This is a statement to the wider Left to announce and explain the decision to dissolve the Republican Communist Network (RCN), latterly known as the Republican Communist Forum (RCF).

From the outset the RCN was set up not as a party, but as a network to link fellow communists and republicans. We came to realise that the most democratic form of communism would have to be based on republican principles and that the highest form of republicanism would be one based on internationalism from below.

We formed out of the melting pot that also led to the formation of the Scottish Socialist Alliance (SSA) which transitioned into the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP). It was clear to the (largely Edinburgh based) Red Republicans and to the (largely Dundee based) CPGB members that this was a pivotal time and that the SSP could have a transformative role to play in Scottish (and wider UK) political/social developments.

It was also clear that it was critically important to found the SSP on a robust democratic basis and that the question of Scottish Independence be framed within a left wing communist/republican perspective. This would be premised on the necessity to break up the UK state allowing self-determination for the constituent nations. Finally that the SSP had to have a developed international perspective, including nurturing comradely relationships with organisations and individuals in England, Wales and Ireland.

After many months of discussion/debate and working our way beyond the barriers and coded language, these groups came together to establish the RCN as a faction within the SSP. Before submitting proposals to the SSA/SSP regarding democratic procedures and politics, we had to build those for ourselves. For example we created our Comradely Conduct Policy, which has since been adopted and adapted by other left organisations; we sought to become inclusive and created processes and procedures and a constitution that would inhibit the development of cult/sect like attitudes and behaviour. We worked against tendencies that might lead towards the “great leader” features which blight too many organisations of the left.

Many on the left are aware of the considerable contribution of two people within the RCN Allan Armstrong and Mary McGregor. It is to the great credit of these two comrades who both worked assiduously to ensure the RCN operated on the highest level of democratic principles and practice.

Chief amongst our achievements are :-

  • The creation of a political culture that insisted upon rigorous but comradely and respectful debate. This led directly to the political and personal development of our membership
  • The adoption of republicanism as a major tenet of the SSP
  • Our positive influence over the democratic structures within the SSP
  • Establishing Republicanism as the basis for that democratic structure

We formed links with Republicans and Communists within England, Wales, Ireland and further afield. Following the implosion of the SSP, the RCN continued to pursue its aims of Internationalism From Below.

We engaged fully in the Radical Independence Campaign (RIC), both at national and local levels, challenging the narrow economic case for independence put forward by the SNP.

When the 2014 Indy Ref was lost, RIC was attacked by those who sought to wind it up. The RCN played a pivotal role in ensuring that it survived and continues to this day.

However, the RCN organisationally became less interventionist. Nevertheless, many of our members continue working tirelessly in various areas, including rejuvenating RIC and Palestinian solidarity work.

The decision was made to rename ourselves the Republican Communist Forum (RCF) since we were now operating literally as a discussion forum rather than an active interventionist organisation. This decision was also influenced by the emergence of the Republican Socialist Platform (RSP) and we felt reassured to pass on “the baton” to a younger and like-minded cadre. This was a development that Allan Armstrong was particularly enthused by and was a comfort to him in his last years. His death is keenly felt by his comrades as was the death earlier of comrade Alan Boylan. The reality now is we have a declining membership of advancing age and while some of us continue to work in particular campaigns, others are taking retirement. Consequently, we have agreed to dissolve ourselves.

Our final act is to pay tribute to our comrade and friend Allan Armstrong. We are confident his legacy through his writings, his activism and his life long commitment to the struggle will endure for generations. To finish with Allan’s own words from his final book, From Pre-Brit to Ex-Brit.

Taking responsibility for this world is something already becoming an imperative due to global environmental degradation and pandemics.

The best long-term basis upon which the right populists’ and neo-liberals’ dystopian futures can be avoided is the creation of a Global Commune.

And time is running short.

We wish the next wave of socialists, communists and republicans well.

In announcing this dissolution we want to assure interested comrades that the archive of our many articles and pamphlets can be found here at our blog, and the Internet Archive.

Republican Communist Forum
3rd March 2025