Motion passed by NEC

About this item

This document records a motion passed by the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) on 25 March 1987. It addresses concerns about a conference held by the Labour Party Black Sections in Nottingham, condemning calls for separatist organisations within the party. The motion emphasizes unity within the party and supports positive action to increase representation of Black and Asian communities while opposing divisive separatist strategies.

Key points:
– The NEC deplores reports from the Labour Party Black Sections conference held in Nottingham on 14-15 March 1987.
– Statements implying support for separatist organisations and caucuses are condemned as divisive and against Labour's principles.
– The NEC warns that any separatist actions, like selective support of candidates, could result in disciplinary measures under the Party Constitution.
– The motion stresses the importance of inclusive positive action to enhance ethnic minority representation in the party.
– The NEC endorses the work and improved status of the Party's Black & Asian Committee.

This motion reflects internal Labour Party debates during the 1980s around Black political representation and strategies for combating racism. It highlights tensions between integrationist approaches and calls for separatism within Black British political activism. Bernie Grant and others often advocated for strong representation of Black communities within mainstream politics, balancing anti-racist campaigning with party unity.

Source note: The OCR transcript contains some minor errors, such as 'mofficial' for 'official' and formatting inconsistencies, but the core content and intent of the motion are clear and have been carefully interpreted.