by René Lavanchy and Chris McLaughlin
Labour’s grassroots have petitioned the leadership to scrap the Trident nuclear deterrent in the run-up to the party finalising its manifesto for the general election.
Calls to ditch the planned replacement of nuclear missiles and submarines, estimated officially at £15-£20 billion but by anti-nuclear campaigners as much at nearer £75 billion, are among the most popular in the policy submissions being sent in by constituency parties. They were due to be passed to manifesto co-ordinator Ed Miliband as he met with members of Labour’s National Executive Committee and its National Policy Forum on Thursday this week.
One NPF member said of Trident: “The money could be used for many more desirable things, including public services, supporting manufacturing, pick-your-own-favourite”.
Other popular policies being sent in are calling for more social housing, a more generous benefits system and a reform of income tax, especially to reintroduce the 10p rate.
Meanwhile, unions have submitted their own policy demands through the Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation, whose chair, Unite joint
leader Tony Woodley, has been meeting
Mr Miliband.
Labour’s affiliated unions are thought to be calling for more investment instead of public spending cuts; state subsidies to skilled workers to allow them to be employed on short -time working, to prevent factory closures; banking reform and a Post Office “people’s bank”; a legal right for workers to take paid leave for training; and the abolition of minimum wage banding so that the full rate is paid at age 18.
At least three left and centre-left groups have been petitioning CLPs to send in model policies: the Coalition for a Labour Victory with more than 40 MP supporters, the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance and the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy.
One activist said “dozens” of CLPs had sent in the five CLV policy proposals, which call for investment in public infrastructure, splitting retail from investment banking, keeping Royal Mail publicly owned and more renewable energy.
Meanwhile, many MPs and leading activists are positioning themselves for a possible leadership contest and struggle for control of policy after the election. James Purnell’s surprise decision to quit his Stalybridge and Hyde seat at the general election has removed one potential contender in the event of a contest to replace Gordon Brown. Harriet Harman is reported to be courting MPs assiduously, although her allies insist her contacts are focused on mustering strength for the election campaign.
