New network debates Euro-seats

A new network of socialists may take advantage of the regional list system (if it goes ahead) in next year's Euro-elections, with success in some areas a distinct possibility. Mike Phipps reports.

The Independent Labour Network grew out of the debate opened by last year's expulsion of MEPs Ken Coates and Hugh Kerr from the Labour Party. Recently it began discussions with the Network of Socialist Alliances and green socialists about the feasibility of running candidates in the European Parliament elections next spring. Those questions of feasibility are now further open to doubt following the House of Lords' rejection of closed lists.

The 2.5% threshold to keep one's deposit is easily achievable and under the new list system, a 10% vote for a regional slate of ten candidates would see the top candidate elected.

On this basis Hugh Kerr might stand a better chance of winning at the top of a Scottish slate than many sitting Labour MEPs - like Michael Elliott, placed tenth on Labour's London list. Others on the left, including John Palmer and Harold Pinter have also expressed an interest in running.

Many problems will need ironing out before the 'independent' slates are a reality, however. Arguments have already broken out about the political platform of the campaign, and the Green Party's decision to contest all nine regions in England and Wales will weaken the ILN's ability to put in place a genuine red-green alliance.

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