The debate on the proposed changes in the constitution of the Labour Party has been conducted without sufficient consideration of the policies which gave the proposals birth. These policies constitute an explicit commitment to produce rapid, comprehensive and irreversible changes in our economy and our society. The broad aims of such policies are by no means novel. What is novel is the Left's intention to drive them rapidly through Parliament, and their frank recognition that this is not compatible with our present Parliamentary and constitutional practices.

LRB 19 March 1981 | PDF Download