NI push for British Labour gathers pace

The replacement of John Reid as Britain's Labour Party chairman could strengthen a campaign to get the party to lift its membership ban on people in Northern Ireland, it was claimed today.

Belfast-based GMB trades unionist Andy McGivern, who is taking legal action against Labour to force it to allow people in the North to join, welcomed the decision to replace Dr Reid with former Pensions Minister Ian MacCartney in a mini cabinet reshuffle.

Dr Reid moves into Robin Cook’s former role as Leader of the House of Commons.

Mr McGivern said today: “Ian McCartney has had a good relationship with the trade unions and I would hope he would detect the growing support across the trades union movement for the ban on Labour membership in Northern Ireland to be lifted.

"My legal action is proceeding against the party. It’s not the way I would want it but if that is what I and other people in Northern Ireland have to do to be a Labour Party member, then so be it, " he said.

Mr McGivern is seeking funding for his legal action from the Commission for Racial Equality in England, claiming the ban on Northern Ireland members is racist.

British Labour has explained its refusal to organise in Northern Ireland is a result of its links to the SDLP.