As the main organiser of the 'British politics at the crossroads' rally at Oxford Town Hall on Monday, I would like to point out that it was a fantastic event.

The turnout of 350 people exceeded all our expectations.

It is clear that many people in Oxford agree with the speakers' aim to seize this opportunity, which comes once in a generation, to bring together a new, progressive political force to take on New Labour.

George Galloway spoke for everyone present when he attacked the Government's record on war, privatisation of public services, racist attacks on asylum seekers and the introduction of top-up fees.

The overwhelming mood on the night was to put aside any individual interests or petty differences and concentrate our strengths in the broad political programme that we

agree on and which the established political parties do not represent.

It is a shame that disgruntled councillor Mick McAndrews took the headlines in your report of the rally (Oxford Mail, January 20) because he felt out of place in a hall full of Muslims, socialists, trade unionists and environmentalists.

We would have been happy to let him put a question in the debate session of the event if he had asked to do so or had still been present.

Several other city councillors from different political parties did listen to the speakers and made constructive contributions to the debate.

GEORGE ROE

St Clement's

Oxford