Is treating RESPECTable

4.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Apr 2006

Curry

I see RESPECT are in trouble in Birmingham for allegedly 'treating'. Treating is an electoral term for effectively trying to win peoples votes by paying them or giving them gifts. Treating is, of course illegal and being found guilty could result in a year's imprisonment, a fine of £5,000 and the disqualification from holding public office.

Salma Yaqoob and Lynne Hubbard have been accused of a 'treating' incident at a political rally. Respect supporters were given curry and nan bread at a publicised 'Election Rally' at Sparkbrook Mosque & Community Centre last Saturday. The Representation of the People's Act 1983 forbids candidates from offering "any meat, drink, entertainment or provision" to anyone voting at an election

Respect's Birmingham spokesman Andy North has amazingly claimed party officials were unaware that treating was an offence as Respect was still on a "learning curve" after only two years fighting elections. So that's okay then apparently ignorance is now a defence in law!