NI's British Labour members feel 'unwelcome'

Northern Ireland members of the British Labour Party are being made to feel as if they are unwelcome, it was claimed today.

In a letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Belfast-based trades unionist Andy McGivern has asked for a meeting about a decision by Labour’s national executive (NEC) not to set up constituency branches in the North.

Last year Labour’s conference lifted a 79-year membership ban on people in Northern Ireland, after Mr McGivern initiated legal proceedings against the party on the grounds that it was racist.

However the union official, who last November became the first person in the North to be issued with a membership card, has argued that it is meaningless if members are not allowed to set up branches and contest local elections.

Mr McGivern told Mr Blair in his letter today he was shocked and disappointed to learn during a meeting this week with the head of Labour’s constitutional department, Peter Watt, that the NEC had vetoed last month proposals to set up constituency associations.

“This I see as a breach of our democratic rights within the party as constituency parties (CLPs) are the means by which everything revolves,” he argued.

“We in Northern Ireland without CLPs will not be able to send delegates to the annual conference, nominate for the likes of the National Policy Forum (where exists reserved seats for English regions, Scotland and Wales – not to mention women and young members) as well as other influential committees including the NEC itself.

“The Labour Party document NEC Procedures Guidelines on Membership Recruitment and Retention, section 1C, states quite clearly: "The Labour Party is anxious to encourage the recruitment of new members and to ensure that new members are properly welcomed into the party and opportunities offered to enable their full participation in all aspects of party life".

“I would submit the Northern Ireland members are not being made welcome and due to the decision of the NEC cannot participate in any aspect of party life.”

Mr McGivern has requested meetings with both Mr Blair and the Labour NEC.