This report comes from the SWP’s Party Notes. A copy was left in my locker at the swimming pool this evening. It is teensy weensy bit disingenuous or reveals an ignorance of what “minor” means to most people. The “minor amendment” to Lindsey’s motion was the difference between the proposed national organiser being subordinate or equal to the national secretary and was the subject of two and a half days’ intense discussion. I’d also add that most of the positive proposals that were adopted at Saturday’s NC originated from supporters of Socialist Resistance and had been firmly rejected by both George Galloway and the SWP on a number of occasions previously.

“Last Sunday’s Party Council was a serious meeting about Respect which overwhelmingly endorsed the strategy and political direction the CC has pursued.
John Rees led off the discussion on Respect. The general line he took was based around the two documents – the CC document, and John Rees and Elaine Graham Leigh’s statement to the Respect NC (both sent out with Party Notes over the last few weeks).

A wide ranging debate took place and those who disagreed were encouraged to contribute.
At the end of the session on Respect, both documents were voted on and both documents were carried overwhelmingly with only two comrades voting against.
206 delegates attended Sunday’s Party Council, although observers did not attend this meeting, 3 comrades who disagreed with the general line put by the CC did attend as observers.
Every branch should organise a second half report back on the Party Council.

Respect NC

The Respect National re-call Council took place last Saturday. Comrades tell me that because minds were seriously focused on the possibility of a snap general election the meeting was constructive. Despite saying that he had quit the Respect NC, George Galloway did attend and said that he was considering standing at the next general election.
Sadly George Galloway and another Respect NC member continued to snipe at the SWP in the meeting. This was not popular amongst the middle ground of Respect. The overwhelming mood of the Respect NC was for unity.
Lindsey’s motion on the national organiser was carried unanimously with only one minor amendment made.
The other key debate at the NC was over the question of how many candidates to stand if there is an early election. Some members of the NC argued that we should only stand a few, others believe we should stand in a lot of places This is a difficult question that requires further thought and discussion Comrades should contact John Rees to talk about their area.
The united position that came out of the Respect NC is welcome. But it is clear that the political tensions are still there.”

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