Britain's Warmongering Role in the Meeting
of the "European Political Community"

Massive Energy Price and Cost of Living Protest Paris, September 3 2022 - Photo: F Phillippot

On October 6, following the immediate crisis in her leadership over the "mini budget" in Britain, the new prime minister Liz Truss travelled to the Czech capital, Prague, for the first meeting of the so-called European Political Community (EPC). The EPC is reported to be the brainchild of the French President Emmanuel Macron and is aimed at bringing together leaders from nearly every European country, of course with the exception of Russia and Belarus which it is aimed against. It is being described as a new European political informal grouping that is dedicated to advancing security and energy co-operation across the continent. Thus the EPC is aimed at bringing together countries that do not necessarily agree with the EU stand on Ukraine and other matters [1], but nevertheless is aimed at reaching out to "counter Russian narratives", as some EU leaders have put it.

NATO integrated command European weapon systems

This "European Political Community" is being proposed at a time when the European project as a whole is in crisis, when the euphoria over the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc has long gone, and when there have been widespread demonstrations throughout Europe against the ruling governments, whether described as "centre-ground" or of the "right". Thus, Macron, Truss and others might think that this is an opportune time to aim to be "uniting EU and non-EU members". It is clearly not a political grouping of the whole of Europe when Russia and Belarus are excluded. Russia on its own forms not only the largest population in Europe, but also the largest area of Europe. The fact that it was not about Europe and its unity was revealed further when Truss spelt out the main aims of Britain, the main military ally of the US, in attending the EPC.

Liz Truss has said her attendance at a European summit in Prague was "not about moving closer to Europe... what this is about is about working with all of our European partners to challenge Putin's appalling war in Ukraine" and that Emmanuel Macron was a "friend". She said it was also aimed at the "huge energy costs, rising inflation and also migration across our continent." [2]. In a joint statement following the meeting, Macron and Truss pledged to hold a UK-France summit in 2023. Meanwhile, it is being reported that, in what looks like a future political role for the monarchy, King Charles III is poised to visit France on an official State Visit following an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron. It is reported that Charles is likely to travel on to Germany subsequently.

Truss is claiming that Britain has been playing a "leading role in Europe" in escalating the war by arming Ukraine and stepping up sanctions against Russia. In her Times article [3], published to coincide with the trip, it is clearly written in a way to give voice to the US interests in dividing Europe from Russia and expanding NATO and pursuing a proxy war against Russia. Truss says; "so I welcome the opportunity to work with leaders from across the continent in this new forum. But this must not cut across the G7 and NATO, and it must not be a talking shop."

Truss goes on to demand that she wants to see; "concrete action and delivery on three key priorities." Spelling out these three priorities Truss says that "first, we must ensure that Putin is defeated ... I will urge my European friends to continue to work with us in providing more weapons, imposing more sanctions, and backing Ukraine in pushing Russian forces out." In other words, the plan is to persuade European countries to further escalate the war in Ukraine alongside NATO and the G7 and make no attempt to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and find a peaceful solution based on the interests of the peoples of Ukraine and Russia, Europe and the world. This demonstrates that Truss's priorities are more to do with the US strategic aims to wage a proxy war against Russia in Europe to pursue its own interests and not that of Europe and its peoples.

Liz Truss further declared that "we must end our addiction to Russian hydrocarbons" and talks about "deterring any threat to Britain's underwater pipelines" to France and Europe, as if the blowing up of the pipelines between Germany and Russia deserve no comment, or have no consequences for European countries and especially those that don't accept the oil and gas sanctions and relied on these pipelines. These sanctions against Russia have no basis in international law. Tellingly, she makes no mention, or denial as to Britain's involvement in what was a state terrorist action against these pipelines.

Thirdly, Truss says "we must use the opportunity of this forum to focus on migration ... Today we will be deepening our joint working." Here Truss is championing the long-standing inhuman measures and treatment of the British state towards migrants of all countries but particularly those of countries that Britain and the US have been unleashing their own wars in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Truss says that "we are proud of the way that we have opened our homes to 130,000 Ukrainian refugees. But we need a stronger response to the crime gangs that exploit desperate people." This is a general government-speak for blocking refugees that Britain does not want to come across the Channel but wants to force them to stay in Europe or air-lift them to Rwanda. Then Truss shifts the blame for this "trans-national tragedy" to "authoritarian states undermining stability and security around the world". She tries to exclude the US, Britain from being among the authoritarian states when she claims the "democratic nations need to be bolder and more innovative in how they collaborate to ensure that our shared values prevail". These "shared values" of "democratic nations" contain the most warmongering nations on earth, Britain and the US along with their leadership of the NATO alliance.

Reporting on the summit, a commentator from the BBC, Jessica Parker, confirmed that Britain's role in the EPC was to not allow the undermining of the role of the US and NATO [4]. She reported: "The official line was that the PM was taking part because she wanted to 'shore up' support for Ukraine and 'galvanise' collective action on energy security and migration. ... The UK has been less keen to talk about security, with jitters that the EPC could be seen as somehow cutting across the NATO military alliance."

According to reports, 27 EU states and 17 European countries attended the EPC. As many expected following this meeting in Prague, the EU has tried to claim that the EPC supported the stand of the EU and "paved the way for the upcoming formal European Council in Brussels on 20 and 21 October, at which the leaders are expected to reach decisions and adopt conclusions on the three issues discussed in Prague. [5]" However, as one commentator put it [6], the EPC was like "a sword striking water" and that "no joint statement was planned at the end of the meeting and none would have been possible. A schedule for the next meetings of this forum was agreed upon, in six months in Moldova, next year in Spain, and then in the UK. No one is sure why he would participate, or even if it will still exist."

At this time, for Britain to renew its relations with all European peoples is one of the most vital questions facing the working class and people of Britain, but these relations cannot be renewed on the basis of support for the US and Britain's proxy war in arming and escalating the conflict in Ukraine. The problems and security of the peoples of Europe cannot be settled by escalating such a conflict but only by identifying the role played by the US, Britain and the NATO ruling elites as the real threat to peace in Europe in provoking this war in Ukraine and now in escalating it in such a dangerous way to world peace. Truss's warmongering visit to Prague should be condemned along with the ruling elite who are behind it on both sides of this consensus in Parliament. Britain's relations in Europe should be renewed by further developing the peoples' co-operation and opposition to warmongering, lies and disinformation and continuing to take stands and actions for peace. Britain urgently needs an anti-war government!

Notes
1. The European Commission website states: "The EU and its international partners are united in condemning Putin's aggression on Ukraine. We will provide support to those seeking shelter and we will help those looking for a safe way home. The EU will continue to offer strong political, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and impose hard-hitting sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war."
2. Truss calls Macron a 'friend' as she attends summit of European leaders - The Guardian, October 5 2022
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/06/liz-truss-european-political-community-meeting-prague
3. PM Liz Truss: Time to find common cause with our European friends - Prime Minister Liz Truss's article in The Times, October 6 2022.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-liz-truss-time-to-find-common-cause-with-our-european-friends
4. UK's Truss joins Europe's leaders for big summit on Ukraine war - October 7 2022
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63151813
5. Informal meeting of heads of state or government, Prague, 7 October 2022
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2022/10/07/
6. The European political Community : a sword striking water - Thierry Meyssan, October 10 2022
https://www.voltairenet.org/article218222.htm

NATO ships in Glasgow following the completion of the Joint Warrior exercise - Photo: UK Defence Journal

More than 11,000 personnel from NATO countries participated in Exercise Joint Warrior, which was being led by Britain itself. Taking place from October 1-12, the biannual exercise included "defence" against simulated attacks above, on, and below the water - extending from Cape Wrath and the Hebrides in the north, to the North Sea and the western Channel.

There were 45 ships and 30 aircraft taking part, as well as submarines, sailors, soldiers and aircrew from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Britain, and the United States.

NATO warships from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway converged on Glasgow, after a Polish frigate and Belgian minehunter visited last week. The vessels are in Glasgow following the completion of the Joint Warrior exercise. It was further reported, for example in the UK Defence Journal, that US and Norwegian submarines have been present in Scottish waters. It has also been suggested that drones have been deployed as part of the exercises for a number of years.

NATO said that the aim of Joint Warrior 22-2 was "to provide a complex environment in which the participants can train together, honing tactics and skills in preparation for deployment as a Combined Joint Task Force".

The exercises are part of the stepped up war preparations of the NATO aggressive alliance, of which Britain is a leading advocate and participant. It should also be noted that Britain, as part of its war stance, is set to donate hundreds more air defence missiles to Ukraine, including AMRAAM missiles, that are capable of shooting down Russian cruise missiles, in addition to all the "lethal" aid already provided to Ukraine designed to keep the conflict in operation and prevent its resolution.

Trades Union Congress takes place in Brighton this coming week. The Stop the War Coalition is calling for all who are opposed to the present pro-war government to join them in lobbying the TUC over the motion "Defending Manufacturing Jobs" that is being put forward.

This motion calls for "immediate increases in defence spending". This is a very dangerous development in the working class movement and must be opposed.

The Stop the War Coalition say: "Any increase in military spending can only come at the expense of public welfare spending which affects all working people. The government is talking of increases in arms spending to 3% of GDP. This would require either a 5% increase in income tax or equivalent spending cuts on a devastating scale. Already, Britain spends more of its wealth on the military than most NATO members."

Stop the War also point out that British lethal aid to Ukraine is also being used to prolong the conflict there, when a ceasefire and negotiations are needed instead.

Stop the War say: "We believe it is vital that the trade union movement is seen to stand for peace and for the social priorities of the British people."

Join the lunchtime rally to say no to military spending! Join the lobby outside the TUC Congress in The Brighton Centre on Tuesday October 18 at 12:30pm!

Reflecting on 20 years of Drone Targeted Killing

An online webinar entitled "Pandora's Box" is being organised by Drone Wars UK on November 3, 7pm (GMT).

The organisers write: "November 3 this year will mark 20 years since a remotely-controlled drone was first used to carry out an extra-judicial killing 'beyond the battlefield'. While drones had previously been used in warzones, this was the first time a drone had been used to hunt down and kill specific individuals in a country in which the US was not at war.

"Since then, an untold number of such operations have taken place across the globe with a significant number of such strikes also causing serious civilian casualties. Despite huge controversy the United States continues to engage in such killings (even while arguing publicly such actions are 'limited') and the practice has now spread amongst other drone operators including the UK, France and Turkey.

"In this important online webinar, Drone Wars has invited a number of experts to mark 20 years of drone targeted killings, to offer some reflections on the human, legal and political cost of the practice and to discuss how we can press the international community to ensure that drone operators abide by international law in this area."

Speakers:

Agnes Callamard, Secretary General, Amnesty International. Ex Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions (2016-2021)
Chris Woods, Founder of Airwars, author of 'Sudden Justice: America's Secret Drone Wars'
Bonyan Jamal, Yemen-based lawyer and Legal Support Director with Mwatana for Human Rights, Yemen
Kamaran Osman, Human Rights Observer for Community Peacemaker Teams in Iraq Kurdistan
Chair: Chris Cole, Director, Drone Wars UK

Climate Crisis Global Day of Action during Cop27

November 12 will see mass mobilisations across Britain and put thousands of people on the streets to demand climate justice in solidarity with the Global Day of Action called by Egyptian groups at COP27. One local Climate Action Group pointed out: "From the national and global cost of living crisis, climate impacts in the global south and the demand for climate reparations, and the urgent need to end fossil fuel extraction and for a workers-led justice transition - we will rise up together and fight for justice." Activists in London are set to gather at the Shell Building at noon on that day.

The Cop27 UN climate talks run from November 6-18 in Sharm el-Sheikh, hosted by the Egyptian government.

Shining a Spotlight on Military Drones

A public meeting is taking place in Lichfield, where UAV Engines manufactures Elbit's military drone engines in nearby Shenstone. It will take place on Saturday, November 26, from 3:30pm - 5:30pm at The Hub at St Mary's, Market Street.

Chris Cole of Drone Wars UK will speak on: a new generation of lethal weapons, used to massacre people remotely. Abas Mobarak a British-Palestinian will speak from his family's personal experience of living under the drones made by UAV Engines.

The meeting is also being supported by Lichfield Concern for Palestine, and South Staffs Palestine Solidarity.

J Singh

Lakhimpur Kheri, farmers Mahapanchayat, August 19-20, 2022

Farmers across India are continuing their protests and agitation. They are strengthening their unity by raising awareness among people and by organising in every village of India. They are holding Kisan Panchayats (farmers' meetings) and Mahapanchayats (mass meetings) to discuss basic problems of farmers, workers, women, Dalits and the toilers and oppressed people. In Lakhimpur Kheri hundreds of thousands of farmers held a Mahapanchayat and denounced the government and its policies as well as attacks on the farmers and people, especially against Muslims and Dalits. They condemned the arrest of Teesta Setalvad and other human rights activists. The Mahapanchayat announced a plan of action for the coming months across India which continues the ongoing agitations.

Massive protests were held by apple growers in Himachal Pradesh jointly with farmers, against their loot by Adani. To counter attacks on Muslims, farmers are building defence committees, harmony committees and peace committees.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders opposed the government meeting of the committee on Minimum Support Price (MSP). They called the panel a "farce" and said nothing conclusive will come out of the talks. They convoked a national meeting of the SKM on September 6 in Delhi to chalk out future plans.

Faridkot, Punjab Mahapanchayat, August 14, 2022

The farmers held a Mahapanchayat in Delhi on August 22, in spite of government attempts to stop them. Many of their leaders were held at border points into Delhi but the farmers broke through the barricades and went to Jantar Mantar in the heart of the city. They protested the Modi government's "betrayal" on MSP and demanded the release of farmers held during the Morchas, the sacking of Ajay Mishra from the Cabinet, the release of political prisoners, and a livelihood for the youth, amongst other things.

Jantar Mantar resounded with slogans such as Tanashahi Nahin Chalegi (Down with Dictatorship), Hindu Muslim Nahin Chalega (Inciting Divisions on the Basis of Religion Will Not Work), Awaz Do Hum Ek Hain(We are United as One), Muslim Pe Humla Sabhi Pe Humla (Attacks on Muslims Are Attacks on All), Dharti Mata Ki Jai (Long Live Mother Earth), Jai Kisan, Jai Jawan (Long Live Farmers and Soldiers), Adani, Ambani Murdabad (Down with Adani and Ambani), Zuban Pe Tala Murdabad (Down with the Criminalization of Dissent - "lock on tongue").

A young woman farmer sang the following song expressing the sentiments of the Mahapanchayat:

Dilli Di Hakumate, Lokan Di Ni Bairne
Lok Hard Lai Jayuga Baha

(Delhi government enemy of the people,
The flood of the people will sweep you away)

Speaker after speaker denounced the Modi government and the repression it has unleashed on all those who are fighting for their rights. One of the speakers called on the administration to let the buses full of farmers get into Delhi, otherwise they will continue sitting at the Jantar Mantar.

Farmers arrive in Delhi for August 22, 2022 Mahapanchayat.

Farmers are raising all the problems of society - land theft, state terror, communal violence, caste oppression, the corruption of the political process, the exploitation and oppression inherent to the economic system, etc. They have a wide variety of opinions but they have taken a firm stand against sectarianism - against dividing their ranks on the basis of opinions and beliefs. They have consciously adopted the position of being United in Action to Fight for the Rights of All.

Farmers' organisations in Punjab and Haryana also organised a protest in Chandigarh to denounce the Gujarat government decision to release the rapists of Bilkis Bano, who was gang raped. Thousands of farmers, youth, students, women and also workers gathered in spite of the government trying to block them.

Politicians continue to make false promises. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that they will make Punjab "Cancer Free". One commentator said with a smile that the minister thinks he is still doing comedy, because he has no idea what he is talking about. Like other parties, the Aam Admi Party in Punjab is making one declaration after another without even feeling the need to know what they are saying. Similarly, the Aam Admi Party in Gujarat is claiming that it will end unemployment in Gujarat in five years.

Lies are flying left, right and centre as state and general elections approach. In this way, falsification and fraud have become the essence of liberal democracy - make any promise to keep the people divided and diverted from uniting in action to fight for their own aims. Their intention is revealed by their inability to fulfil whatever they say. They know that they don't have to be accountable to the voters and people as they do not represent them, but that they do to the narrow private interests which control the decision-making power.

All over the world slogans and demands are being raised which recognise the need to affirm the Right to Be of all people and end the anti-human and anti-nature economic and political system. The Necessity for Change requires that the way be opened for renewal and the renovation of everything on the basis of activating the human factor/social consciousness. This is achieved by implementing the mass democratic method of participating in setting the agenda for our actions ourselves and not permitting the sectarian spirit to infect the movement.

India's Prime Minister Modi, like his predecessors, Manmohan Singh, Indira Gandhi, Nehru and others before him, gave rise to a lot of hot air from the Red Fort on August 15. As usual he has conveniently forgotten his older promises of Har Ghar Jal - the scheme initiated by the Government of India in 2019 which claimed to have the aim to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024. He has now moved on, uttering five new phrases: a "developed India by 2047, removing any sign of servility, [having] pride in heritage, unity, and fulfilling our duties".

Protest by sugar cane farmers in Phagwara, Punjab demanding payment for their cane, August 10, 2022

A commentator said that Modi didn't seem that confident this year, maybe his guilty conscience was pricking him that he is lying again in front of the whole world. Such people do not have a care as to what they are saying even means. Modi is in good company and continuing the tradition of deception and fraud. Garibi Hatao Desh Bachao (Remove poverty, rescue the country) was the theme and slogan of Indira Gandhi's 1971 election campaign. Garibi Hatao, Socialism, Secularism, Shining India, Incredible India, and many more calls have been given by India's ruling elites even before the current age when the factional fights to seize hold of the executive powers are sharper than ever.

Several opposition parties including Congress passed a resolution in the second week of August to root out the influence of "Machine, Media and Money" in elections. Since 1947, Congress has used all three Ms to come to power. It's a cartel party system in the service of the interests of the Tatas, Birlas and other monopoly houses. For the big private interests, financing a cartel party is a small investment for them to access the treasury on a permanent basis. For example, the Indian government has forgiven the loans of a handful of monopolies to the tune of $145 billion.

No matter which party has been in power, elections are a resource transfer mechanism by the rich. They pay the parties to fight elections so that the state is privatised directly. They replace civil service organisations with their own private consulting firms and companies through which they have direct access to the resources of the country. In the process, cartel party leaders enrich themselves and accrue privilege. The system works no matter which party comes to power.

Now when the most powerful section of the ruling elite has decided to make BJP their standard bearer as they think that it will better serve their interests, Congress is talking about the use of Machine, Media and Money (3M). CPI(M) [Communist Party of India (Marxist)] was in power in Bengal for 30 years and it used the same 3M template. They used every trick in the book that Congress had used in the service of the ruling elite, including killing thousands of youth. The Aam Admi party is using the 3Ms in Punjab, while at the same time giving rise to a lot of rhetoric against it. What they say and what they do are two different things.

It reveals that liberal democracy cannot exist without the 3Ms. The US is the greatest example of it. The great American writer Mark Twain figured it out a long time ago. "We have the best government that money can buy," he famously said. The Congress Party in India is missing its "lost paradise". It is trying to get back into power thinking it can make people forget their history.

(TML Monthly, September 2022)