HAYDN Lewis's report on Respect's public meeting (October 6) mistakenly labels Respect a "peace group".

Opposition to the war against Iraq brought millions onto the streets and helped give birth to Respect, but our aims are much wider than ending the war.

We oppose privatisation, and campaign for the renationalisation of the railways and other public services.

We stand for social justice, in particular arguing that pensions must be increased massively and linked to earnings, and that the minimum wage should be increased to £7.40.

We would tax the wealthy to fund welfare and to help close the growing gap between rich and poor.

We are opposed to discrimination on the grounds of gender, religion, sexuality, race, and disability.

We oppose Britain's entry to the euro, given that this would inevitably lead to further attacks on public services.

Respect was founded only ten months ago, but already we have five councillors around the country, and have done well in parliamentary by-elections such as Leicester South where we won 13 per cent of the vote.

This could not have been achieved if Respect were not presenting a range of credible alternatives to the Thatcherite policies of all the established parties.

It is on these policies and others that we intend fighting the next General Election. Readers can find out more by visiting www.yorkrespect.org.uk

Frank Ormston,

Waverley Street,

York.

Updated: 09:27 Tuesday, October 12, 2004