Socialist Action (UK): Difference between revisions
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The remainder of the group is now a small group that drew pessimistic conclusions from the fall of the [[Stalinist]] regimes in the [[Soviet Union]] and [[Eastern Europe]]. They continue to define themselves as a [[Trotskyism|Trotskyist]] group but have have displayed an increasing tendency to ally with [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] formations and political positions. At the time of the split, the group was given equal status within the [[United Secretariat of the Fourth International]] with the [[International Group]], but they are no longer affiliated. |
The remainder of the group is now a small group that drew pessimistic conclusions from the fall of the [[Stalinist]] regimes in the [[Soviet Union]] and [[Eastern Europe]]. They continue to define themselves as a [[Trotskyism|Trotskyist]] group but have have displayed an increasing tendency to ally with [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] formations and political positions. At the time of the split, the group was given equal status within the [[United Secretariat of the Fourth International]] with the [[International Group]], but they are no longer affiliated. |
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Working with increasing secrecy in the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], they became supporters of [[Ken Livingstone]] and [[ |
Working with increasing secrecy in the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], they became supporters of [[Ken Livingstone]] and the [[Socialist Campaign Group]] of Labour MPs. They are involved in the publication of [[Socialist Campaign Group News]] and their members have maintained leading positions in many campaigns - the [[National Abortion Campaign]], the [[Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament]], [[Student Assembly Against Racism]] and various coalitions against the wars against Iraq, Afghanistan and Yugoslavia, for example. As a result, ''Socialist Action'' exert an influence beyond that which might be expected from so small a grouping. |
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In [[2001]] they stopped publishing their journal, also named ''Socialist Action'', but continue to work together as a faction, for instance in the [[Student Broad Left]] and |
In [[2001]] they stopped publishing their journal, also named ''Socialist Action'', but continue to work together as a faction, for instance in the [[Student Broad Left]] and played leading roles in organising the [[2004]] [[European Social Forum]]. Additionally they continue to publish occasional pamphlets and leaflets. |
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They are heavily involved on British university campuses, especially Goldsmiths College. Their attempt to win key posts in the London School of Economics Students Union has been consistently thwarted by a campaign from the centre-left, centre and right to vote tactically. |
They are heavily involved on British university campuses, especially Goldsmiths College. Their attempt to win key posts in the London School of Economics Students Union has been consistently thwarted by a campaign from the centre-left, centre and right to vote tactically. |
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Revision as of 13:21, 18 July 2005
Socialist Action is a small socialist group in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1981 when the International Marxist Group entered the Labour Party. Officially named the Socialist League, it became universally known by the name of its publication, Socialist Action.
Its character changed in a wave of splits in the late 1980s, beginning in 1985 when a minority, led by Phil Hearse, Dave Packer, Davy Jones, and Bob Pennington formed the International Group, which in 1987 merged with the Socialist Group to form the International Socialist Group and publish Socialist Outlook.
The remaining majority of the of the Socialist League, consisted of two factions. One, the pro Socialist Workers Party (USA) faction, was led by Brian Grogan. The majority faction was led by John Ross.
In 1998, the Grogan minority split to form the now moribund Communist League - the British co-thinkers of the Pathfinder tendency.
The remainder of the group is now a small group that drew pessimistic conclusions from the fall of the Stalinist regimes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. They continue to define themselves as a Trotskyist group but have have displayed an increasing tendency to ally with Stalinist formations and political positions. At the time of the split, the group was given equal status within the United Secretariat of the Fourth International with the International Group, but they are no longer affiliated.
Working with increasing secrecy in the Labour Party, they became supporters of Ken Livingstone and the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs. They are involved in the publication of Socialist Campaign Group News and their members have maintained leading positions in many campaigns - the National Abortion Campaign, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Student Assembly Against Racism and various coalitions against the wars against Iraq, Afghanistan and Yugoslavia, for example. As a result, Socialist Action exert an influence beyond that which might be expected from so small a grouping.
In 2001 they stopped publishing their journal, also named Socialist Action, but continue to work together as a faction, for instance in the Student Broad Left and played leading roles in organising the 2004 European Social Forum. Additionally they continue to publish occasional pamphlets and leaflets.
They are heavily involved on British university campuses, especially Goldsmiths College. Their attempt to win key posts in the London School of Economics Students Union has been consistently thwarted by a campaign from the centre-left, centre and right to vote tactically.