'Whichever government is elected at the next General Election, the ruling class offensive will continue to unfold', Communist Party general secretary Robert Griffiths told a special meeting of the party's executive at the weekend.

'Big business and its politicians are determined to maximise monopoly profit, cut and privatise public services, undermine trade unionism and further restrict democratic rights to make workers and their families pay for getting Britain out of capitalism's crisis', he pointed out.

'But a Tory victory would deepen demoralisation within the working class and a Cameron government would go even further than New Labour in its reactionary policies', Mr Griffiths argued.

'A Labour victory, on the other hand, might produce a government more amenable to mass pressure for policies such as those in the People's Charter, enabling the labour movement to go on the offensive instead', he added.

The Communist Party executive called for the formation of local grass-roots campaigns for the Charter and its policies for public ownership, wealth redistribution, a greener economy and full employment, urging a big turnout for the People's Charter conference in London on November 21.

'It is not too late to compel the Labour government to change course, ditch neo-liberal policies and challenge big business profiteering in the interests of the mass of ordinary people', Mr Griffiths insisted.

The special meeting also decided, with only one vote against, to pursue further discussions with a range of left and labour movement organisations to establish a General Election coalition to fight leading New Labourites and the fascists, as well as the Tories.

'The struggle against reactionary ideas and policies in the labour movement, including in the Labour Party, needs to be sharpened not compromised or avoided', the CPB executive committee declared.

Britain's Communists will also stand independent Communist Party candidates and take part in the Unity for Peace and Socialism alliance with domiciled communist and workers' parties from overseas.

The special executive also urged active solidarity with the postal workers due to take national strike action on Thursday and Friday, and called for protest letters and actions against the BBC for inviting BNP fascist leader Nick Griffin to appear on Question Time later this week.