Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist)
The Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist), known as the RCPB-ML, is a political organization with roots in the radical student movements of the late 1960s. Emerging from a specific ideological current influenced by Hardial Bains, the party has evolved through various name changes and geopolitical alignments, moving from Maoist influences to a strict adherence to the principles of Enver Hoxha.
Key Facts
- Origins: Formed from the "Internationalists" student movement at Sussex University.
- Founding Event: Established following the "Necessity For Change" conference in 1967.
- Ideological Shift: Transitioned from supporting Maoist China to aligning with Enver Hoxha's Albania.
- Current Leadership: Led by General Secretary Michael Chant under a system of collective leadership.
- Key Assets: Operates the Workers' Daily Internet Edition (WDIE) and John Buckle Books in south London.
Origins and Early Years (1967–1979)
The party's journey began in 1967 with the Internationalists, a student-based movement at Sussex University inspired by the teachings of Hardial Bains. By 1970, the group rebranded as the English Communist Movement (Marxist-Leninist), eventually founding the Communist Party of England (Marxist-Leninist) (CPE (ML)) in March 1972.
During its early years, the CPE (ML) navigated the complex landscape of the Sino-Soviet split—the ideological break between the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. Initially, the party sided with China and was endorsed by Albania, which was then allied with Maoist China. This alignment was based on the Three Worlds Theory, which positioned the party against both the capitalist West and the Soviet bloc.
However, as relations between China and Albania deteriorated, the CPE (ML) shifted its loyalty. The party renounced China as "revisionist" and developed a close relationship with the Party of Labour of Albania, siding firmly with leader Enver Hoxha.
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Controversies and Electoral Attempts
The early 1970s were marked by volatility and legal troubles. In May 1973, the Birmingham Student Movement, an affiliated group, gained notoriety for a physical attack on Hans Eysenck at the London School of Economics (LSE). Further legal issues followed in January 1974, when four party members were convicted of assaulting police and possessing petrol bombs.
Despite these conflicts, the party attempted to enter mainstream politics. In 1973, they contested two parliamentary by-elections. In 1974, they stood for six seats in the February general election and eight in the October general election. Their strongest performance occurred in Portsmouth South during the second 1974 election, where they received 612 votes (1.2%).
Internal Splits and Cultural Links
Internal friction led to a significant split in 1974. Approximately ten percent of the membership was lost following the expulsion of Aravindan Balakrishnan and his associates, who were accused of "splittist activities." This breakaway group formed the Workers' Institute of Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought.
Interestingly, the party maintained ties with the avant-garde music scene of the 1970s. Prominent composers Michael Chant and Cornelius Cardew were leading members of the organization.
The Modern Era: RCPB-ML (1979–Present)
In 1979, the party officially changed its name to the Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist). Since then, it has maintained a close relationship with the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) and the New Communist Party of Britain.
The party currently operates through several channels, including its internet newspaper, the Workers' Daily Internet Edition (WDIE), and a physical bookshop in south London called John Buckle Books, named after the party's founding general secretary.
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Political Stance and Recent Activity
The RCPB-ML has been a vocal promoter of solidarity with North Korea. While the party declared electoral support for the Respect Coalition in 2004, its current platform has shifted away from traditional electoralism. The party now advocates for an end to the parliamentary system and calls for workers' and peoples' collectives to intervene directly in the political process.
In recent years, the party's official representative, Roger Nettleship, has contested House of Commons seats in South Shields (2001, 2010) and Jarrow (2005). Additionally, the party supported the Brexit movement during the 2016 referendum.
| Period | Organization Name | Primary Alignment | Key Focus/Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967–1970 | Internationalists | Hardial Bains | Student movement at Sussex University |
| 1970–1972 | English Communist Movement (ML) | Marxist-Leninist | Transition to formal party structure |
| 1972–1979 | Communist Party of England (ML) | China $\rightarrow$ Albania | Sino-Soviet split; electoral attempts |
| 1979–Present | Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (ML) | Hoxhaism / Anti-System | WDIE; John Buckle Books; Brexit support |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the RCPB-ML?
The party originated from the Internationalists, a student movement at Sussex University inspired by the ideology of Hardial Bains.
What is the party's current position on elections?
While they have contested seats in the past, the party now calls for an end to the system that brings parties to power, urging direct intervention by workers' and peoples' collectives.
What is the significance of John Buckle Books?
Located in south London, the bookshop is named after John Buckle, the founding general secretary of the RCPB-ML.
How did the party's international alignment change?
The party initially supported Maoist China and was endorsed by Albania. However, it later renounced China as "revisionist" and aligned itself with Enver Hoxha and the Party of Labour of Albania.
What is the party's official symbol?
The party's logo consists of a black hammer and sickle set within a yellow star on a red background.