THE European elections are almost here. Many former Labour supporters will be wondering whether it is worth turning out to vote because they feel betrayed by Labour over the war in Iraq, public sector pay and the erosion of civil liberties - to name only a few issues.

However, this time there is a real alternative to Labour.

The Respect Coalition (www.respectcoalition.org), which stands for Respect Equality Socialism Peace Environment Community Trade Unionism, is a new and exciting political force.

It has been formed by leading supporters of the anti-war movement, and will be fielding candidates across the UK in the European elections.

Because the European Elections are based on proportional representation there is a real chance we will elect Respect MEPs nationwide, bringing us closer to genuine democratic representation.

Anas Altikriti recently stood down as President of the Muslim Association of Britain so he could stand as the number one candidate for the Yorkshire region. He will be speaking at the launch meeting of the York branch of Respect, along with Dr Siddiqui, leader of the Muslim Parliament, and local trade unionists and activists.

The meeting will be held on Friday at 7.30pm at York Priory Street Centre.

Andrew Collingwood,

Turners Croft, York.

Updated: 10:06 Wednesday, April 28, 2004