Cairo Forces Parliament facts for kids
The Cairo Forces Parliament was a special meeting held by British soldiers in Cairo, Egypt, in February 1944. During this time, World War II was still happening. These soldiers came together to discuss and vote on important ideas for the future of the United Kingdom. They decided that the government should take control of big businesses like banks, land, mines, and transport services.
Among the soldiers who took part were Leo Abse and Henry Solomons. Both of them later became important politicians in the UK, serving as Members of Parliament (MPs) for the Labour Party. Henry Solomons was even chosen as the 'Prime Minister' of this unique soldiers' parliament.
Who Was Involved?
Many different people joined the Cairo Forces Parliament. Sam Bardell, a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain, was the secretary. The parliament also attracted soldiers who were interested in politics from groups like the Common Wealth Party and the Trotskyist movement. These groups all had different ideas about how society should be run after the war.
Why the Parliament Ended
The Cairo Forces Parliament eventually closed down. This happened because many soldiers started to support very strong ideas for change, promoted by members of a group called the Workers' International League. These members were even elected to important roles, like 'Prime Minister' and 'Home Secretary', within the parliament.
Their ideas for big changes were very popular with the soldiers. A leader named Ted Grant described how soldiers from the Eighth Army felt. He said they wanted things to be very different in Britain after the war. They were ready for big changes and wanted to make sure they happened. This showed a strong desire among the troops for a new way of life after the fighting ended.
Other Soldier Parliaments
The Cairo Forces Parliament was not the only one of its kind. Similar meetings also took place within the British Army in other parts of the world during the war. For example, in India, soldiers held parliaments briefly in places like Mhow and Deolali transit camp.
The Mhow parliament happened about six months after the one in Cairo. It had between 70 and 100 members and even had some official approval at first. However, it was also soon shut down by higher authorities. The Mhow parliament started with a 'government' and an 'opposition' group. But because so many soldiers wanted big changes, the 'government' was replaced by the 'left party', which then had its own opposition groups.
See also
- Common Wealth Party
- Post–World War II demobilization strikes
- Putney Debates
