Even if it is true that Assad is employing chemical weapons, writes Peter Manson, Obama does not want to act in a way that would trigger the total breakdown of the Syrian state
Appeal from the editor
May 02 2013
Contributions to our legal appeal have slowed down a bit, says Peter Manson, can you help step things up again?
Thatcher sanctification: The new Churchill?
April 25 2013
Attempts to elevate Margaret Thatcher into a national hero are unlikely to succeed, writes Peter Manson
Appeal from the editor
April 11 2013
Peter Manson, editor of the Weekly Worker, welcomes the latest contributions to our legal fund
Thatcher: Obituary
April 11 2013
The politics of revenge are understandable, but futile, argues Peter Manson. It is not individual representatives of capitalism that need ‘getting’: it is capitalism itself
South African left: Attempt to go round already existing mass organisations
April 04 2013
Wasp might be able to sting the SACP/Cosatu bureaucracy. But, asks Peter Manson, can it become a mass party capable of leading a socialist revolution?
Appeal from the editor
March 28 2013
Peter Manson sees the support our readers have given us so far, and gives an update
The left: Loach makes his bid for unity
March 28 2013
Can anything positive arise from the SWP crisis? Peter Manson believes it can if we stick to our principles
SWP leadership crisis: If you don’t talk about it ...
March 21 2013
Peter Manson thinks that the SWP leadership needs to stop doing its ostrich impression
SWP special conference: Apparatus uses fair means and foul
March 14 2013
Peter Manson asks what can still be saved from the SWP
Jerry Hicks interview: Not more of the same
March 07 2013
The Provisional Central Committee of the CPGB is urging support for Jerry Hicks, the rank-and-file candidate in the Unite election. Peter Manson spoke to him about his campaign and perspectives
Appeal from the editor
February 28 2013
Weekly Worker editor Peter Manson provides an update on our legal help appeal
STWC conference: Big claims, bankrupt politics
February 14 2013
How can we ‘stop the war’? Peter Manson reports on the 2003 protest nostalgia
SWP crisis: Green light for expulsions
February 07 2013
The opposition is about to be given a new lease of life, writes Peter Manson
SWP:Apparatus gears up for war
January 31 2013
This weekend’s national committee meeting looks set to trigger a showdown, writes Peter Manson
Opposition blog?: Doubts exist over authenticity
January 17 2013
The Weekly Worker is publishing a statement from the new 'SWP Opposition' blog, but doubts over the blogs authenticity remain, reports Peter Manson
SWP: Expelled before conference begins
December 20 2012
Once more the SWP central committee has acted to silence critics and cut off debate, reports Peter Manson
SWP conference: Crazy contortions of SWP central committee
December 13 2012
Following criticisms of the SWP’s culture and practice in the first two Internal Bulletins, the leadership has mobilised to rubbish opponents. Peter Manson reports
By elections: Austerity assault intensifies
December 06 2012
The coalition is not as ‘weak’ as last week’s election results suggest, says Peter Manson
Egypt Mursi: Showing his true colours
November 29 2012
The SWP's decision to call for a Muslim Brotherhood vote in Egypt is coming back to haunt them, writes Peter Manson
UTR: Sectarian and philistine
November 22 2012
The SWP’s fear of genuine debate was on grisly display throughout the day. Peter Manson reports on the Unite the Resistance conference
Socialist Party: On a publicity high
November 08 2012
In an interesting session on events in South Africa and the local CWI body the Democratic Socialist Movement, Peter Manson thinks that a more serious approach to the SACP is needed
Socialist Party: Economist republicanism
November 08 2012
The Socialist Party's economism was on full display during a session on the monarchy and the state reports Peter Manson
SWP conference: An anatomical investigation
November 08 2012
A minority of SWP comrades are taking advantage of their right to put their views before the membership once a year. Peter Manson reviews the latest Pre-conference Bulletin
TUC Demo: Union lefts rely on general strike strategy
October 25 2012
Saturday’s TUC demonstration showed that there is a burning desire to fight, writes Peter Manson. But ending the age of austerity requires a governmental alternative not on offer from Ed Miliband
SWP: Annual show of ‘democracy’
October 11 2012
This years first Internal Bulletin is a CC dominated token effort at democratic debate. Will this change, wonders Peter Manson?
Why the ship won’t sail
September 27 2012
Peter Manson reports on the misplaced efforts to talk up the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Police slaughter and apologetics
September 13 2012
The Morning Star has come unstuck with its uncritical support for the ANC, writes Peter Manson
And they call this sport
August 16 2012
The establishment intends to use the ‘legacy’ of the Olympics to consolidate British national chauvinist ideology and ruling class values, writes Peter Manson
Grasping the Olympic enigma
August 09 2012
The hype and nationalistic overkill is enough to put off even the keenest of sports lovers, writes Peter Manson. But the left needs to maintain a sense of balance
The passing of a liquidationist scheme
August 02 2012
The Anti-Capitalist Initiative is not long for this world. Peter Manson reports on the departure of its largest component
Private SWP quarrels and public SWP gagging
July 12 2012
The main role of the annual Marxism festival seems to be making new recruits and attempting to buoy up the rank and file. Peter Manson reports
Miliband turns a deeper shade of blue
June 28 2012
Is the Labour leader 'pandering to racism' Peter Manson looks at Ed Miliband's June 22 speech
Arab spring in retreat
June 21 2012
All the evidence points to the ascendancy of counterrevolutionary forces in Syria, writes Peter Manson
Ideologically bankrupt
June 14 2012
The South African Communist Party has published a new version of its programme. Peter Manson analyses 'The South African road to socialism'
Broad fronts and liquidationism
May 31 2012
CPGB members have been discussing the Anti-Capitalist Initiative and the role of Communist Students. Peter Manson reports
Vauxhall: defeat for all car workers
May 24 2012
Peter Manson reports on a deal that represents an attack on working conditions
Small rooms and the politics of dishonesty
May 17 2012
The Anti-Capitalist Initiative represents a further liquidationist retreat, writes Peter Manson
Same old failings
May 10 2012
With the Tory-Lib Dem coalition on the ropes and Labour proposing no positive alternative, the left seems incapable of taking advantage. Peter Manson reports
Abolish the second chamber
May 03 2012
Whether partly elected or not, the House of Lords will continue to impose checks and balances against democracy, writes Peter Manson
Like looking for a needle in a haystack
April 26 2012
Peter Manson calls for critical support for Ken Livingstone, for Labour anti-cuts candidates and for all those standing on a left, working class platform
Galloway shows what can be done
April 05 2012
How can the left make the most of the Bradford West result? Peter Manson joins the debate
Sport solidarity, not Sport relief
March 29 2012
Sarah McDonald and other comrades will be running the Vienna marathon to raise money for Iranian Workers, here she explains why you should show support
Thin dividing line
March 29 2012
The 'cash for access' row has once again exposed the contradictions inherent in capitalism, writes Peter Manson
Expulsion and exclusion as war threat grows
March 08 2012
The SWP no longer controls Stop the War, writes Peter Manson, but its successors still practise SWP-style bureaucratism
Hague claims mask new threats
February 23 2012
As the drums of war against Iran beat ever louder, Peter Manson takes a look at the latest remarks by the British foreign secretary.
Tories wobbling over health bill
February 16 2012
As Camreron attempts to push through his disastrous Health and Social Care Bill cracks have opened up in the government, Peter Manson examines the issue.
Muddle, passivity, conformity
January 26 2012
The SWP's annual conference was a big let-down following the positive ideas put forward in the final pre-conference internal bulletin. Peter Manson reports
Politics, not voluntarism
January 19 2012
The left is trying to wish a mass fightback into existence. Peter Manson reports on the Unite the Resistance 'emergency conference'
Signs of an awakening
December 22 2011
Calls for internal democracy within the Socialist Workers Party can only be welcomed. Peter Manson reports on the third and final 'Pre-conference Bulletin'
The disappearing slogan
December 08 2011
Whatever happened to 'All out, stay out'? Peter Manson investigates
Appearances are everything
November 24 2011
Peter Manson reports on the SWP's obsession with numbers regarding its latest recruiting front
No ambition, no vision
November 10 2011
As the unions prepare for the biggest strike since 1926, the SWP cannot see further than recruiting to itself. Peter Manson reports on its second internal bulletin
Vile class-collaboration on display at Westminster
October 27 2011
Peter Manson looks at the reaction of the Morning Star to the defeat of the Commons motion for a referendum on the European Union
ANC bureaucrats target youth league demagogue
October 20 2011
The South African Communist Party has no answer to Julius Malema's black nationalism, writes Peter Manson
The tiny cog and its mechanical mindset
October 13 2011
Peter Manson reviews the first of three SWP pre-conference bulletins
Besancenot: go beyond outdated national borders
October 06 2011
Last weekend's Europe Against Austerity event adopted the aim of a 'day of industrial action' across the continent in 2012. Peter Manson reports on the conference's strengths and weaknesses
Miliband reassures capital
September 29 2011
Peter Manson considers Ed Miliband's vacuous speech to Labour Party conference
Proper sites, not eviction
September 22 2011
Travellers must be free to follow the lifestyle of their choice, writes Peter Manson
Side with working class or, in the name of god, go
September 15 2011
The TUC congress represented a positive step towards united working class resistance against coalition attacks, writes Peter Manson
A fleeting moment of power, pure joy and fulfilment
August 11 2011
Our movement needs to provide hope for a generation of young people who have lost all hope - that can only be done by making real our vision of working class rule and socialism, argues Peter Manson
Giving up on Unison
August 04 2011
Members of the Socialist Party in England and Wales employed by two local councils in London have resigned from Britain's largest public sector union. Peter Manson sees a parallel in SPEW's abandonment of Labour
British jobs for British workers?
July 28 2011
The struggle for jobs at Bombardier must not be diverted by sectionalism or nationalism, urges Peter Manson
From Tony Cliff to Alex Callinicos
July 07 2011
Peter Manson looks at the leadership pecking order and calls for the SWP to open up
Fight for a massive, long-term wave of industrial action
June 23 2011
Transformation of the whole labour movement is urgently required, writes Peter Manson
Beginning of the end
June 02 2011
The Respect national council has declared that 'carrying on as if nothing has changed' is 'not an option'. Peter Manson reports
Give up on Tusc
May 26 2011
'If there was a serious prospect of shifting Labour towards the left, no serious Marxist could stand aside from this.' Peter Taaffe should live up to his words, says Peter Manson
Build on growing anti-cuts mood
May 12 2011
Militant opponents of the Con-Dem cuts are few and far between. Peter Manson takes a looks around the country
Non-Labour left election results
May 12 2011
The performance of the non-Labour left on May 5 was, to be frank, dismal, writes Peter Manson
Getting the message across
May 05 2011
Chris Knight of the Radical Anthropology Group was among those arrested for attempting a street theatre performance to coincide with the royal wedding. They were accused of 'conspiracy to cause a public nuisance' and detained for more than 24 hours. He spoke to Peter Manson
Vote working class anti-cuts
April 28 2011
Peter Manson discusses forthcoming council elections and the AV referendum
Left gets it wrong
April 21 2011
Cameron should not be condemned for playing into the hands of the BNP, argues Peter Manson. He should be condemned for pushing a vicious anti-working class line right now
Latest irresponsible split from SWP
April 14 2011
The defection of Chris Bambery and a section of the Scottish membership highlights systemic failings. Peter Manson reports
Serwotka gives a lead - TUC must follow
April 07 2011
The TUC has had leadership of the anti-cuts movement thrust upon it, writes Peter Manson. But the left must look to the long term
Unity across the Arab world
March 31 2011
The Revolutionary Socialists in Egypt are a group that adheres to the same tradition as our Socialist Workers Party. Peter Manson asked Mohammad Hamama, a prominent RS member, about the prospects for the working class movement in Egypt and beyond
Socialism means winning the majority
March 10 2011
Winning a 'yes' vote in the May 5 referendum on AV should be seen as part of the battle for extreme democracy, writes Peter Manson
Make unity a reality
February 17 2011
Differences over tactics are no reason to keep the anti-cuts movement divided, argues Peter Manson
Programme for the class
January 27 2011
After two long days of intense debate and argument, CPGB comrades unanimously agreed our organisation's redrafted Draft programme on Sunday January 23. Peter Manson reports
Another one bites the dust
January 06 2011
Even before SWP comrades gather in London for their annual conference, the central committee has sacked Martin Smith as national secretary and replaced him by Charlie Kimber. Peter Manson looks at an organisation in crisis
Build on the momentum
December 02 2010
The November 27 Coalition of Resistance conference, despite obvious weaknesses, marked a good start in the struggle to stop the government's cuts onslaught. Peter Manson reports
Rise to the challenge
November 25 2010
Editor Peter Manson calls upon readers to help transform the financial base of our paper in 2011
Clutching at straws
November 18 2010
The Respect Party is looking for a revival of its flagging fortunes through the election of George Galloway as an MSP. Peter Manson reports on a low-key conference
A programme to unite all Marxists
October 21 2010
Peter Manson reports on the second day of the October 16-17 CPGB aggregate
Debating the Labour leadership contest
September 16 2010
Opposition to the CPGB call to give a critical vote for Diane Abbott is based on leftist abstentionism, argues Peter Manson
Freedom to choose emancipation and dress
August 05 2010
To force a woman to remove her veil is just as subjugating as forcing her to cover up. Peter Manson replies to left and right criticisms
BP, Libya and the national interest
July 29 2010
Peter Manson looks at the furore over the release of the 'Lockerbie bomber'
French burqa ban has nothing to do with women's rights
July 22 2010
The left in France has shown itself lacking, argues Peter Manson. We oppose state bans, just as we oppose the enforced veiling of women
Defections no answer
July 15 2010
Peter Manson looks at the latest split from the Socialist Workers Party
Obama's Afghan strategy in tatters
July 01 2010
The change of top military command in Afghanistan is not about personalities, writes Peter Manson
Labour Party and communist strategy
June 24 2010
Is there space within Labour to struggle for democracy and a left revival? Peter Manson reports on the CPGB debate
Use opportunity of Diane Abbott leadership bid
June 10 2010
Rightwing scheming as well as John McDonnell's withdrawal has ensured there will be a left candidate for the Labour leadership after all, writes Peter Manson
McDonnell blocked by NEC bureaucrats
May 20 2010
Despite the current ascendancy of the right, Labour is likely to see a shift to the left, argues Peter Manson
Abysmal day for non-Labour left
May 13 2010
The performance of non-Labour working class candidates on May 6 was woeful. Peter Manson and John Masters report on the candidates, the figures and the excuses
Shrill voices and social weight
May 06 2010
Peter Manson finds social weight is a commodity all of the left lacks
Help not required?
April 29 2010
Peter Manson reports on the welcome he received from Tusc campaigners in south London
Posing to the left
April 29 2010
Nancy Platts is the Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion, where she is opposed by Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, not to mention Arthur Scargill's Socialist Labour Party. While the CPGB will not recommend a vote for the petty bourgeois Greens, we will support any Labour candidate who meets our two conditions: opposition to all cuts in public services and an immediate withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. Peter Manson spoke to her
Socialists in trade union clothing
April 01 2010
Peter Manson was at the very modest official launch of the latest halfway house project
Vetoes and three-minute decision-making
March 11 2010
Domination by trade union bureaucrats, no time to debate or discuss politics, and the attempt to cover up social democratic politics with Marxist excuses. Peter Manson reports
TUSC - give critical support despite many political shortcomings
March 04 2010
But continue to fight for partyist unity around a Marxist programme, urges Peter Manson
ANC battle hots up
March 04 2010
The rightwing is not only playing the race card, writes Peter Manson
Developing Marxist theory
February 25 2010
The Critique journal is celebrating its 50th issue. Peter Manson spoke to its editor, Hillel Ticktin
Left Platform throws in the towel
February 18 2010
Following the departure of John Rees, Lindsey German and all their supporters from the Socialist Workers Party, lessons must be learnt, says Peter Manson
Left unity should be a top priority
February 11 2010
Tusc poses the necessity of a Marxist party, not a Labour Party mark two, writes Peter Manson
No more proscriptions, bans or secret cabals
January 21 2010
The CPB has pulled out of Tusc, reports Peter Manson. Where does that leave the coalition?
Left Platform trounced
January 14 2010
Peter Manson reports on an overwhelming victory for Martin Smith and the central committee
Email thought crimes and the Left Platform
December 17 2009
The SWP central committee has made its intentions regarding the opposition Left Platform crystal-clear, writes Peter Manson. John Rees, Lindsey German, Chris Nineham and their supporters now look set to be charged with 'factionalism' and expelled
The polemical alternative
December 03 2009
Peter Manson reports on the latest debates of CPGB members and supporters
Defend Rees-German and the Left Platform
November 26 2009
Peter Manson looks at the organisational moves to pre-empt a full debate, the factional war in the latest Pre-conference Bulletin and the ending of the silence over Jane Loftus
Rival CNWP launched
November 19 2009
Another month and yet another call for a halfway-house working class party - this time by the Trotskyist group, Workers Power. Peter Manson is not impressed
Towards an election coalition
November 12 2009
November 7 saw the latest in what now seems to be an annual conference on working class political representation, organised by the RMT union. Peter Manson reports
Racism or nationalism
May 07 2009
Much of the left continues to experience a great deal of difficulty in coming to terms with the British state's now highly developed official anti-racism, writes Peter Manson. The fact is that the state has colonised the left's anti-racism and turned it into its dialectical opposite - anti-racist national chauvinism
SWP dumps John Rees
September 18 2008
The leader with the greatest responsibility for the Respect disaster has been ousted. Peter Manson reports on the palace coup in the SWP
Union struggles need political leadership
May 01 2008
'Summer of discontent' looms, says Peter Manson
Carry on regardless
February 28 2008
It is time for the SWP membership to call a halt to the leadership's stubborn GLA charade, argues Peter Manson
Defeat the liquidators
February 21 2008
Communists should give a guarded welcome to the decision of the LCR to launch a new revolutionary party, writes Peter Manson
No respect for socialist principle
January 31 2008
The story of Respect is nearing its end. Peter Manson looks back at the saga of SWP opportunism. This article was originally commissioned by the Russian journal Levaya Politika (Left Politics)
John Rees must be crazy if he thinks Londoners will elect Lindsey German to the GLA
January 24 2008
The Socialist Workers Party leadership may have marginalised its internal opposition for the moment. But its strategy has been thoroughly exposed as an unmitigated disaster. Peter Manson reports on the SWP conference and the latest developments in Respect
Battle of the soul of SACP
January 10 2008
Whether or not newly elected ANC president Jacob Zuma is a criminal, just what is the South African Communist Party playing at in supporting him? Peter Manson reports from South Africa
Crisis can no longer be hidden
December 06 2007
The crisis that split apart Respect is now enveloping the SWP itself. Peter Manson looks at the bitter debate within the organisation
Programme debate continues
November 29 2007
CPGB comrades in London are continuing our discussions on the redrafting of our Draft programme and we are now coming towards the end of section three of the current version, 'Immediate demands'. Peter Manson reports
Renewal of populism
November 22 2007
The Galloway version of Respect is taking confidence from its common anti-SWPism, writes Peter Manson. But the lack of clarity inherited from its parent means it cannot be a vehicle for working class advance
The futility and absurdity of halfway house projects
November 15 2007
As both wings of the organisation once known as Respect gather for 'conferences' in London, there is a good deal or hype and unfounded official optimism in the air, says Peter Manson
Two Respects, two dead ends
November 08 2007
John Rees has achieved what he set out to do in provoking a split, writes Peter Manson. But it is a pyrrhic victory, leaving the SWP more isolated than ever
After his Moscow, Rees faces his Waterloo
October 25 2007
The leadership of the Socialist Workers Party is not only fighting Galloway and his allies in Respect. Peter Manson shows that there is growing discontent in the ranks of the SWP itself
Immediate demands
October 18 2007
CPGB comrades in London have been engaged in an ongoing debate over the contents of our Draft programme in line with the decision taken last year to update and redraft it, reports Peter Manson
Attempting to retreat in good order
October 18 2007
Respect's terminal crisis is spreading acute tensions into the SWP, writes Peter Manson, with the leadership expelling three more prominent dissidents
Socialism from below in Respect
October 11 2007
Longstanding SWP member Nick Bird has resigned from the organisation in protest at its lack of internal democracy and change of policy on Respect. He spoke to Peter Manson
Looking for pastures new
October 04 2007
As the SWP leadership poses left in order to prepare the membership for a future without Respect, Peter Manson calls upon the rank and file to rebel from the left
Now it must be counted amongst the living dead
September 27 2007
Respect's national council solves nothing. The rot cannot be hidden, says Peter Manson
Demise imminent
September 20 2007
Exactly how and when Respect will meet its end is impossible to tell, writes Peter Manson. But, judging by what the SWP leaders are saying, it is not long for this world
George Galloway demands the scalp of John Rees - so do we
September 13 2007
Following the failure of the SWP to reach an accommodation with George Galloway, is John Rees now preparing for a final showdown at Respect's annual conference in November? Peter Manson reports on the latest developments
George Galloway's rebellion rocks SWP
September 06 2007
Peter Manson looks at the civil war being fought out in the run-up to the November 17-18 conference
Respect - the party for everybody
August 02 2007
Businessman Harun Miah is Respect's candidate in the August 9 council by-election in Shadwell, Tower Hamlets. He defeated the SWP's nominee in Respect's selection meeting and is being opposed by former Labour leader of the council Michael Keith. The by-election was sparked when sitting Respect councillor Shamim Chowdhury resigned, at first citing "changed personal circumstances", but then launching a bitter attack on his former colleagues. Harun Miah spoke to Peter Manson
Snail's pace split
July 26 2007
The July 11-15 12th Congress of the South African Communist Party saw the long drawn out process of an SACP split from the African National Congress continue at a snail's pace. Peter Manson comments
SWP and morality
July 12 2007
An ideal opportunity to challenge the SWP leadership over its attitude to Martin Smith's thuggery came at the Sunday afternoon session aptly entitled 'Marxism and morality'. Peter Manson reports
Complacent indifference
July 12 2007
Peter Manson on the session 'Scotland - on the road to independence?'
Unity and opportunism
June 28 2007
The CPGB is not advocating building a Marxist party through a rotten deal with the current SWP and SPEW leaders, writes Peter Manson. Our call for unity is inseparable from the struggle for working class principle
Campaigning with Marxist teeth
June 14 2007
Oppose all halfway houses, says Peter Manson. We need to be absolutely clear on our principles
Facing disintegration
June 07 2007
As South Africa's public sector strike continues to escalate, the crisis besetting the South African Communist Party can only deepen. Peter Manson looks at the SACP's contradictory role
Two-way traffic and continued divisions
May 17 2007
As the SWP desperately tries to keep a semblance of control over its Respect offspring in Tower Hamlets, the local branch has seen one of its councillors cross the floor to Labour, while a high-profile Labour leftwinger moves in the opposite direction. Peter Manson reports
Where now for CMP?
May 11 2007
Peter Manson looks at the prospects for the Campaign for a Marxist Party and reports on the first in a series of CMP day schools
'It has to go'
May 11 2007
The May 26 CMP day school, held in Manchester's Friends Meeting House, was the first in a series of four originally designed to facilitate the CMP-CPGB merger process. Peter Manson reports
Ghosts of 2002, poverty of 2007
April 26 2007
The deeply divided French left has only itself to blame for its abysmal results in the presidential election. Peter Manson looks at the continuing decline of the Parti Communiste Français and the bankruptcy of the far left
Party standing on principle
April 19 2007
Sajid Mehmood is the Respect candidate for Park ward in the metropolitan district council of Calderdale. Peter Manson spoke to him about his strange route into Respect - via Labour, the Tories and Labour again
Sheridan to back SNP
April 12 2007
Both the Scottish Socialist Party and Solidarity are in self-destruct mode, says Peter Manson
New star recruit Tafazzal Hussain: businessman
March 22 2007
Peter Manson on the former Lib Dem council candidate Tafazzal Hussain, who has just joined Respect
Uphill battle for McDonnell
March 15 2007
With in all likelihood only a couple of months to go before Tony Blair steps down as Labour leader, the campaign to elect John McDonnell as his replacement is still unable to gather enough steam to ensure that, at the very least, his name appears on the ballot paper. Peter Manson reports
CMP steps up a gear
March 15 2007
Peter Manson reports on the first national members' meeting of the Campaign for a Marxist Party
May 3 and the CPGB
March 08 2007
The forthcoming elections will feature a number of left Labour and socialist candidates and slates, writes Peter Manson. On what basis should we decide who deserves our support?
Nationalist squabbles
March 08 2007
On Saturday March 3 both the Scottish Socialist Party and Solidarity held one-day policy conferences in Glasgow to finalise their respective manifestoes for the May 3 election to the Scottish parliament. Peter Manson comments
Messenger or message?
March 01 2007
Peter Manson reports from the February 24 Stop the War Coalition demonstration in London
Choosing the butcher
February 15 2007
With the presidential elections looming and the two mainstream candidates neck and neck, France's establishment looks set to take another step towards its goal of establishing a stable, two-party system. Peter Manson looks at the failure of the left to provide an alternative
It's not what you know but who you know
February 08 2007
On January 23 Yasir Idris was selected at a meeting of South West Birmingham Respect to contest the Moseley and Kings Heath ward in the May council elections. He beat the Socialist Workers Party's Helen Salmon by 35 votes to 20. Peter Manson spoke to him
For workers' unity, for open borders
February 01 2007
On January 26 the government announced yet another batch of anti-migrant measures in its UK Borders Bill, which will have its second reading on February 5. Peter Manson reports
How to fight for party
January 25 2007
Around 20 comrades came together for the first London meeting of the Campaign for a Marxist Party on January 21. This took the form of a debate and discussion on the immediate tasks of the CMP, initiated by Mike Macnair of the CPGB and Chris Grey of New Interventions. Peter Manson reports
Decriminalise sex work
January 04 2007
How should the left relate to sex workers? Following the murder of five prostitutes in Ipswich, Peter Manson spoke to Ana Lopes of the International Union of Sex Workers (www.iusw.org)
SWP 'no platform' fiasco
November 23 2006
Last weekend's grandly named People's Assembly saw the Socialist Workers Party adopt a highly contradictory position on the crucial question of defence of democratic rights, including the right to free speech. Peter Manson reports
Breakaway deeply divided from birth
November 16 2006
Peter Manson reports on the uneasy alliances within Tommy Sheridan's new party Solidarity
Spin, deception and eclecticism
October 19 2006
If there was ever any doubt, Respect's third annual conference, held over the weekend of October 14-15, confirmed that the organisation is now indisputably a Socialist Worker Party front, writes Peter Manson. Despite efforts to prove the opposite, Respect is visibly shrinking
Don't talk about George!
October 12 2006
Workers Unity platform members attempted to get an emergency motion on the McNeilage scandal debated at the Scottish Socialist Party conference, but it was ruled out of order. Sandy McBurney spoke to Peter Manson
SSP says it will not expel tape man George McNeilage
October 05 2006
Peter Manson reports on the latest developments in the Tommy Sheridan saga
Time for politics
September 28 2006
Peter Manson reports from the September 23 'Time to go' demonstration in Manchester
Poles apart, or workers' unity?
September 07 2006
Ewa Jasiewicz is a Transport and General Workers Union organiser in the north-west with particular responsibility for the recruitment of Polish migrant workers. She spoke to Peter Manson
McCombes or Sheridan, the problem is still nationalism
August 31 2006
Peter Manson comments on the split of the Scottish Socialist Party
After the court victory, civil war begins in earnest
August 10 2006
Peter Manson comments on what awaits the Scottish Socialist Party in the aftermath of Tommy Sheridan's court victory
Fight for two states, fight for Arab unity
August 03 2006
A 'secular, democratic Palestine' has suddenly made a reappearance in Socialist Worker, writes Peter Manson. But it turns out that what is envisaged will be neither democratic nor secular
Two nations, Two secular states
July 20 2006
It is not enough to demand an end to the Israeli assault on Lebanon and a vague 'justice for the Palestinians', says Peter Manson. The left and anti-war movement as a whole must be won to a fully democratic solution
A pox on both their houses
June 29 2006
The split between the two wings of the Scottish Socialist Party continues to widen. Peter Manson examines latest developments
Battle lines drawn
June 22 2006
Tommy Sheridan has launched a Bonapartist power-grab. This weekend's national council looks set to ratchet up tensions even further, writes Peter Manson
Scottish Socialist Party spirals into all out civil war
June 01 2006
Peter Manson looks at the factions and politics behind the headlines and Tommy Sheridan's grab for power
Personality crisis
May 18 2006
The Scottish Socialist Party appears to be on the brink of a potentially devastating split between, on the one hand, the supporters of the party's former convenor and most prominent figure, Tommy Sheridan, and, on the other, the leadership majority around the SSP's main theoretician, policy and press coordinator Alan McCombes. Peter Manson reports
SWP failure within Respect success
May 11 2006
Peter Manson comments on the results of the May 4 local elections
'Talib Johnny' drops in and out
March 30 2006
Peter Manson looks at Birmingham city councillor for Sparkbrook, Talib Hussain, who resigned from Respect only a week after joining
'Marxists' for another Labour Party
March 23 2006
The March 19 launch of the Socialist Party's Campaign for a New Workers' Party went according to plan, writes Peter Manson. The 450 comrades who signed up to its founding declaration overwhelmingly voted for the SP's plans for a Labour Party mark two.
'Marxists' for another Labour Party
March 16 2006
The March 19 launch of the Socialist Party's Campaign for a New Workers' Party went according to plan, writes Peter Manson. The 450 comrades who signed up to its founding declaration overwhelmingly voted for the SP's plans for a Labour Party mark two.
How many more careerists?
March 02 2006
In Tower Hamlets, a prospective local elections candidate has resigned from Respect. Peter Manson reports
SWP 'racism' fig leaf
February 23 2006
The furore following the Danish cartoons has not subsided, writes Peter Manson. But the position of many islamic groups - backed up by the Socialist Workers Party - plays into the hands of islamophobes
Islamophobia: no! Free speech: yes!
February 16 2006
Peter Manson analyses the furore over the Danish cartoon controversy
Freedom of speech still in danger
February 02 2006
While Blair's defeat over religious incitement is to be welcomed, the new law could still be wielded against the working class, writes Peter Manson. That is why it is appalling that George Galloway and Respect were New Labour's only allies in the Commons
Representation - crisis unresolved
January 26 2006
As expected, the RMT's 'Crisis in working class representation' conference was almost entirely a gathering of the organised left, writes Peter Manson. The union bureaucracy has no intention of founding a new political party
SWP bites its lip
January 19 2006
The Socialist Workers Party is deeply uneasy about George Galloway's antics in the Big brother house - but it was them who gave him carte blanche to be a free agent in the first place, says Peter Manson
Maverick George Galloway offends SWP sensibilities
January 12 2006
George Galloway's decision to try his hand at 'reality' TV as a Big brother contestant has thrown Respect and the Socialist Workers Party into disarray, to put it mildly. Peter Manson reports
We are better than them!
December 15 2005
Peter Manson reports from last Saturday's 'international peace confernce' in London, which was more of a rally - and gave no answers as to what the anti-war movement should be doing next
Stalinist atmosphere reigns
December 08 2005
Our republication of a mildly critical piece from the Socialist Workers Party's Pre-conference bulletin seems to have caused a furious row inside the SWP - at least judging by the reaction of its author, Dave Crouch. Peter Manson reports
Gay rights 'shibboleth'
November 24 2005
Was it just an oversight that gay and lesbian rights did not feature in Respect's election manifestio? Apparently not, as the debate at conference showed. Peter Manson reports
A strange amalgam
November 24 2005
Respect's second annual conference took place over the weekend of November 19-20. But what is Respect, asks Peter Manson - a party or coalition? In fact it is a chimera, a multi-headed beast which is regularly redefined by its leaders according to needs and circumstances
Reviving left reformism
November 17 2005
The Socialist Party in England and Wales is recruiting and in buoyant mood, writes Peter Manson. Its November 12-13 weekend school demonstrated that sectarianism brings short-term advantages
Short-termist and dishonest
November 17 2005
Peter Manson looks at the role of the Socialist Party in the public service pensions sell-out
State of emergency against youth revolt
November 10 2005
While France explodes, the left pontificates. Peter Manson exposes the narrow-mindedness of economism
Socialist Party gains second Lewisham councillor
December 11 2003
Peter Manson reports on the election of Chris Flood
Electoral deal ratified
December 11 2003
Peter Manson reports on the French left and the EU elections
An utter mess
November 06 2003
In June a rotten settlement gave management carte blanche to impose 'modernisation' on firefighters' working conditions. Now the promised seven percent rise is to be phased in. Fire Brigades Union London regional officer Matt Wrack spoke to Peter Manson about the background to the latest wave of unofficial action
General election 2001
May 10 2001
The left - in the shape of the Socialist Alliance, Scottish Socialist Party and Welsh Socialist Alliance - have, in the coming general election, the biggest opportunity for decades to make headway.
Imagine no nationalism
March 01 2001
Strikers defy injunction
February 08 2001
Last Monday's strike of tubeworkers all but paralysed the London underground network, leading to the cancellation of around 92% of scheduled trains. The management of London Underground Ltd had expected to be able to run a reasonable service after obtaining an injunction in the High Court declaring the strike ballot by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union "invalid", despite the 90% RMT vote in favour of action. LUL stated it had not received enough information relating to the numbers involved in each workplace, as per its entitlement under Thatcher's anti-union legislation, now wielded by New Labour. The strike called by the other main rail union, Aslef, most of whose members are drivers, was allowed to proceed.
Socialist Alliance
November 30 2000
Last week's by-elections produced excellent results for the left. The Socialist Alliance, standing for the first time in Lancashire, saved its deposit in Preston, while the Scottish Socialist Party polled more than seven percent in the two seats vacated by the death of Donald Dewar in Glasgow Anniesland. Meanwhile the Socialist Party won another seat in a council by-election in Lewisham, south London.
Expelled for speaking out
November 16 2000
Harry Paterson, a long-standing member of the Socialist Party/Militant, has had his appeal against expulsion turned down. He spoke to Peter Manson of the Weekly Worker
Nellist hides as SWP is purged
October 26 2000
The leadership of the Leeds Left Alliance - an affiliate of the Socialist Alliance - has won its rigged postal ballot banning the Socialist Workers Party.
Call for unity
October 19 2000
Andy Holder is England's first self-declared Socialist Alliance councillor, representing a ward in Burnley, Lancashire. He spoke to Peter Manson What is your background in politics?
Theoretically disabled polemic
September 14 2000
Peter Taaffe Cuba - socialism and democracy CWI Publications, London 2000, pp124, £4.99
Planting the flag
June 15 2000
Working class fighter takes on New Labour Weyman Bennett is our London Socialist Alliance candidate for Tottenham in the June 22 parliamentary by-election. Peter Manson spoke to him
