Foot's '83 manifesto lives on

I have never believed, as some claim, that the progressive nature of the 1983 Labour manifesto was the reason Labour went down to electoral defeat.

Such a radical and daring call to the people to support an alternative strategy for peace, jobs and freedom was a clear threat to capitalism and was always going to be fought by the establishment.

What followed was the appalling spectacle of rightwingers within the Labour leadership denouncing, in public, the very policies contained within the manifesto. The "unpopular" Thatcher was bathing in a wave of jingoism whipped up by the reactionary media during the Falklands adventure, and the infamous "gang of four" broke from Labour to form the SDP.

It was a classic recipe for confusion, detraction and doubt as to the relevance and potential of the policies and, indeed, as to whether Labour could be trusted to implement such a progressive programme.

Michael Foot's integrity is untarnished by the events of 1983 and we can all salute a comrade who remained true to his beliefs and the movement.

Sections of the 1983 Labour manifesto are alive and well within the People's Charter - no finer tribute could we make to the memory of Michael Foot than to work to promote and proclaim the charter clearly and consistently.

If Labour ever again wants to represent those for whom it was initially formed, then the trade unions will once more be charged with the responsibility of having the socialist identity of Labour - a characteristic much valued by the late Michael Foot.

Or am I just kidding myself - is it too late for Labour?

Terry Brough St Helens