19.10.2005

Not controversial?

Michelle Euston reports from Respect Walthamstow's pre-conference meeting, where a number of non-SWP members supported the CPGB's motion

Around 20 people attended the Waltham Forest pre-conference Respect meeting on October 13. An outline was given at the beginning of planned activity over the next eight months leading up to the May local elections. We will campaign against city academies, cuts in the NHS and plans for the Olympics where local needs are not addressed. Then five motions for conference were put forward for debate. However, there was little debate, as no-one spoke against any of the motions. When, on the other hand, members had to vote on which motions should go forward, the SWP, with its majority at the meeting, clearly demonstrated its preference. The motion to oppose city academies got 13 votes, repeal the anti-trade union laws 12 and the environment motion 11, while opposition to the religious hatred bill got six votes and a motion calling for a fight for decent pensions five. Despite what appeared to be block voting by the SWP, it was excellent to see opposition to the religious hatred bill get six votes - needless to say, all from non-SWP members. The religious hatred motion will undoubtedly be controversial at conference. At the Waltham Forest meeting controversy was avoided. After the election of delegates, there was some debate around whether in the May elections Respect should stand three candidates or only one in each ward. This issue, along with the selection of candidates, will be further debated in meetings to come. Form a Respect left opposition Conference fringe meeting Saturday November 19 6pm, Lucas Arms, 245a Grays Inn Road, London WC1 all welcome, lots of time for debate