Business Candidates Split Respect

“I do favour trade unionism. We need all the trade we can get, so we have to help them.”

So says business wing Respect candidate, Harun Miah, for the Shadwell by-election, Tower Hamlets, when interviewed about his views in the recent “Workers Weekly” article entitled “Respect - the party for everybody”. The by-election is this Thursday 9 August.

It is quite clear that Harun hasn’t a clue what trade unions are about – he seems to think we are some type of “trade body”?

It gets even more farcical when Harun reflects upon a certain sensitive subject that many on the left traditionally hold strong views about:

“As for socialism, it does provide some sort of justice, some sort of equality. I agree with that. As long as it doesn’t breach the rights of others. Of course, Respect has socialism as an element, but it’s not the only element, is it? There are other concerns. But I don’t mind”.

He appears concerned about any interference in the “rights” of property and capital perhaps? Can anyone interpret his remarks otherwise?

Despite attempts to underplay Harun’s business connections and portray him as only the owner of a local shop, it is now clear that many have been mislead about the extent of his considerable business interests and that of his family. He may well only own one business outright, but he has apparently significant shares in a number of other businesses, not only several local retail shops but also a money transfer business and property letting agency. Is the only reason that he is against the privatisation of council housing estates is that the “right to buy” is restricted?

Let alone the fact that Harun also declares in the interview that he is a “mate” of Michael Keith, the Labour Party Candidate? Talk about keeping your options open! The previous Respect councillor for Shadwell resigned calling the party “bickering, immature, self serving” and “dominated by militants”.

While the “Workers Weekly” interview was all well and good, there were a load of questions that were not raised with Harun? I assume that a SWP full time goon was present during the interview.

I for one would have been interested in Harun’s view on the “London Living Wage” and how much his own work force is paid per hour? (never mind the legal minimum wage), What sickness benefits are they entitled to? what about his views over gay rights? civil partnerships?, a women’s right to choose? (we know already that Galloway has serious form on this issue).

It appears that many rank and file SWPers have also had enough. The preferred SWP candidate - young, female activist Sultana Begum was not chosen at a selection meeting dominated by local businessmen. Recently a senior SWP activist was expelled for supporting the selection of such candidates in Birmingham. At least one senior member of the SWP has been disciplined by its central committee for attacking their link with Respect.

Apparently there is a growing revolt by core members refusing to join “Respect”. Many complain bitterly that female and gay members have been cold shouldered and excluded (to be polite) at Respect meetings. The links between certain Respect members and Jamaat-e-Islami quite rightly horrify many.

It is clear that many (not all) members of Respect are only interested in male dominated communal politics.

Trouble in mill? – roll on Thursday.