Two conferences of the English anti-war party, Respect — The Unity Coalition, were convened on November 17 in London. Both were attended by around 350 people. The “Respect Renewal” forces were led by MP George Galloway and 19 other non-Socialist Workers Party members of Respect’s national council. The SWP convened its own conference across town.
Ben Reid
Fractures have emerged in Respect the Unity Coalition, a group formed in January 2004 by an alliance that drew together expelled Labour MP George Galloway (now Respects sole MP), the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) and anti-war activists. On August 23, Galloway issued a letter to Respects National Council titled It was the best of times, it was the worst of times criticising the groups lack of organisation and custom of anathematisation in the organisation which is deeply unhealthy and has been the ruin of many a left-wing group before us.