The British Left unites to help protect the most vulnerable civilians during the First World War

What is it about?

This article reveals and analyses the significance of the War Emergency: Workers' National Committee. This was a group set up during the First World War to coordinate the actions of the British Left - including the trade unions, the Parilamentary Labour Party, the Co-operative movement, socialist societies, and various women's suffrage groups. It acted to protect the most vulnerable among the civilian population of Britain from the worst effects of the war. It was significant not only for this, but also for its centripetal effect on the labour movement, which helped to bring disparate groups together, and ensure that they remained united not only for the during of the conflict, but to emerge as a coherent and effective force after 1918.

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Why is it important?

This is the first article based on a systematic use of the WNC files, and reveals the breadth and depth of the Committee's actions during the war, and its significance to the Left after the conflict.