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3 April 2005 |
Manifesto must encourage Social Ownership |
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The Campaign for Socialism welcomes the Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Darling MP and First Minister Jack McConnell MSP’s initiative to increase wealth creation in Scotland. This is all the more important given the recent survey showing that the net income of the average family in Britain has fallen slightly. As socialists in the Labour Party we believe, however, that the forthcoming manifesto must acknowledge the important role that social ownership can have in generating wealth. This includes a range of forms of social ownership - state, local authority and co-operative. Arguing this case in the Scottish parliament debate on Enterprise Elaine Smith MSP and convenor of the CfS said: 'I do not believe that a private sector-led economy is the answer to increasing social and environmental responsibility and delivering social equality. The profit-driven economies of capitalism serve only to foster selfish consumerist greed and individualism. Here in Scotland, we can change our culture and embrace a much more collective approach to economic growth and enterprise using the ways that I and others have outlined. Surely, when we talk about raising our game, our vision for the best small country in the world should not be limited to having a smart, successful Scotland; we should strive to achieve a confident, compassionate and co-operative Scotland. The Labour-led Executive has started on that road. I hope that it has the confidence to continue to the logical conclusion—a socially owned economy for the well-being of all our citizens.' Vince Mills, secretary of the Campaign for Socialism said: ‘ Many Labour Party activists are deeply disillusioned over the pro war and pro market stance of the New Labour leadership. A Labour manifesto which recognises the importance of social ownership to economic development will persuade many traditional Labour Party activists that it is important to get out and campaign for a Labour victory.’ ENDS Contact: |
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