By Pete Sunter, secretary, Carlisle CLP, personal capacity
North Cumbria Momentum, as it is now known, was formed in the summer of 2015 to help support Jeremy Corbyn’s bid for the Labour leadership. It was originally called Cumbria for Corbyn, and after he was elected, the group continued as a left-wing activist core, essentially in the two northern-most CLPs in Cumbria (Carlisle and Penrith and the border). It was at this point, after discussion and a vote, the group affiliated with Momentum nationally.
In the years since its formation the group has become a coalescing of left-wing activists from both Carlisle CLP and Penrith and the Borders CLP, all members of the Labour Party. Whilst it retains the name of Momentum there is no stipulation that members be part of that national organisation. Indeed, over the past two years there have been many discussions as to whether the group should renounce all ties to national Momentum, though no decision has yet been taken.
Face-to-face meeting impossible at the moment
Through this group we have been able to organise and mobilise for CLP meetings and regional and national events. This has included winning key positions in CLP executives, ensuring resolutions are brought forward and passed and ensuring the selection and election of left-wing councillors.
Whilst face-to-face meetings are presently out of the question, it was decided that there was a need to have group discussion on the especially important issues facing us at the moment. A Zoom meeting was organised for Monday 13th April with the agenda covering such issues as Covid-19, the Labour leadership election and the Shadow Cabinet, a Regional Left and Forward Momentum. Eighteen members were able to attend the Zoom meeting on the night, with a number of apologies for unavoidable reasons. The discussion remained comradely throughout and maintained good discipline with speakers using the ‘raise hand’ facility to indicate they wished to speak and waiting until called by the chair.
Vocal and persistent opposition
The meeting started with discussion on the outcome of the leadership elections. Whilst members were resigned to the results of the election, it was generally agreed that we should step up our efforts to give the left a voice. We were not minded to allow Starmer to back away from his campaign promises to defend socialism and to keep the bulk of the 2019 manifesto. Whilst it was expected he would attempt to do so, we would be very vocal and persistent in our opposition to this, should or when it happens. It was highlighted by comrades that Starmer had to stand on a left-wing ticket to get selected and now we have to ensure that he honours this.
Linked to this discussion there was consternation and distress at the revelations of Labour’s internal report into anti-Semitism, which had been leaked widely over the previous 24 hours. The machinations and behaviour of the right-wing of the Party, whilst previously guessed at, was well beyond what any of us would consider reasonable. The deafening silence on the report from the new leader and deputy leader was all the more ominous as the perpetrators of the bullying and racist behaviour, as well as the sabotaging of the 2017 election (as shown in the report) were deemed to be supporters of Starmer and Rayner.
Letter to Labour NEC
It was put to the meeting that we should send a letter to the NEC condemning this behaviour and demanding the immediate suspension of the members implicated within the report. It was initially suggested that the letter be from the group “Momentum North Cumbria”, though this would have meant that members who were not part of Momentum would not have their names attached. It was decided instead, therefore, to sign as members of the Labour Party, so all eighteen attendees could have their names attached. The decision to send the letter was unanimous.
We also discussed a list of demands which we feel as a left collective we should be putting forward locally, regionally and nationally, after the Covid-19 pandemic is over. These inclusive of an immediate and unequivocal end to homelessness, £15 an hour minimum wage for care workers, a 10% pay-rise for nurses and NHS staff and the scrapping of the £56 bn PFI debt which continues to hang over the NHS. It was advised that these demands would be discussed further at the next meeting and finalised with the consent of the group. We will be seeking to take these demands into our CLPs and regional committees to ensure that a left agenda is maintained despite the leadership result.
Regional left group set up
Information was given on the work being undertaken by ‘Carlisle Covid-19 Community Help Group’, which was set up by Labour councillors and activists in the area to help vulnerable people in isolation. A Facebook page under the same name gives details and is a way of contacting the group.
A Northern Region Labour Party left group has been set up to discuss and plan for regional conference and regional board elections. Whilst the latter have been put on hold for the foreseeable future, networking within the left has continued and broadened out to more Labour members who are on the left. The group is setting up a video conference discussion for the beginning of May. Hopefully, this will see a more joined-up approach over our region and help coordinate and develop our influence on the party.
Overall, the feeling among members in the Zoom discussion was upbeat and determined. We may have taken a beating in the general election and in the leadership contest, but it would not be wise to think that the Labour Left in North Cumbria is in any way finished!
April 16, 2020
