I am pleased to have been able to interview one of the biggest names in British Politics, George Galloway. Mr Galloway first became a Labour MP in 1987. In 2004 he joined The Respect Party and later became leader. Now, Mr Galloway is running to replace Boris Johnson in the Mayor of London election next year. I was interested to hear a bit more about The Respect Party and why Mr Galloway decided to stand in the Mayor of London election.
- How important is it that young people take an interest in politics?
“Politics will decide what kind of country, what kind of world young people will grow up in, study in, work in, live in and bring up their own children in. It is that important. Young people have a greater stake in politics therefor than anybody else.”
- How did you first become involved in politics?
“I was born into a political family, was working in elections since I was a small child. I joined the Labour Party when I was 13 years old.”
- Can you tell us a little bit about The Respect Party and why you decided to join them?
“Respect was born out of the anti-war movement, the Stop the War Coalition, which was founded in 2001 to fight against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. When I was expelled by Tony Blair over the war I became one of the founders and the leading member of the Respect Party. I took the safe Labour seat of Bethnal Green and Bow in the 2005 General Election and again took the safe Labour seat of Bradford West in 2012.”
- Why did you decide to stand for Mayor of London?
“I believe London needs a leader, one who will stand up for the people of London against the wealthy and the powerful. I believe in a London for all, not just those dripping in gold. I believe I am the best candidate, certainly by far and away the most experienced. I have been prominent in national and international politics for more than thirty years, was elected six times to the House of Commons, and am the best known of all the candidates. People know that I say what I mean and mean what I say. Even if they don’t agree with me, they know I am a man of principle, a man who tells the truth whatever the consequences, a man who has never lied to the people.”
- Do you have any funny stories from your time in politics?
None that are “age appropriate” 🙂
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