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IRAQ CRISIS: Deselection threat to pro-war Labour MPs

Independent, The (London), Feb 11, 2003 by Andrew Grice Political Editor

TONY BLAIR has been hit by a deepening grassroots Labour revolt over his hawkish stance on Iraq, with some constituency parties threatening to deselect pro-war MPs.

The Prime Minister faces a hostile reception when he addresses Labour's spring conference in Glasgow at the weekend. He is expected to answer questions from disaffected Labour delegates after mounting a passionate defence of his policy on Iraq.

The deep anxiety of ordinary Labour members will also surface at the party's national policy forum meeting in Southport at the end of the month. Scores of motions have been tabled by constituencies that are threatening protest action.

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One local party has passed a motion warning headquarters in London that it will refuse to raise funds for the party or campaign for the local elections in May. Such a rebellion would breach Labour's rulebook and could lead to the constituency party being suspended.

The constituency party, which has not been named by Labour HQ, has put the national party "on notice" that its boycott will continue until the Government agrees that military action against Iraq would not be taken in the absence of an explicit UN resolution.

Labour sources said yesterday that such strong feelings were not isolated. One said: "Every sitting Labour MP is up for reselection between now and September and, though few constituency Labour parties will take the road of mutually assured destruction unless their MP is completely inadequate, it is the only way in which many members can express their disquiet."

Grassroots activists are also warning that Mr Blair's strong support for George Bush is harming Labour at the ballot box. Labour came third in a recent council by-election in Basingstoke, its number one target for making a gain in the South-east at the next election. The Liberal Democrats jumped to first place, and Labour members are blaming the "Iraq factor" because Charles Kennedy has opposed Mr Blair on war.

Five trade union leaders warned yesterday that a war in Iraq could result in industrial action. Speaking at a Stop The War Coalition press conference, they urged members to take part in the anti-war protest in London on Saturday.

Paul Mackney, of the lecturers' union Natfhe, said: "It is not appropriate for us today to issue a specific call to industrial action." But the day war started could see "massive protests in every industry against it", he warned. "Unless Blair changes course Blair will fall on this," he said.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT rail union, compared the anti- war movement to the Romanian revolution, which ended with the execution of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Mr Blair was not listening, he said. "Look at what happened in Eastern Europe when people didn't listen," Mr Crow added.

MPs protested in the Commons about a "misleading" dossier on Iraq issued by Downing Street last week. Tam Dalyell, the longest-serving MP, walked out of the chamber after clashing with the Speaker, Michael Martin, when he tried to raise the issue.

Mr Dalyell appeared to have been ordered out of the chamber by the Speaker after refusing to sit down as he pressed a series of points of order. But the Speaker's Office said the veteran Labour MP had merely been issued with what was, in effect, a final warning.

IRAQ CRISIS: Deselection threat to pro-war Labour MPs

Independent, The (London), Feb 11, 2003 by Andrew Grice Political Editor

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