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