Progressive students from across the country met in London to set out an agenda of campaigning for international peace, justice and equality at the Student Respect National Forum.

Students from more than 20 different colleges and universities joined Salma Yaqoob and George Galloway and a host of high profile speakers to discuss the way forward on campus.

Speakers from a broad range of progressive campaigns were represented at the Forum including the British Muslim Initiative, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, Islamic Forum of Europe, National Union of Students Black Students’ Campaign, Viva Palestina, Socialist Economic Bulletin, Free Education Campaign and Unite Against Fascism.

Salma Yaqoob, Respect Party Leader and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, opened the Conference:

"War, poverty, racism and inequality are not natural phenomena, but the result of human decisions that ensure the world we live in is driven by competition not co-operation.

As the recession continues to bite, bringing with it huge unemployment and poverty, all three mainstream parties are failing to offer the economic policies we need. Slash and burn cuts to public services will only make matters a lot worse. We need to invest in education, build social housing, and create green jobs to stimulate economic growth, tackle unemployment and meet some of the urgent needs of the population. We are the only party that will offer this alternative economic strategy at the general election.

Racism is continuing to rise. In the European elections at the beginning of June, a million people voted BNP. It was the greatest election success any fascist party has had in British history. In many cases, mainstream politicians and ministers have not helped. They bend to the agenda of the racists in an attempt to hold on to voters who are deserting them. They piously profess to deplore racism, while conceding ever more political ground to the far right. Calls for "British jobs for British workers" or "Local homes for local people" do not challenge myths and lies, but give credibility to them. Again, the Respect Party offers a real alternative, proudly raising the banner “One Society Many Cultures!”

Respect is a radical left wing party, embedded in the belief that those who suffer from oppression and injustice, irrespective of their nationality or their race or religion, are our brothers and sisters.

Respect stands in solidarity with the occupied people of Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. Will continue to demand an end to war, oppression and injustice until peace is achieved. I salute the people of countries like Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia who have managed to offer practical socialist alternatives to neo-liberalism and are making huge strides towards a more equitable society in the process.

I urge you all to get involved with Student Respect and play your full part in the struggle for global peace, justice and equality.”

After the event George Galloway MP said:

“Congratulations to Student Respect on getting off to a solid start to the term.

The next six months provide a chance for you to make a difference, on your campuses and in the areas where Respect is trying to breakthrough.

The Viva Palestina convoy leaving in December is a great way for young people to get involved in direct solidarity with the Palestinians.

Respect is also part of the broad movement against racism, Islamophobia and the BNP.

And we have a clear policy, and commitment to action, to introduce free education and abolish all student fees and debt.

One of the things that makes Respect different is that we are in a unique position on the left, to give these campaigns and ideas some political effect. We stand a chance at the next elections of returning three MPs - in Tower Hamlets and Birmingham - and a good number of councillors. If we can do that in the teeth of Cameron and his Old Etonian chums' bid to form the next government, it will strengthen progressive movements and ideas across the country.

That, ultimately, is what Respect is about: making a difference by making a real contribution to strengthening the left and reviving movements towards a more just, peaceful and equal world.”