A NEW political organisation currently being set up to prepare a challenge to the three mainstream political parties in the June elections for the Greater London Assembly and the European Parliament is to launch its South West branch this weekend, covering the areas of Hounslow, Richmond and Kingston.

RESPECT' The Unity Coalition was set up 6 weeks ago at a convention of 1400 people in central London, and is now being launched in Hounslow, Richmond and Kingston, with its first convention on Sunday March 14 at 1.30pm in the Hounslow Civic Centre on Lampton Road.

All are welcome to attend. It is expected that the group will stand a candidate in the South West London Area of the GLA, which covers the three boroughs.

A spokesman for the group said: "RESPECT is born out of the frustration that many people have towards New Labour and Tony Blair and aims to present a left of Labour alternative in the June elections.

"It is opposed to the war and occupation in Iraq and many of its members have been active in the huge anti-war movement of the last two years. However, RESPECT members and supporters also share a wider opposition to and frustration with New Labour's right-wing policies such as the introduction of tuition fees, the setting up of foundation hospitals and the attacks on trade unionists, such as fire-fighters, postal workers and rail workers.

"RESPECT aims to provide an alternative for Labour voters disillusioned with New Labour as well as other voters who oppose New Labour's policies and feel alienated by the lack of democracy in our political system. RESPECT stands for respect, equality, socialism, peace, environment, community and trade unionism."

For more information on RESPECT in Hounslow, phone 07711 498408.