Motions to the Unite national conference in Brighton in June epitomise the divide in the union over the European Union and Britain remaining a member. Four motions clearly call for Britain’s withdrawal – CYWU & NFP, London and Eastern Region, London United Craft Branch, SE/Weybridge Branch and Long Eaton. Wigan is calling for a referendum.
Only Southampton 0854 Branch calls for retention of membership and, worse, greater integration of Britain into Europe. Its motion reads as a textbook model motion drafted by the fifth column in the unions once spearheaded by certain characters in the TUC or even past general secretaries of MSF one of Unite’s predecessor unions.
The threadbare so-called social and economic rights bestowed by the EU cannot hide the draconian anti-strike, anti-union, anti-worker Thatcherite legislation of the EU. Unions need to recognise the devastating destruction of Britain’s manufacturing and industrial base, which should be the heartlands of Unite, by successive EU treaties..
It is in the interests of the British working class that we remove our country from this capitalist alliance of destruction and rebuild Britain. Unite has the opportunity to take a lead and vigorously campaign for a referendum on the EU. And if so, best keep it simple: the question on the ballot should read, “Should Britain leave the EU – Yes or No.” ■■