Dear Progress
On Iraq, the government must clarify our objectives for a pre-emptive attack – is it disarmament or regime change? If the latter, who is next, and why? The action proposed doesn’t reflect a consistent approach to UN resolutions on human rights or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The government says we have to attack Iraq because the will of the UN is being flouted. But they will ignore the UN if it doesn’t give them the second resolution they want. Those who propose war have not yet shown that any threat from Iraq is so imminent that it justifies the risk of so much human suffering.
Ingrid Davidson, Vauxhall CLP
Dear Progress
Though it has proved unpopular with many colleagues, Tony Blair realises that there are times when, reluctantly, force may have to be used against a dictator like Saddam Hussein. Blair has been steadfast in his determination to go down the UN route. After all, it is UN resolutions that Saddam has constantly violated. The UN must learn from the demise of the League of Nations, and preserve its legitimacy by having the resolve to enforce its own resolutions. Our ideological distaste for other Republican policies must not blind us to the fact that pressure exerted from Washington and London – diplomacy backed by the threat of force – that has forced the UN’s hand into re-establishing the inspectorate regime after a four-year lapse. Hans Blix himself says that Baghdad is not yet in compliance with Resolution 1441. This is the time for the Prime Minister to hold his nerve and act decisively, and for us to support him in that resolve.
Gareth Gould, Poplar and Canning Town CLP
Dear Progress
The poisonous threat of the British National Party must surely arouse anger in the hearts of everyone who cares about progressive politics. With the current anti-political mood in this country, BNP candidates in May’s council elections will be a tangible challenge to anyone who loathes ignorance and racism. As recent ballot box aberrations in the north of England have shown, the BNP is more than capable of exploiting a prevailing local mood of disaffection and disillusion for its own ends. It shares that parasitic talent with the Liberal Democrats. The only difference is that it does not yet wear their mask of cosy credibility. With twenty BNP candidates in the home counties in the council elections, it will be interesting – and alarming – to see how the party presents itself to a right-leaning electorate. What will readers of this magazine do? Well, let’s hope the armchair activists will stand up and be counted as doorstep democrats.
Mark Bennett, Streatham CLP
Dear Progress
The public outcry that surrounded Nestlé’s decision to pursue litigation against the Ethiopian government for $6 million highlighted a worrying trend. Ethiopia is a famine-stricken country and its GDP is some £8.6 billion less than Nestlé’s total annual sales. Government revenue is approximately £2.8 billion less than Nestlé’s annual profit. This money is a drop in the ocean for large multinational companies, but is vital for developing countries. The chancellor has given 100 percent debt relief to 26 developing countries, coupled with further measures to combat illiteracy and disease. But these policies are being undermined by the action of individual creditors. Nestlé backed down after receiving thousands of letters. As consumers, we should continue to make sure we have a say in the way in which a company acts.
Helen Newton, Ealing North CLP
Dear Progress
Following the chancellor’s recent speech on Corporate Social Responsibility to business chiefs at Canary Wharf, I would like to encourage readers to take up his challenge to integrate businesses with their local communities. One of the best ways to do this is to become a reading or numeracy partner at a primary school. Most local authorities now run Education and Business Partnership schemes, and will be able to match staff from your organisation to a local school. This requires no financial contribution at all, just the commitment of one hour a week. This can be a very worthwhile project. My colleagues and I have been reading partners with six eight and nine year-olds in an east-end primary school for over a year. This has been a rewarding experience for the children, the staff and ourselves, having helped the children develop their reading stamina. Any business, no matter how large or small, can take part. Gone are the days when corporate social responsibility meant one tycoon giving thousands to a good cause. Now everyone can contribute, and it’s our children’s long-term education that benefits.
Robin Hall, Streatham CLP