RMT demands Iraq debate
Today at Labour’s annual party conference in Bournemouth, the RMT union is likely to attack Tony Blair’s decision to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with George W Bush in the war against Iraq.
The Blair administration risked political ostracism in backing US-led unilateral action to oust Saddam Hussein from power in March of this year.
“Awkward squad” member the RMT is likely to challenge the decision by the conference arrangements committee to deny them a hearing on an emergency motion criticising the rationale and justification of the war in the absence of evidence pointing to weapons of mass destruction.
The RMT demands the immediate withdrawal of British troops from Iraq.
Conference delegates will also hear about Iraq in the afternoon’s debate on Britain’s global role. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, International Development Secretary Baroness Amos and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon are to speak before delegates.
Labour could face defeat in the debate on foundation hospitals. Unison has tabled a resolution calling for the Government to abandon its plans to radically overhaul the NHS.
The PM had asked Unison to withdraw its opposition to foundation hospitals but the union refused.
Health Secretary John Reid, despite the threat of defeat, will look to reassure delegates that foundation hospitals will not lead inexorably to a two-tier health service.
Separately, a man was arrested yesterday after allegedly attempting to make a citizen’s arrest over Tony Blair’s role in the Iraq war.
The 41-year-old, reportedly a Mr Ian Brown of Cardiff, allegedly confronted the PM and his wife as they entered the convention centre.
Chief Inspector Tony Dymott, deputy head of the conference security operation, said: “The man didn’t reach the Prime Minister or Mrs Blair. He would have gone through the normal conference security procedures which include pass checks and searches.”
Mr Blair’s keynote speech yesterday received a seven-minute standing ovation from delegates.
