Labour accepts NI members

Britain: The British Labour Party last night lifted its ban on the recruitment of members in Northern Ireland.

Britain: The British Labour Party last night lifted its ban on the recruitment of members in Northern Ireland.

Delegates overwhelmingly approved the move in the overnight vote following Tuesday's debate on a proposal from the party's ruling National Executive (NEC), prompted by the threat of legal action by Belfast trade unionist, Mr Andy McGivern.

However, the threat of further legal challenge and dispute still hung over Labour last night because of an apparent "firewall" built into the NEC proposal which could prevent new members in Northern Ireland forming constituency parties and, ultimately, fighting elections.

Introducing the rule change on Tuesday, Mr David Triesman, general secretary of the Labour Party, told delegates: "Where and whether we organise or fight elections is the sovereign power of the NEC. The rule change and current rules are explicit. That makes sense.

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"We will not move into the area of organisation without lengthy thought, and against the interests of the SDLP. We are confident that in this respect, however people paint the risk, the law is on our side."

Mr Triesman's comments were designed to reassure Labour delegates who regard the extension of Labour organisation to Northern Ireland as a pro-Union "integrationist" move, which would place Labour in competition with its "sister party", the Social Democratic and Labour Party.

However, a delighted Mr McGivern confirmed he regarded this decision as but "the first step", and said he would not withdraw his legal action against the party until it was clear that Labour would set up constituency associations in Northern Ireland.

"If we are not given the same membership rights as people in England, Scotland and Wales then that means that all we are being offered is a watered-down form of membership.

"That would be unacceptable," he said.