THE FUWLS IN TOWN ARE ON THEIR SIDE

Left vows to reclaim Labour: Awkward squad joins MPs to challenge Blair (Kevin Maguire, July 5, 2003, The Guardian)

Tony Blair is facing his biggest internal challenge since being elected Labour leader nine years ago, with leftwing MPs and trade union "awkward squad" leaders having privately agreed to produce an "alternative manifesto".

A confidential document obtained by the Guardian shows how the prime minister's critics in and out of parliament have formed a coalition in a concerted attempt to push the government left.

The paper - agreed by the 40-strong socialist campaign group of MPs (SCG) and prominent members of the awkward squad, who style themselves Fuwl (Fed up with losing) - sets out a joint programme.

"It is proposed that via discussions between Fuwl and the SCG, we work together to play a more effective role in engaging in parliamentary lobbying, with better coordination and investment in lobbying and campaigning resources," says the document. [...]

Mick Rix, general secretary of the Aslef train drivers' union, and convener of the awkward squad, said yesterday: "This is about working within and building up, rather than working away from, the Labour party. We want to reclaim Labour as a mass party of working people."

Imagine being gripped, in 2003, by the belief that socialism will work this time. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 5, 2003 10:42 AM