Iwo months ago, Tameside Trades Council was disaffiliated by the TUC for calling a conference on Ireland. Speakers invited included a representative of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) which the TUC clearly found 'objectionable' Following an appeal, more than 20 other trades councils have now come out against the TUC attempt to place a gag over Tame side's mouth. These include Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, York, Preson and Southampton. Instead of reconsidering the position - in the light of growing opposition - the TUC has now decided to escalate 'disciplinary' action. Only recently, it has threatened to disaffiliate Southampton and Plymouth Trades Councils for their support to Tameside Intimidatory action of this kind is not likely to work, however. Tameside has no intention of cancelling its conference. On the contrary, it has decided to press ahead with it and it will now take place on June 7th at Manchester Poly Students Union.
All Labour movement bodies are urged to support the conference not only to protest the TUC attempt to prevent free speech. Equally important, it is vital that the issue of Ireland - which has been smouldering for the past 10 years — should come up for a serious debate within the labour movement. The conference organised by Tameside could be a first step in that direction.
continued from page 1 has already received the blessing of the Thatcher government (which has also sponsored a massive in crease in arnis expenditure ). Lord (arrington knew of the raid before it took place and has since been the main support of the US in en. forcing an economic blockade on The Labour leaders, it is true, expressed concern at Carter's action. Peter Shore, spokesperson on foreign affairs, called on gov. ernments worldwide to "make plain to the : USA that warlike measures will not work' While expressing concern, how ever, the Labour. leaders have not denounced the hysterical campaign being whipped up by Thatcher and Carter against the Iranian people nor have they on ing impused on lat.
JUNE 22ND If Thatcher's war-drive in Britain is to be combatted, it is clear that the labour movement must launch a mass opposition to interterence of any kind in Iranian affairs On June 22nd, the Labour Party NEC is calling for a national demonstration in Hyde Park against the Tories' increase in defence spending and the basing of Cruise missiles in Britain. This demonstration should be supported and promoted throughout the labour movement.
Some of the demands that should feature centrally on the demonstration are those opposing Carter's war moves and the complicity of the British government. HANDS OFF IRAN!
STOP CARTER'S WAR DRIVE ! END ECONOMIC SANCTIONS!