Worker's Europe not workers Brexit - draft 02

Left Unity – for a workers Europe – the radical case for internationalism

Len Arthur 30 August 2017

Let us be clear, the global system of capitalism has resulted in a concentration of wealth and power. Oxfam reported early in 2017 that the eight richest people in the world now own more than 50% of the poorest, who total 3.6 billion.

This is not some accident. It derives directly from capitalist exploitation: controlling production for the expansion of profit and accumulation. Only those who own the wealth fully benefit, instead of protecting and enriching the lives of all; tackling the basic needs of people and ensuring the survival of the planet.

The concentration of ownership and power must be challenged.

As radical socialist we argue for taking control of that wealth and the processes of creating it.

Our Left Unity Manifesto clearly states:

“Left Unity stands for equality and justice. It is socialist, feminist, environmentalist, anti-racist and against all forms of discrimination.

We are socialist because our aim is to end capitalism. We will pursue a society where the meeting of human needs is paramount, not one which is driven by the quest for private profit and the enrichment of a few. We are in favour of a radical system where democratic control extends across the economy. The natural wealth, and the means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned in common and democratically run by and for the people as a whole, rather than being owned and controlled by a small minority to enrich themselves.”

Left Unity is clear that we have to challenge capitalism internationally. The consequences of inequality, lack of power and exploitation are experienced by workers around the world and it is the potential of working class unity that is the only force that can mount a real challenge. There is no national solution only one based on class. Socialism in one country is not possible. Building internationally, both politically and in action, has to be taken at every opportunity.

For these reasons Left Unity is a member of the Party of the European Left and supported a remain vote in the referendum. We accept all the criticisms of the EU but its very existence provides a terrain of international struggle against. As radical socialists we should be taking the argument for a democratic, socialist, indeed workers Europe, to the people of the UK as well as joining in solidarity with workers across Europe and wider.

The Corbyn led Labour Party should now be building on their proposals to remain as close as possible to the current EU arrangements. In the longer term they should be prepared, if necessary, to argue to remain if significant steps were taken toward a worker’s Europe along the lines argued by the European Left.

There is an opportunity for us to break out of the straightjacket of the UK nationalist narrative, appealing to UK and EU workers to reject the neoliberal, anti social trends of the EU and lead pressure for radical change across the EU.

Such an example would also reach out to workers around the world.

Whether the Labour Party takes this radical step or not, Left Unity will continue to pursue the a radical socialist strategy for Europe based upon the decisions of the Party of the European Left at its December 2016 Berlin conference which include:

1. Retention for all of European Citizenship and with it freedom of movement as a human right.

2. A renegotiation of the Lisbon Treaty to refound the European project on social and environmental values not those of capital and for these to be enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

3. Place elected representatives at the centre of the EU giving power to the European Parliament to initiate legislation, hold the Commission to account and have a final say over the recommendations of the ECB and the council of ministers whilst recognising the political and economic sovereignty of the member states.

4. A radical shift in economic priorities and an immediate debt right off for Greece and for countries under control of the Troika:

5. Reduce inequality, create work and end cross border work and social exploitation.

6. Reclaim control of the banks and money.

7. Prioritise a low carbon Europe

8. For a Europe of equal rights and the end of oppression

9. Europe of peace, security and refuge

If you agree join or work with us to take this demands forward.