Introduction
Some supporters of the Socialist Unity Network are proposing a motion to the
Socialist Alliance conference on 5th December, that will see the Socialist
Alliance closed down as a national organisation. During the course of the last
year the Socialist Alliance has ceased to exist as an organisation, except for
a few local groups. The current national structure of the alliance is therefore
no longer appropriate. We do not propose this lightly, and indeed with some
regret.
We have to learn from the experiences of the Socialist Alliance. There was
nothing inevitable about the failure of the SA to reach its potential. Probably
against its own wishes, the SWP was by far the dominant force within the
Alliance, and it never moved beyond viewing it as an electoral coalition, rather
than the nucleus of a new organisation. The decision of the SA 2003 conference
to look outwards, to aim to be part of a wider organisation of the left, that
was "open, inclusive, democratic and of course socialist" was one that had the
support of the clear majority of SA members. The manner of Respect's launch and
subsequent development have convinced some comrades that Respect is not the
fulfilment of that conference decision. Nevertheless Respect is still a
significant left unity initiative and can play a positive role in creating the
conditions required for an inclusive and democratic broad socialist party in the
future.
Socialist Unity is committed to seeing that conference decision carried out, but
recognises that far wider forces that those currently involved in Respect need
to be involved. There are layers of activists and socialists in organisations
such as the Socialist Party (CWI), Communist Party (CPB) and the Alliance for
Green Socialism. We also need to win back the many SA activists who have not
joined Respect, but perhaps most importantly we need an organisation that can
relate to and involve the thousands of socialists and trade union activists who
have had enough of this reactionary government.
This organisation should be built on rank and file democracy. Where every member
can play a positive role no matter what specific policy issue they may disagree
on. We need to win whole layers of members who have never played an active role
in a political organisation before, or who may only have the time or inclination
to help the organisation financially or with the occasional leafleting of their
road. This means an organisation that is not an 'activist' party, dominated by
the most organised, centralised forces with full time workers, but an
organisation that is owned by actual working class people who want to fight for
the millions not the millionaires.
Motion
This conference notes paragraph C15 in the constitution adopted
on 1st December 2001 that "The Socialist Alliance may be dissolved by a
resolution of a Special Meeting, called for this purpose by the National
Executive or the National Council or by request of 25 percent of the membership.
Any assets of the Socialist Alliance shall be distributed to any organisation or
organisations having aims consistent with those of the Socialist Alliance, as
agreed at such a Special Meeting."
This conference recognises that the Socialist Alliance no longer exists as a
national organisation. The Socialist Alliance will therefore be formally
dissolved.
This conference notes the decision of the 2003 Socialist Alliance conference
endorsed by a clear majority of members to look outwards to benefit from the
opportunities of the anti-war movement, and tensions between the trade unions
and the Labour Party: to aim to be part of a wider organisation of the left,
that was "open, inclusive, democratic and of course socialist." We note that
many Socialist Alliance members consider RESPECT the Unity Coalition, to be the
fulfilment of that conference decision. We also recognise that there is a
diversity of opinion and a proportion of the former Socialist Alliance
membership do not share that view. This conference endorses the decision of the
2003 conference and urges comrades to support all initiatives towards its
fulfilment.
The Socialist Alliance's remaining funds should be used to pay off debts and the
bank account closed. Any remaining funds should be distributed between
supporting organisations of the Socialist Alliance. This is a reflection that
there is no consensus over which "organisation or organisations [have] aims
consistent with those of the Socialist Alliance." Distributing the funds between
the supporting organisations of the Socialist Alliance will allow the assets to
be disposed of broadly proportionate to the views of the Socialist Alliance
membership.
The supporting organisations of the Socialist Alliance are: Alliance for Workers
Liberty, Communist Party of Great Britain, International Socialist Group,
Socialist Alliance Democracy Platform, Socialist Solidarity Network, Socialist
Workers Party, Socialist Unity Network. Any remaining funds should be
distributed equally between these seven organisations. This conference notes
that the share of the funds for any organisation who supports Respect the Unity
Coalition may at the discretion of that organisation be paid directly to Respect
instead.
The Socialist Alliance national executive elected at annual conference in 2003
will continue in office until the debts are paid off and remaining funds
distributed, which must take place no later that 28th February 2005, at which
point the Socialist Alliance ceases to exist. The national executive should meet
immediately after this conference closes to elect a sub-committee to carry out
the winding up of the Socialist Alliance.
A final treasurer's report will be prepared, audited and published on the
web-site www.socialistalliance.org.
This will be posted no later than 31st March 2005. A printed version will be
available to any member or former member who requests one before that date by
sending an e-mail to
socialistalliance2000@yahoo.co.uk.
The electoral commission shall be advised that the Socialist Alliance is
dissolved by submission of form RP9, "Application for Deregistration" no later
than 11th February 2005. Closing financial accounts will be submitted to the
electoral commission no later than 31st March 2005.
