Letter: Task of the NEC
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: If, as now seems likely, Grassroots Alliance candidates are elected to the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party this week in Blackpool, what can we expect?
All political parties need a ferment of debate and discussion. Labour, as a democratic party with disparate affiliates, should involve as many as possible in the formulation and dissemination of its policies. No one wants a party of uniformity and blind obedience. But there is a difference between constructive debate and destructive dissent.
In Labour's periods of office in the 1960s and 1970s, the NEC became the fiercest critic of the Government, voting for motions condemning the Government's actions and producing policy documents in direct challenge to the Cabinet, leading to Wilson and Callaghan simply ignoring the party, the NEC and the conference.
What will those elected on to the NEC see as their tasks? I hope they use the great privilege to represent the views of party members - not sectarian journals and ultra-left grouplets. I hope they will not use their vantage point to attack the party, and undermine the efforts of members campaigning in the local and European elections.
I hope that the legitimate views of those in the minority can add to the debate, not be splashed across the pages of the press as evidence of Labour splits.
PAUL RICHARDS
London W6
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments