No left winger - or for that matter, no socialist - could be pleased by the results of the Blackpool Conference, However, it is necessary to say that it was, perhaps, ndéso bad as it appeared from press and television reports. It is true that the left lost on every important issue. That a number of changes hmve taken place in the programme and complexion of the Labour Partys it is now a party which officially condones American mass murder in Vietnam, it is now a party which legislates against trade unions and,lastly, it is now a colour.bar party (anyone who doubts that should find out from delegates what Bob Mellish said, ) That is one side of the balance sheet; the other side is that at that conference because en important section of the left stood firm the basis of a national left wing was laid, On Tuesday, Mr. Wilson had the conference cheering = with the important exception of the TGWU delegation and a section of the left = but on Wednesday . when he replied to the Vietnam debate, Mr. Wilson had to posture for polite applause, That a firm left wing stand corresponded to the feelings and desires of a very large number of delegates was shown by reactions to the Briefing. Délegates from all over the country, including many trade unionists whose vote was cast for the right because of the block vote system, warmly congratulated the distributors of Briefing. The money they donated for it was another important indication, By standing firm left-wingers were not isolated. The urgent issue of the day is to fight between now and the opening of Parliament for steel nationalisation, with workers control, to be featured in the Queen's speech; against the colour bar immigration bill; against anti-union legislation; for cuts in arms expenditures for an intensification of the fight against the American war of aggression in Vietnam; and for the admission of the N.L.F. representatives. Mr. Wilson and his team must be made to understand that socialist principles are infinitely more important thaw the paper victories obtained by manipulation and mesmerism, Every organisation in the Labour movement mugt be made to realise that not to fight against the Government's policies is Court disaster for socialism, for working class standards and for the Labour Party, The aim of this campaign must be to reverse Government policy. Those MPs who have spoken of "last ditches" must be supported ¢ ¢
reinforced,