There should be no illusions about previous Labor governments. They have mostly served the interests of the dominant capitalist monopolies, even as they conceded to public concerns.
All were led by right-wing leaders who justified their betrayal of promises and principles with social-democratic concepts such as neutral state, state over class, and "good" imperialism. .
But what about Utley's vaunted government of 1945?It was the worst of many. Why are you making such a charge? Because, unlike other Labor governments, there was a real opportunity to change the world for the better.
1945 was a unique year. For the first time, the British public voted in favor of fundamental change. Around the world, the victory over fascism inspired the people's movement to win peace, but the greatly strengthened US imperialism was a hindrance to world progress.
The Labor government ignored its own manifesto, instead of working with all potentially progressive forces, including the American people, to end colonialism and transition to socialism. signed America's Cold War against the Soviet Union.
Subsequent calamities can be revealed on three important dates. The NHS was launched on 5th July 1948. This is arguably the best thing the British government has ever done. Less than a year later, on April 4, 1949, Britain became a founding member of her NATO alliance of American imperialism. And two years later he resigned from government on 23 April 1951, when NHS founder Aneurin Bevan imposed charges on some of his NHS services.
This is a direct result of joining NATO and being forced to increase military spending.
Subsequently, US companies benefited from an increasing number of NHS services due to their 'special relationship' with the US. The founding of NATO was a key event in the process that led to EU membership, wage freezes and witch hunts, and years of Conservative government. That is the legacy of labor in power.
But denouncing past Labor governments does not mean denying the Labor Party as a political institution to advance the interests of the working class and the majority of British people.
Corbin's four years of leadership demonstrated two important truths.
First, the reaction of those in power that showed how fragile the ruling capitalist class was. The mere threat of left-wing governments was enough to unite the entire establishment and the mainstream media in using whatever weapon they could devise to undermine the Corbyn Project. It was a testament to the latent power of the class.
Second, the 2017 election shattered the myth that Britons would never vote for a leftist leader with a radical manifesto. The most consistently left-leaning leader the party has ever had, and committed to working for fundamental change, he saw the largest increase in workers' votes per election since 1945. has been secured. Corbyn's supreme leader and the most imposing right-wing leader Labor has ever had. But its underlying weaknesses became apparent.
There is good reason to hope that new efforts to reclaim the labor force for the working class will ultimately succeed. It provides funding, determines its policies, and has the power to elect its leader. Today, union struggles in the struggle to raise wages, uphold terms and restore public services are at levels not seen more than a generation ago.
Strikes and threats of strikes are winning. So much so that the Tories have threatened to introduce even tougher restrictions on trade union freedom of action.
Trade unions must launch a political campaign against the Conservative government.This will provide an opportunity for trade union activists at the national, regional and local levels to engage with the Labor Party.
They wield great influence over party policy and action, not only on trade union law, but on all other issues arising from the deepening capitalist crisis, such as the cost of living, public services, and climate change. will get the chance. , the threat of war, etc.
In this way the British public may benefit from the unique advantages of having a single trade union center linked to a single major political party representing the majority of workers.
