LOUISE NOUSRATPOUR reports from one side of the Respect divide.
Saturday November 18, 2007
The Morning Star
AROUND 350 Respect delegates from across Britain packed into a hall at the University of Westminster in London on Saturday to discuss the recent split in the coalition and the way forward.
Strong allegations of election-rigging, undemocratic practices and even physical abuse were levelled against people in the alternative Respect Renewal group, which held a separate conference on the same day.
Delegates dismissed this as “nothing but a splinter rally” and accused Renewal figures of a “witch-hunt” against socialists.
However, they maintained an overall focus on the importance of retaining unity within the anti-war movement and reorganising around “core values” to ensure that it remained a vibrant alternative to new Labour.
Student Respect chairwoman Noreen Fatima said: “The anti-war movement radicalised many in the Muslim community.
“Cuts and privatisation of public services have also mobilised Muslims, who are overwhelmingly working-class.
“They have the most to gain from left policies because it addresses the problems they face.”
Stop the War Coalition convener Lindsey German pressed the need for unity in the face of possible war against Iran.
She reminded delegates that Respect had been “born out of the anti-war movement and the consequent radicalisation of people which led to a break from new Labour.”
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka stressed the need for political unity as well as industrial unity to fight government attacks on workers.
He expressed regret at the split, warning that “Gordon Brown is rubbing his hands in glee as we fight amongst ourselves while he continues to attack workers’ pay and pensions.”
But he insisted that, while unity was important, “you cannot have unity in a party to the left of Labour based on those who attack and witch-hunt other socialists.”
Mr Serwotka revealed that he had declined an invitation to speak at the Respect Renewal conference.
Respect national secretary John Rees warned of an “enormous pressure” from Labour’s electoral machine to hollow out Respect by trying to bribe successful candidates over to its side.
He went on to accuse Respect MP George Galloway of “communalism,” claiming that there had been an “unhealthy” focus on certain communities at the expense of alienating others.
In a swipe at Respect Renewal, he added: “Pessimists in the movement believe that some communities are no-go areas for Respect.
“I don’t believe that. I think it’s time to go beyond the bridgeheads that has made Respect successful and reach out to the wider working-class communities.”
Tower Hamlet council group leader Abjol Miah was singled out for criticism by councillors Oliur Rahman, Lutfa Begum, Mehdi Hassan and Rania Khan, who resigned the whip in October.
They accused him of bypassing democratic procedures to make back-door deals with local businessmen and verbally and physically abusing staff.
Delegates later voted for constitutional amendments which will affect membership and recruitment as well as how national officers are elected.
The changes meant that the national council will now be comprised of 50 members, including a national secretary, national organiser and chair elected by a majority vote at annual conferences.
Delegates then went on to elect 45 new national council members and voted for Elaine Graham-Leigh as national organiser and Mr Rahman as national chairman.
Mr Rees was re-elected as national secretary.
