Emergency Motion on the promised review of “Extending & Renewing Party Democracy”

This Conference notes that when it agreed in 2007 to the constitutional changes proposed in the document “Extending & Renewing Party Democracy”, its agreement was based on an undertaking that Conference would be able to review the changes in 2009. Conference regrets that the narrow limits imposed on the consultation have prevented party members from giving full consideration to the effects of the 2007 changes. In fact the NEC itself failed to review properly these proposals. As a result of the NEC decision this week to defer the debate, Conference is unlikely to be presented this year with the option to return to debating and voting on contemporary motions. In order to avoid delaying the possibility of implementing changes next year, this conference calls on the NEC to accept that the 2010 Conference will have the opportunity:

1. to express its view on matters of major political concern by restoring the right of affiliated organizations and CLPs to submit motions to be debated and voted on at conference, the subject of such motions not being restricted by the artificial and narrow criterion “contemporary” ;

2. to ensure that the right of affiliated organizations and CLPs each to choose four subjects for debate is guaranteed by a Priorities Ballot which selects four separate subjects from CLPs in addition to the four chosen by affiliated organizations;

3. to provide for voting in parts on lengthy NPF documents, instead of the current undemocratic practice of conference having to vote on a whole document on an “all-or-nothing” basis.

Emergency Motion on Honduras

Conference notes the return to Honduras of the country’s democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya on 22nd September, following his expulsion imposed by the military coup of 28th June and the installation of regime led by Roberto Michelleti.

Conference condemns the violent attacks and human rights abuses that have taken place by the coup regime against peaceful protesters supporting President Zelaya since his return to Honduras . Conference notes with concern the widespread military and police repression that has occurred under the coup as reported by Amnesty International and others.

Conference welcomes the widespread international rejection of the coup government including from the UN General Assembly, Organisation of American States and the EU, which has withdrawn its Ambassadors and $90m of funding. Conference notes that the United States is the largest trade partner of Honduras and is concerned that the United States government, whilst cutting some assistance, continues to provide financial support to Honduras which if withdrawn would be a significant step towards ending the coup.

Conference calls on the Labour government to work to ensure the restoration of democracy to Honduras and the unconditional reinstatement of President Zelaya to the office of President, as elected by the people of Honduras.