Within the democratic structures of any new party, different supporters of the CNWP would argue for a programme for the party which they believe will best assist both the party and the struggles of working-class people.

The programme of any new party can only be decided on the basis of democratic debate, leading to clear agreement amongst all the forces involved.

And we recognise that any party which brings together important sections of the working class to fight ‘like tigers’ against the big-business onslaught on our conditions of life and work will be a huge step forward, even if its programme is initially quite limited.

However, it is crucial that a new party, if it is to succeed, is something completely different to the existing order.

It is not apathy which stops people voting, but total alienation from the pro-big business policies which are on offer from all three mainstream parties.

It is only by breaking with the old, worn-out ideas of slavishly following the free market, bowing before the dictats of global capitalism, that it is possible to build a party which can actually attract the millions who have currently turned away from ‘politics’ because they see it offering nothing but continuing attacks on living standards and the same lies and corruption from every capitalist party.

On becoming Labour leader, Blair’s first act was the removal of Clause IV, Part IV from the Labour Party’s constitution.

Added to the Labour Party constitution in 1918, this clause was printed on the back of party membership cards for decades.

While Labour Party members undoubtedly had different interpretations of its meaning, and Labour governments never implemented it, Clause IV was nonetheless seen as the ‘socialist core’ of the Labour Party’s constitution.

It stated that the Labour Party would strive:

"To secure for the workers by hand or by brain the full fruits of their industry and the most equitable distribution thereof that may be possible upon the basis of the common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange, and the best obtainable system of popular administration and control of each industry or service."

Blair argued that Clause IV was outmoded.

But what has he replaced it with? Today, in Britain, around 150 companies completely dominate the lives of 60 million people.

Worldwide 500 multinational companies control 70% of world production. The richest 356 people enjoy a combined wealth that is greater than the annual income of 40% of the human race.

But rather than aspiring to common ownership of the vast resources that are currently in the hands of a few billionaires – so that they can be used to meet the needs of humanity instead of for the profit of a few - Blair has prostrated himself before these billionaires.

This is the logical consequence of his acceptance of the capitalist profit system.

This is not a new idea, it has been the normal practise of the majority of politicians over hundreds of years.

The Labour Party itself was formed out of struggle against the big-business leaders of the Liberal Party.

Polly Toynbee is right to say that, "people flock to parties attracted by great ideas", provided that the party also actively struggles to realise them.

However, New Labour has long since thrown away its ‘great idea’ and Toynbee has no proposals for a replacement.

While the exact nature of the ‘Clause IV’ of a new party will be decided in the future, its ‘great idea’ will clearly be to fight with determination on the side of the working class, the poor and oppressed against the giant multinationals whose profits are the driving force of our society and whose interests the mainstream parties loyally defend.