Minutes of Respect National Council Meeting12th September 2009
Present: Clive Searle, Kay Phillips, Mark Holland, Alastair Stephens, Ian Donovan, Jo Benefield, Jerry Hicks, John Lister, Kevin Ovenden, Ger Francis, Salma Yaqoob, Fiona Edwards, Jim Rogers, Andy Newman, Salma Iqbal, Berny Parkes, Ian Drummond, Carole Swords, Bob Whitehead.
Apologies: Mark Butcher, Nick Wrack, Ellen Howard, Mo Ouanni, Alan Thornett, Terry Conway, Abjol Miah, George Galloway MP, Councillor Dillal, Andy RichardsElection strategy:
Motions moved by Kevin O and Ian Don followed by discussion including strategic alignment of Respect campaigning as the General Election approaches.
Vote: Nick Wrack/Ian Dononvan motion: for 3; against 9; abstentions 5.
George Galloway/Salma Yaqoob motion: for 17; against 0; abstentions 0.
There was then a further strategic discussion about the relationship between Respect and the Labour vote focussed on a motion from Andy N, which was remitted to the Executive Committee.
ACTION POINTS
1. NC to put GG/SY motion to conference and post position on website
2. Andy N motion to be discussed by Exec Comm.
3. Exec Comm to ratify 5 selected candidates and prepare process for further candidate selection.
Nominating Officer
Kevin O moved that GG should be nominating officer. Carole S: seconded.
Motion of thanks to Linda Smith. For 17; against 0; abstentions 0.
ACTION POINTS
4. Submit papers to Electoral Commission.
5. National Sec to send thanks to Linda Smith.
Minutes/matters arising
- Office: We need a full time officer and staff, office still being sought.
- Website: The website has been revamped. Flow of articles from areas. Local Bristol website has asked to become a local page in national website. We should send local branch meeting information to the website. There is a councillor's blog in Tower Hamlets that can be accessed for articles.
- Respect paper added to agenda for next meeting.
- People's convention: Raby's article in new paper. Make Votes Count campaign (PR) offers possibility of developing some of these ideas.
- Fascism: Fighting fascism on agenda for next meeting.
- Birmingham complaint: No complaints procedure so problematic to investigate. There was no impropriety - money came from SY's election funds. The wording and minutes are not conclusive. Fluid position of NC required a form of words to avoid confusion in future.
ACTION POINTS
6. Add Respect paper to next NC agenda.
7. Add fighting fascism to next NC agenda.
Annual Conference
Venue secured, 10,000 leaflets produced and people are signing up.
Clive S offered constitutional amendment. GM Respect has submitted amendment on composition of NC.
Constitutional amendment unanimously agreed.
UNITE general secretary election
Jerry H outlined the significance of the general secretary election to be called, probably in the autumn of 2010. There was discussion about the possible contribution that Respect can make to the politics of the campaign.
Viva Palestina
Kevin O explained the current status of Viva Palestina, noting that it has never been interchangeable with Respect. It has its own momentum and organization. There followed a discussion on the new convoy, the response across the country and the proposed 'March on Gaza'.
Student Respect
Fiona E reported that we need to develop alliances and our base of Muslim and Asian students. A national speaking tour for students about Gaza with the PSC will cut as NUS right-wing line on Palestine so generating campaign for new position up to conference. We are organizing a national forum with GG and SY as the re-launch of student Respect. Go into campuses across country.
Publicity for national forum (10 October, SOAS London) coming out in next week.
ACTION POINT
8. All to use publicity for national forum at fresher's fairs.
AOB
Tower Hamlets: Things are turning towards us in Tower Hamlets. Labour's falling in polls, Respect branch has elected a new committee. Those who drifted away are coming back.. The indefinite strike at TH college has received our support and messages of support need to be sent.
Tolpuddle Martyrs festival: best year for Respect with the free broadsheet going down very well.
Birmingham: The feeling is that Respect will win and the focus has boosted Birmingham's organization. One meeting involved 500 people announcing new Respect members, including RMT activist.
Convention of the Left in Brighton on 26 September.
Stop the War train to Labour conference on Sunday 27 September.
Next meeting: 17 October SOAS.
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