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Report on unity rally of 19 January

Niki (pics) eileen (other) | 20.01.2004 13:47 | Oxford

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Last night, 19 January 2004, there was a rally at the Town Hall entitled 'British politics at the crossroads'. This marks the early stages of an attempt to launch a new political party in Britain that will offer a serious alternative to the current New Labour party, deeply discredited in the eyes of many including those in the anti-war movement. Speakers were Linda Smith (FBU), Dr Siddiqui (Moslem Parliament), John Rees (SWP), Mark Serwotka (gen. sec. PCS)and George Galloway MP. Nuala Young of Oxford CND was in the chair. George Galloway insisted on the need for inclusiveness and urged members of existing political parties to put their doubts to one side and get involved. He was, as usual, an impressive and charismatic speaker. Aware that local Green MEP Caroline Lucas was very highly thought of in the area, he laid to rest any fears that he might endanger her position by standing for the European Parliament in this constituency. No such reassurance was forthcoming, however, in the case of Jean Lambert, Green MEP in the London area, who despite her good reputation has a relatively low profile.This rally, with a good turnout of around 400 people, was one of a series taking place around the country including Liverpool, Preston and Cardiff, due to culminate this Sunday, 25 January, in a National Convention in London(10.00am, Friends Meeting House, Euston Road)
Yesterday evening essentially saw a brief review of issues causing intense discontent 'on the left' and introduced us to some of the personalities wishing to challenge the government, but as yet there is no clear platform of policies or indication as to the structure and way of functioning of this potential new party.

(audio report of G. Galloway is contained in a later posting, article 284181. It's in MP3 format, 5.7Mb, and takes about 25mins to download via dial-up connection)

Niki (pics) eileen (other)

Comments

Hide the following 9 comments

bandwagon

20.01.2004 15:54

Looks like the latest attempt by a self-proclaimed leader to co-opt the anti-war movement for their own power. Perhaps Galloway et al believe in what they're doing and have only good intentions, but the last thing we need is another political party.

History has shown time and again that Parliament acts as a safety-valve for the status quo, convincing people that they can make a difference in this way, then assimilating them almost effortlessly.

don't vote - act


it's them again

20.01.2004 16:26

'deeply discredited in the eyes of many including those in the anti-war movement'

one could also add to this list: the social forum movement, the socialist alliance, the anti-fascist/anti-rascist movement and many more who are fed up of the SWP(the main instigators/proponents)of this new organisation and their constant band wagon jumping and machivellian political manouvering. Apparently some of the leaders of the STWC and SWP cntral comiiteee members: German,Rees et al, have really liked their moments in the media spotlight and are acting like traditional politicians complete with meetings in smoke filled rooms, dodgy deals, and flouncing out of interviews when they don't like the questions!

bemused


Disgrace

20.01.2004 16:42

Nice to see discraced Tory mp Galloway doing a speech that doesn't involve petty insults towards Tony Blair. Oh my mistake.

Bob Lightsoot


What A Large Crowd?

20.01.2004 16:50

Wow! The pictures show a massive amount of support for Galloway and the continuation of his parliamentary career. The seats are bursting with people in the top picture.

Brian


Serious Alternative

20.01.2004 16:54

We Already have a serious alternative to the conservatives and thats the liberals. (CHEERS!!!!) They will overtake the tories at the next election - there is no doubt.

Serious Roy


Alternative ??

20.01.2004 17:01

You think the Liberals are a viable alternative to either the Tory or Labour party ??

Wow !!!

Dave


Alternatives

20.01.2004 17:28

Ex-Iraqi Information Minister
Ex-Iraqi Information Minister

The Liberals will win. Also i have the ideal canditate for the American Presidency in the coming elections:

Serious Roy


fantastic!

21.01.2004 17:18

For what seems like my whole life I've been reading comments on IndyMedia slagging off the SWP/SA/Galloway for being just another bunch of politicians. Now at last IMC readers have put forward their TRULY radical alternative..

.. the Liberal Democrats. Well done folks!

;-)


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