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{{Short description|British politician, broadcaster, and writer (born 1954)}}
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{{Other people}} {{Other people}}
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{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = | honorific-prefix =
| name = George Galloway | name = George Galloway
| image = Official portrait of George Galloway MP 2024 crop 2 (cropped).jpg
| honorific-suffix =
| image = George Galloway 2007-02-24, 02.jpg | imagesize =
| imagesize = | alt =
| alt = | caption = Official portrait, 2024
| order =
| caption = Galloway at a ] event in February 2007
| office = ]
| order =
| office = Leader of the ] | term_start = 8 December 2019
| deputy = {{ubl|]|]|Joti Brar|Andy Hudd}}
| term_start = June 2013
| term_end = 18 August 2016 | predecessor = ''Party established''
| deputy = Dawud Islam | office2 = ]
| predecessor = ] | term_start2 = 10 June 2013
| successor = ''Party dissolved'' | term_end2 = 18 August 2016
| order1 = | deputy2 = Dawud Islam
| predecessor2 = ]
| office1 = ] <br /> for ]
| term_start1 = 29 March 2012 | successor2 = ''Party dissolved''
| office3 = ]
| term_end1 = 30 March 2015
| constituency1 = | term_start3 = 29 February 2024
| term_end3 = 30 May 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=Dissolution of Parliament - UK Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/elections-and-voting/general/dissolution/ |website=UK Parliament |access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>
| predecessor1 = ]
| successor1 = ] | predecessor3 = ]
| order2 = | successor3 = ]
| office2 = ] <br /> for ] | constituency3 = ]
| term_start2 = 6 May 2005 | term_start4 = 29 March 2012
| term_end2 = 12 April 2010 | term_end4 = 30 March 2015
| constituency4 = ]
| predecessor2 = ]
| successor2 = ] | predecessor4 = ]
| order3 = | successor4 = ]
| term_start5 = 5 May 2005
| office3 = ] <br />for ]<br />{{small|] (1987–1997)}}
| term_start3 = 12 June 1987 | term_end5 = 12 April 2010
| term_end3 = 11 April 2005 | predecessor5 = ]
| predecessor3 = ] | successor5 = ]
| constituency5 = ]
| successor3 = ]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1954|8|16|df=y}} | term_start6 = 11 June 1987
| birth_place = ], Scotland | term_end6 = 11 April 2005
| birthname = | predecessor6 = ]
| nationality = British | successor6 = ''Constituency abolished''
| constituency6 = ] <br />(1997–2005) <br /> ] <br />(1987–1997)
| party = ] <small>(2016–present)</small>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1954|8|16}}
|otherparty = ] <small>(2004–2016)</small><br />] <small>(1967–2003)</small>
| spouse = {{Plainlist | | birth_place = ], Scotland
| birthname =
* {{marriage|Elaine Fyffe<br />|1979|1999|reason=divorced}}
| party = {{ubl|] (since 2019)}}
* {{marriage|Amineh Abu-Zayyad<br />|2000|2009|reason=divorced}}
| otherparty = {{ubl||] (2020–2022)|] (2016–2019)|] (2004–2016)|] (2003)|] (1967–2003)}}
* {{marriage|Rima Husseini<br />|2005|2011|reason=divorced}}<ref name="Robinson" />
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Putri Gayatri Pertiwi <br />|2012}}
* {{Marriage|Elaine Fyffe|1979|1999|end=divorced}}
}}
| partner = Amineh Abu-Zayyad (1994–2000) * {{Marriage|Amineh Abu-Zayyad|2000|2009|end=divorced}}
* {{Marriage|Rima Husseini|2005|2010|end=divorce}}<ref name=Herald2012>{{cite web | url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13071092.george-galloway-tweets-picture-new-bride-indonesia/ | title=George Galloway tweets picture of new bride from Indonesia | date=29 August 2012 }}</ref>
| children = 5 (2 daughters and 3 sons)
* {{Marriage|Putri Gayatri Pertiwi|31 March 2012}}
| residence = ], ]
| website = {{URL|www.georgegalloway.com}}
|footnotes =
}} }}
| children = 6
| website = {{URL|georgegalloway.com}}
| signature = George Galloway autograph.png
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=George Galloway on Scottish independence.ogg|title=George Galloway's voice|type=speech|description=Galloway on ]<br />Recorded 5 May 2019}}
}}
{{George Galloway sidebar}}
{{Republicanism sidebar}}
'''George Galloway''' (born 16 August 1954) is a British politician, broadcaster, and writer. He has been leader of the ] since he founded it in 2019, and is a former leader of the ]. Until 2003, he was a member of the ]. From 1987 to 2010, from 2012 to 2015 and briefly in 2024 Galloway served as ] (MP) for five constituencies.


<!-- Early life and political career -->
'''George Galloway''' (born 16 August 1954) is a ] ], broadcaster, and ]. Between 1987 and 2015, with a gap in 2010–12, he represented four constituencies as a ], elected as a candidate for the ] and later the ].
Galloway was born in ], Scotland. After becoming the youngest ever chair of the ] in 1981, he was general secretary of the charity ] from 1983 until his election as MP for ] at the ]; he was re-elected three times. He was expelled from the Labour Party in 2003 due to his prominent opposition to the ]. Galloway joined the Respect Party in 2004, and was its leader from 2013 to 2016. He was elected as MP for ] at the ]. After losing in the neighbouring constituency of ] at the ], he regained a parliamentary seat at the ], only to lose it at the ]. He unsuccessfully stood as an ] candidate at the ] and ]s. Galloway then founded the Workers Party of Britain, and stood unsuccessfully for the party at the ]. Galloway won the ]. He lost the seat at the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Live results map of the UK general election |url=https://ig.ft.com/uk-general-election/2024/results/?constituency=E14001446 |website=www.ft.com |access-date=5 July 2024 |language=en-gb |date=5 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rochdale - General election results 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/constituencies/E14001446 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=5 July 2024 |date=5 July 2024}}</ref>


<!-- Political positions -->
After becoming the youngest ever Chairman of the ] in 1981, he became General Secretary of the London-based charity ] in 1983, remaining in the post until elected as MP for ] (later ]) at the ]. In 2003, Galloway was expelled from the ], having been found guilty by the party's national constitutional committee of four of the five charges of bringing the party into disrepute,<ref name="Tempest2003">{{cite news|last=Tempest|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/23/labour.georgegalloway|title=Galloway expelled from Labour|work=The Guardian|date=23 October 2003}}</ref> including having called on Arabs to fight British troops.<ref name="McSmith">{{cite news|first=Andy|last=McSmith|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/george-galloway-the-political-rebel-with-a-cause-7604006.html|title=George Galloway: The political rebel with a cause|work=The Independent|date=31 March 2012|accessdate=4 April 2012|location=London, UK}}</ref>
Galloway describes himself as both a ] and ].<ref name="Telegraph, February 2024">{{cite news |last= Rees |first= Gwyneth |date= 24 February 2024 |title= Gaza is dominating the Rochdale by-election – and letting George Galloway outfox Labour |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/24/rochdale-by-election-george-galloway-israel-hamas-labour/ |work= The Daily Telegraph |access-date= 1 March 2024 |quote= "Whereas I'm very clear. As a father of six children, I'm socially conservative. I don't want my children taught the kind of things Labour wants to teach them in schools."}}</ref> He travelled to ] to meet government officials in the 1990s. He caused controversy for praising ] at a 1994 meeting, which he denied. Galloway founded the ] in 1998 to campaign against ]. Galloway was accused of receiving illicit payments from Iraq's government, partly from money diverted from the ]' ], defending himself at a ]. A staunch ] and ], he supports the ] in the ] and was involved in the 2009 '']'' aid convoys to the ]. In 2014, Galloway sustained injuries after being attacked by a Jewish convert due to his positions on Israel. He supported ] in ]. In 2016 he campaigned for the ], later supporting ]'s ] at the ]. He opposes ], and founded the ] alliance ], which received 0.9 per cent of votes at the ]. More recently, Galloway has blamed the ] on ].


Galloway hosted the ] show '']'' from 2006 to 2010 and from 2016 until his dismissal in 2019. He then moved the show to ] platforms. He was a presenter on Russian ] outlet ] from 2013 to 2022, and was a presenter on Iranian state media outlet ].
In 2004, he became a member of Respect–The Unity Coalition, later known as the Respect Party (eventually becoming the party leader by late-2013).<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/the-northerner/2013/oct/28/georgegalloway-respect-party|title=Who is the leader of the Respect party these days?|work=The Guardian|date=28 October 2013}}</ref> Having decided not to seek re-election for the Glasgow Kelvin constituency prior to the ], he then stood for the London constituency of ]; defeating the sitting Labour MP, ], and served for one parliamentary term.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4539429.stm|title=George Galloway profile|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=4 August 2009|date=17 July 2007}}</ref>
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==Early life and career==
He returned to the ] at the ] in 2012, but lost his seat at the ].<ref name="BBC080515">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-32638176|title=Respect leader George Galloway 'broke election law'|publisher=BBC News|date=8 May 2015|accessdate=1 June 2015}}</ref> Galloway stood as a candidate in the ], but lost to the Labour Party nominee, ]; finishing in seventh place with 1.4% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/london/results|title=London Elections 2016, Candidates & Results|website=BBC News|date=7 May 2016|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref> The Respect Party "voluntarily deregistered" itself at the ] in August 2016.<ref name="Fenton">{{cite news|last=Fenton|first=Siobhan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-respect-party-deregisters-labour-jeremy-corbyn-member-a7202191.html|title=George Galloway's Respect Party deregisters, prompting speculation politician may rejoin Labour|work=The Independent|date=21 August 2016|accessdate=21 August 2016}}</ref> He stood for election to Parliament in ], in the ] constituency gaining 5.7% of the vote.
===Background and education===
Galloway was born in ], to George Galloway Sr., a Scottish ], and Sheila O'Reilly, a Scot of Irish descent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/georgegalloway/The-rise-and-fall-and.2585112.jp|title=The rise and fall and rise again of 'Gorgeous' George|work=The Scotsman|date=3 December 2004|access-date=11 April 2010|first=Karen|last=McVeigh|location=Edinburgh}}</ref><ref name="Morley4">{{cite book|last1=Morley|first1=David|title=Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway|year=2007|publisher=Politico's Publishing|isbn=978-1-84275-185-5|pages=4–6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottishroots.com/Gallow1.pdf |title=The information which was supplied in advance of the investigation showed that George Galloway had been born in Dundee on 16th August 1954, and the objective was to pursue both paternal and maternal lines{{nbsp}}... |website=Scottishroots.com |access-date=11 September 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025725/http://www.scottishroots.com/Gallow1.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> Initially raised in ], Dundee, he has described himself as "born in an attic in a slum tenement in the ] of Dundee, which is known as Tipperary".<ref name="McSmith">{{cite news|last=McSmith|first=Andy|date=31 March 2012|title=George Galloway: The political rebel with a cause|work=The Independent|location=London, UK|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/george-galloway-the-political-rebel-with-a-cause-7604006.html|access-date=4 April 2012}}</ref> His father began as an electrician, before studying a degree to become an electromechanical engineer at ]. After being made redundant, he retrained as a teacher.<ref name="Scotsman2003">{{cite news |date=19 May 2003 |title=Indefatigably yours |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/indefatigably-yours-1-648573 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503010749/http://www.scotsman.com/news/indefatigably-yours-1-648573 |archive-date=3 May 2012 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref> His mother was a cleaner, and then a factory worker. According to Galloway, his father was patriotic, while his mother had ] sympathies, and was critical of perceived British pretensions in the world. He took his mother's side in arguments,<ref name="Scotsman2003" /> and has been a long-time supporter of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=McClements|first=Freya|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/george-galloway-says-a-lot-of-unionists-would-benefit-from-united-ireland-1.3182425|title=George Galloway says a lot of unionists would benefit from united Ireland|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=10 August 2017|access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref> ], his biographer, has written that people who knew both father and son have said that they had ] opinions common in the local Labour Party movement of the time.<ref>Morley, p. 7</ref>


Galloway grew up in ], and attended Charleston Primary and then ], in the city's ], an academically selective and ] state school, which became comprehensive in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harrisacademy.ea.dundeecity.sch.uk/school-1/school-history/perth-road-1969-1985|title=Harris Academy – Perth Road 1969–1985|work=Harris Academy, Dundee|accessdate=3 March 2024}}</ref> Galloway played for the school football team as well as for West End United U12s, Lochee Boys Club U16s and St Columba's U18s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/news-a-media/my-youth-career/1391-george-galloway|title=George Galloway|access-date=22 February 2011|publisher=Youth Football Scotland|archive-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805231828/http://www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/news-a-media/my-youth-career/1391-george-galloway|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Early in his career, Galloway was an opponent of ], but he has been accused by ] and ] of changing his mind about the Iraqi leader when it became Western policy not to support him.<ref name="Aaronovitch270403">{{cite news|last=Aaronovitch|first=David|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/27/labour.uk|title=Lies and the Left|newspaper=The Observer|date=27 April 2003|accessdate=22 June 2011|location=London, UK}}</ref><ref name="Hitchens2005">{{cite news|last=Hitchens|first=Christopher|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/641kyjkk.asp?page=3|title=Unmitigated Galloway|work=Weekly Standard|date=30 May 2005|pages=1–3}} This essay is reprinted in {{cite book|editor1-last=Cottee|editor1-first=Simon |editor1-link=Simon Cottee|editor2-last=Cushman|editor2-first=Thomas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lctUC8fiaNsC&pg=PT198|title=Christopher Hitchens and His Critics: Terror, Iraq, and the Left|location=New York & London|publisher=New York University Press|year=2008|pages=140-50, 144-46, 149}} The text of Galloway's book differs in reprints.</ref><ref name="Scott">{{cite news|first=Kirsty|last=Scott|author2=MacAskill, Ewen|title=Special Reports: Two views of George: all heart or a pain in the neck|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/23/uk.iraq4|accessdate=15 December 2005|work=The Guardian|location=London, UK|date=23 April 2003}}</ref>


In a 2016 '']'' interview, Galloway speculated that an incident of sexual abuse from a colonel, which he suffered when he was 12, caused a "lifelong fear of being gay and this led me into ostentatious, rapacious heterosexual promiscuity".<ref name="Hamdi">{{cite news|last=Hamdi|first=Omar|url=http://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/02/02/george-galloway-londons-next-mayor/|title=Who is George Galloway ''really''?<!-- Italics in the source. --> Perhaps London's next Mayor?|work=New Internationalist|date=2 February 2016|access-date=2 February 2016}}</ref> According to Galloway, he grew a moustache at the age of 15, and refused to shave it off when his headmaster objected.<ref name="Adams">{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Tim|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/apr/25/interviews.iraq|title='I've committed many sins'|work=The Observer|date=25 April 2004}}</ref> He decided, at the age of 18, never to drink alcohol; the reason was originally derived from comments by his father,<ref>{{cite news|last=Patterson|first=Sylvia|url=http://www.bigissue.com/features/interviews/909/george-galloway-im-lover-and-fighter|title=George Galloway: 'I'm a lover and a fighter'|work=The Big Issue|date=15 April 2012|access-date=27 August 2014|archive-date=27 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827120153/http://www.bigissue.com/features/interviews/909/george-galloway-im-lover-and-fighter|url-status=dead}}</ref> and he has described alcohol as having a "very deleterious effect on people".<ref>{{cite news|last=Ross|first=Peter|url=http://www.sundayherald.com/51112|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051207041740/http://www.sundayherald.com/51112|archive-date=7 December 2005|title=I'd like a peaceful life like anyone else but undoubtedly I rise to the occasion|work=]|date=4 August 2009|access-date=21 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/books/meet-the-cat-that-got-the-cream-1-1416018|title=Meet the cat that got the cream|last=Smith|first=Aidan|date=15 October 2006|work=]|location=Edinburgh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325101133/http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/books/meet-the-cat-that-got-the-cream-1-1416018|archive-date=25 March 2016}}</ref>
Galloway testified to the ] in 2005 over alleged illicit payments from the ]' ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/17/iraq.usa|title=Galloway defends himself at US Senate |work=The Guardian |date= 17 May 2005|accessdate=9 January 2010|first=Simon|last=Jeffrey|location=London, UK}}</ref> Galloway supports the ] in the ], opposes ], and was involved in the ] aid convoys.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grossman|first=Michelle Malka|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Anti-Israel-MP-loses-parliament-seat-402480|title=Anti-Israel Politician Loses UK Parliament Seat in Election|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=2015|accessdate=23 June 2017}}</ref>


===Labour Party organiser===
A long-standing associate of ], Galloway has supported the Labour leader since ] and subsequent ].<ref name="Hill251115" /> In the ], he advocated a "Leave" vote, campaigning with the cross-party, pro-] organisation ].<ref name="Mance">{{cite news|last=Mance|first=Henry|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bcf6df22-d754-11e5-8887-98e7feb46f27.html#axzz40f1TqWKw|title=George Galloway joins anti-EU rally as Brussels talks reach climax|work=]|location=London, UK|date=19 February 2016|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>
Galloway joined the ] aged 13, having falsely claimed to have been 15, and was still a teenager when he became secretary of the Dundee Labour Party.<ref name="McSmith" /><ref name="McCrystal">{{cite news|last=McCrystal|first=Cal|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/profile-nobodys-hero-but-his-own-brash-stalinist-or-frustrated-peoples-champion-cal-mccrystal-on-labours-loose-cannon-george-galloway-1408855.html|title=Profile: Nobody's hero but his own: Brash Stalinist or frustrated people's champion?|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=23 January 1994}}</ref>


Galloway became vice-chairman of the Labour Party in the City of Dundee and a member of the ] in 1975. On 5 May 1977, he contested his first election campaign in the Scottish district elections, but failed to hold the safe Labour Gillburn ward in Dundee, being defeated by the ] Bunty Turley.<ref name="MorleySH07">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/george-and-his-dragons-1.836588|title=George And His Dragons|work=Sunday Herald|access-date=21 August 2008|first=David|last=Morley|date=30 September 2007}}; Morley ''Gorgeous George'', pp. 30–32</ref> He became the secretary organiser of the Dundee Labour Party in 1977, and at 26, was the youngest ever chairman of the ] in March 1981,<ref>Morley, p. 44-5, 70</ref> a post he held for a year, after holding the vice-chairman post over the previous year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Faux|first=Ronald|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/archive/article/1980-03-10/2/2.html|title=Labour Left Make Gains at Scottish Party Conference|work=]|location=London|date=10 March 1980|access-date=1 May 2016|page=2}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
== Early life and career ==


After a trip to ], ] during 1977, Galloway became a supporter of ], stating during his libel case against '']'' in 2004 that "barely a week after my return I made a pledge, in the Tavern Bar in Dundee's Hawkhill District, to devote the rest of my life to the Palestinian and Arab cause."<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=David|author-link1=David Smith (journalist)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/nov/21/iraq.pressandpublishing |title=The Observer Profile: George Galloway|work=]|date=21 November 2004|access-date=4 April 2012}}</ref> He supported ] when it flew the ] over the City Chambers building, and was involved in the ] of Dundee with the Palestinian ] town of ] in 1980.<ref name="Scott">{{cite news|last1=Scott|first1=Kirsty|last2=MacAskill |first2=Ewen|date=23 April 2003|title=Special Reports: Two views of George: all heart or a pain in the neck|work=The Guardian|location=London, UK|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/23/uk.iraq4|access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref><ref name="nabdun">{{cite news|title=George Galloway|work=Dundee Courier and Advertiser|date=24 April 1981}}</ref>
=== Background and education ===
Galloway was born in ]; the eldest of three children, he has a younger brother, Graham and sister, Colette. His ] parents were George Galloway senior, a Scottish ], and Sheila (née Reilly) who is of ] descent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/georgegalloway/The-rise-and-fall-and.2585112.jp|title=The rise and fall and rise again of 'Gorgeous' George|work=The Scotsman|date=3 December 2004|accessdate=11 April 2010|first=Karen|last=McVeigh|location=Edinburgh}}</ref><ref name="Morley4">{{cite book|last1=Morley|first1=David|title=Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway|year=2007|publisher=Politico's Publishing|isbn=1-84275-185-9|pages=4–6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottishroots.com/Gallow1.pdf |format=PDF |title=The information which was supplied in advance of the investigation showed that George Galloway had been born in Dundee on 16th August 1954, and the objective was to pursue both paternal and maternal lines... |website=Scottishroots.com |accessdate=2016-09-11 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025725/http://www.scottishroots.com/Gallow1.pdf |archivedate=4 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Initially raised in ], Dundee, he has described himself as "born in an attic in a slum tenement in the Irish quarter of Dundee, which is known as Tipperary."<ref name="McSmith" /> His father began as an electrician, before becoming an electro-mechanical engineer at ]. After being made redundant, he retrained as a teacher.<ref name="Scotsman2003">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/indefatigably-yours-1-648573|title=Indefatigably yours|work=The Scotsman|date=19 May 2003}}</ref> His mother was a cleaner, and then a factory worker. According to Galloway, his father was patriotic, while his mother had ] sympathies, and was critical of British pretensions in the world. Galloway took his mother's side in arguments,<ref name="Scotsman2003" /> and has been a long-time supporter of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=McClements|first=Freya|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/george-galloway-says-a-lot-of-unionists-would-benefit-from-united-ireland-1.3182425|title=George Galloway says a lot of unionists would benefit from united Ireland|work=The Irish Times|date=10 August 2017|accessdate=13 April 2018}}</ref> ], Galloway's biographer, however, writes that people who knew both father and son have said that they shared similar ] opinions, common in the local Labour movement of the time.<ref>Morley, p. 7</ref>


In late 1981, Galloway was interviewed for the ''Scottish Marxist'', in which Galloway supported the affiliation of the ] (CPGB) to the Labour Party, in the same way as the ] does.<ref name="Hamilton">{{cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Alan|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/archive/article/1981-12-14/8/4.html|title=The Man Who Spreads the Tony Benn Gospel in Scotland|quote=He argued that there was an intellectual vacuum in theoretical party thinking which was in danger of being filled by ] and which would be much better filled by Communists.|work=]|location=London|date=14 December 1981|access-date=1 May 2016|page=8}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Believing that a deficiency in political theory was being filled by the ] infiltration of the party by the ] (such as the ]), he thought the problem was better resolved by communist thinking from members of the CPGB.<ref name="Hamilton" /><ref name="Morley74">Morley, p.74-75</ref> (He was later opposed to the expulsion of members of Militant.<ref name="McCrystal" />)
He grew up in ] and attended Charleston Primary and then ], a ] school, playing for the school football team as well as for West End United U12s, Lochee Boys Club U16s and St Columbus U18s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/news-a-media/my-youth-career/1391-george-galloway|title=George Galloway|accessdate=22 February 2011|publisher=Youth Football Scotland}}</ref> According to Galloway, he grew a moustache at the age of fifteen, and refused to shave it off when his headmaster objected.<ref name="Adams">{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Tim|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/apr/25/interviews.iraq|title='I've committed many sins'|work=The Observer|date=25 April 2004}}</ref> He decided, at the age of eighteen, never to drink alcohol; the reason was originally derived from comments by his father,<ref>{{cite news|last=Patterson|first=Sylvia|url=http://www.bigissue.com/features/interviews/909/george-galloway-im-lover-and-fighter|title=George Galloway: 'I'm a lover and a fighter'|work=The Big Issue|date=15 April 2012}}</ref> and he has described alcohol as having a "very deleterious effect on people".<ref>{{cite news|last=Ross|first=Peter|url=http://www.sundayherald.com/51112|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051207041740/http://www.sundayherald.com/51112|archivedate=7 December 2005|title=I'd like a peaceful life like anyone else but undoubtedly I rise to the occasion|work=]|date=4 August 2009|accessdate=21 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/georgegalloway/Meet-the-cat-that-got.2818619.jp|title=Meet the cat that got the cream|last=Smith|first=Aidan|date=15 October 2006|work=The Scotsman|accessdate=29 September 2010|location=Edinburgh}}</ref>


In response, ], ], tried and failed to remove Galloway from the list of ]s. Healey lost his motion by 13 votes to five.<ref>{{cite news|last=Parkhouse|first=Geoffrey|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19811210&id=asBAAAAAIBAJ&pg=5368,1714444|title=Benn to Fight Purge on Left|work=]|date=10 December 1981|page=1}}</ref> Galloway once quipped that, to overcome a £1.5&nbsp;million deficit which had arisen in Dundee's city budget, he, ], and leading councillors should be placed in the ] in the city square: "We would allow people to throw buckets of water over us at 20p a time."<ref name="dundee-bucket">{{cite news|title=Remarkable idea to raise funds for city|work=Dundee Courier and Advertiser|date=19 August 1981|page=3}}</ref>
=== Labour Party organiser ===
Galloway joined the ] aged just 13 (although he said he was 15) and was still a teenager when he became secretary of the Dundee Labour Party.<ref name="McSmith" /><ref name="McCrystal">{{cite news|last=McCrystal|first=Cal|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/profile-nobodys-hero-but-his-own-brash-stalinist-or-frustrated-peoples-champion-cal-mccrystal-on-labours-loose-cannon-george-galloway-1408855.html|title=Profile: Nobody's hero but his own: Brash Stalinist or frustrated people's champion?|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=23 January 1994}}</ref> He recalled in 2007: "As a teenager, I fell in love with the example of ]," the ] revolutionary.<ref name="Ryan">{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Nick|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/582782/rebels-yell|title=A rebel's yell|work=South China Morning Post|date=25 February 2007}}</ref> Galloway wrote in the same year that he still admires Guevara.<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/george-galloway-should-che-be-an-icon-yes-396109.html|title=Should Che be an icon? Yes|work=The Independent|date=6 October 2007}}</ref>


In 1983, Galloway attempted to stand for the safe Labour seat of ] after the Welsh ] and the ] had both nominated him to succeed ], who had died.<ref>{{cite news|last=McCallum|first=Andrew|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830412&id=G8RAAAAAIBAJ&pg=3422,1882560&hl=en|title=Rhondda Puts Call Out for Galloway|work=]|date=12 April 1983|access-date=25 December 2015}}</ref> He hoped to be selected in the newly created seat of ], where no incumbent was standing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830419&id=IcRAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4111,3258125&hl=en|title=MP Opens Way for Tough Fight|work=]|date=19 April 1983|access-date=28 July 2016|page=3}}</ref> Galloway failed to be selected for either seat, with Rhondda selecting ], and Dunfermline East selecting future ] and later Prime Minister, ].
Galloway became Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party in the City of Dundee and a member of the ] in 1975. On 5 May 1977, he contested his first election campaign in the Scottish district elections, but failed to hold the safe Labour Gillburn ward in Dundee being defeated by the ] Bunty Turley.<ref name="MorleySH07">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/george-and-his-dragons-1.836588|title=George And His Dragons|work=Sunday Herald|accessdate=21 August 2008|first=David|last=Morley|date=30 September 2007}}; Morley ''Gorgeous George'', pp. 30-32</ref> He became the secretary organiser of the Dundee Labour Party in 1977 and was the youngest ever Chairman (a post held for a year) of the ] in March 1981, at 26 years old,<ref>Morley, p. 44-5, 70</ref> after holding the vice-chairman post over the previous year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Faux|first=Ronald|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/archive/article/1980-03-10/2/2.html|title=Labour Left Make Gains at Scottish Party Conference|work=The Times|location=London|date=10 March 1980|accessdate=1 May 2016|page=2}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


Standing as a candidate for a place on the Labour Party ] in 1986, in a large field of 18 candidates, Galloway finished in 16th place.<ref>Morley, p. 141</ref>
After a trip to ], ] during 1977, Galloway became a passionate supporter of ], stating during his libel case against '']'' in 2004 that "barely a week after my return I made a pledge, in the Tavern Bar in Dundee's Hawkhill District, to devote the rest of my life to the Palestinian and Arab cause."<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=David|authorlink1=David Smith (journalist)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/nov/21/iraq.pressandpublishing |title=The Observer Profile: George Galloway|work=]|date=21 November 2004|accessdate=4 April 2012}}</ref> He supported ] when it flew the ] over the City Chambers building, and was involved in the ] of Dundee with the Palestinian ] town of ] in 1980.<ref name="Scott" /><ref name="nabdun">{{cite news|title=George Galloway|work=Dundee Courier and Advertiser|date=24 April 1981}}</ref> "Unbelievably controversial, and I did it without preparing people properly for the storm", he recalled more than thirty years later.<ref>{{cite news|last=Graham|first=Jane|url=http://www.bigissue.com/features/letter-to-my-younger-self/6403/george-galloway-interview-in-terms-of-my-personal-life-i|title=Letter to My Younger Self: George Galloway Interview: 'In Terms of My Personal Life, I Have Lots of Regrets'|work=The Big Issue|date=28 March 2016|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref>


===War on Want===
In late 1981, Galloway was interviewed for the ''Scottish Marxist'' in which Galloway supported the affiliation of the ] (CPGB) to the Labour Party, in the same way as the ] does.<ref name="Hamilton">{{cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Alan|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/archive/article/1981-12-14/8/4.html|title=The Man Who Spreads the Tony Benn Gospel in Scotland|quote=He argued that there was an intellectual vacuum in theoretical party thinking which was in danger of being filled by ] and which would be much better filled by Communists.|work=The Times|location=London|date=14 December 1981|accessdate=1 May 2016|page=8}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Believing that a deficiency in political theory was being filled by the ] infiltration of the party by the ] (such as the ] group), Galloway thought the problem was better resolved by Communist thinking from members of the CPGB.<ref name="Hamilton" /><ref name="Morley74">Morley, p.74-75</ref> (He was later opposed to the expulsion of members of Militant.<ref name="McCrystal" />)
From November 1983 to 1987, Galloway was the general secretary of ], a British charity campaigning against poverty worldwide. In this post he travelled widely, and wrote eye-witness accounts of the famine in ] in 1985 which were published in '']'' and ''The Spectator''.<ref name="BBC Const Guide">'] Hillhead' (PA number 263) in "General Election Constituency Guide", ] Data, 1987.</ref> His deputy at the charity, Simon Stocker, recalled: "If you went into a fight with George, you knew you would never walk out with a win."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ungoed-Thomas|first1=Jon|last2=Walsh|first2=Gareth|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/article229147.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408174441/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/article229147.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 April 2016|title=Gorgeous George's life of scrapes|work=The Sunday Times|location=London, UK|date=27 April 2003|access-date=29 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


On 28 October 1986, the '']'', in a front-page story by ], alleged Galloway had spent £20,000 in expenses and had been "enjoying a life of luxury".<ref name="Morley129">Morley, pp. 129–30</ref><ref name="wow-living">{{cite news|date=23 April 2003|last1=Wilson|first1=Jamie|last2=Bowcott|first2=Owen|last3=Dodd|first3=Vikram|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/24/uk.labour1|title=Charity, fundraiser or political campaign?|work=The Guardian|access-date=21 August 2008}}</ref> An internal investigation,<ref name="Morley129" /> and later, an independent auditor, both cleared him of the accusation of any misuse of funds,<ref name="Paterson">{{cite news|last=Paterson|first=Michael|author-link=Michael Paterson|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/1428223/Leadership-of-War-on-Want-marked-by-turbulence-and-tension.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/1428223/Leadership-of-War-on-Want-marked-by-turbulence-and-tension.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Leadership of War on Want marked by turbulence and tension|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 April 2003|access-date=21 August 2008|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> although he did repay £1,720 in contested expenses.<ref name="Paterson" /> The official history of War on Want comments about Galloway that "even though the problems were not all of his own making, his way of dealing with them heightened tensions".<ref name="Paterson" />
In response, ], ], tried and failed to remove Galloway from the list of ]s. Healey lost his motion by 13 votes to 5.<ref>{{cite news|last=Parkhouse|first=Geoffrey|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19811210&id=asBAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1qUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5368,1714444|title=Benn to Fight Purge on Left|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=10 December 1981|page=1}}</ref> Galloway once quipped that, to overcome a £1.5 million deficit which had arisen in Dundee's city budget, he, ], and leading Councillors should be placed in the ] in the city square: "we would allow people to throw buckets of water over us at 20p a time."<ref name="dundee-bucket">{{cite news|title=Remarkable idea to raise funds for city|work=Dundee Courier and Advertiser|date=19 August 1981|page=3}}</ref>


==MP for Glasgow Hillhead and Kelvin (1987–2005)==
In 1983, Galloway attempted to stand for the safe Labour seat of ] after the Welsh ] and the ] had both nominated him to succeed ], who had died.<ref>{{cite news|last=McCallum|first=Andrew|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830412&id=G8RAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8qUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3422,1882560&hl=en|title=Rhondda Puts Call Out for Galloway|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=12 April 1983|accessdate=25 December 2015}}</ref> He hoped to be selected in the newly created seat of ] where no incumbent was standing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830419&id=IcRAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8qUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4111,3258125&hl=en|title=MP Opens Way for Tough Fight|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=19 April 1983|accessdate=28 July 2016|page=3}}</ref> Galloway failed to be selected for either seat, with Rhondda selecting ] and Dunfermline East selecting future ] and later ], ].
At the ], Galloway was elected as the MP for ] gaining the seat for ] from the ] defeating ] with a majority of 3,251 votes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge87/i09.htm|title=UK General Election results June 1987|website=Political Resources|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172132/http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge87/i09.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although known for his left-wing political views, Galloway was never a member of the ]<!-- name changed to Socialist Campaign Group later -->.<ref name="Scotsman2003" />


In September 1987, Galloway was asked by a journalist about his relationship to a woman during the 1986 War on Want conference on the Greek island of ]. Galloway admitted having an extra-marital affair,<ref name="MorleySH07" /><ref name="final warning"/> saying:<blockquote>I travelled to, and spent time in, Greece with lots of people, many of whom were women, some of whom were known carnally to me. I actually had sexual intercourse with some of the people in Greece. And if the British public and BBC Scotland think that's of interest they are welcome to broadcast it.<ref name="BBCa">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17558313|title=Profile: George Galloway|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 May 2012|date=30 March 2012}}</ref></blockquote>
Standing as a candidate for a place on the Labour Party ] in 1986, in a large field of eighteen candidates, Galloway finished in sixteenth place.<ref>Morley, p. 141</ref>


As a result, Galloway made front-page headlines in the ] at the time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maclean|first=Ruth|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gorgeous-george-the-survivor-bounces-back-once-more-952pqxqdlr5|title=Gorgeous George the survivor bounces back once more|work=The Times|date=30 March 2012|access-date=11 February 2018}} {{subscription required}}</ref> He and his first wife separated that year.<ref name="Davis">{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Anna|last2=Razaq|first2=Rashid|last3=Moore-Bridger|first3=Benedict|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/why-galloway-has-been-up-all-night-after-marrying-his-fourth-wife-27-7614932.html|title=Why Galloway has been up all night after marrying his fourth wife, 27|work=Evening Standard|date=3 April 2012|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> In February 1988, the executive committee of his ] passed a ] in him by 15 to 8.<ref name="BBCa" /><ref name="Morley175">Morley, p. 175</ref> The constituency's general management committee voted 54-to-44 in favour of the motion a fortnight later on 22 February, although just three of the 25 members in the trade union section supported it.<ref name="Morley175" />
=== War on Want ===
From November 1983 to 1987, Galloway was the General Secretary of ], a British charity campaigning against poverty worldwide. In this post he travelled widely, and wrote eye-witness accounts of the famine in ] in 1985 which were published in '']'' and ''The Spectator''.<ref name="BBC Const Guide">'] Hillhead' (PA number 263) in "General Election Constituency Guide", ] Data, 1987.</ref> His deputy at the charity, Simon Stocker, recalled: "If you went into a fight with George, you knew you would never walk out with a win."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ungoed-Thomas|first1=Jon|last2=Walsh|first2=Gareth|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/article229147.ece|title=Gorgeous George's life of scrapes|work=The Sunday Times|location=London, UK|date=27 April 2003|accessdate=29 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


Galloway gained re-selection when challenged by ] (wife of fellow MP ]) in June 1989, but failed to get a majority of the electoral college on the first ballot. This was the worst result for any sitting Labour MP who was reselected, but Galloway gained 62% in total in the final vote. Galloway assured his party there would be a "summer of peace and reconciliation" in his acceptance speech, but this did not happen. Many members of the party who had supported Godman reportedly refused to work for Galloway in the next election, including ], who later became ] in 2011.<ref>Morley, p. 283</ref> The following August, 13 of the 26 members of the constituency party's executive committee resigned,<ref name="fnalmanac">{{cite book|last1=Waller|first1=Robert|last2=Criddle|first2=Byron|title=The Almanac of British Politics|location=London|publisher=Routledge|edition=Fourth|year=1991|isbn=0-415-00508-6|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/almanacofbritish0000wall}}</ref> including Lamont. According to her, Galloway "has done nothing to build bridges with the Members of the Executive who opposed his selection." She told a journalist from ''The Guardian'': "The quarrel we have is all about accountability, and democracy{{nbsp}}... working in harmony, rather than any personal matters."<ref>Morley, p.284</ref>
On 28 October 1986, the '']'', in a front-page story by ], claimed Galloway had spent £20,000 in expenses and had been "enjoying a life of luxury."<ref name="Morley129">Morley, pp. 129-30</ref><ref name="wow-living">{{cite news|date=23 April 2003|last1=Wilson|first1=Jamie|last2=Bowcott|first2=Owen|last3=Dodd|first3=Vikram|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/24/uk.labour1|title=Charity, fundraiser or political campaign?|work=The Guardian|accessdate=21 August 2008}}</ref> An internal investigation,<ref name="Morley129" /> and later, an independent auditor, both cleared him of the accusation of any misuse of funds,<ref name="Paterson">{{cite news|last=Paterson|first=Michael|authorlink=Michael Paterson|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/1428223/Leadership-of-War-on-Want-marked-by-turbulence-and-tension.html|title=Leadership of War on Want marked by turbulence and tension|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 April 2003|accessdate=21 August 2008|location=London}}</ref> although he did repay £1,720 in contested expenses.<ref name="Paterson" /> The official history of War on Want comments about Galloway that "even though the problems were not all of his own making, his way of dealing with them heightened tensions".<ref name="Paterson" />


The Labour Party ] in 1992 saw Galloway voting for the eventually successful candidates, ] for leader and ] as deputy leader. In 1994, after Smith died, Galloway declined to cast a vote in the ] (one of only three MPs to do so). In a debate with the leader of the ], ], Galloway responded to one of Salmond's jibes against Labour by declaring "I don't give a fuck what Tony Blair thinks".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Waller|first1=Robert|last2=Criddle|first2=Byron|title=The Almanac of British Politics|location=London|publisher=Routledge|edition=Fifth|year=1996|isbn=0-415-11805-0}}</ref>
== Political career (1987–2005) ==


In 1997, Galloway's Glasgow Hillhead constituency was abolished and, although facing a challenge for the Labour nomination as the candidate for ] at the ], Galloway defeated Shiona Waldron. He was unchallenged for the nomination for the ]. He was elected with majorities of 16,643 and 12,014 votes respectively. During the period he was Labour MP for Glasgow Kelvin, from 1997 to 2003, he voted against the ] 32 times, five votes out of 665 (0.8%) in the 1997–2001 parliament and the majority (27 votes out of 209 or 12.9%) in the period from the 2001 election until his expulsion from the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/40690&showall=yes#divisions|title=Voting Record – George Galloway MP, Bradford West (10218)|website=The Public Whip|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref> He was one of several politicians arrested in February 2001 during a protest at the ] in Scotland, which led to him being convicted of a ] and fined £180.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1166150.stm|title=Politicians arrested at nuclear protest|publisher=BBC News|date=12 February 2001|access-date=12 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2120063.stm|title=Labour MP fined over Faslane demo|publisher=BBC News|date=10 July 2002|access-date=4 September 2016}}</ref>
=== Member of Parliament for a Glasgow seat ===
At the ], Galloway was elected as the MP for ] gaining the seat for ] from the ] defeating ] with a majority of 3,251 votes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge87/i09.htm|title=UK General Election results June 1987|website=Political Resources|accessdate=31 March 2016}}</ref> Although known for his ] political views, Galloway was never a member of the ] (the name was changed to the ] some years after Galloway first became an MP).<ref name="Scotsman2003" />


===Iraq and Saddam Hussein===
In a 2002 '']'' interview, Galloway said he had supported the ] and asserted that its end was "the biggest catastrophe of my life".<ref name="Hattenstone" /> Galloway told Robert Chalmers of '']'' in June 2012: "I am not a ]. I am a revolutionary. I am a ] who doesn't like ] and who likes ] less. I am a revolutionary and I support the armed struggle where there is no alternative."<ref>{{cite news|last=Chalmers|first=Robert|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/still-standing-george-galloway-reveals-why-his-staunchly-leftist-outlook-is-still-invariably-right-7848557.html|title=Still standing: George Galloway reveals why his staunchly Leftist outlook is still invariably right|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=17 June 2012}}</ref>
Writing for '']'' in April 2003, ] speculated that Galloway's support for ] and ] may have been based on "the belief that my enemy's enemy is my friend. Or, in the context of the modern world, any anti-American will do. When Iraq stopped being a friend of the West it became a friend of George's."<ref name="Aaronovitch270403">{{cite news|last=Aaronovitch|first=David|date=27 April 2003|title=Lies and the Left|work=The Observer|location=London, UK|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/27/labour.uk|access-date=22 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Hitchens2005" /> According to ], Galloway had been the "only one MP that I can recollect making speeches about human rights in Iraq" in the ].<ref name="Scott" />


Galloway opposed the ] and was critical of the effect that the ] had on the people of Iraq.
At a press gathering for War on Want in September 1987, when Galloway had stood down as General Secretary to the organisation, a journalist asked him about his personal arrangements during the previous year's War on Want conference on the Greek island of ].<ref name="MorleySH07" /> The new MP replied: "I travelled and spent lots of time with people in ], many of whom were women, some of whom were known carnally to me. I actually had sexual intercourse with some of the people in Greece."<ref name="BBCa">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17558313|title=Profile: George Galloway|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=25 May 2012|date=30 March 2012}}</ref> By then separated from his first wife,<ref name="Davis">{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Anna|last2=Razaq|first2=Rashid|last3=Moore-Bridger|first3=Benedict|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/why-galloway-has-been-up-all-night-after-marrying-his-fourth-wife-27-7614932.html|title=Why Galloway has been up all night after marrying his fourth wife, 27|work=London Evening Standard|date=3 April 2012|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref> Galloway made front-page headlines in the ] at the time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maclean|first=Ruth|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gorgeous-george-the-survivor-bounces-back-once-more-952pqxqdlr5|title=Gorgeous George the survivor bounces back once more|work=The Times|date=30 March 2012|accessdate=11 February 2018}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Many years later, in a 2016 '']'' interview, he speculated that an incident of sexual abuse from a Colonel, which he suffered when he was 12, has led to a "lifelong fear of being gay and this led me into ostentatious, rapacious heterosexual promiscuity".<ref name="Hamdi">{{cite news|last=Hamdi|first=Omar|url=http://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/02/02/george-galloway-londons-next-mayor/|title=Who is George Galloway ''really''?<!-- Italics in the source. --> Perhaps London’s next Mayor?|work=New Internationalist|date=2 February 2016|accessdate=2 February 2016}}</ref>


====Meeting with Saddam Hussein in 1994====
In February 1988, the Executive Committee of his ] passed a ] in him by 15-to-8.<ref name="BBCa" /><ref name="Morley175">Morley, p. 175</ref> The constituency's general management committee voted 54-to-44 in favour of the motion a fortnight later on 22 February, although just 3 of the 25 members in the ] section supported it.<ref name="Morley175" /> According to ] in 2003, the new Member of Parliament "was only one MP that I can recollect making speeches about human rights in Iraq" in the ].<ref name="Scott" />
In January 1994, Galloway faced some of his strongest criticism for a Middle Eastern trip, during which he met ]. At his meeting with the Iraqi president, Galloway told Saddam Hussein:<blockquote>Your excellency, Mr President, I greet you in the name of the many thousands of people in Britain who stood against the tide and opposed ] ... I greet you too in the name of the Palestinian people ... I thought the president would appreciate knowing that even today, three years after the war, I still meet families who are calling their newborn sons Saddam ... Sir, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability. And I want you to know that we are with you until victory, until victory, until Jerusalem (''hatta al-nasr, hatta al-nasr, hatta al-Quds'').<ref>The entire speech is contained in David Morley ''Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway'', London: Politicos, 2007, pp. 210–211</ref><ref name="BBC220403">{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|title=Profile of George Galloway|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/2966199.stm|access-date=22 June 2011|date=22 April 2003}}</ref></blockquote>


During Galloway's 2004 defamation case against the ''Daily Telegraph'', the paper's defence ] accused Galloway of having "fawned over" Saddam during their meeting in 1994.<ref>{{cite news |title=Galloway denies Saddam 'fawning' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4016803.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=16 November 2004}}</ref> Labour leader John Smith said: "I deeply deplore the foolish statement made in Iraq by Mr. George Galloway. In no way did he speak for the Labour Party and I wholly reject his comments".<ref>{{cite news|last=McIntyre|first=Donald|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-career-threatened-by-iraqi-tv-appearance-friendly-exchange-with-saddam-infuriates-labour-leadership-1401155.html|title=MP's career threatened by Iraqi TV appearance: Friendly exchange with Saddam infuriates Labour leadership|work=The Independent|date=20 January 1994}}</ref> Galloway said that he was saluting the Iraqi people, rather than Saddam Hussein,<ref name="Hattenstone">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/sep/16/iraq.interviews|access-date=21 August 2008|title=Saddam and me|work=The Guardian |last=Hattenstone|first=Simon|date=16 September 2002|location=London, UK}}</ref> and Galloway's friend ] observed that this is how it was translated for Saddam.<ref name="MorleySH07" /> Shortly after his return, Galloway was given a "severe reprimand" and "final warning" by the Labour Chief Whip, ]. Galloway apologised for his conduct and undertook to follow future instruction from the whips.<ref name="final warning">{{cite news|last=Braid|first=Mary|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-gives-galloway-a-final-warning-1408309.html|title=Labour gives Galloway a 'final warning'|work=The Independent|date=21 January 1994}}</ref>
Galloway gained re-selection when challenged by ] (wife of fellow MP ]) in June 1989, but failed to get a majority of the electoral college on the first ballot. This was the worst result for any sitting Labour MP who was reselected, but in the final vote, Galloway gained 62% in total. In his acceptance speech, Galloway assured his party there would be a "summer of peace and reconciliation", but this did not happen. Many members of the party who had supported Godman reportedly refused to work for Galloway in the next election, including ], who later became ] in 2011.<ref>Morley, p. 283</ref> The following August, 13 of the 26 members of the Constituency Party's Executive Committee resigned.<ref name="fnalmanac">{{cite book|last1=Waller|first1=Robert|last2=Criddle|first2=Byron|title=The Almanac of British Politics|location=London|publisher=Routledge|edition=Fourth|year=1991|isbn=0-415-00508-6}}</ref> Lamont was one of those who resigned. According to her, Galloway "has done nothing to build bridges with the Members of the Executive who opposed his selection." She told a journalist from ''The Guardian'': "The quarrel we have is all about accountability, and democracy ... working in harmony, rather than any personal matters."<ref>Morley, p.284</ref>


For his meeting with Saddam, Galloway was dubbed the "MP for ] North".<ref name="Fletcher060810">{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Martin|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2676015.ece|title=Galloway films interview with 'moderate' President|work=The Times|date=6 August 2010|access-date=26 December 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> When he spoke before the ] on 17 May 2005, Galloway said that he had "met Saddam Hussein exactly the same number of times as ] met him," but "The difference is Donald Rumsfeld met him to sell him guns ... I met him to try to bring about an end to sanctions, suffering and war".<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway accuses senators over Iraq oil claims|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1490168/Galloway-accuses-senators-over-Iraq-oil-claims.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1490168/Galloway-accuses-senators-over-Iraq-oil-claims.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=16 August 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 May 2005|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway takes on US oil accusers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4556113.stm|access-date=16 August 2014|publisher=BBC News|date=17 May 2005}}</ref>
The Labour Party leadership election in 1992 saw Galloway voting for the eventually successful candidates, ] for Leader and ] as Deputy Leader. In 1994, after Smith died, Galloway declined to cast a vote in the leadership election (one of only three MPs to do so). In a debate with the Leader of the ] ], Galloway responded to one of Salmond's jibes against the Labour Party by declaring "I don't give a fuck what Tony Blair thinks".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Waller|first1=Robert|last2=Criddle|first2=Byron|title=The Almanac of British Politics|location=London|publisher=Routledge|edition=Fifth|year=1996|isbn=0-415-11805-0}}</ref>


====The Mariam Appeal====
Although facing a challenge for the Labour nomination as the candidate for ] at the ], Galloway defeated Shiona Waldron. He was unchallenged for the nomination for the ]. Galloway was elected with majorities of 16,643 and 12,014 votes respectively. During the period he was Labour MP for Glasgow Kelvin, from 1997–2003, he voted against the ] 32 times, 5 votes out of 665 (0.8%) in the 1997–2001 parliament and the majority (27 votes out of 209 or 12.9%) in the period before he was expelled from the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/40690&showall=yes#divisions|title=Voting Record — George Galloway MP, Bradford West (10218)|website=The Public Whip|accessdate=21 March 2017}}</ref> During the 2001–02 session, he was the ninth-most rebellious Labour MP. Galloway was one of several politicians arrested in February 2001 during a protest at the ] in ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1166150.stm|title=Politicians arrested at nuclear protest|publisher=BBC News|date=12 February 2001|accessdate=12 February 2016}}</ref> and in July 2002 he was convicted of a breach of the peace and fined £180.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2120063.stm|title=Labour MP fined over Faslane demo|publisher=BBC News|date=10 July 2002|accessdate=4 September 2016}}</ref>
In 1998, Galloway founded the ] which was intended, according to its website's welcome page in 1999, "to campaign against sanctions on Iraq which are having disastrous effects on the ordinary people of Iraq".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xq_tdYOz_LEC&pg=PA60|title=Conduct of Mr George Galloway: sixth report, session 2006–07, Vol. I: Report and appendices|location=London|publisher=The Stationery Office|year=2007|page=60|isbn=9780215035226}}</ref> The campaign was named after Mariam Hamza, a child flown by the fund from Iraq to Britain to receive treatment for ]. The intention was to raise awareness of the suffering and death of hundreds of thousands of other Iraqi children, due to poor health conditions and lack of suitable medicines and facilities, and to campaign for the lifting of the ] that many maintained were responsible for that situation. In 1999, Galloway was criticised for spending Christmas in Iraq with ], who was Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister at the time. In a 17 May 2005 hearing of the ] Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Galloway stated that he had many meetings with Aziz, and characterised their relationship as friendly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|url=http://www.access.gpo.gov/congress/senate/pdf/109hrg/21438.pdf|access-date=4 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814081031/http://www.access.gpo.gov/congress/senate/pdf/109hrg/21438.pdf|archive-date=14 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In all, he has admitted to more than 10 meetings with Aziz.<ref name="Hitchens2005" />


During the ], the fund received scrutiny after a complaint that Galloway used some donated money to pay for his travel expenses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway cleared on appeals fund|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3847287.stm|access-date=12 October 2006|publisher=BBC News|date=28 June 2004}}</ref> He responded by stating that the expenses were incurred in his capacity as the appeal's chairman. Although the Mariam Appeal was never a registered charity and never intended to be such, it was investigated by the ]. The report of this year-long inquiry, published in June 2004,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mariam Appeal|url=http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/investigations/inquiryreports/mariam2.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051229051638/http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/investigations/inquiryreports/mariam2.asp|archive-date=29 December 2005|access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref> found that the Mariam Appeal was undertaking charitable work (and so ought to have registered with the commission), but did not substantiate allegations that any funds had been misused. It emerged some years later that Galloway had appealed in a letter dated 24 April 2003 to ], the Attorney-General, to stop the investigation into the Mariam Appeal. According to a report in '']'', after the letter was released under the ], Galloway falsely asserted that the appeal "received no money from Iraq".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4419853.ece|title=My charity did not get Iraq cash, Galloway wrongly told law chief|work=The Times|location=London|date=23 April 2015|access-date=29 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
=== Iraq from 1991 ===


A further Charity Commission Report published on 7 June 2007 found that the appeal had received funds from ] that originated from the ], and concluded that:
==== The first Gulf war ====
Galloway opposed the ] and was critical of the effect that the ] had on the people of Iraq. In his book '']'' (2004), Galloway expresses the opinion that ] is "clearly a part of the greater Iraqi whole, stolen from the motherland by perfidious Albion", although ] pointed out that the state existed long before Iraq had a name.<ref name="Hitchens2005" /> The massacre of Kurds and Shias just after the 1991 Gulf war, was according to Galloway, "a civil war that involved massive violence on both sides".<ref name="Hitchens2005" />


{{blockquote|Although Mr Galloway, Mr Halford and Mr Al-Mukhtar have confirmed that they were unaware of the source of Mr Zureikat's donations, the Commission has concluded that the charity trustees should have made further enquiries when accepting such large single and cumulative donations to satisfy themselves as to their origin and legitimacy. The Commission's conclusion is that the charity trustees did not properly discharge their duty of care as trustees to the Appeal in respect of these donations{{nbsp}}... The Commission is also concerned, having considered the totality of the evidence before it, that Mr Galloway may also have known of the connection between the Appeal and the Programme.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kennedy|first1=Dominic|last2=Bone|first2=James|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2023349.ece|title=Galloway 'may have known Saddam was funding Iraq appeal'|work=The Times|location=London, UK|date=8 June 2007|access-date=29 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>}}
Writing for '']'' in April 2003, ] speculated that Galloway changed his opinion of Saddam Hussein under "the belief that my enemy's enemy is my friend. Or, in the context of the modern world, any anti-American will do. When Iraq stopped being a friend of the West it became a friend of George's."<ref name="Aaronovitch270403" /><ref name="Hitchens2005" />


Galloway, in response, stated: "I've always disputed the Commission's retrospective view that a campaign to win a change in national and international policy – a political campaign – was, in fact, a charity".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=1469|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922140207/http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=1469|archive-date=22 September 2007|date=8 June 2007|access-date=21 August 2008|title=Galloway reaction to Charity Commission report into Mariam Appeal}}</ref>
==== Meeting with Saddam Hussein in 1994 ====
In January 1994, Galloway faced some of his strongest criticism on his return from a Middle Eastern visit during which he had met ]. At his meeting with the Iraqi leader, he reported the support given to Saddam by the people of the ] which he had just visited: "I can honestly tell you that there was not a single person to whom I told I was coming to Iraq and hoping to meet with yourself who did not wish me to convey their heartfelt, fraternal greetings and support."<ref>The entire speech is contained in David Morley ''Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway'', London: Politicos, 2007, pp. 210–11</ref> He ended his speech with the statement "Sir, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability.""<ref name="BBC220403">{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|title=Profile of George Galloway|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/2966199.stm|accessdate=22 June 2011|date=22 April 2003}}</ref> Galloway has asserted that he was saluting the Iraqi people rather than Saddam Hussein in the speech,<ref name="Hattenstone">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/sep/16/iraq.interviews|accessdate=21 August 2008|title=Saddam and me|work=The Guardian |last=Hattenstone|first=Simon|date=16 September 2002|location=London, UK}}</ref> which was translated for the Iraqi leader.<ref name="MorleySH07" />


====Iraq War and Labour Party expulsion====
As news of the incident reached the UK, Labour leader John Smith, in a statement, said: "I deeply deplore the foolish statement made in Iraq by Mr. George Galloway. In no way did he speak for the Labour Party and I wholly reject his comments."<ref>{{cite news|last=McIntyre|first=Donald|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-career-threatened-by-iraqi-tv-appearance-friendly-exchange-with-saddam-infuriates-labour-leadership-1401155.html|title=MP's career threatened by Iraqi TV appearance: Friendly exchange with Saddam infuriates Labour leadership|work=The Independent|date=20 January 1994}}</ref> Shortly after his return, Galloway was given a "severe reprimand" by the Labour Chief Whip, ], for his unauthorised trip to Iraq. The MP apologised for his conduct and undertook to follow future instruction from the whips.<ref>{{cite news|last=Braid|first=Mary|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-gives-galloway-a-final-warning-1408309.html|title=Labour gives Galloway a 'final warning'|work=The Independent|date=21 January 1994}}</ref>
] in London]]
Galloway became the vice-president of the ] in 2001. Actively involved, he often delivered speeches from StWC platforms at anti-war demonstrations. After permission for a rally in ] during the international ] was initially refused, Galloway said the government had a choice between "half a million people at the rally or half a million people in a riot".<ref>{{cite news|last=Oliver|first=Mark|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/jan/29/politics.antiwar|title=Galloway condemns government ban on park peace protest|work=The Guardian|date=29 January 2003|access-date=13 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Peek|first=Laura|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article1956491.ece|title=Allow rally or face a riot, says MP|work=The Times|location=London|date=30 January 2003|access-date=13 December 2015}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


In ''I'm Not the Only One'', Galloway wrote:
For his visit with Saddam, Galloway was dubbed the "MP for ] North".<ref name="Fletcher060810">{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Martin|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2676015.ece|title=Galloway films interview with ‘moderate’ President|work=The Times|date=6 August 2010|accessdate=26 December 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Galloway said, when he spoke before the ] on 17 May 2005, that he had "met Saddam Hussein exactly the same number of times as ] met him." Whereas "Rumsfeld met him to sell him guns", Galloway had "met him to try to bring about an end to sanctions, suffering and war."<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway accuses senators over Iraq oil claims|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1490168/Galloway-accuses-senators-over-Iraq-oil-claims.html|accessdate=16 August 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 May 2005|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway takes on US oil accusers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4556113.stm|accessdate=16 August 2014|work=BBC News|date=17 May 2005}}</ref>


{{cquote|The only war that can be fought against a superpower is a war of movement. I brought ] all the writings of Che Guevara and <!-- As rendered in the original. -->Mao Tse Tung on the arts of revolutionary war and he had them translated into Arabic. Fight a war of movement, take the uniforms off, swim among the Iraqi people and whatever their views on the regime, they will undoubtedly provide deep aquifers of support for a patriotic resistance.<ref>{{cite book|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-lkiyGpFhCwC&pg=PT228|title=I'm Not the Only One|location=London|publisher=Allen Lane|orig-year=2004|year=2005<!-- Quote is taken from the 2005 edition; the original is known to differ in places (see the other references to this book in this article), and may do so in this passage as well. -->|pages=228–29|isbn=9780141019390}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=March 2024}}}}
==== The Mariam Appeal ====
In 1998, Galloway founded the ] which was intended, according to its website's welcome page in 1999, "to campaign against sanctions on Iraq which are having disastrous effects on the ordinary people of Iraq".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xq_tdYOz_LEC&pg=PA60|title=Conduct of Mr George Galloway: sixth report, session 2006–07, Vol. I: Report and appendices|location=London|publisher=The Stationery Office|year=2007|page=60}}</ref> The campaign was named after Mariam Hamza, a child flown by the fund from Iraq to Britain to receive treatment for ]. The intention was to raise awareness of the suffering and death of hundreds of thousands of other Iraqi children, due to poor health conditions and lack of suitable medicines and facilities, and to campaign for the lifting of the ] that many maintained were responsible for that situation. In 1999, Galloway was criticised for spending Christmas in Iraq with ], who was Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister at the time. In a 17 May 2005 hearing of the ] Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Galloway stated that he had many meetings with Aziz, and characterised their relationship as friendly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|url=http://www.access.gpo.gov/congress/senate/pdf/109hrg/21438.pdf|accessdate=4 August 2009}}</ref> In all, he has admitted to more than ten meetings with Aziz.<ref name="Hitchens2005" />


On 20 March 2003, ] including the United Kingdom and United States ]. On 28 March 2003, Galloway said in an interview with ]:<blockquote>Iraq is fighting for all the Arabs. Why don't the Arabs do something for the Iraqis? Where are the Arab armies? ... They have lied to the ] and ], when they said the battle of Iraq would be very quick and easy. They attacked Iraq like wolves. They attacked civilians. They encountered resistance from Iraqi forces and Iraqi people who are defending their dignity, religion and country ... It is better for Blair and Bush to stop this crime and this catastrophe. ... The best thing British troops can do is to refuse to obey illegal orders.<ref>{{cite news |title=Galloway accuses PM of Iraq 'lies' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/apr/01/uk.iraq |work=] |date=1 April 2003}}</ref><ref name="Tempest2003">{{cite news|last=Tempest|first=Matthew|date=23 October 2003|title=Galloway expelled from Labour|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/23/labour.georgegalloway}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2923849.stm|title=Galloway: I'll fight expulsion|publisher=BBC News|date=7 April 2003|access-date=18 September 2006}}</ref></blockquote>
The fund received scrutiny during the ], after a complaint that Galloway used some donated money to pay for his travel expenses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway cleared on appeals fund|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3847287.stm|accessdate=12 October 2006|work=BBC News|date=28 June 2004}}</ref> He responded by stating that the expenses were incurred in his capacity as the Appeal's chairman. Although the Mariam Appeal was never a registered charity and never intended to be such, it was investigated by the ]. The report of this year-long inquiry, published in June 2004,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mariam Appeal|url=http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/investigations/inquiryreports/mariam2.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051229051638/http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/investigations/inquiryreports/mariam2.asp|archivedate=29 December 2005|accessdate=15 December 2005}}</ref> found that the Mariam Appeal was undertaking charitable work (and so ought to have registered with them), but did not substantiate allegations that any funds had been misused. It emerged some years later that Galloway had appealed in a letter dated 24 April 2003 to ], the Attorney-General, to stop the investigation into the Mariam Appeal. According to a report in '']'', after the letter was released under the ], Galloway falsely asserted that the Appeal "received no money from Iraq".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4419853.ece|title=My charity did not get Iraq cash, Galloway wrongly told law chief|work=The Times|location=London|date=23 April 2015|accessdate=29 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


Labour leader Tony Blair said: "His comments were disgraceful and wrong. The National Executive will deal with it".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1444945/How-attack-on-wolves-caught-up-with-George-Galloway.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1444945/How-attack-on-wolves-caught-up-with-George-Galloway.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=How attack on 'wolves' caught up with George Galloway|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 October 2003}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Labour MP ] commented in Galloway's defence: "I think he is a deeply serious, committed politician and a man of great sincerity about the causes he takes up."<ref name="Scott" /> On 6 May 2003, ], then general secretary of the Labour Party, suspended Galloway from holding office in the party<ref>{{cite news|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/may/07/pressandpublishing.labour|title=Galloway suspended by Labour|work=The Guardian|date=7 May 2003}}</ref> pending a hearing on charges that he had violated the party's constitution by "bringing the Labour Party into disrepute through behaviour that is prejudicial or grossly detrimental to the Party."<ref name="BBC060503">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3003825.stm|title=Labour suspends Galloway|publisher=BBC News|date=6 May 2003}}</ref> Galloway said he stood by every word of the Abu Dhabi interview.<ref name="BBC060503" />
A further Charity Commission Report published on 7 June 2007 found that the Appeal had received funds from ] that originated from the Oil For Food programme, and concluded that:
{{quote|Although Mr Galloway, Mr Halford and Mr Al-Mukhtar have confirmed that they were unaware of the source of Mr Zureikat’s donations, the Commission has concluded that the charity trustees should have made further enquiries when accepting such large single and cumulative donations to satisfy themselves as to their origin and legitimacy. The Commission's conclusion is that the charity trustees did not properly discharge their duty of care as trustees to the Appeal in respect of these donations ... The Commission is also concerned, having considered the totality of the evidence before it, that Mr Galloway may also have known of the connection between the Appeal and the Programme.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kennedy|first1=Dominic|last2=Bone|first2=James|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2023349.ece|title=Galloway 'may have known Saddam was funding Iraq appeal'|work=The Times|location=London, UK|date=8 June 2007|accessdate=29 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>}} Galloway, in response, stated: "I've always disputed the Commission's retrospective view that a campaign to win a change in national and international policy – a political campaign – was, in fact, a charity".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=1469|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922140207/http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=1469|archivedate=22 September 2007|date=8 June 2007|accessdate=21 August 2008|title=Galloway reaction to Charity Commission report into Mariam Appeal}}</ref>


The ], responsible for disciplinary matters in the Labour Party, held a hearing on 22 October 2003 to consider the charges, taking evidence from Galloway himself, from other party witnesses, viewing media interviews, and hearing character testimony from former cabinet minister ],<ref>{{cite news|last=Tempest|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/22/iraq.iraq|title=Tony Benn defends Galloway to party|work=The Guardian|date=22 October 2003}}</ref> among others. The following day, the committee unanimously found Galloway guilty of four of the five charges: inciting Arabs to fight British troops, inciting British troops to defy orders, inciting voters to reject Labour MPs, and threatening to stand against Labour. Galloway was expelled from the Labour Party.<ref name="Tempest2003" /><ref name="BBCexp">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3205889.stm|title= Galloway expelled by Labour|publisher=BBC News|date=24 October 2003|access-date=4 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="Sparrow241003">{{cite news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1444947/Labour-expels-Galloway.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1444947/Labour-expels-Galloway.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Labour expels Galloway|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 October 2003}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
==== Iraq and Saddam Hussein ====
In a ] debate on 6 March 2002, ] Minister ] said Galloway was "not just an apologist, but a mouthpiece, for the Iraqi regime over many years."<!-- Some sources use "to" rather than "for" in quoting Bradshaw, but the version given here is taken from Hansard. --><ref>, House of Commons debates, 6 March 2002, Col. 88WH</ref> Galloway called the Minister a liar and refused to withdraw on the grounds that Bradshaw's claim was "a clear imputation of dishonour", and the sitting was suspended due to the dispute.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1386986/Yesterday-in-Parliament.html|accessdate=21 August 2008|title=Yesterday in Parliament|work=Telegraph|date=7 March 2002|first=Michael|last=Kallenbach|location=London}}</ref> Bradshaw later withdrew his allegation, and Galloway apologised for using unparliamentary language.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-apologises-for-calling-minister-a-liar-1-605885|title=Galloway apologises for calling minister a liar|work=The Scotsman|date=8 March 2002}}</ref> In an article by ] published by ''The Guardian'' in March 2000 about a visit by Galloway to Iraq and the Middle East, the politician describes himself as a supporter of the Iraqi people and the ], but not Saddam Hussein himself.<ref>{{cite news|last=MacAskill|first=Ewen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/mar/16/iraq.georgegalloway|title=The left's Lawrence of Arabia|work=The Guardian|date=16 March 2000}}</ref>


Galloway said after his expulsion: "This was a politically motivated ] whose verdict had been written in advance in the best tradition of political show trials".<ref name="BBCexp" /> He claimed that other MPs who opposed the war, such as ] and ], would soon be expelled, but no other MP was expelled from the Labour Party for opposing the Iraq War.<ref name="Tempest2003" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Barnett|first=Adam|url=http://leftfootforward.org/2015/11/george-galloway-was-not-expelled-from-labour-for-opposing-the-iraq-war|title=George Galloway was not expelled from Labour for opposing the Iraq war|work=Left Foot Forward|date=5 November 2015|access-date=13 November 2015}}</ref> ], Labour Party chairman at the time, said Galloway was the only Labour MP who "incited foreign forces to rise up against British troops".<ref>Morley, p. 270</ref> Tony Benn questioned why Galloway strove to remain in the Labour Party despite calling its leadership a "blood-splattered, lying, crooked group of war criminals". Benn added, "It put me off George Galloway in a fairly fundamental way".<ref>{{cite book|last=Benn|first=Tony|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FAOYBNVimxMC&pg=PT258|title=More Time For Politics, Diaries 2001–2007|location=London|publisher=Hutchinson|year=2007|page=185<!-- page in book, not the web source -->|isbn=9781409063209}}</ref>
In August 2002, Galloway returned to Iraq and met Saddam Hussein for a second and final time. According to Galloway, the intention of the trip was to persuade Saddam to re-admit ], and the United Nations weapons inspectors into the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Free Speech Radio News lineup|url=http://www.fsrn.org/news/20020809_news.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040624131917/http://www.fsrn.org/news/20020809_news.html|archivedate=24 June 2004|accessdate=15 December 2005}}</ref> His interview with Saddam was published in '']''. It was on this occasion that Galloway was offered ] confectionery by Hussein.<ref name="Hattenstone" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-132779/Exclusive-interview-Saddam-Hussein-Why-turned-us.html|title=Exclusive interview with Saddam Hussein: Why have you turned against us?|work=The Mail on Sunday|date=11 August 2002|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref>
] petition, sitting on the edge of the ] stage at the 2005 ] rally.]]
Giving evidence in his ] case against '']'' newspaper in 2004, Galloway testified that he regarded Saddam as a "bestial dictator" and would have welcomed his removal from power, but not by means of a military attack on Iraq. Galloway also pointed out that he was a prominent critic of Saddam Hussein's government in the 1980s, as well as of the role of ]'s government in supporting arms sales to Iraq during the ]. In his memoir, ''I'm Not the Only One'' first published in 2004, Galloway wrote that "just as Stalin industrialised the Soviet Union, so on a different scale Saddam plotted Iraq's own Great Leap Forward."<ref name="Hitchens2005" /> He continued: "He managed to keep his country together until 1991. Indeed, he is likely to have been the leader in history who came closest to creating a truly Iraqi national identity, and he developed Iraq and the living, health, social and education standards of his own people."<ref>{{cite book|last=Galloway|first=George|title=I'm Not the Only One|location=London|publisher=Allen Lane|year=2004|page=128}}</ref>


Following the ], which killed 52 civilians, Galloway linked the attack to Western policies in the Middle East. He said Tony Blair and George W. Bush had "far more blood on their hands" than the terrorists who carried out the bombings, and called President Bush the world's "biggest terrorist".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/aug/05/uksecurity.terrorism|title=Galloway says Blair and Bush 'have blood on their hands'|date=5 August 2005|work=The Guardian}}</ref>
In 2006 a video surfaced showing Galloway greeting ], Saddam's eldest son, with the title of "Excellency" at Uday's palace in 1999. Galloway is heard saying he will be with Uday "until the end".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/397225/galloways-pledge-to-saddams-son|title=Galloway's Pledge To Saddam's Son|accessdate=23 May 2015|publisher=Sky News|date=25 January 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Laura|title=Ugly times on way for Gorgeous George|url=http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=127252006|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070423224649/http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=127252006|archivedate=23 April 2007|accessdate=4 August 2009|work=The Scotsman|location=Edinburgh|date=26 January 2006}}</ref> By his own account in ''I'm Not the Only One'', Galloway advised members of Saddam Hussein's government about the ways to deal with a potential American invasion:{{cquote|The only war that can be fought against a ] is a war of movement. I brought Tariq Aziz all the writings of Che Guevara and <!-- As rendered in the original. -->Mao Tse Tung on the arts of revolutionary war and he had them translated into ]. Fight a war of movement, take the uniforms off, swim among the Iraqi people and whatever their views on the regime, they will undoubtedly provide deep aquifers of support for a patriotic resistance.<ref>{{cite book|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-lkiyGpFhCwC&pg=PT228|title=I'm Not the Only One|location=London|publisher=Allen Lane|orig-year=2004|year=2005<!-- Quote is taken from the 2005 edition; the original is known to differ in places (see the other references to this book in this article), and may do so in this passage as well. -->|pages=228–29}}</ref>}}


===Oil-for-Food profiting accusations===
==== The Iraq war and Labour Party expulsion ====
]
Galloway became the Vice-President of the ] in 2001. Actively involved, he often delivered speeches from StWC platforms at anti-war demonstrations. After permission for a rally in ] during the international ] was initially refused, Galloway said the government had a choice between "half a million people at the rally or half a million people in a riot".<ref>{{cite news|last=Oliver|first=Mark|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/jan/29/politics.antiwar|title=Galloway condemns government ban on park peace protest|work=The Guardian|date=29 January 2003|accessdate=13 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Peek|first=Laura|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article1956491.ece|title=Allow rally or face a riot, says MP|work=The Times|location=London|date=30 January 2003|accessdate=13 December 2015}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
On 22 April 2003, '']'' published news articles and comment describing documents found by its reporter ] in the ruins of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. The documents purported to be records of meetings between Galloway and Iraqi intelligence agents, and they stated that he had received £375,000 per year from the proceeds of the ] (UN) ]. Galloway denied the claims and pointed to the nature of the discovery within an unguarded, bombed-out building as being questionable. He successfully sued the newspaper for libel (]).<ref name="judgement">{{cite web|url=http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2004/2786.html|title=In the High Court of Justice Queen's Bench Division Between: George Galloway MP and Telegraph Group Limited|id=Neutral Citation Number: EWHC 2786 (QB)/Case No: H003X02026|author=Mr Justice Eady|publisher=Royal Courts of Justice|date=2 December 2004|access-date=24 April 2011}}</ref>


'']'' also published a story on 25 April 2003, stating that it had documentary evidence that Galloway had received "more than ten million dollars" from the Iraqi government. However, on 20 June 2003, the ''Monitor'' reported that its own investigation had concluded that the documents were sophisticated forgeries.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|first1=Faye|last1=Bowers|last2=Prusher|first2=Ilene R|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0620/p01s03-woiq.html|title=Galloway papers deemed forgeries|work=]|date=20 June 2003|access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref>
Just over a month later, Galloway said in a 28 March 2003 interview with ] that ] and ] had "lied to the ] and ], when they said the battle of Iraq would be very quick and easy. They attacked Iraq like wolves," and added that "the best thing British troops can do is to refuse to obey illegal orders".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2923849.stm|title=Galloway: I'll fight expulsion|work=BBC News|date=7 April 2003|accessdate=18 September 2006}}</ref> This incitement for "British troops to defy orders" was later among the formal reasons for his expulsion from the Labour Party.<ref name="Tempest2003" /><ref name="BBCexp">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3205889.stm|title= Galloway expelled by Labour|publisher=BBC|date=24 October 2003|accessdate=4 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="Sparrow241003">{{cite news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1444947/Labour-expels-Galloway.html|title=Labour expels Galloway|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 October 2003}}</ref>


In January 2004, it was reported that documents from Iraq's oil ministry showed that Galloway's ] received money from businessmen who had had allegedly illicitly siphoned profits from the UN oil-for-food program.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leigh |first1=David |last2=Pallister |first2=David |title=Iraq oil cash funded MPs' campaigns |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/feb/17/oil.iraq1 |website=The Guardian |access-date=6 March 2024 |date=17 February 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://arabic-media.com/newspapers/iraq/almadapaper.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305233053/http://arabic-media.com/newspapers/iraq/almadapaper.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2007|title=arabicmedia.com|publisher=arabic-media.com|date=4 March 2007|access-date=4 April 2012}}</ref> Galloway said that money had been paid into the Mariam Appeal by Iraqi businessmen who had profited from the UN-run programme. He stated he had not benefited personally and that there was nothing illicit about the transaction:
On 18 April 2003, '']'' published an interview with Tony Blair who said: "His comments were disgraceful and wrong. The National Executive will deal with it".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1444945/How-attack-on-wolves-caught-up-with-George-Galloway.html|title=How attack on 'wolves' caught up with George Galloway|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 October 2003}}</ref> At this time, Labour MP ] commented in Galloway's defence: "I think he is a deeply serious, committed politician and a man of great sincerity about the causes he takes up."<ref name="Scott" /> On 6 May 2003, ], then General Secretary of the Labour Party, suspended Galloway from holding office in the party<ref>{{cite news|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/may/07/pressandpublishing.labour|title=Galloway suspended by Labour|work=The Guardian|date=7 May 2003}}</ref> pending a hearing on charges that he had violated the party's constitution by "bringing the Labour Party into disrepute through behaviour that is prejudicial or grossly detrimental to the Party."<ref name="BBC060503">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3003825.stm|title=Labour suspends Galloway|publisher=BBC News|date=6 May 2003}}</ref> Speaking on BBC Radio, Galloway said he stood by every word of the Abu Dhabi interview.<ref name="BBC060503" />


<blockquote>It is hard to see what is dishonourable, let alone "illicit", about Arab nationalist businessmen donating some of the profits they made from legitimate UN-controlled business with Iraq to anti-sanctions campaigns, as opposed to, say, keeping their profits for themselves. It's equally difficult to understand why ''The Guardian'' should put seven of its finest journalists to work roping Tam Dalyell and Albert Reynolds into the rightwing witch-hunt against me, particularly on the basis of documents that may have been faked or doctored in the forgery capital of the world.<ref>{{cite web |date=2004-02-18 |title=Letters: Legitimate funding |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/feb/18/iraq.iraq |access-date=2022-03-07 |website=The Guardian }}</ref></blockquote>
The National Constitutional Committee, responsible for ], held a hearing on 22 October 2003, to consider the charges, taking evidence from Galloway himself, from other party witnesses, viewing media interviews, and hearing character testimony from former Cabinet Minister ],<ref>{{cite news|last=Tempest|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/22/iraq.iraq|title=Tony Benn defends Galloway to party|work=The Guardian|date=22 October 2003}}</ref> among others. The following day, the committee decided in favour of four of the five charges accusing Galloway of "bringing the party into disrepute," and expelled Galloway from the Labour Party.<ref name="Tempest2003" /> A claim that, in a speech, he had congratulated a successful anti-war candidate from the ] in ] was rejected.<ref name="Tempest2003" />


In May 2005, before the reports by the US Senate and the UN had been published, ''The Guardian'' reporter David Pallister wrote that "despite all the investigations in the Oil-for-Food Programme, no one has ever produced any evidence that Iraqi oil money ended up in Mr Galloway's pocket".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pallister |first1=David |title=Allegations against Galloway rehash libel awards claims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/may/13/pressandpublishing.iraq |access-date=26 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=13 May 2005 }}</ref>
According to ], Labour Party Chairman at the time, Galloway was the only Labour MP who "incited foreign forces to rise up against British troops" in the ].<ref>Morley, p. 270</ref> Galloway said after the NCC had decided on his expulsion: "This was a politically motivated ] whose verdict had been written in advance in the best tradition of political show trials."<ref name="BBCexp" /> Galloway claimed at the time that other MPs who had opposed the war, such as: ] and ], would be expelled in due course, but no other MP was expelled from the Labour Party for their statements about the Iraq war.<ref name="Tempest2003" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Barnett|first=Adam|url=http://leftfootforward.org/2015/11/george-galloway-was-not-expelled-from-labour-for-opposing-the-iraq-war|title=George Galloway was not expelled from Labour for opposing the Iraq war|work=Left Foot Forward|date=5 November 2015|accessdate=13 November 2015}}</ref> After an article by Galloway was published in the '']'' attacking the Labour Party, Tony Benn wrote in his diary in June 2004, quoting from the article, that if he had successfully persuaded the NEC not to expel him, Galloway would have remained "a member of a party currently run by a 'blood-splattered, lying, crooked group of war criminals'. It put me off George Galloway in a fairly fundamental way".<ref>{{cite book|last=Benn|first=Tony|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FAOYBNVimxMC&pg=PT258|title=More Time For Politics, Diaries 2001–2007|location=London|publisher=Hutchinson|year=2007|page=185<!-- page in book, not the web source -->}}</ref>


==== Iraq after Saddam Hussein ==== ====US Senate====
=====Senate allegations=====
Galloway defended Iraqi insurgents targeting Western forces as "martyrs" during August 2005 in appearances on ]ern television channels,<ref name="Butcher">{{cite news|last=Butcher|first=Tim|authorlink=Tim Butcher|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/1495583/Galloway-pours-petrol-on-the-flames.html|title=Galloway pours petrol on the flames|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=5 August 2005|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-praises-iraqi-insurgents-1-727287|title=Galloway praises Iraqi insurgents|work=The Scotsman|date=5 August 2005}}</ref> Iraqis who were with the allies security forces he called "collaborators" and said it was "normal" for them to be the targets of suicide bombers.<ref name="Butcher" /> Galloway said: "These poor Iraqis&nbsp;– ragged people, with their sandals, with their ], with the lightest and most basic of weapons&nbsp;– are writing the names of their cities and towns in the stars, with 145 military operations every day, which has made the country ungovernable. We don't know who they are, we don't know their names, we never saw their faces, they don't put up photographs of their martyrs, we don't know the names of their leaders". Galloway was challenged by the BBC but denied making the "martyrs" comment.<ref>, BBC News, 5 August 2005.</ref><ref name="Hitchens130905" />
In May 2005, a ] committee report<ref>{{cite news|title=Report on oil allocations granted to Charles Pasqua & George Galloway|date=12 May 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/11_05_05_psi_report.pdf|access-date=15 December 2005|work=US Senate}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=March 2024}} accused Galloway and others of receiving, from the Iraqi government, the right to buy oil under the UN's Oil-for-Food Programme. The report was issued by the ], chaired by Senator ], a ] from ].


Coleman's committee said that Galloway received oil allocations worth {{convert|20|Moilbbl|m3}} from 2000 to 2003. The allegations against Galloway, had been made before, including in an October report by US arms inspector ], as well as in the various purported documents described earlier in this section.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
Galloway continued to praise Tariq Aziz. In April 2005, on ] during that year's general election campaign, he described Aziz as "an eminent diplomatic and intellectual person". In his opinion, Aziz was "a ]" and Galloway advocated his release.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waugh|first=Paul|title=Galloway calls for Aziz to be freed|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/galloway-calls-for-aziz-to-be-freed-7268922.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=18 April 2005|accessdate=16 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rageh|first=Rawya|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/galloways-pledge-to-saddam-deputy-415336.html|title=Galloway's pledge to Saddam deputy|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=10 September 2006|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>


== Oil for Food == =====Senate hearing (17 May 2005)=====
{{further|Oil-for-Food Program Hearings}}
{{external media
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| video1 = (Galloway testifies before the Senate permanent subcommittee, 17 May 2005), from the ]<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoST3eQm0k |title=UK politician faces questions from senators |publisher=] |via=] |type=video |date=21 July 2015 |orig-date=17 May 2005 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
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On 17 May 2005, the committee held a hearing on allegations that Galloway received illicit payments from the Iraqi government through the Oil-for-Food Program. Attending Galloway's oral testimony and questioning him were two of the 13 committee members: the chair (Coleman) and the ranking ] (]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Detail&HearingID=232|title=Full Realvideo and Transcripts of SubCommittee 'Galloway' Hearing|publisher=Hsgac.senate.gov|access-date=9 January 2010|archive-date=2 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302163225/http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Detail&HearingID=232|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Jeffrey|first=Simon|date=17 May 2005|title=Galloway defends himself at US Senate|work=The Guardian|location=London, UK|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/17/iraq.usa|access-date=9 January 2010}}</ref>


On arriving in the US, Galloway told Reuters, "I have no expectation of justice from a group of ] and ] activists."<ref>{{cite news|title=UK's Galloway arrives in US to clear name on Iraq| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10125918|access-date=16 August 2014|work=]|location=Auckland, NZ|date=17 May 2005}}</ref> He described Coleman as a "pro-war, ] hawk and the ] of George W. Bush", who, he said, sought vengeance against anyone who did not support the war in Iraq.<ref>{{cite news|title=Accused British Official Slams the U.S. on Iraq|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-may-18-fg-oil18-story.html|access-date=16 August 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=18 May 2005|first1=Maggie|last1=Farley|first2=Johanna|last2=Neuman}}</ref>
=== ''Daily Telegraph'' libel case ===
On 22 April 2003, '']'' published news articles and comment describing documents found by its reporter ] in the ruins of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. The documents purported to be records of meetings between Galloway and Iraqi intelligence agents, and they stated that he had received £375,000 per year from the proceeds of the ]. Galloway completely denied the claims, and pointed to the nature of the discovery within an unguarded, bombed-out building as being questionable. He instigated legal action against the newspaper, which was heard in the High Court on 14 November 2004.<ref name=judgement>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2004/2786.html|title=In the High Court of Justice Queen's Bench Division Between: George Galloway MP and Telegraph Group Limited|id=Neutral Citation Number: EWHC 2786 (QB)/Case No: H003X02026|author=Mr Justice Eady|publisher=Royal Courts of Justice|date=2 December 2004|accessdate=24 April 2011}}</ref>


In his testimony, Galloway made the following statements in response to the allegations against him:
On 2 December, Justice ] ruled that the story had been "seriously defamatory", and that ''The Daily Telegraph'' was "obliged to compensate Mr Galloway ... and to make an award for the purposes of restoring his reputation." Galloway was awarded damages of £150,000 plus, after a failed appeal in 2006,<ref name=appeal>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.5rb.com/docs/Galloway-v-Telegraph%20CA%2025%20Jan%202006.pdf|title=In the Supreme Court of Judicature Court of Appeal (Civil Division) Between: George Galloway MP and Telegraph Group Limited|id=Neutral Citation Number: EWCA Civ 17/Case No: A2/2005/0308|author=Sir Anthony Clarke MR|publisher=Royal Courts of Justice|date=25 January 2006|accessdate=24 April 2011|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810095555/http://www.5rb.com/docs/Galloway-v-Telegraph%20CA%2025%20Jan%202006.pdf|archivedate=10 August 2011}}</ref> legal costs of about £2 million.<ref name="guardian-20060126">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Clare|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/26/thedailytelegraph.politicsandiraq|title=Telegraph loses Galloway libel appeal|work=The Guardian|date=26 January 2006|accessdate=23 April 2011}}</ref>


{{cquote|Senator, I am not now, nor have I ever been, an oil trader—and neither has anyone on my behalf. I have never seen a barrel of oil, owned one, bought one, sold one—and neither has anyone on my behalf. Now I know that standards have slipped in the last few years in Washington, but for a lawyer you are remarkably cavalier with any idea of justice. I am here today but last week you already found me guilty. You traduced my name around the world without ever having asked me a single question, without ever having contacted me, without ever having written to me or telephoned me, without any attempt to contact me whatsoever, and you call that justice.<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway v the US Senate: transcript of statement|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article523583.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604010802/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article523583.ece|archive-date=4 June 2011|access-date=15 December 2005|work=The Times|location=London, UK|date=18 May 2005|first1=Anushka|last1=Asthana|first2=Jill|last2=Sherman}} {{subscription required}}</ref>}}
The libel case was regarded by both sides as an important test of the ]. ''The Daily Telegraph'' did not attempt to claim justification (where the defendant seeks to prove the truth of the defamatory reports): "It has never been the ''Telegraph's'' case to suggest that the allegations contained in these documents are true".<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway wins Saddam libel case|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4061165.stm|date=2 December 2004|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=15 December 2005}}</ref> The newspaper argued that it acted responsibly as the allegations it reported were of sufficient public interest to outweigh the damage caused to Galloway's reputation.<ref name="guardian-20060125">{{Cite news|last=Cozens|first=Claire|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/25/Iraqandthemedia.thedailytelegraph|title=Telegraph loses Galloway libel appeal|work=The Guardian|date=25 January 2006|accessdate=23 April 2011}}</ref> The trial judge did not accept this defence, noting that comments such as Galloway being guilty of "treason", "in Saddam's pay", and being "Saddam's little helper" caused him to conclude that "the newspaper was not neutral but both embraced the allegations with relish and fervour and went on to embellish them";<ref name="guardian-20060126" /> additionally, the judge ruled, Galloway had not been given a fair or reasonable opportunity to make inquiries or meaningful comment upon the documents before they were published.<ref name=judgement />


Galloway countered the charges by claiming they were politically motivated and a "smokescreen". He accused Coleman and other pro-war politicians of covering up the "theft of billions of dollars of Iraq's wealth". He claimed this happened "on your watch" under the post-invasion ], and was committed by "] and other American corporations{{nbsp}}... with the connivance of your own government".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinejournal.org/Special_Reports/052105Madsen/052105madsen.html|title=Galloway tongue-lashes Coleman; committee documents show Bush political friends and family paid Oil-for-Food kickbacks to Saddam Hussein|work=Onlinejournal|date=21 May 2005|access-date=9 January 2010|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120035653/http://www.onlinejournal.org/Special_Reports/052105Madsen/052105madsen.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4557369.stm |title=Media react to blistering hearing|publisher=BBC News |date=17 May 2005 |access-date=9 January 2010}}</ref>
The issue of whether or not the documents were genuine was likewise not at issue at the trial. Oliver Thorne, a forensic expert who had been earlier hired by Galloway's lawyers, later stated "In my opinion the evidence found fully supports that the vast majority of the submitted documents are authentic".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/909we35.htm|accessdate=1 November 2016|title=Report by Mr Oliver Thorne on the Daily Telegraph documents; Select Committee Report|location=Westminster|publisher=House of Commons|author=The Committee Office|date=19 January 2007}}</ref> He added "It should be noted that I am unable to comment on the veracity of the information within the disputed ''Telegraph'' documents, whether or not they are authentic."{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}


=== Other libel claims === =====Senate report (October 2005)=====
The report, by the then-majority ] staff of the Senate committee, was published in October 2005. It stated that Galloway had "knowingly made false or misleading statements under oath".<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://hsgac.senate.gov/_files/PSIREPORTGallowayOct05FINAL.pdf |title=''Report Concerning the Testimony of George Galloway before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations''&nbsp;– Majority Staff of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|date=25 October 2005|access-date=9 January 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051028130826/http://hsgac.senate.gov/_files/PSIREPORTGallowayOct05FINAL.pdf |archive-date = 28 October 2005}}</ref><ref name="MacAskill">{{cite news|last1=MacAskill|first1=Ewan|last2=Borger|first2=Julian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/oct/25/usa.iraq|title=Galloway accused of lying to US Senate|work=The Guardian|date=25 October 2005}}</ref> The report exhibits bank statements, which the authors claim show that $150,000 of proceeds from the Oil-for-Food Program had been paid to Galloway's wife Amineh Abu-Zayyad.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="Independent Volcker report">{{cite web |last1=Usborne |first1=David |last2=Sengupta |first2=Kim |title=Galloway given 18m barrels of oil from Saddam, claims independent US report |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/galloway-given-18m-barrels-of-oil-from-saddam-claims-independent-us-report-322855.html |work=] |date=28 October 2005}}</ref>
The '']'' also published a story on 25 April 2003, stating that they had documentary evidence that he had received "more than ten million dollars" from the Iraqi government. However, on 20 June 2003, the ''Monitor'' reported<ref>{{cite news|first1=Faye|last1=Bowers|last2=Prusher|first2=Ilene R|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0620/p01s03-woiq.html|title=Galloway papers deemed forgeries|work=]|date=20 June 2003|accessdate=15 December 2005}}</ref> that their own investigation had concluded that the documents were sophisticated forgeries, and apologised. Galloway rejected the newspaper's apology, asserted that the affair was a conspiracy against him, and continued a libel claim against the paper.


It also stated that Galloway (and the Mariam Appeal) received eight allocations of oil from the Iraqi government amounting to 23 million barrels from 1999 to 2003. The Mariam Appeal was also found to have improperly received $446,000 via the Oil-for-Food Program.<ref name="MacAskill" /> Iraq's former prime minister ] was said to have told the investigators that oil had been allocated in the names of two of Galloway's representatives: Buhan Al-Chalabi and Fawaz Zureikat.<ref name="CNN251005">{{cite news |last=Neisloss |first=Liz |date=25 October 2005 |title=Galloway challenges U.S. senators |publisher=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/25/galloway.accused/}}</ref> Aziz had told the investigators: "These oil allocations were for the benefit of George Galloway and for Mariam's Appeal. The proceeds from the sale benefited the cause and Mr Galloway".<ref name="MacAskill" />
The ''Christian Science Monitor'' settled the claim, paying him an undisclosed sum in damages, on 19 March 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3549679.stm|title=Galloway accepts libel damages|publisher=BBC News|date=19 March 2004|accessdate=15 December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway wins damages for Iraq libel|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/mar/20/uk.iraq|accessdate=21 August 2008|work=The Guardian|date=20 March 2004|location=London, UK|first=Jamie|last=Wilson}}</ref> It emerged that these documents had first been offered to ''The Daily Telegraph'', but they had rejected them. The documents' origin remains unknown.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}


Galloway reiterated his denial of the charges and asked the US Senate committee to charge him with perjury so that he could confront the charges in court. He said the investigation was an attempt to divert attention from the "pack of lies" that led to the Iraq invasion in 2003.<ref name="CNN251005" /> He said Coleman's motive was revenge over the embarrassment of his appearance before the committee in May.<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway challenges US senators|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4374534.stm|access-date=21 August 2008|date=25 October 2005|publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RESPECT – The Unity Coalition|url=http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=905|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826201343/http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=905|archive-date=26 August 2006 | access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bone|first1=James|last2=Charter|first2=David|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-1841396,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051115200142/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-1841396,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2005|title=US Senate 'finds Iraq oil cash in Galloway's wife's bank account'|work=The Times|date=25 October 2005|access-date=21 August 2008|location=London}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Galloway also said he spoke to Aziz's lawyers, who told him "Tariq Aziz absolutely denies ever saying that I benefited from oil deals".<ref name="BBC281005">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4383700.stm|title=Aziz denies oil claims – Galloway|publisher=BBC News|date=28 October 2005}}</ref>
In January 2004, a further set of allegations were made in ''Al-Mada'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arabic-media.com/newspapers/iraq/almadapaper.htm|title=arabic-media.com|publisher=arabic-media.com|date=4 March 2007|accessdate=4 April 2012}}</ref> a newspaper in Iraq. The newspaper claimed to have found documents in the Iraqi national oil corporation showing that Galloway received (through an intermediary) some of the profits arising from the sale of 19.5 million barrels (3,100,000 m³) of oil. Galloway acknowledged that money had been paid into the Mariam Appeal by Iraqi businessmen who had profited from the UN-run programme, but denied benefiting personally, and maintained that, in any case, there was nothing illicit about this:
{{cquote|It is hard to see what is dishonourable, let alone "illicit", about Arab nationalist businessmen donating some of the profits they made from legitimate UN-controlled business with Iraq to anti-sanctions campaigns, as opposed to, say, keeping their profits for themselves.}}


=== US Senate === ====UN committee report====
The ] (UN) had set up its own committee, the ']', to investigate alleged corruption in the Oil-for-Food program. In its October 2005 report, it stated that "over 18 million barrels of oil were allocated either directly in the name of George Galloway ... or in the name of one of his associates, Fawaz Abdullah Zureikat, to support Mr Galloway's campaign against sanctions ... Zureikat received commissions for handling the sale of approximately 11 million barrels that were allocated in Mr Galloway's name".<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/> The report further holds that: "Iraq officials identified Mr Zureikat as acting on Mr Galloway's behalf to conduct the oil transactions in Baghdad".<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/>


The report states that payments of $445,000 were channelled through Galloway's ], and claims that $120,000 from oil sales was paid into the bank account of Galloway's wife Amineh Abu Zayyad, who was also involved with the Mariam Appeal.<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/>
==== Allegations ====
In May 2005, a US Senate committee report<ref>{{cite news|title=Report on oil allocations granted to Charles Pasqua & George Galloway|date=12 May 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/11_05_05_psi_report.pdf|accessdate=15 December 2005|work=US Senate|format=PDF}}</ref> accused Galloway along with former French minister ] of receiving the right to buy oil under the UN's oil-for-food scheme. The report was issued by the ], chaired by Senator ], a ] from ]. The report cited further documents from the Iraqi oil ministry and interviews with Iraqi officials.


The committee chairman, ], suggested that his investigation had further material about Galloway which had not been published. He said "If the legal authorities in Britain want to discuss with us what other evidence we may have, that may not be in the report, then we would be prepared to co-operate".<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/>
Coleman's committee said that Pasqua had received allocations worth {{convert|11|Moilbbl|m3}} from 1999 to 2000, and Galloway received allocations worth {{convert|20|Moilbbl|m3}} from 2000 to 2003. The allegations against Pasqua and Galloway, both outspoken opponents of U.N. sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s, have been made before, including in an October report by US arms inspector ] as well as in the various purported documents described earlier in this section. But Coleman's report provided several new details. It also included information from interrogations of former high-ranking officials in US custody, including former Foreign Minister ] and former Vice-President ]. Among the claims is that there is new evidence to suggest that the Mariam Appeal, a children's ] charity founded by Galloway, was in fact used to conceal oil payments. The report cites Ramadan as saying under interrogation that Galloway was allocated oil "because of his opinions about Iraq."


However, the committee did not show evidence that any of the money was paid directly into accounts held by George Galloway.<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/> The report acknowledges that "both Mr Galloway and Mr Zureikat have denied that Mr Galloway was involved in obtaining the oil allocations or receiving any proceeds from the oil sales".<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/> Galloway wrote to the committee saying: "I had nothing to do with any oil deals done by Mr Fawaz Zureikat or anyone else. He and any other company involved were trading on their own behalf".<ref name="Independent Volcker report"/>
Galloway countered the charges by accusing Coleman and other pro-war politicians of covering up the "theft of billions of dollars of Iraq's wealth... on your watch" that had occurred under a post-invasion ], committed by "] and other American corporations... with the connivance of your own government."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinejournal.org/Special_Reports/052105Madsen/052105madsen.html |title=Galloway tongue-lashes Coleman; committee documents show Bush political friends and family paid Oil-for-Food kickbacks to Saddam Hussein|work=Onlinejournal|date= 21 May 2005|accessdate=9 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4557369.stm |title=Media react to blistering hearing|publisher=BBC News |date=17 May 2005 |accessdate=9 January 2010}}</ref>


Aziz was also interviewed for the Volcker Committee, but changed his story, which the committee considered unconvincing.<ref name="BBC281005" />
==== Senate hearing (17 May 2005) ====
On 17 May 2005, the committee held a hearing concerning specific allegations (of which Galloway was one part) relating to improprieties surrounding the Oil-for-Food programme. Attending Galloway's oral testimony and enquiring of him were two of the thirteen committee members: the chair (Coleman) and the ranking ] (]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Detail&HearingID=232|title=Full Realvideo and Transcripts of SubCommittee 'Galloway' Hearing|publisher=Hsgac.senate.gov|accessdate=9 January 2010}}</ref>


====Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards====
On arriving in the US, he told Reuters, "I have no expectation of justice from a group of Christian fundamentalist and Zionist activists."<ref>{{cite news|title=UK's Galloway arrives in US to clear name on Iraq| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10125918|accessdate=16 August 2014|work=New Zealand Herald|location=Auckland, NZ|date=17 May 2005}}</ref> Galloway described Coleman as a "pro-war, neocon hawk and the lickspittle of George W. Bush," who, he said, sought vengeance against anyone who did not support the war in Iraq.<ref>{{cite news|title=Accused British Official Slams the U.S. on Iraq|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2005/may/18/world/fg-oil18|accessdate=16 August 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=18 May 2005|first1=Maggie|last1=Farley|first2=Johanna|last2=Neuman}}</ref>
When the allegations against Galloway emerged in 2003, the UK parliament's ] began investigating, as Galloway was a Member of Parliament and none of the alleged funding had been declared in the Register of Members' Interests.<ref name="Standards Commissioner">{{cite web|author=]|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/90905.htm#a63|title=Appendix 1: Memorandum from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards|publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom|date=17 July 2007}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=March 2024}} The Commissioner, ], was overseen by the ]. After a four-year investigation, he published a detailed report in 2007, which concluded:
<blockquote>I have not found a "smoking gun" which shows that Mr Galloway has, personally and directly, unlawfully received moneys from the former Iraqi regime. However I have amassed a very substantial body of evidence from a variety of sources which is generally internally consistent and, in my view:
a) Clearly shows that Mr Galloway's anti-sanctions work through the Mariam Appeal was in effect supported by the former Iraqi regime, through Mr Fawaz Zureikat and using, among other things, the mechanism of the Oil for Food Programme.


In his testimony, Galloway made the following statements in response to the allegations against him: b) Clearly shows that Mr Galloway at best turned a blind eye to the fact that this was happening.
{{cquote|Senator, I am not now, nor have I ever been, an oil trader&nbsp;— and neither has anyone on my behalf. I have never seen a barrel of oil, owned one, bought one, sold one&nbsp;— and neither has anyone on my behalf. Now I know that standards have slipped in the last few years in Washington, but for a lawyer you are remarkably cavalier with any idea of justice. I am here today but last week you already found me guilty. You traduced my name around the world without ever having asked me a single question, without ever having contacted me, without ever having written to me or telephoned me, without any attempt to contact me whatsoever, and you call that justice.<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway v the US Senate: transcript of statement|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article523583.ece|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604010802/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article523583.ece|archivedate=4 June 2011|accessdate=15 December 2005|work=The Times|location=London, UK|date=18 May 2005|first1=Anushka|last1=Asthana|first2=Jill|last2=Sherman}} {{subscription required}}</ref>}}


c) Shows that it is more likely than not that Mr Galloway knew about and was complicit in what was happening.<ref name="Standards Commissioner"/>{{primary source inline|date=March 2024}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Galloway faces Commons suspension |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/jul/18/uk.houseofcommons |work=] |date=18 July 2007}}</ref></blockquote>
He questioned the reliability of evidence given by former Iraqi Vice-President ], stating that the circumstances of his captivity by American forces call into question the authenticity of the remarks.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} Galloway also pointed out an error in the report, where documents by ''The Daily Telegraph'' were said to have covered an earlier period from those held by the Senate. In fact the report's documents referred to the same period as those used by ''The Daily Telegraph'', though Galloway pointed out that the presumed forgeries pertaining to the '']'' report did refer to an earlier period.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}


The Commissioner stated that he did not have "access to bank accounts held either solely by Mr Galloway or jointly by him with others".<ref name="Standards Commissioner"/>{{primary source inline|date=March 2024}}
==== Senate report (October 2005) ====
A report by the then-majority ] staff of the ] Committee on Investigations published in October 2005 asserted that Galloway had "knowingly made false or misleading statements under oath".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hsgac.senate.gov/_files/PSIREPORTGallowayOct05FINAL.pdf |title='&#39;Report Concerning the Testimony of George Galloway before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations'&#39;&nbsp;– Majority Staff of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|date=25 October 2005|format=PDF|accessdate=9 January 2010 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20051028130826/http://hsgac.senate.gov/_files/PSIREPORTGallowayOct05FINAL.pdf |archivedate = 28 October 2005}}</ref><ref name="MacAskill">{{cite news|last1=MacAskill|first1=Ewan|last2=Borger|first2=Julian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/oct/25/usa.iraq|title=Galloway accused of lying to US Senate|work=The Guardian|date=25 October 2005}}</ref> The report exhibits bank statements it claims show that £85,000 of proceeds from the Oil-for-Food Programme had been paid to Galloway's then-wife Amineh Abu-Zayyad.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hitchens|first=Christopher|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2005/10/calling_galloways_bluff.html|title=Calling Galloway's Bluff|work=Slate|date=25 October 2005}}</ref>


===Founding the Respect Party===
It also asserts that Galloway (and the Mariam Appeal) received 8 allocations of oil from the Iraqi government amounting to 23 million barrels from 1999 to 2003. The Mariam Appeal was also found to have improperly received $446,000 via the Oil-for-Food programme.<ref name="MacAskill" /> Tariq Aziz was said to have told the investigators that oil had been allocated in the names of 2 of Galloway's representatives, Buhan Al-Chalabi and Fawaz Zureikat.<ref name="CNN251005">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/25/galloway.accused/|title=Galloway challenges U.S. senators|work=CNN|date=25 October 2005}}</ref> Aziz had told the investigators: "These oil allocations were for the benefit of George Galloway and for Mariam's Appeal. The proceeds from the sale benefited the cause and Mr Galloway."<ref name="MacAskill" />
Galloway wrote in an article for ''The Guardian'' at the end of October 2003 that he would soon be part of a coalition consisting of the "red, green, anti-war, Muslim and other social constituencies radicalised by the war."<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/30/labour.uk|title=Why I will stand against New Labour|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2003}}</ref> In January 2004, it emerged that Galloway would be working with the ] in England and Wales, and others, under the name ], generally referred to simply as "Respect".<ref>{{cite news|last=Tempest|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/jan/23/iraq.iraq1|title=Anti-war coalition looks to the future|work=The Guardian|date=23 January 2004}}</ref> In the opinion of ] of '']'' it was an "alliance{{nbsp}}... between the ] far left and the Islamic far right."<ref>{{cite news|last=Cohen|first=Nick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/jan/15/realitytv.bigbrother|title=Galloway can no longer count on the indulgence of polite society|work=The Observer|date=15 January 2006}}</ref>


Galloway announced in December 2003 that he would not force a by-election and did not intend to contest the next general election in ]. His Glasgow Kelvin seat was to be split between three constituencies for the ]. In one of these, the new ] constituency, ], the first ] Labour MP, wanted to be selected as the candidate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/clark-becomes-political-pawn-1-497583|title=Clark becomes political pawn|work=The Scotsman|date=11 December 2003}}</ref> Galloway chose not to challenge him, announcing this decision at the end of May 2004 in his '']'' column.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-withdraws-from-westminster-contest-1-533320|title=Galloway withdraws from Westminster contest|work=The Scotsman|date=30 May 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3761701.stm|title=Galloway says no to Scottish seat|publisher=BBC News|date=30 May 2004}}</ref>
Galloway reiterated his denial of the charges and challenged the US Senate committee to charge him with perjury. ]'s website reported him as saying: "I'm demanding to be prosecuted. I'm begging to be prosecuted for perjury."<ref name="CNN251005" /> He claimed Coleman's motive was revenge over the embarrassment of his appearance before the committee in May.<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway challenges US senators|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4374534.stm|accessdate=21 August 2008|date=25 October 2005|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RESPECT – The Unity Coalition|url=http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=905|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826201343/http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=905|archivedate=26 August 2006 | accessdate=15 December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bone|first1=James|last2=Charter|first2=David|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-1841396,00.html|title=US Senate 'finds Iraq oil cash in Galloway's wife's bank account'|work=The Times|date=25 October 2005|accessdate=21 August 2008|location=London}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


==MP for Bethnal Green (2005–2010)==
Galloway also said the claim Aziz had told investigators he had benefited financially, via Zureikat, from the Oil for Food programme had been rejected by Aziz, via his French lawyers.<ref name="BBC281005">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4383700.stm|title=Aziz denies oil claims – Galloway|publisher=BBC News|date=28 October 2005}}</ref> A contemporary UN-supported report written by ], the former American Federal Reserve chairman, asserted that 11 million barrels of oil had been reserved in Galloway's name. For Volcker's report, Aziz was interviewed, but his account on this occasion differed from the one he had given the senate, a change they considered unconvincing.<ref name="BBC281005" />
]


===General election 2005===
== Before and after the 2005 general election ==
After the ] results became known, in which Galloway stood in London,<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/may/28/elections2004.eu|title=You can spin, but you can't hide|work=The Guardian|date=28 May 2004|access-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> but did not gain a seat, he announced that he would stand in ] at the next general election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muir|first=Hugh|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/jun/14/uk.elections20044|title=Galloway's Euro ambitions dashed|work=The Guardian|date=14 June 2004|access-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> On 2 December, he confirmed that he was aiming to be nominated as the Respect Party candidate for ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tryhorn|first1=Chris|last2=Happold|first2=Tom|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/dec/02/pressandpublishing.immigrationpolicy
|title=Galloway to contest east London seat|work=The Guardian|date=2 December 2004|access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref>


The ensuing electoral campaign in the seat proved to be a difficult one with heated exchanges between Galloway, ] (the incumbent Labour MP for ]), and their respective supporters. Galloway and Respect threatened to sue King, whose mother is ], if she repeated her assertion in the '']'' on 10 April 2005 which reported her as saying: "I have been told by several people that members of Respect have told Muslim voters 'not to vote for me because I am Jewish{{'"}}.<ref name="Barkham">{{cite news|last=Barkham|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/apr/12/uk.otherparties|title=MP accuses Galloway backers of anti-semitism|work=The Guardian|date=12 April 2005|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="Waugh">{{cite news|last=Waugh|first=Paul|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/king-and-galloway-clash-again-7215541.html|title=King and Galloway clash again|work=Evening Standard|date=10 April 2005|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> A major issue of the campaign was King's support for the ].<ref name="bbc060505"/>
=== Foundation of Respect ===
Galloway announced in December 2003 that he would not force a by-election and did not intend to contest the next general election in ]. His Glasgow Kelvin seat was to be split between three constituencies for the ]. In one of these, the new ] constituency, ], the first ] Labour MP, wanted to be selected as the candidate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/clark-becomes-political-pawn-1-497583|title=Clark becomes political pawn|work=The Scotsman|date=11 December 2003}}</ref> Galloway chose not to challenge him, announcing this decision at the end of May 2004 in his '']'' column.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-withdraws-from-westminster-contest-1-533320|title=Galloway withdraws from Westminster contest|work=The Scotsman|date=30 May 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3761701.stm|title=Galloway says no to Scottish seat|publisher=BBC News|date=30 May 2004}}</ref>


Galloway was asked at a hustings early in the campaign why he was standing against one of only two black female MPs to which he replied that King had "voted to kill a lot of women in the last few years. Many of them had much darker skins than her".<ref name="Barkham" /><ref name="Waugh" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Alleyne|first=Richard|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1487568/Jewish-MP-pelted-with-eggs-at-war-memorial.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1487568/Jewish-MP-pelted-with-eggs-at-war-memorial.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Jewish MP pelted with eggs at war memorial|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=11 April 2005}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Claiming to be the ghost of Old Labour, Galloway told '']'' contributor ] that "we're here to haunt new Labour".<ref name="Gill170405">{{cite news|last=Gill|first=A.A.|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/elections/article1841820.ece|title=Gorgeous George goes a'wooing|work=The Sunday Times|date=17 April 2005|access-date=11 December 2016|pages=1, 3}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Bethnal Green and Bow is "where Labour was founded. We're giving birth to the Labour Party all over again".<ref name="Gill170405" />
Galloway wrote in an article for '']'' at the end of October 2003 that he would soon be part of a coalition consisting of the "red, green, anti-war, Muslim and other social constituencies radicalised by the war."<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/30/labour.uk|title=Why I will stand against New Labour|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2003}}</ref> In January 2004, it emerged that Galloway would be working with the ] in England and Wales, and others, under the name ], generally referred to simply as "Respect".<ref>{{cite news|last=Tempest|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/jan/23/iraq.iraq1|title=Anti-war coalition looks to the future|work=The Guardian|date=23 January 2004}}</ref> In the opinion of ] of ''The Observer'' it was an "alliance... between the Trotskyist far left and the Islamic far right."<ref>{{cite news|last=Cohen|first=Nick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/jan/15/realitytv.bigbrother|title=Galloway can no longer count on the indulgence of polite society|work=The Observer|date=15 January 2006}}</ref> Or, as ], expressed it, "The servants of the one god finally meet the votaries of the one-party state".<ref name="Hitchens2005" />


Galloway said at a hustings event that the ] had been pursuing a "war on Muslims" while King said her stance against Saddam Hussein had been "principled".<ref name="bbc060505">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/frontpage/4519575.stm|title=Galloway's East End street fight|publisher=BBC News|date=6 May 2005}}</ref> Galloway received death threats from an offshoot of ] (a banned extreme ] group). On 19 April, about 30 men forced Galloway's meeting with a tenants' association to be abandoned after claiming he was a "false prophet" for encouraging Muslims to vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-faces-death-threat-from-islamic-extremists-1-708687|title=Galloway faces death threat from Islamic extremists|work=The Scotsman|date=21 April 2005}}</ref><ref>An article in ''The Guardian'' identified the group as ]. See {{cite news|last1=Gillan|first1=Audrey|last2=Dodd|first2=Vikram|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/apr/22/uk.election20052|title=Islamists step up campaign to stop Muslims voting|work=The Guardian|date=22 April 2005}} Galloway himself said the group was ]. See {{cite news|last1=Waugh|first1=Paul|last2=Stubbs|first2=Flora|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/hate-mob-attacks-galloway-7252164.html|title=Hate mob attacks Galloway|work=<!-- Not the "London ..." until 2009. -->Evening Standard|date=20 April 2005}}</ref> Galloway was held by the group for about 20 minutes before the police arrived at the scene.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alleyne|first=Richard|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1488293/Police-move-in-for-the-battle-of-Bethnal-Green.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1488293/Police-move-in-for-the-battle-of-Bethnal-Green.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Police move in for the battle of Bethnal Green|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=21 April 2005}}{{cbignore}}</ref> All the major candidates united in condemning the threats and violence. Both the Labour and Respect candidates were given police protection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Politics: Election 2005: Galloway told to avoid his home |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/frontpage/4467147.stm |access-date=15 December 2005 |publisher=BBC News |date=20 April 2005}}</ref>
After the ] results became known, in which Galloway stood in London,<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/may/28/elections2004.eu|title=You can spin, but you can't hide|work=The Guardian|date=28 May 2004|accessdate=4 March 2016}}</ref> but did not gain a seat, he announced that he would stand in ] at the next general election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muir|first=Hugh|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/jun/14/uk.elections20044|title=Galloway's Euro ambitions dashed|work=The Guardian|date=14 June 2004|accessdate=4 March 2016}}</ref> On 2 December, he confirmed that he was aiming to be nominated as the Respect Party candidate for ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tryhorn|first1=Chris|last2=Happold|first2=Tom|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/dec/02/pressandpublishing.immigrationpolicy
|title=Galloway to contest east London seat|work=The Guardian|date=2 December 2004|accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>


It emerged in a ] '']'' programme in 2010 that the ], which advocates ], had been involved in campaigning for Galloway in the Bethnal Green constituency. In a secretly recorded speech at a dinner shortly after his election, Galloway said that the involvement of the IFE had played "the decisive role" in his win.<ref name="Gilligan2010">{{cite news|last=Gilligan|first=Andrew|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/andrewgilligan/100060409/britains-islamic-republic-full-transcript-of-channel-4-dispatches-programme-on-lutfur-rahman-the-ife-and-tower-hamlets-the-full-transcript/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024163414/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/andrewgilligan/100060409/britains-islamic-republic-full-transcript-of-channel-4-dispatches-programme-on-lutfur-rahman-the-ife-and-tower-hamlets-the-full-transcript/|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2010|title=Britain's Islamic republic': full transcript of Channel 4 Dispatches programme on Lutfur Rahman, the IFE and Tower Hamlets|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=22 October 2010}}</ref> Although the IFE itself denied the accusation, Galloway admitted in a statement that the allegation was true.<ref name="Gilligan2010" />
=== Election campaign ===
]
The ensuing electoral campaign in the seat proved to be a difficult one with heated exchanges between Galloway, ] (the Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow in the previous parliament), and their respective supporters. Galloway and Respect threatened to sue King, whose mother is ], if she repeated her assertion in the '']'' on 10 April 2005 which reported her as saying: "I have been told by several people that members of Respect have told" Muslim voters "not to vote for me because I am Jewish".<ref name="Barkham">{{cite news|last=Barkham|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/apr/12/uk.otherparties|title=MP accuses Galloway backers of anti-semitism|work=The Guardian|date=12 April 2005|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="Waugh">{{cite news|last=Waugh|first=Paul|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/king-and-galloway-clash-again-7215541.html|title=King and Galloway clash again|work=Evening Standard|date=10 April 2005|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref>


], Galloway gained the seat from the Labour Party with a narrow majority of 823 votes, and denounced the returning officer for alleged discrepancies in the electoral process.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 July 2007|title=George Galloway profile|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4539429.stm|access-date=4 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/england/4520121.stm|title=Shock win for Galloway in London|publisher=BBC News|date=6 May 2005}}</ref> After the election result became known, Galloway's spokesman, Ron McKay, rejected claims that King had been racially abused during the campaign and said it was King who had brought up her Jewish background.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4535885.stm|title=Oona King denounces intimidation|publisher=BBC News|date=11 May 2005|access-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
Galloway was asked at a hustings early in the campaign why he was standing against one of only two Black female MPs to which he replied that King had "voted to kill a lot of women in the last few years. Many of them had much darker skins than her".<ref name="Barkham" /><ref name="Waugh" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Alleyne|first=Richard|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1487568/Jewish-MP-pelted-with-eggs-at-war-memorial.html|title=Jewish MP pelted with eggs at war memorial|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=11 April 2005}}</ref> Claiming to be the ghost of Old Labour, Galloway told ''Sunday Times'' contributor ] that "we’re here to haunt new Labour".<ref name="Gill170405">{{cite news|last=Gill|first=A.A.|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/elections/article1841820.ece|title=Gorgeous George goes a’wooing|work=The Sunday Times|date=17 April 2005|accessdate=11 December 2016|pages=1, 3}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Bethnal Green and Bow is "where Labour was founded. We’re giving birth to the Labour Party all over again".<ref name="Gill170405" />


In his acceptance speech, Galloway said "Mr Blair, this is for Iraq".<ref name="bbc060505"/> During the BBC's election night coverage, ] asked Galloway about whether he was happy to have removed one of the few black women in parliament, He replied: "I don't believe that people get elected because of the colour of their skin. I believe that people get elected because of their record and because of their policies".<ref name="Paxman">{{cite news|title=Paxman v Galloway|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/blog/4519553.stm|access-date=6 May 2005|date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> ] later told ]'s '']'' programme that she found Paxman's line of questioning inappropriate. Galloway "shouldn't be barred from running against me because I'm a black woman.{{nbsp}}... I was not defined, or did not wish to be defined, by either my ethnicity or religious background".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today5_oonaking_20050511.ram|title=Oona King – BBC Radio 4 Interview (RAM file)|date=11 May 2005|access-date=9 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052121/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today5_oonaking_20050511.ram|archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref>
Galloway said at a hustings event that the ] had been pursuing a "war on Muslims" while King said her stance against Saddam Hussein had been "principled".<ref name="BBC060505">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/frontpage/4519575.stm|title=Galloway's East End street fight|publisher=BBC News|date=6 May 2005}}</ref> Galloway received death threats from an offshoot of ] (a banned extreme ] group). On 19 April, about thirty men forced Galloway's meeting with a tenants’ association to be abandoned after claiming he was a "false prophet" for encouraging Muslims to vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-faces-death-threat-from-islamic-extremists-1-708687|title=Galloway faces death threat from Islamic extremists|work=The Scotsman|date=21 April 2005}}</ref><ref>An article in ''The Guardian'' identified the group as ]. See {{cite news|last1=Gillan|first1=Audrey|last2=Dodd|first2=Vikram|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/apr/22/uk.election20052|title=Islamists step up campaign to stop Muslims voting|work=The Guardian|date=22 April 2005}} Galloway himself said the group was ]. See {{cite news|last1=Waugh|first1=Paul|last2=Stubbs|first2=Flora|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/hate-mob-attacks-galloway-7252164.html|title=Hate mob attacks Galloway|work=<!-- Not the "London..." until 2009. -->Evening Standard|date=20 April 2005}}</ref> Galloway was held by the group for about twenty minutes before the police arrived at the scene.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alleyne|first=Richard|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1488293/Police-move-in-for-the-battle-of-Bethnal-Green.html|title=Police move in for the battle of Bethnal Green|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=21 April 2005}}</ref> All the major candidates united in condemning the threats and violence. Both the Labour and Respect candidates were given police protection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Politics: Election 2005: Galloway told to avoid his home |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/frontpage/4467147.stm |accessdate=15 December 2005 |publisher=BBC News |date=20 April 2005}}</ref>


===''Celebrity Big Brother''===
], Galloway gained the seat from the Labour Party with a narrow majority of 823 votes, and denounced the returning officer for alleged discrepancies in the electoral process.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/england/4520121.stm|title=Shock win for Galloway in London|publisher=BBC News|date=6 May 2005}}</ref> After the election result became known, Galloway's spokesman, Ron McKay, rejected claims that King had been racially abused during the campaign and said it was King who had brought up her Jewish background.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4535885.stm|title=Oona King denounces intimidation|publisher=BBC News|date=11 May 2005|accessdate=4 March 2016}}</ref>
In January 2006, Galloway appeared on the ] of the reality TV programme '']'' for nearly three weeks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mulholland|first=Hélène|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/25/broadcasting.otherparties|title=Galloway evicted from Big Brother house|work=The Guardian|date=25 January 2006}}</ref> During his time on the programme, he mimed licking imaginary milk, whilst pretending to be a cat, from the cupped hands of another housemate, actress ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/4608082.stm|title=Galloway 'cat' act sparks anger|publisher=BBC News|date=13 January 2006|access-date=13 December 2015}}</ref> He wrote later that his activities "were actually the same stunts that BBC presenters and celebs get up for '']''".<ref name="Galloway1109">{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/i-can-live-with-jibes-about-my-big-brother-antics-but-not-this-misrepresentation-of-respect-8301256.html|title=I can live with jibes about my Big Brother antics, but not this misrepresentation of Respect|work=The Independent|date=9 November 2012}}</ref>


Galloway faced a claim at the time from ], Labour's Chief Whip, that he should "respect his constituents, not his ego".<ref name="Gillan140106">{{cite news|last=Gillan|first=Audrey|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/14/channel4.broadcasting|title=From firebrand to pussycat: Galloway's TV transformation|work=The Guardian|date=14 January 2006|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> Ron McKay, his spokesman and friend, said of the imaginary milk incident: "I rather wish he hadn't been given that particularly silly task". It had been assumed, McKay said, that Galloway's comments about politics would not be cut.<ref name="Gillan140106" /> Just after his eviction, Galloway told presenter ] he was positive about having taken part, although when asked if he was "glad" to have participated, he said: "Not after I've seen those press cuttings."<!-- Direct quotes here have been verified from the video, as well as from reliable sources. --><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/397295/galloway-no-big-brother-regrets|title=Galloway: 'No Big Brother Regrets'|publisher=Sky News|date=26 January 2006|access-date=13 December 2015}}</ref>
=== Result and subsequent developments ===
During the BBC's election night coverage, ] asked Galloway about whether he was happy to have removed one of the few Black women in Parliament, He replied: "I don't believe that people get elected because of the colour of their skin. I believe that people get elected because of their record and because of their policies".<ref name="Paxman">{{cite news|title=Paxman v Galloway|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/blog/4519553.stm|accessdate=6 May 2005|date=30 June 2011|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>


Galloway wrote in a column for '']'' newspaper in November 2012 that his "antics on ''Big Brother''" had "raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity ]" and paid for an "extra caseworker in my constituency".<ref name="Galloway1109" />
] later told ]'s '']'' programme that she found Paxman's line of questioning inappropriate. Galloway "shouldn't be barred from running against me because I'm a Black woman. ... I was not defined, or did not wish to be defined, by either my ethnicity or religious background".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today5_oonaking_20050511.ram|title=Oona King – BBC Radio 4 Interview (RAM file)|date=11 May 2005|accessdate=9 January 2010|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052121/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today5_oonaking_20050511.ram|archivedate=25 March 2009}}</ref>


===Suspension from parliament===
It emerged in a ] '']'' programme in 2010 that the ], which advocates ], had been involved in campaigning for Galloway in the Bethnal Green constituency. In a secretly recorded speech at a dinner shortly after his election, Galloway said that the involvement of the IFE had played "the decisive role" in his win.<ref name="Gilligan2010">{{cite news|last=Gilligan|first=Andrew|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/andrewgilligan/100060409/britains-islamic-republic-full-transcript-of-channel-4-dispatches-programme-on-lutfur-rahman-the-ife-and-tower-hamlets-the-full-transcript/|title=Britain's Islamic republic': full transcript of Channel 4 Dispatches programme on Lutfur Rahman, the IFE and Tower Hamlets|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=22 October 2010}}</ref> Although the IFE itself denied the accusation, Galloway admitted in a statement that the allegation was true.<ref name="Gilligan2010" />
] event in February 2007]]
On 17 July 2007, following a four-year inquiry, the House of Commons ] published its sixth report. The ], in an addendum to the report, concluded that there was no evidence that Galloway gained any personal benefit from either the former Iraqi administration, or from the Oil-for-Food Programme, but admitted that some documents had been unavailable to him.<ref name="Standards Commissioner"/> However, the Committee concluded, in the main body of the report:


{{cquote|we agree with the Commissioner that there is strong circumstantial evidence that the Oil for Food Programme was used by the Iraqi government, with Mr Galloway's connivance, to fund the campaigning activities of the Mariam Appeal.<ref>{{cite web|author=The Committee Office, House of Commons|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/90904.htm|title=House of Commons – Standards and Privileges – Sixth Report|publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom|date=17 July 2007|access-date=19 April 2016}}</ref>
The Respect Party split in the autumn of 2007, with the ] and Galloway's wing of Respect blaming each other for what he described as a "car crash on the left".<ref>{{cite news|last=Nunns|first=Alex|url=http://www.redpepper.org.uk/Car-crash-on-the-left/|title=Car crash on the left|work=Red Pepper|date=December 2007}}</ref> Galloway did not seek re-election in Bethnal Green and Bow at the ], instead opting to stand in the neighbouring constituency of ]. He received 8,160 votes coming third after the Labour and Conservative candidates.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowcott|first=Owen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/may/07/george-galloway-respect-party|title=UK election results: George Galloway comes third as Respect party vote slumps|work=The Guardian|date=7 May 2010|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>
}}


It found that Galloway's use of parliamentary resources to support his work on the Mariam Appeal "went beyond what was reasonable" and "we recommend that he apologise to the House, and be suspended from its service for a period of 18 actual sitting days."<ref name="parlcom">{{cite web|author=The Committee Office, House of Commons |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/90904.htm#a12 |title=Select Committee on Standards and Privileges Sixth Report |publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom |access-date=9 January 2010}}</ref>
== ''Celebrity Big Brother'' ==
In January 2006, Galloway appeared on the ] of the reality TV programme for nearly three weeks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mulholland|first=Hélène|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/25/broadcasting.otherparties|title=Galloway evicted from Big Brother house|work=The Guardian|date=25 January 2006}}</ref> During his time on the programme, he mimed licking imaginary milk, whilst pretending to be a cat, from the cupped hands of another housemate, actress ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/4608082.stm|title=Galloway 'cat' act sparks anger|publisher=BBC News|date=13 January 2006|accessdate=13 December 2015}}</ref> He wrote later that his activities "were actually the same stunts that BBC presenters and celebs get up for '']''".<ref name="Galloway1109">{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/i-can-live-with-jibes-about-my-big-brother-antics-but-not-this-misrepresentation-of-respect-8301256.html|title=I can live with jibes about my Big Brother antics, but not this misrepresentation of Respect|work=The Independent|date=9 November 2012}}</ref>


Galloway's suspension was not intended to be immediate, and he was given the opportunity to defend himself in front of the committee members in the House of Commons on 23 July 2007. During the debate, Galloway repeatedly called into question the motives of the members of the Select Committee, in particular alleging that some of them were members of a political organisation named "Indict" and were persecuting him for speaking out against the Iraq War. Speaker ] warned Galloway that his accusations were not relevant to the matter at hand, but he rejected the warning and responded by saying that Martin would have to order him out of the house if he had any issue with the accusations. Martin therefore ] Galloway, leading to the attending members voting to trigger his suspension from parliament that day rather than wait until after the summer recess as had been recommended.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070723/debtext/70723-0013.htm|title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 23 July 2007 (pt 0013)|publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom}}</ref>
Galloway faced a claim at the time from ], Labour's Chief Whip, that he should "respect his constituents, not his ego".<ref name="Gillan140106">{{cite news|last=Gillan|first=Audrey|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/14/channel4.broadcasting|title=From firebrand to pussycat: Galloway's TV transformation|work=The Guardian|date=14 January 2006|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref> Ron McKay, his spokesman and friend, said of the imaginary milk incident: "I rather wish he hadn't been given that particularly silly task". It had been assumed, McKay said, that Galloway's comments about politics would not be cut.<ref name="Gillan140106" /> Just after his eviction, Galloway told presenter ] he was positive about having taken part, although when asked if he was "glad" to have participated, he said: "Not after I've seen those press cuttings."<!-- Direct quotes here have been verified from the video, as well as from reliable sources. --><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/397295/galloway-no-big-brother-regrets|title=Galloway: 'No Big Brother Regrets'|publisher=Sky News|date=26 January 2006|accessdate=13 December 2015}}</ref>


The Respect Party split in the autumn of 2007, with the ] and Galloway's wing of Respect blaming each other for what he described as a "car crash on the left".<ref>{{cite news|last=Nunns|first=Alex|url=http://www.redpepper.org.uk/Car-crash-on-the-left/|title=Car crash on the left|work=Red Pepper|date=December 2007|access-date=27 October 2013|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120014133/https://www.redpepper.org.uk/Car-crash-on-the-left/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Galloway did not seek re-election in Bethnal Green and Bow at the ], fulfilling a pledge he made to only serve one parliamentary term in the constituency.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/aug/10/politicalnews.uk | title=Galloway to take on Labour minister at next election | newspaper=The Guardian | date=10 August 2007 | last1=Shipp | first1=Tom }}</ref> He instead opted to stand in the neighbouring constituency of ] and received 8,160 votes coming third after the Labour and Conservative candidates.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowcott|first=Owen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/may/07/george-galloway-respect-party|title=UK election results: George Galloway comes third as Respect party vote slumps|work=The Guardian|date=7 May 2010|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>
Galloway wrote in a column for '']'' newspaper in November 2012 writing that his "antics on ''Big Brother''" had "raised tens of thousands of pounds for the" ] charity and paid for an "extra caseworker in my constituency".<ref name="Galloway1109" />


===''Viva Palestina'' aid convoys===
== Other developments (2007–11) ==
{{Main|Viva Palestina}}
=== Suspension from the House of Commons (2007) ===
]
On 17 July 2007, following a four-year inquiry, the House of Commons ] published its sixth report. The ], in an addendum to the report, concluded that there was no evidence that Galloway gained any personal benefit from either the former Iraqi administration, or from the ], but admitted that some documents had been unavailable to him.<ref>{{cite web|author=The Committee Office, House of Commons|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/90905.htm#a63|title=Appendix 1: Memorandum from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards|publisher=Publications.parliament.uk|date=17 July 2007|accessdate=9 January 2010}}</ref> However, the Committee concluded, in the main body of the report:{{cquote|we agree with the Commissioner that there is strong circumstantial evidence that the Oil for Food Programme was used by the Iraqi government, with Mr Galloway's connivance, to fund the campaigning activities of the Mariam Appeal.<ref>{{cite web|author=The Committee Office, House of Commons|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/90904.htm|title=House of Commons – Standards and Privileges – Sixth Report|publisher=Publications.parliament.uk|date=17 July 2007|accessdate=19 April 2016}}</ref>}}
In response to the 2008–09 Israel–Gaza conflict Galloway instigated the '']'' aid convoy to the ] in January 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grossman|first=Michelle Malka|year=2015|title=Anti-Israel Politician Loses UK Parliament Seat in Election|work=The Jerusalem Post|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Anti-Israel-MP-loses-parliament-seat-402480|access-date=23 June 2017}}</ref> "There is a kind of intifada among the youth. They are determined to act", he told Cole Moreton writing for ''The Independent'', adding, "We say, 'Don't be lured by the siren voices of separatism and extremism – join with us and express your anger politically, in a way that will be peaceful, non-violent, and not cost you your life, but will not cost other people their lives either".<ref>{{cite news|last=Moreton|first=Cole|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/george-galloway-because-youre-gorgeous-1622484.html|title=George Galloway: Because you're Gorgeous!|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=15 February 2009|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref>


By mid-February, the organisation said it had raised over £1,000,000 for humanitarian aid in four weeks, although the Charity Commission later found the true figure to be £180,000.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jessica|last=Elgot|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/29203/viva-palestina-did-not-give-money-hamas|date=9 March 2010|access-date=2 January 2015|title=Viva Palestina 'did not give money to Hamas'|work=The Jewish Chronicle|location=London}}</ref> On 14 February 2009, Galloway and hundreds of volunteers launched the convoy comprising approximately 120 vehicles intended for use in the Strip, including a fire engine donated by the ] (FBU), 12 ambulances, a boat and trucks full of medicines, tools, clothes, blankets and gifts for children. The 5,000-mile route passed through ], France, Spain, ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7889948.stm|date=14 February 2009|access-date=16 February 2009|title=Gaza-bound aid convoy leaving UK|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
It found that Galloway's use of parliamentary resources to support his work on the ] "went beyond what was reasonable" and "we recommend that he apologise to the House, and be suspended from its service for a period of eighteen actual sitting days.<ref name="parlcom">{{cite web|author=The Committee Office, House of Commons |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmstnprv/909/90904.htm#a12 |title=Select Committee on Standards and Privileges Sixth Report |publisher=Publications.parliament.uk |accessdate=9 January 2010}}</ref>


The convoy arrived in Gaza on 9 March,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7932764.stm|date=9 March 2009|access-date=20 March 2009|title=UK aid convoy crosses into Gaza|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> accompanied by approximately 180 extra trucks of aid donated by Libya's ]. On 10 March 2009, Galloway announced at a press conference in ] attended by several senior Hamas officials: "We are giving you now 100 vehicles and all of their contents, and we make no apology for what I am about to say. We are giving them to the elected government of Palestine", adding that he would personally donate three cars and £25,000 to Hamas organisation "Prime Minister" Ismail Haniyeh.<ref name="AFP100309">{{cite web|author=Staff|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hVfkS_BAzf-CcTYE6baYi9PN5jwA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312080738/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hVfkS_BAzf-CcTYE6baYi9PN5jwA|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 March 2009|title=AFP: Galloway gives cars and cash to Hamas in Gaza|date=10 March 2009|access-date=9 January 2010}}</ref>
Galloway's suspension was not intended to be immediate, and he was given the opportunity to defend himself in front of the committee members in the House of Commons on 23 July 2007. During the debate, Galloway repeatedly called into question the motives of the members of the Select Committee, in particular claiming that some of them were members of a political organisation named "Indict" and were persecuting him for speaking out against the Iraq War. Speaker ] warned Galloway that his accusations were not relevant to the matter at hand, but he rejected the warning and responded by saying that Martin would have to order him out of the house if he had any issue with the accusations. Martin therefore ] Galloway, leading to the attending members voting to trigger his suspension from Parliament that day rather than wait until after the summer recess as had been recommended.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070723/debtext/70723-0013.htm|title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 23 July 2007 (pt 0013)|work=parliament.uk}}</ref>


On 8 April 2009, Galloway joined ] veteran ] to launch ''Viva Palestina US''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vivapalestina.org/|access-date=8 April 2009|title=Viva Palestina! news}}</ref> A ] convoy began travelling at the end of 2009. On 8 January 2010, Galloway and his colleague Ron McKay were deported from Egypt immediately following their entry from ]. They had been attempting to help take about 200 aid trucks into the Gaza Strip. They were driven by the police to the airport and placed on a plane bound for London.<ref name="Crilly">{{cite news|last=Crilly|first=Rob|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/6951941/George-Galloway-thrown-out-of-Egypt.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/6951941/George-Galloway-thrown-out-of-Egypt.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=George Galloway thrown out of Egypt|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=8 January 2010|access-date=27 December 2016|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8447847.stm|title=George Galloway MP deported from Egypt|publisher=BBC News|date=8 January 2010|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref>
=== Israel and Palestine (2005–11) ===
In an interview with the American radio host ] in September 2005, Galloway said: "This is the thing about ]. It has nothing to do with Jewishness. Some of the biggest Zionists in the world are not ]. These people have used Jewish people. They created the conditions in the Arab countries and in some European countries to stampede Jewish people out of the countries that they had been living in for many hundreds of years and stampede them into the Zionist state."<ref>{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Khatan|url=http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=1655|title=Galloway Blasts Israel|publisher=Totally Jewish.com|date=30 September 2005|accessdate=19 June 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619003100/http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=1655|archivedate=19 June 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


The ] released a statement reading: "George Galloway is considered ''persona non grata'' and will not be allowed to enter into Egypt again". Shortly after his deportation, Galloway said, "It is a badge of honour to be deported by a dictatorship" and "I've been thrown out of better joints than that."<ref name=ynet>{{cite news|work=]|access-date=9 January 2010|date=8 January 2010|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3831587,00.html|title=Egypt declares UK politician persona non grata}}</ref>
During an interview for ] television on 17 November 2005, he said his election as MP earlier in the year was "despite all the efforts made by the British government, the Zionist movement and the newspapers and news media which are controlled by Zionism".<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Sholem|url=http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=2144|title=Galloway Under Fire After TV Slur|publisher=TotallyJewish.com|date=1 December 2005|accessdate=19 June 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907045822/http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=2144|archivedate=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In '']: A History of Anti-Semitism in England'', ] cites this interview as one example of Galloway pandering to the ] prejudices of his audience. According to Julius, Galloway merely refers to the "] press" in the British media, whereas he has the habit of adding the word "Zionist" when speaking on television in the Arab world.<ref>{{cite book|last=Julius|first=Anthony|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sHAVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA530|title=Trials of the Diaspora: A History of Anti-Semitism in England|location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2010|pages=530–31, 761–62}}</ref> A few years later, in a May 2009 speech given at a meeting in Westminster,<!-- NOTE: Not in the House of Commons. --> Galloway said: "I do not agree with the argument that there is a shadowy Jewish influence. Israel is doing what America wants it to do and to argue otherwise is to go down the dark tunnel of racist ]".<ref>{{cite web|first=Bernard|last=Josephs|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/anti-israel-camp-split-zionist-conspiracy|title=Anti-Israel camp split on 'Zionist conspiracy'|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=7 May 2009|accessdate=19 June 2013}}</ref>


Viva Palestina was registered as a charity in April 2009 but, following its continued non-submission of accounts, ceased to be recognised as a charitable organisation in November 2013.<ref name="3rd sector">{{cite web|last=Ainsworth|first=David|url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/go/news/article/1219637/commission-removes-galloways-viva-palestina-charities-register/|title=Commission removes Galloway's Viva Palestina from the charities register|work=Third Sector|date=5 November 2013}}</ref> It was taken over by the Charity Commission in October 2014, which appointed an accountant to oversee the group because of the concerns over its financial management.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=David|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4232250.ece|title=Regulator takes over Galloway charity|work=The Times|location=London|date=10 October 2014|access-date=16 September 2015}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
At a 22 July 2006 demonstration (and later in a '']'' op-ed), Galloway stated that "] has never been a terrorist organisation. It is the legitimate national resistance movement of Lebanon", on the basis that they are, in his opinion, "freedom fighters".<ref name="Galloway290706">{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=George|url=http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php?article_id=9334 |title=Hizbollah is right to fight Zionist terror|work=Socialist Worker|issue=2011|date=29 July 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305175223/http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php?article_id=9334|archive-date=5 March 2010|dead-url=yes}}</ref><ref name="Julius574">, p. 574. Julius quotes from Galloway's ''Socialist Worker'' article.</ref> In addition: "I glorify the Hezbollah national resistance movement, and I glorify the leader of Hezbollah, ]".<ref name="Galloway290706" /><ref name="Julius574" /> In 2009, Galloway received a ] from ] leader ]. ] is designated as a terrorist organisation by ], the ], and the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7939480.stm|title=UK MP given Palestinian passport|publisher=BBC News|date=12 March 2009|accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref>


==MP for Bradford West (2012–2015)==
During the ], also known as Operation Cast Lead, Galloway commented in his speech at an event in ] on 3 January 2009: "Today, the Palestinian people in Gaza are the new ], and those who are murdering them are the equivalent of those who murdered the Jews in Warsaw in 1943".<ref name="Rausing">{{cite news|last=Rausing|first=Sigrid|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/middle-east/2009/04/israel-ghetto-palestinian-anti|title=The code for conspiracy|work=New Statesman|date=23 April 2009}}</ref> ] in ''The Guardian'' thought "the effect of repeating, again and again, that Israel is a Nazi state" was, potentially, an incitement to attack Jews because the comparison with Nazis as "the embodiment of evil" implies that "the only appropriate response is hate".<ref>{{cite news|last=Freedland|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/feb/04/gaza-jewish-community|title=As British Jews come under attack, the liberal left must not remain silent|work=The Guardian|date=4 February 2009}}</ref> ] in the '']'' wrote: "The claim of moral equivalence is dangerous, not because it exaggerates the horror of Gaza (the reality of that bombardment was probably worse than we can really imagine), but because it minimises the horror of the ]."<ref name="Rausing" />
]


===By-election 2012===
=== ''Viva Palestina'' aid convoys ===
{{Main|Viva Palestina}} {{Main|2012 Bradford West by-election}}
In response to the 2008–09 Israel–Gaza conflict Galloway instigated the '']'' aid convoy to the ] in January 2009. "There is a kind of intifada among the youth. They are determined to act", he told Cole Moreton writing for ''The Independent'', adding "We say, 'Don't be lured by the siren voices of separatism and extremism – join with us and express your anger politically, in a way that will be peaceful, non-violent, and not cost you your life, but will not cost other people their lives either".<ref>{{cite news|last=Moreton|first=Cole|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/george-galloway-because-youre-gorgeous-1622484.html|title=George Galloway: Because you're Gorgeous!|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=15 February 2009|accessdate=22 September 2017}}</ref>


After the resignation of Labour MP ] due to ill health, Galloway returned to parliament at the ] in an unexpected landslide result, with Galloway calling it "the most sensational victory in British political history."<ref>{{cite news|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/30/george-galloway-bradford-west-byelection|title= George Galloway wins Bradford West by-election|work=The Guardian|date=29 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Savage|first1=Michael|last2=Naughton|first2=Philippe|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article3369242.ece|title=Labour disaster as George Galloway wins Bradford West|work=The Times|location=London|date=30 March 2012|access-date=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref> His 36% swing, defeating the Labour candidate ], was amongst the largest in modern British political history.<ref>{{cite news|last=McSmith|first=Andy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-mcsmiths-diary-respect-mp-george-galloway-needs-to-work-on-his-swing-10137061.html|title=Diary: Respect MP George Galloway needs to work on his swing|work=The Independent|date=26 March 2015}}</ref> ], then a backbench Labour MP, congratulated him in a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9175133/George-Galloway-wins-Bradford-West-by-election.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9175133/George-Galloway-wins-Bradford-West-by-election.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=George Galloway wins Bradford West by-election|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=30 March 2012|access-date=3 September 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bennett|first=Asa|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/26/electing-jeremy-corbyn-labour-leader-has-exposed-how-vacuous-the/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/26/electing-jeremy-corbyn-labour-leader-has-exposed-how-vacuous-the/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Electing Jeremy Corbyn Labour leader has exposed how vacuous the hard Left really is|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 August 2016|access-date=3 September 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Galloway described the result as a "Bradford spring" (after the ]) and said that it showed the "total rejection" by voters of the three leading political parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17549388|publisher=BBC News|title=George Galloway wins Bradford West by-election|date=30 March 2012|access-date=9 October 2014}}</ref>
By mid-February, the organisation claimed to have raised over £1,000,000 for humanitarian aid in four weeks, although the Charity Commission later found the true figure to be £180,000.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jessica|last=Elgot|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/29203/viva-palestina-did-not-give-money-hamas|date=9 March 2010|accessdate=2 January 2015|title=Viva Palestina 'did not give money to Hamas'|work=The Jewish Chronicle|location=London}}</ref> On 14 February 2009, Galloway and hundreds of volunteers launched the convoy comprising approximately 120 vehicles intended for use in the Strip, including a fire engine donated by the ] (FBU), 12 ambulances, a boat and trucks full of medicines, tools, clothes, blankets and gifts for children. The 5,000-mile route passed through ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7889948.stm|date=14 February 2009|accessdate=16 February 2009|title=Gaza-bound aid convoy leaving UK|work=BBC}}</ref>


The election campaign was marked by controversy, in particular over the role of ], ] (clan) networks, and allegations about rivals' lack of "Islamic values"<ref name="guardian1">, by Helen Pidd, ''The Guardian'', 27 March 2012</ref><ref name=Runaway/><ref>Michael Savage, , pages 8–9, ''The Times'', Saturday 30 March 2012</ref> ] noted in ''The Daily Telegraph'' that Galloway had won in wards with a predominantly white electorate as well as those with a majority Muslim population.<ref name=Runaway>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9176195/A-runaway-victory-for-George-Galloway-and-all-praise-to-Allah.html|title=A runaway victory for George Galloway – and all praise to Allah|work=]|access-date=4 April 2012|location=London|first=Andrew|last=Gilligan|date=30 March 2012}}</ref> ], the BBC's political editor, believed it was "a one-off political coup by a political one-off" in a seat which has not followed national trends in the past.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robinson|first=Nick|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17559759|title=Bradford – an extraordinary one-off|publisher=BBC News|date=30 March 2012}}</ref> The novelist ] in ''The Independent'' wrote that Galloway's "campaign shamelessly courted Muslim prejudice in smaller matters such as alcohol – where Galloway painted himself as more Muslim than the Muslim Labour candidate whom he accused of liking, shock horror, a tipple."<ref>{{cite news|last=Jacobson|first=Howard|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/howard-jacobson/howard-jacobson-dont-get-too-close-to-your-enemys-enemy-7624753.html|title=Don't get too close to your enemy's enemy|work=The Independent|date=7 April 2012}}</ref> ] in ''The Independent on Sunday'' commented: "It says something about the comatose nature of British politics that an effective critic of{{nbsp}}... failed wars like Mr Galloway, who beats an established party, should be instantly savaged as a self-serving demagogue."<ref>{{cite news|last=Cockburn|first=Patrick|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/patrick-cockburn-galloway-won-for-some-very-good-reasons-7626852.html|title=Galloway won for some very good reasons|work=The Independent|date=8 April 2012}}</ref>
The convoy arrived in Gaza on 9 March,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7932764.stm|date=9 March 2009|accessdate=20 March 2009|title=UK aid convoy crosses into Gaza|work=BBC}}</ref> accompanied by approximately 180 extra trucks of aid donated by Libya's ]. On 10 March 2009, Galloway announced at a press conference in ] attended by several senior ] officials: "We are giving you now 100 vehicles and all of their contents, and we make no apology for what I am about to say. We are giving them to the elected government of Palestine", adding that he would personally donate three cars and £25,000 to Hamas Prime Minister ].<ref name="AFP100309">{{cite web|author=Staff|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hVfkS_BAzf-CcTYE6baYi9PN5jwA|title=AFP: Galloway gives cars and cash to Hamas in Gaza|publisher=Google|date=10 March 2009|accessdate=9 January 2010}}</ref>


In October 2013, the '']'' magazine published an interview with Galloway in which he admitted: "I like elections more than I like serving", and said that he found being an MP was "2% terrifying, and 98% tedium."<ref name="Chakelian">{{cite news |last=Chakelian |first=Anoosh |url=http://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/427087/george-galloway-in-for-the-kill.thtml |title=George Galloway: In for the kill |work=Total Politics |date=22 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025185056/http://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/427087/george-galloway-in-for-the-kill.thtml |archive-date=25 October 2013 }}</ref>
On 8 April 2009, Galloway joined ] veteran ] to launch ''Viva Palestina US''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vivapalestina.org/|accessdate=8 April 2009|title=Viva Palestina! news}}</ref> A ] convoy began travelling at the end of 2009. On 8 January 2010, Galloway and his colleague Ron McKay were deported from Egypt immediately following their entry from ]. They had been attempting to help take about 200 aid trucks into the Gaza Strip. They were driven by the police to the airport and placed on a plane bound for ].<ref name="Crilly">{{cite news|last=Crilly|first=Rob|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/6951941/George-Galloway-thrown-out-of-Egypt.html|title=George Galloway thrown out of Egypt|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=8 January 2010|accessdate=27 December 2016|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8447847.stm|title=George Galloway MP deported from Egypt|publisher=BBC News|date=8 January 2010|accessdate=27 December 2016}}</ref>


In late 2013, Galloway became Leader of the Respect Party.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|date=28 October 2013|title=Who is the leader of the Respect party these days?|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/the-northerner/2013/oct/28/georgegalloway-respect-party}}</ref>
The ] released a statement reading: "George Galloway is considered ''persona non grata'' and will not be allowed to enter into Egypt again". Shortly after his deportation Galloway said, "It is a badge of honour to be deported by a ]" and "I've been thrown out of better joints than that."<ref name=ynet>{{cite news|publisher=]|accessdate=9 January 2010|date=8 January 2010|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3831587,00.html|title=Egypt declares UK politician persona non-grata}}</ref>


===Comments on Julian Assange sexual assault allegations===
Viva Palestina was registered as a charity in April 2009 but, following its continued non-submission of accounts, ceased to be recognised as a charitable organisation in November 2013.<ref name="3rd sector">{{cite web|last=Ainsworth|first=David|url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/go/news/article/1219637/commission-removes-galloways-viva-palestina-charities-register/|title=Commission removes Galloway's Viva Palestina from the charities register|work=Third Sector|date=5 November 2013}}</ref> It was taken over by the Charity Commission in October 2014 who appointed an accountant to oversee the group because of the concerns over its financial management.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=David|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4232250.ece|title=Regulator takes over Galloway charity|work=The Times|location=London|date=10 October 2014|accessdate=16 September 2015}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
Galloway was criticised for comments he made in August 2012 on the ] involving Wikileaks' ] in a podcast released on YouTube. He stated that "I think that Julian Assange's personal sexual behaviour is something sordid, disgusting, and I condemn it."<ref name="Hern">{{cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/george-galloway-assange-only-accused-bad-sexual-etiquette|title=George Galloway: Assange is only accused of 'bad sexual etiquette'|work=New Statesman|date=20 August 2012}}</ref> Swedish prosecutors wanted to question Assange in relation to the alleged sexual assault of two women,<!-- Still will be questioned if JA should visit Sweden before August 2020. --> an accusation he has rejected.<ref name="BBC200812">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19323783|title=George Galloway attacked over Assange 'rape' comments|publisher=BBC News|date=20 August 2012|access-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>


Galloway continued by stating: "But even taken at its worst, if the allegations made by these two women were true, 100 per cent true, and even if a camera in the room captured them, they don't constitute rape, at least not rape as anyone with any sense can possibly recognise it." He also stated that "not everybody needs to be asked prior to each insertion."<ref name=Israeldenial>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Joan|title=George Galloway's Israel denial may repel the mainstream, but it further cements his reputation within his religious constituency|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/george-galloways-israel-denial-may-repel-the-mainstream-but-it-further-cements-his-reputation-within-his-religious-constituency-8507035.html|date=22 February 2013|work=The Independent|access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19334598|title=Galloway 'clarifies' rape comments amid growing storm|date=21 August 2012|publisher=BBC News|access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=huffingtonarenotrape>{{cite web|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/20/george-galloway-julian-assange-wikileaks-rape_n_1810653.html|title=George Galloway: 'The Julian Assange Sex Crime Allegations, If True, Are Not Rape|work=The Huffington Post UK|date=20 August 2012}}</ref> He continued by saying that the allegations, even if true, "don't constitute rape" because initiating sex with someone who is asleep after a sexual encounter the previous night is not rape (one of the women, he said, "woke up to him having sex with her again – something which can happen, you know").<ref name="BBC200812" /> He said that Assange's alleged actions amounted to no more than "bad sexual etiquette", and he did not believe the women's story anyway.<ref name="Hern" />
=== Support for the Iranian government ===
Galloway has worked for the Iranian state-run satellite television channel, ] since 2008. During an event at the ] in March 2011, he said: "Because I don’t believe that the government of Iran is a dictatorship I have no problem about working for Press TV in London which is a British owned television station. I’m not responsible for the government of Ahmedinijad. I’m not responsible for the leadership of Press TV". Galloway also said: "There are many things wrong with Iran. One thing they do have is elections. They elected a president that you or I might not have voted for but I am in no doubt that Ahmadinejad won the presidential election" ].<ref name="Rosen">{{cite news|last=Rosen|first=Robyn|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/46333/george-galloway-gaza-war-bad-ww2|title=George Galloway: Gaza war as bad as WW2|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=9 March 2011}}</ref> (See ] below.)


According to British barrister ], Galloway's description of rape is not correct under English law.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gerry |first=Felicity |author-link=Felicity Gerry |title=There are no dream lovers for 'Sleep Rape' Victims by @felicitygerry |url=http://stretlaw.co.uk/2011/10/29/there-are-no-dream-lovers-for-%E2%80%98sleep-rape%E2%80%99-victims/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821153213/http://stretlaw.co.uk/2011/10/29/there-are-no-dream-lovers-for-%E2%80%98sleep-rape%E2%80%99-victims/ |archive-date=21 August 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012}}</ref> Galloway's comments were criticised by anti-rape campaigners as "ignorant", "very unhelpful", "offensive" and "deeply concerning."<ref name=huffingtonarenotrape /><ref>{{cite news|last=Booth|first=Robert|title=George Galloway wades into Julian Assange row – and creates a storm|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/aug/20/george-galloway-julian-assange-rape|access-date=21 August 2012|work=The Guardian|date=20 August 2012}}</ref> Then-Respect Party leader ] described Galloway's comments as "deeply disappointing and wrong."<ref>{{cite web|last=Yaqoob|first=Salma|title=Good News and Bad|url=http://www.salmayaqoob.com/2012/08/good-news-and-bad.html|publisher=Respect|access-date=21 August 2012|archive-date=24 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824033547/http://www.salmayaqoob.com/2012/08/good-news-and-bad.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Naughton|first1=Phillippe|last2=Byers|first2=David|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3514470.ece|title=Galloway rape comments 'wrong', says Respect party leader|work=The Times|location=London|date=22 August 2012|access-date=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref> She subsequently resigned from her post and the party.<ref name="Woodcock">{{cite news|last=Woodcock|first=Andrew|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/respect-chief-salma-yaqoob-quits-over-george-galloway-rape-row-8129888.html|title=Respect chief Salma Yaqoob quits over George Galloway rape row|work=The Independent|date=12 September 2012}}</ref> Yaqoob later stated that having to choose between Galloway's "anti-imperialist stances" and standing up for the rights of women was "a false choice."<ref name=Israeldenial /><ref>{{cite news|last=Edemariam|first=Aida|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/sep/22/salma-yaqoob-respect-george-galloway|title=Respect's Salma Yaqoob: 'Why I quit'|work=The Guardian|date=22 September 2012}}</ref>
Galloway asserted on '']'' chat show (13 March 2008) that the executed boyfriend of ] Iranian asylum seeker ] was executed for "]s" rather than for being gay. Galloway also stated on ''The Wright Stuff'' that the case of ] was being used by supporters of a war with Iran.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7132.html|accessdate=21 August 2008|title=Galloway claims Iran executes sex offenders, not gays|work=Pink News|date=14 March 2008|first=Tony|last=Grew}}</ref>


Galloway subsequently lost his job as a columnist for '']'', a Scottish political magazine, for refusing to apologise for his remarks,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/aug/22/george-galloway-sacked-holyrood-rape?newsfeed=true|work=The Guardian|first=Severin|last=Carrell|title=George Galloway|date=22 August 2012}}</ref> and subject to a ] policy by the ].<ref name="OGrady 2020">{{cite web | last=O'Grady | first=Patrick | title=George Galloway attempts to sue NUS for 'No Platform' policy | website=Varsity Online | date=5 June 2020 | url=http://www.varsity.co.uk/news/4869 | access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="HuffPost 2012">{{cite web | first=Dina |last=Rickman | title=George Galloway Banned By The NUS For Julian Assange 'Rape' Comments | website=HuffPost | date=27 September 2012 | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/27/george-galloway-banned-by-nus-rape-denier_n_1918468.html | access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref>
], writing in ''The Guardian'' on 31 March, criticised Galloway's claim that "homosexuals are not executed in Iran, just rapists," pointing out that current law in the country stipulates that "Penetrative sex acts between men can bring death on the first conviction."<ref>{{cite news|last=Long|first=Scott|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/mar/31/theissueistorture|title=The issue is torture|work=The Guardian|date=31 March 2008}}</ref> ] activist ], writing in ''The Guardian'' on 26 March, wrote that Galloway's "passionate opposition to a war against Iran, which I share, seems to have clouded his judgement" and "his claim that lesbian and gay people are not at risk of execution in Iran is refuted by every reputable human rights organisation, including ], ], the ] and the ]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Tatchell|first=Peter|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/mar/26/gallowaysiranianpropaganda|title=Galloway's Iranian propaganda?|work=The Guardian|date=26 March 2008}}</ref> Galloway has supported equality legislation in the UK.


===Oxford debate walkout, 2013===
In August 2010, on his Press TV programme ''The Real Deal'', Galloway interviewed President ], following Galloway's participation in a conference for expatriate Iranians whose expenses were paid by Iran's government.<ref name="Fletcher060810" /> Concerning the case of ], an Iranian woman convicted of adultery and sentenced to stoning, which he described as "the so-called stoning case". Galloway said of Ashtiani's sentence during the interview: "Every so often an issue comes along which is seized upon by the enemies of Iran and it becomes a heavy problem and magnified...".<ref name="Fletcher180810">{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Martin|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/thunderer/article2690853.ece|title=Galloway meets Ahmadinejad – a shameful sight|work=The Times|date=18 August 2010|accessdate=2 September 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref name="Khorsandi">{{cite news|last=Khorsandi|first=Peyvand|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/stop-iran-broadcasting-propaganda-from-ealing-6504722.html|title=Stop Iran broadcasting propaganda from Ealing|work=London Evening Standard|date=19 August 2010|accessdate=2 September 2016}} Unattributed in the online source, but Khorsandi was the other individual involved in the non-violent incident with Galloway which is mentioned.</ref>
On 20 February 2013, Galloway walked out of a publicised debate when he found out that his opponent had Israeli citizenship. The debate, hosted by ]'s ],<ref name="Cherwell">{{cite news|last=Beardsworth|first=Tom|url=http://www.cherwell.org/news/uk/2013/02/20/george-galloway-in-antiisrael-storm|title=George Galloway in anti-Israel storm|work=Cherwell|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> was on the topic "Israel should withdraw immediately from the ]". Galloway interrupted his opponent, ], a third-year ] student,<ref>{{cite news|last=Handley|first=Matt|url=http://oxfordstudent.com/2013/02/14/galloway-says-he-will-annihilate/|title=Galloway says he will 'annihilate'|work=]|date=14 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="MurrayJones">{{cite news|last1=Murray|first1=Warren|last2=Jones|first2=Sam|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/feb/21/george-galloway-debate-israeli-oxford|title=George Galloway refuses to debate with Israeli student at Oxford|work=The Guardian|date=21 February 2013|access-date=21 February 2013}}</ref> to ask whether he was an Israeli. When Levy acknowledged his joint British–Israeli nationality,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/british-mp-ditches-debate-because-rival-is-israeli|title=British MP ditches debate because rival is Israeli|work=The Times of Israel|date=21 February 2013}}</ref> Galloway stood up and stated "I don't recognise Israel and I don't debate with Israelis" and left the meeting.<ref name="Dych">{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/128947/bbc-attacked-over-provocative-george-galloway-question-time-appearance|title=BBC attacked over 'provocative' George Galloway Question Time appearance|work=The Jewish Chronicle|quote=Two years ago he walked out of a debate at Oxford University after discovering his opponent was Israeli, saying 'I don't debate with Israelis'.|date=27 January 2015|access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/galloway-s-boycott-a-bully-act-1.42274|title=Galloway's boycott a 'bully' act|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=28 February 2013|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jta.org/news/article/2013/02/21/3120216/british-mp-called-racist-for-refusing-to-debate-israeli|title=British lawmaker Galloway called 'racist' for quitting debate with Israeli|publisher=]|date=21 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415074557/http://www.jta.org/news/article/2013/02/21/3120216/british-mp-called-racist-for-refusing-to-debate-israeli|archive-date=15 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/51631/galloway-tells-student-i-wont-debate-israelis-video|title=Galloway tells student 'I won't debate with Israelis' – video|work=]|date=21 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shaviv|first=Miriam|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-british-student-had-earlier-run-in-with-boycotting-mp|title=Israeli-British student had earlier run-in with boycotting MP|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Marcus|first=Lori Lowenthal|url=http://www.jewishpress.com/news/british-mp-storms-out-i-dont-recognise-israel-and-i-dont-debate-with-israelis/2013/02/22|title=British MP Storming Out: 'I Don't Debate with Israelis'|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Brady|first=Phelim|url=http://www.varsity.co.uk/news/5654|title=Galloway walks out of debate with Oxford Israeli student|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref> Explaining his actions on his Facebook page, Galloway wrote:


{{cquote|The reason is simple: no recognition, no normalisation. Just ], until the ] state is defeated. I never debate with Israelis nor speak to their media. If they want to speak about Palestine – the address is the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Williams |first=Rob |work=The Independent |title='I don't debate with Israelis': George Galloway accused of racism after walking out of Middle East debate at Oxford |access-date=21 February 2013 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/i-dont-debate-with-israelis-george-galloway-accused-of-racism-after-walking-out-of-middle-east-debate-at-oxford-8505232.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224002730/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/i-dont-debate-with-israelis-george-galloway-accused-of-racism-after-walking-out-of-middle-east-debate-at-oxford-8505232.html |archive-date=24 February 2013 |date=21 February 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>}}
According to ] in ''The Times'', Ahmadinejad gave "mendacious answers" which "went unchallenged by his obsequious interlocutor".<ref name="Fletcher180810" /> Galloway told Ahmadinejad: "I have police protection in London from the Iranian opposition because of my support for your election campaign" in 2009. "I mention this so you know where I'm coming from."<ref name="Khorsandi" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Neil|first=Andrew|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13865122|title=Iran: George Galloway challenged on Ahmadinejad TV interview|publisher=BBC News|date=21 June 2011|accessdate=2 September 2016}}</ref>


Galloway later said on his Twitter feed that he had been "misled", writing that "Christ Church never informed us that the debate would be with an Israeli. Simple."<ref name="Huffingtonpoststorms">{{cite news|last=Sherriff|first=Lucy|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/21/anti-semitic-george-galloway-oxford-debate-israeli-student_n_2731009.html|title=George Galloway Storms Out On Israeli Student During Oxford University Debate|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref> The organiser, Mahmood Naji, denied Galloway's allegations in an open letter, explaining: "At no point during my email exchange with Mr Galloway's secretary was Eylon's nationality ever brought up or mentioned{{nbsp}}... nor do I expect to have to tell the speaker what his opponent's nationality is."<ref name="Cherwell" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4347931,00.html|title=British MP storms out of debate with Israeli student|work=]|date=21 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/21/george-galloway|title=I don't debate with Israelis': British MP George Galloway storms out of debate after realizing fellow panellist's heritage|work=]|agency=] Wire Services|date=21 February 2013}}</ref>
== Political career since 2012 ==


Galloway's behaviour was criticised by ], the ] MP for ],<ref name="Huffingtonpoststorms" /><ref name=Israeldenial/> and '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article3695808.ece|title=Lack of Respect|work=The Times|location=London|date=22 February 2013|access-date=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref> The ] (BDS) National Committee subsequently released a statement indicating that, while it does support a "boycott of Israel", the campaign rejects boycotting an individual "because she or he happens to be Israeli or because they express certain views."<ref name="MurrayJones" /><ref name="Cherwell" />
=== Bradford West by-election, 2012 ===
{{Main|Bradford West by-election, 2012}}
After the resignation of Labour MP ] due to ill health, Galloway returned to Parliament at the ] in an unexpected landslide result, with Galloway calling it "the most sensational victory in British political history."<ref>{{cite news|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/30/george-galloway-bradford-west-byelection|title= George Galloway wins Bradford West by-election|work=The Guardian|date=29 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Savage|first1=Michael|last2=Naughton|first2=Philippe|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article3369242.ece|title=Labour disaster as George Galloway wins Bradford West|work=The Times|location=London|date=30 March 2012|accessdate=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref> His 36% swing, defeating the Labour candidate ], was amongst the largest in modern British political history.<ref>{{cite news|last=McSmith|first=Andy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-mcsmiths-diary-respect-mp-george-galloway-needs-to-work-on-his-swing-10137061.html|title=Diary: Respect MP George Galloway needs to work on his swing|work=The Independent|date=26 March 2015}}</ref> ], then a backbench Labour MP, congratulated him in a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9175133/George-Galloway-wins-Bradford-West-by-election.html|title=George Galloway wins Bradford West by-election|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=30 March 2012|accessdate=3 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bennett|first=Asa|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/26/electing-jeremy-corbyn-labour-leader-has-exposed-how-vacuous-the/|title=Electing Jeremy Corbyn Labour leader has exposed how vacuous the hard Left really is|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 August 2016|accessdate=3 September 2016}}</ref>


In a debate at ] the following October, Galloway compared the support of debating Israeli Zionists with that of supporting South African ]. Referring indirectly to his encounter with Aslan-Levy, Galloway said that he had worked with Jewish anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, adding "So Jews don't have to be on the side of apartheid".<ref>{{cite web|author=Tim Y|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jgZHlV9UMI| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/8jgZHlV9UMI| archive-date=7 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=George Galloway asked 'Are You A Racist' at the Oxford Union|publisher=Oxford Union|via=YouTube|date=26 October 2013|access-date=24 December 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
] noted in ''The Daily Telegraph'' that Galloway had won in wards with a predominantly White electorate as well as those with a majority Muslim population.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9176195/A-runaway-victory-for-George-Galloway-and-all-praise-to-Allah.html|title=A runaway victory for George Galloway – and all praise to Allah|work=]|accessdate=4 April 2012|location=London|first=Andrew|last=Gilligan|date=30 March 2012}}</ref> ]. the BBC's Political Editor, believed it was "a one-off political coup by a political one-off" in a seat which has not followed national trends in the past.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robinson|first=Nick|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17559759|title=Bradford – an extraordinary one-off|publisher=BBC News|date=30 March 2012}}</ref>


===Declaring an "Israel-free zone", 2014===
Galloway described the result as a "Bradford spring" (after the ]) and said that it showed the "total rejection" by voters of the three leading political parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17549388|publisher=BBC News|title=George Galloway wins Bradford West by-election|date=30 March 2012|accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref> The novelist ] in ''The Independent'' wrote that Galloway's "campaign shamelessly courted Muslim prejudice in smaller matters such as alcohol – where Galloway painted himself as more Muslim than the Muslim Labour candidate whom he accused of liking, shock horror, a tipple."<ref>{{cite news|last=Jacobson|first=Howard|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/howard-jacobson/howard-jacobson-dont-get-too-close-to-your-enemys-enemy-7624753.html|title=Don't get too close to your enemy's enemy|work=The Independent|date=7 April 2012}}</ref> ] in ''The Independent on Sunday'' commented: "It says something about the comatose nature of British politics that an effective critic of ... failed wars like Mr Galloway, who beats an established party, should be instantly savaged as a self-serving demagogue."<ref>{{cite news|last=Cockburn|first=Patrick|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/patrick-cockburn-galloway-won-for-some-very-good-reasons-7626852.html|title=Galloway won for some very good reasons|work=The Independent|date=8 April 2012}}</ref>
On 2 August 2014, during the ], Galloway delivered a speech at a public meeting in Leeds.<!-- Unlike HP, some other sources suggest this was a meeting of Respect activists. This is incorrect, the pre-publicity clearly indicated the meeting was open to all. --><ref name="Vale">{{cite news|last=Vale|first=Paul|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/07/george-galloway-investigated-by-yorkshire-police-over-declaration-of-bradford-as-an-israel-free-zone_n_5659328.html|title=George Galloway Investigated By Police Over Declaration Of Bradford As An 'Israel-Free Zone'|work=HuffPost|date=7 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Judah">{{cite web | title=Is Bradford's 'Israel-free Zone' the New Face of Banlieue Britain? | website=The Tablet | date=6 March 2015 | authorlink=Ben Judah |first=Ben |last=Judah |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/a-polite-hatred-2-bradford-galloway | access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref> He said:


{{cquote|We have declared Bradford an Israel-free zone. We don't want any Israeli goods, we don't want any Israeli services, we don't want any Israeli academics coming to the university or the college, we don't even want any Israeli tourists to come to Bradford even if any of them had thought of doing so. We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel. And you have to do the same.<ref name="Rawlinson">{{cite news|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/07/george-galloway-investigated-police-bradford-israel-free-zone|title=George Galloway investigated by police for saying Bradford an 'Israel-free zone'|work=The Guardian|date=7 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Judah"/>}}
In October 2013, the '']'' magazine published an interview with Galloway in which he admitted: "I like elections more than I like serving", and said that he found being an MP was "2% terrifying, and 98% tedium."<ref name="Chakelian">{{cite news |last=Chakelian |first=Anoosh |url=http://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/427087/george-galloway-in-for-the-kill.thtml |title=George Galloway: In for the kill |work=Total Politics |date=22 October 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025185056/http://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/427087/george-galloway-in-for-the-kill.thtml |archivedate=25 October 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref>


Galloway's remarks drew sharp criticism from British politicians and Jewish leaders. ] MP and pro-Israel campaigner ] described Galloway's words as an "ill-considered rant that will cause great offence to many" while adding that "most ] citizens are like British people as a whole: tolerant and decent – and will ignore Mr Galloway's demands, treating them with the contempt they deserve."<ref name="BBC070814">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28687233|title=Galloway under investigation over Israel remarks|publisher=BBC News|date=7 August 2014}}</ref> ], then vice-president of the ] stated that Galloway "is so intolerant he can't bear to have someone with an opposing view in his town".<ref name=Israelienvoy /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.609515|title=U.K. MP Galloway probed for declaring Bradford an 'Israel-free zone'|work=Haaretz|date=7 August 2014}}</ref>
=== Julian Assange comments (August 2012) ===
Galloway was criticised for comments he made in August 2012 on the ] involving Wikileaks' ] in a podcast released on ]. Galloway stated that "I think that Julian Assange's personal sexual behaviour is something sordid, disgusting, and I condemn it."<ref name="Hern">{{cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/george-galloway-assange-only-accused-bad-sexual-etiquette|title=George Galloway: Assange is only accused of 'bad sexual etiquette'|work=New Statesman|date=20 August 2012}}</ref> Swedish prosecutors wanted to question Assange in relation to the alleged sexual assault of two women,<!-- Still will be questioned if JA should visit Sweden before August 2020. --> an accusation he has rejected.<ref name="BBC200812">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19323783|title=George Galloway attacked over Assange 'rape' comments|publisher=BBC News|date=20 August 2012|accessdate=20 August 2016}}</ref>


], the Israeli ambassador to the UK, visited Bradford on 18 August in response to an invitation, where he met with local councillors, faith leaders and community representatives.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/19/israel-geroge-galloway-bradford-ambassador_n_5690556.html|title=Israeli Ambassador Pays A Visit To George Galloway's 'Israel-Free Zone'|work=HuffPost|date=19 August 2014}}</ref> In an interview, Taub commented that his visit was proof that "the people of Bradford sent a clear message that George Galloway does not represent them."<ref>{{cite news|last=Whitehouse|first=Paul|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/bradford/11417368.print/|title=Israeli ambassador visits Bradford to answer Galloway comments|work=Telegraph & Argus|location=Bradford|date=18 August 2014}}</ref> Galloway told a reporter from the ] website: "As has just been proved, I cannot make Bradford an Israel-free zone, but I am certain that the Israeli ambassador was not welcome."<ref name=Israelienvoy>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-envoy-to-britain-visits-israel-free-zone/|title=Israeli envoy to Britain visits 'Israel-free zone'|work=The Times of Israel|date=19 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Waterson|first=Jim|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimwaterson/george-galloway-attacks-israeli-ambassador-for-visiting-brad|title=George Galloway Attacks Israeli Ambassador For Visiting Bradford's 'Israeli-Free Zone'|work=BuzzFeed|date=19 August 2015}}</ref> Galloway accused the councillors who had invited the ambassador of fraternising with a "mouthpiece for murder".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kalmus|first=Jonathan|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/121590/ambassador-turns-bradford-israeli|title=Ambassador turns Bradford Israeli|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=21 August 2014}}</ref>
Galloway continued by stating: "But even taken at its worst, if the allegations made by these two women were true, 100 per cent true, and even if a camera in the room captured them, they don't constitute rape, at least not rape as anyone with any sense can possibly recognise it." He also stated that "not everybody needs to be asked prior to each insertion."<ref name=Israeldenial>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Joan|title=George Galloway's Israel denial may repel the mainstream, but it further cements his reputation within his religious constituency|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/george-galloways-israel-denial-may-repel-the-mainstream-but-it-further-cements-his-reputation-within-his-religious-constituency-8507035.html|date=22 February 2013|work=The Independent|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19334598|title=Galloway 'clarifies' rape comments amid growing storm|date=21 August 2012|work=BBC News|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=huffingtonarenotrape>{{cite web|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/20/george-galloway-julian-assange-wikileaks-rape_n_1810653.html|title=George Galloway: 'The Julian Assange Sex Crime Allegations, If True, Are Not Rape|work=The Huffington Post UK|date=20 August 2012}}</ref> He continued by saying that the allegations, even if true, "don't constitute rape" because initiating sex with someone who is asleep after a sexual encounter the previous night is not rape (one of the women, he said, "woke up to him having sex with her again – something which can happen, you know").<ref name="BBC200812" /> Galloway said that Assange's alleged actions amounted to no more than "bad sexual etiquette", and he did not believe the women's story anyway.<ref name="Hern" />


] investigated two complaints to determine if Galloway's words constituted ] (British law prohibits discrimination based on nationality).<ref name="Rawlinson" /><ref name="BBC070814" /> Galloway was questioned under caution by the police and the matter was referred to the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-28861448|title=George Galloway MP questioned by police over Israel speech|publisher=BBC News|date=10 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=Mancharged>{{cite news|url=http://www.jta.org/2014/08/31/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/man-charged-in-religiously-motivated-assault-on-british-lawmaker-george-Galloway|title=Man charged in religiously motivated assault on British lawmaker George Galloway|publisher=]|date=31 August 2014}}</ref> Galloway subsequently criticised the police investigation, describing it as "an absolute and despicable attempt to curb my freedom of speech".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/george-galloway-quizzed-by-police-over-israel-speech.1408519031|title=George Galloway: I won't be silenced|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|date=20 August 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, it emerged that Galloway would not be prosecuted for his comments on the grounds of "insufficient evidence", although West Yorkshire Police had "recorded this matter as a hate incident."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/bradford-mp-george-galloway-escapes-criminal-charges-over-anti-israel-speech-in-leeds-1-6897569|title=Bradford MP George Galloway escapes criminal charges over anti-Israel speech in Leeds|work=Yorkshire Post|date=15 October 2014}}</ref>
According to British barrister Felicity Gerry, Galloway's description of rape is not correct under English law.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gerry|first=Felicity|title=There are no dream lovers for 'Sleep Rape' Victims by @felicitygerry|url=http://stretlaw.co.uk/2011/10/29/there-are-no-dream-lovers-for-%E2%80%98sleep-rape%E2%80%99-victims/|accessdate=21 August 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821153213/http://stretlaw.co.uk/2011/10/29/there-are-no-dream-lovers-for-%E2%80%98sleep-rape%E2%80%99-victims/|archivedate=21 August 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Galloway's comments were criticised by anti-rape campaigners as "ignorant", "very unhelpful", "offensive" and "deeply concerning."<ref name=huffingtonarenotrape /><ref>{{cite news|last=Booth|first=Robert|title=George Galloway wades into Julian Assange row – and creates a storm|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/aug/20/george-galloway-julian-assange-rape|accessdate=21 August 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|date=20 August 2012}}</ref> Then-Respect Party leader ] described Galloway's comments as "deeply disappointing and wrong."<ref>{{cite web|last=Yaqoob|first=Salma|title=Good News and Bad|url=http://www.salmayaqoob.com/2012/08/good-news-and-bad.html|publisher=Respect|accessdate=21 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Naughton|first1=Phillippe|last2=Byers|first2=David|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3514470.ece|title=Galloway rape comments ‘wrong’, says Respect party leader|work=The Times|location=London|date=22 August 2012|accessdate=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref> She subsequently resigned from her post and the party.<ref name="Woodcock">{{cite news|last=Woodcock|first=Andrew|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/respect-chief-salma-yaqoob-quits-over-george-galloway-rape-row-8129888.html|title=Respect chief Salma Yaqoob quits over George Galloway rape row|work=The Independent|date=12 September 2012}}</ref> Yaqoob later stated that having to choose between Galloway's “anti-imperialist stances” and standing up for the rights of women was "a false choice."<ref name=Israeldenial /><ref>{{cite news|last=Edemariam|first=Aida|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/sep/22/salma-yaqoob-respect-george-galloway|title=Respect's Salma Yaqoob: 'Why I quit'|work=The Guardian|date=22 September 2012}}</ref>


On 29 August 2014, Galloway was assaulted in Notting Hill by Neil Masterson, a convert to ],<ref name="Telegraph111214">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11286954/George-Galloway-attacker-Neil-Masterson-jailed.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11286954/George-Galloway-attacker-Neil-Masterson-jailed.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=George Galloway attacker Neil Masterson jailed |date=11 December 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="BBC300814">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-28994862|title=George Galloway leaves hospital after London street attack|publisher=BBC News|date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Wilcock">{{cite news|last=Wilcock|first=David|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/george-galloway-left-scared-to-go-out-alone-as-street-attacker-jailed-for-16-months-9919057.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212013717/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/george-galloway-left-scared-to-go-out-alone-as-street-attacker-jailed-for-16-months-9919057.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 December 2014|title=George Galloway left 'scared to go out alone' as street attacker jailed for 16 months|work=The Independent|date=11 December 2014}}</ref> and suffered a bruised rib and severe bruising on his head and face.<ref name="BBC300814" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Lewis|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/george-galloway-attacked-on-notting-hill-street-by-man-shouting-about-the-holocaust-9700883.html|title=George Galloway left with severe bruising after attack in Notting Hill by man 'shouting about the Holocaust'|work=The Independent|date=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBC290814">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28992601|title=George Galloway taken to hospital after street attack|publisher=BBC News|date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Martin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/29/george-galloway-injured-london-street-attack|title=George Galloway badly injured in street attack|work=The Guardian|date=29 August 2014}}</ref> Masterson was charged with religiously aggravated assault<ref>{{cite news|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/30/george-galloway-released-hospital-assault|title=Man charged over George Galloway assault|work=The Guardian|date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lewis|first=Jerry|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Alleged-attacker-of-controversial-British-MP-Galloway-faces-court-today-373048|title=Alleged attacker of controversial British MP Galloway faces court today|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=1 September 2014}}</ref> and sentenced to 16 months in prison.<ref name="Wilcock" /> Released from prison in September 2015, he soon returned to jail for a month after breaking a restraining order forbidding him from contacting Galloway. Masterson was also fined for harassment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/george-galloway-has-punchable-face-says-attacker-1-3929173|title=George Galloway has 'punchable face', says attacker|work=The Scotsman|date=27 October 2015|access-date=29 October 2015}}</ref>
Galloway subsequently lost his job as a columnist for '']'', a Scottish political magazine, for refusing to apologise for his remarks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/aug/22/george-galloway-sacked-holyrood-rape?newsfeed=true|work=The Guardian|first=Severin|last=Carrell|title=George Galloway|date=22 August 2012}}</ref>


On 13 October 2014, Galloway abstained from a vote in the House of Commons formally recognising Palestine because the motion included the recognition of Israel as well. On the Respect website he advocated a one-state solution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.respectparty.org/2014/10/10/statement-from-george-galloway-on-palestine-motion-in-parliament|title=Statement from George Galloway on Parliament Palestine motion|publisher=Respect Party|date=10 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101215823/http://www.respectparty.org/2014/10/10/statement-from-george-galloway-on-palestine-motion-in-parliament/|archive-date=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/10/13/palestine-statehood-vote-parliament-recognise-britain_n_5976472.html|title=Palestine Statehood Vote: Parliament To Argue For Recognition From UK|work=HuffPost|date=13 October 2014}}</ref>
=== Israel and Zionism (2012–present) ===


===General election 2015===
==== Abruptly leaves meeting in Oxford, February 2013 ====
During a hustings meeting in Galloway's Bradford West constituency on 8 April during the ] heated exchanges occurred between Galloway and the Labour candidate, ]. Galloway accused her of lying about her ] which had been the subject of an open letter written by Shah and released to the media after her selection as a candidate.<ref name="BBC100415">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32259901|title=Election 2015: George Galloway broke election law, Labour claims|publisher=BBC News|date=10 April 2015}}</ref> He said Shah was in error in claiming she was "subject to a forced marriage at the age of 15. But you were not 15. You were 16-and-a-half". He then produced what he said was her ''nikah'', a Muslim marriage certificate.<ref>{{cite news|last=Selby|first=Jenn|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-galloway-accuses-labour-candidate-naz-shah-of-lying-about-her-forced-marriage-10164429.html|title=George Galloway: Respect MP accuses Labour candidate Naz Shah of lying about her forced marriage|work=The Independent|date=9 April 2015}}</ref>
On 20 February 2013, Galloway walked out of a publicised debate when he found out that his opponent also had Israeli citizenship. The debate, hosted by ], a constituent college of ],<ref name="Cherwell">{{cite news|last=Beardsworth|first=Tom|url=http://www.cherwell.org/news/uk/2013/02/20/george-galloway-in-antiisrael-storm|title=George Galloway in anti-Israel storm|work=Cherwell|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> was on the topic "Israel should withdraw immediately from the ]". His opponent in the debate was Eylon Aslan-Levy.<ref>{{cite news|last=Handley|first=Matt|url=http://oxfordstudent.com/2013/02/14/galloway-says-he-will-annihilate/|title=Galloway says he will 'annihilate'|work=]|date=14 February 2013}}</ref> While Levy was speaking, Galloway interrupted him, asking "Are you an Israeli?" When Aslan-Levy, a third-year ] student at ]<ref name="MurrayJones">{{cite news|last1=Murray|first1=Warren|last2=Jones|first2=Sam|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/feb/21/george-galloway-debate-israeli-oxford|title=George Galloway refuses to debate with Israeli student at Oxford|work=The Guardian|date=21 February 2013|accessdate=21 February 2013}}</ref> acknowledged this (he is of joint British-Israeli nationality),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/british-mp-ditches-debate-because-rival-is-israeli|title=British MP ditches debate because rival is Israeli|work=The Times of Israel|date=21 February 2013}}</ref> Galloway stood up and stated "I don't recognize Israel and I don't debate with Israelis" and left the meeting.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/128947/bbc-attacked-over-provocative-george-galloway-question-time-appearance|title=BBC attacked over 'provocative' George Galloway Question Time appearance|work=The Jewish Chronicle|quote=Two years ago he walked out of a debate at Oxford University after discovering his opponent was Israeli, saying 'I don’t debate with Israelis'. Earlier this month Mr Galloway interviewed Israeli antisemite Gilad Atzmon on his Russia Today television show.|date=27 January 2015|accessdate=31 August 2016}}</ref> Explaining his actions on his ] page, Galloway wrote:


Shah alleged at the event that Galloway's representative in ] impersonated her deceased father to acquire the ''nikah''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Henderson|first=Hannah|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32233892|title=George Galloway's accusations over opponent's forced marriage|publisher=BBC News|date=9 April 2015}}</ref> Ron McKay, Galloway's spokesman, said that there was no dishonesty in gaining access to the document via an intermediary in Pakistan.<ref name="Pidd091415">{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/09/george-galloway-naz-shah-forced-marriage-nikah-bradford-hustings|title=George Galloway accuses Naz Shah of lying about her forced marriage|work=The Guardian|date=9 April 2015}}</ref> Labour supplied media outlets with a copy of Shah's ''nikah'' which confirms that she was 15 at the time of her forced marriage.<ref name="Pidd130415" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Rhys|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/12885061.War_of_words_intensifies_between_Bradford_West_candidates/|title=War of words intensifies between Bradford West candidates|work=Telegraph & Argus|location=Bradford|date=12 April 2015}}</ref> By her own account, Shah was raped during the marriage, but in an email to ], ''The Guardian''{{'}}s northern editor, McKay disputed that it had been a forced marriage at all.<ref name="Pidd130415">{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/13/george-galloway-battle-for-bradford-west-respect-general-election|title=George Galloway divides opinion in battle for Bradford West|work=The Guardian|date=13 April 2015}}</ref>
{{cquote|The reason is simple: no recognition, no normalisation. Just ], ] and ], until the ] state is defeated. I never debate with Israelis nor speak to their media. If they want to speak about Palestine – the address is the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Williams |first=Rob |work=The Independent |title='I don't debate with Israelis': George Galloway accused of racism after walking out of Middle East debate at Oxford |accessdate=21 February 2013 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/i-dont-debate-with-israelis-george-galloway-accused-of-racism-after-walking-out-of-middle-east-debate-at-oxford-8505232.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6EbQJkEvf?url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/i-dont-debate-with-israelis-george-galloway-accused-of-racism-after-walking-out-of-middle-east-debate-at-oxford-8505232.html |archivedate=21 February 2013 |date=21 February 2013 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>}}


Galloway accused Shah of favouring Israel. At one point during the campaign, Galloway tweeted a picture of Israelis waving Israeli flags with the caption "Thank you for electing Naz Shah". The image was juxtaposed with another, showing Palestinians celebrating his own supposedly imminent victory.<ref name="Pidd080515">{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/08/george-galloway-loses-bradford-west-seat-labour-naz-shah-respect|title=George Galloway loses Bradford West seat to Labour's Naz Shah|work=The Guardian|date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bindel|first=Julie|url=http://www.standpointmag.co.uk/node/6024/full|title=The Bitter Battle for the Soul Of Bradford West|work=Standpoint|date=May 2015|access-date=11 May 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518071233/http://www.standpointmag.co.uk/node/6024/full|url-status=dead}}</ref> Shah said she has participated in marches supporting the Palestinian cause.<ref name="Pidd080515" />
Aslan-Levy was quoted in '']'' as saying: "Galloway refused to share a platform with me for no reason other than my nationality: not because of anything I had done or said, but because of the passport I hold. One of the grounds for discrimination, as defined in the Race Relations Act, is nationality".<ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/galloway-s-boycott-a-bully-act-1.42274|title=Galloway's boycott a 'bully' act|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=28 February 2013|accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref> Aslan-Levy later told the '']'' "I'm sure he would have talked to an ], he didn't want to talk to me because I am an ]."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jta.org/news/article/2013/02/21/3120216/british-mp-called-racist-for-refusing-to-debate-israeli|title=British lawmaker Galloway called 'racist' for quitting debate with Israeli|work=]|date=21 February 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130415074557/http://www.jta.org/news/article/2013/02/21/3120216/british-mp-called-racist-for-refusing-to-debate-israeli|archivedate=15 April 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/51631/galloway-tells-student-i-wont-debate-israelis-video|title=Galloway tells student 'I won't debate with Israelis' – video|work=]|date=21 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shaviv|first=Miriam|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-british-student-had-earlier-run-in-with-boycotting-mp|title=Israeli-British student had earlier run-in with boycotting MP|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Marcus|first=Lori Lowenthal|url=http://www.jewishpress.com/news/british-mp-storms-out-i-dont-recognise-israel-and-i-dont-debate-with-israelis/2013/02/22|title=British MP Storming Out: 'I Don't Debate with Israelis'|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Brady|first=Phelim|url=http://www.varsity.co.uk/news/5654|title=Galloway walks out of debate with Oxford Israeli student|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref> ], the ] MP for ], stated: "It is pretty pathetic that George Galloway walked out of the debate when he found out that another speaker was Israeli."<ref name="Huffingtonpoststorms" /> Joan Smith wrote: "It was a typical Galloway performance, characterising himself as the victim of what was actually very bad manners on his part".<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Joan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/george-galloways-israel-denial-may-repel-the-mainstream-but-it-further-cements-his-reputation-within-his-religious-constituency-8507035.html|title=George Galloway's Israel denial may repel the mainstream, but it further cements his reputation within his religious constituency|work=The Independent|date=22 February 2013}}</ref> The ] (BDS) National Committee subsequently released a statement indicating that while it does support a "boycott of Israel", the campaign rejects boycotting an individual "because she or he happens to be Israeli or because they express certain views."<ref name="MurrayJones" /><ref name="Cherwell" />


Galloway later claimed on his Twitter feed that he had been "misled", writing that "Christ Church never informed us that the debate would be with an Israeli. Simple."<ref name="Huffingtonpoststorms">{{cite news|last=Sherriff|first=Lucy|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/21/anti-semitic-george-galloway-oxford-debate-israeli-student_n_2731009.html|title=George Galloway Storms Out On Israeli Student During Oxford University Debate|work=]|date=22 February 2013}}</ref> Galloway was defeated at the ].<ref name="BBC080515">{{cite news|date=8 May 2015|title=Respect leader George Galloway 'broke election law'|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-32638176|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref> Naz Shah won a majority of 11,420 votes over him, reversing the majority of 10,000 votes he had gained at the by-election three years earlier.<ref name="Duggan">{{cite news|last=Duggan|first=Emily|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-facing-defeat-as-tactics-backfire-in-bradford-10234486.html|title=George Galloway defeated by Labour's Naz Shah as tactics backfire in Bradford|work=The Independent|date=8 May 2015|access-date=15 July 2016}}</ref>


On 10 May 2015, Galloway announced an intention to challenge the result, alleging that false statements and malpractice related to ] during the campaign meant that the result of the election should be set aside,<ref name="BBC100515">{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32685844 | title=George Galloway to challenge Bradford West election result | publisher=BBC News | date=10 May 2015 | access-date=11 May 2015}}</ref> but did not do so.<ref>{{cite news|first=Helen |last=Pidd |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/04/george-galloway-election-defeat-petition-deadline-expires |title=Deadline expires for legal challenge over George Galloway election defeat|work=The Guardian|date= 4 June 2015}}</ref> The ] expressed concern that "the continued opposition of the unsuccessful ] candidate George Galloway, to Shah's election is the culmination of a sexist electoral campaign by Galloway".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/Blog/george-galloways-sexist-campaign-against-naz-shah|title=On George Galloway's sexist campaign against Naz Shah|work=Fawcett Society|access-date=26 March 2018}}</ref> In July 2015, ] said he thought "...{{nbsp}}the tactics he used against our candidate, were appalling. I was quite shocked; it was appalling."<ref name=Cowley/>
However, the debate's organiser, Mahmood Naji, flatly denied Galloway's claim that there was an attempt to mislead him. In an open letter to Galloway, Naji stated: "At no point during my email exchange with Mr Galloway's secretary was Eylon's nationality ever brought up or mentioned ... nor do I expect to have to tell the speaker what his opponent's nationality is."<ref name="Cherwell" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4347931,00.html|title=British MP storms out of debate with Israeli student|work=]|date=21 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/21/george-galloway|title=I don't debate with Israelis’: British MP George Galloway storms out of debate after realizing fellow panellist's heritage|work=]|agency=] Wire Services|date=21 February 2013}}</ref>


It emerged in January 2017 that Galloway's reimbursed expense claim for the rent of his constituency office in Bradford West has been forwarded by the ] (IPSA) to the ], which was then at the early assessment stage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/galloway-faces-police-inquiry-over-expenses-59j6k2n3v|title=Galloway faces police inquiry over expenses|work=The Times|location=London|date=13 January 2017|access-date=13 January 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
In the letter, Naji stated that "I was not intending on replying until I saw you once again attempt to, in my opinion, slander me on ]". Naji also released a series of email correspondences with Galloway's secretary.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sherriff|first=Lucy|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/25/george-galloway-humiliated-me-israel-debate-mahmood-naji_n_2757691.html|title='George Galloway Humiliated Me', Says Israel Debate At Oxford Organiser Mahmood Naji (EXCLUSIVE)|work=The Huffington Post|date=25 February 2013}}</ref> ''The Times'' editorial on 22 February commented: "The truth is that Mr Galloway’s abrupt departure was the childish act of an attention-seeker. He has become a circus sideshow: roll up, roll up to be entertained by his next piece of eccentric unreason".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article3695808.ece|title=Lack of Respect|work=The Times|location=London|date=22 February 2013|accessdate=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref>


==Political career outside Parliament (2015–2023)==
In a debate at ] the following October, he was asked if he was a racist. Referring indirectly to his encounter with Aslan-Levy, Galloway said that he had worked undercover for the ] during the apartheid era in ], and stayed exclusively with its Jewish activists. He compared the support of debating Israeli Zionists with that of supporting South African apartheid.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tim Y|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jgZHlV9UMI|title=George Galloway asked 'Are You A Racist' at the Oxford Union|publisher=Oxford Union|work=YouTube|date=26 October 2013|accessdate=24 December 2015}}</ref> "By identifying them as Jews, rather than by their chosen atheist ideology, Galloway makes it clear that the attempt by Jews to shed their Jewish skin and join the global brotherhood of the workers failed", according to Marc Goldberg, writing for '']'' of Galloway's comments at this meeting.<ref name="Goldberg">{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Marc|url=http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/is-george-galloway-an-antisemite|title=Is George Galloway an anti-Semite?|work=The Times of Israel|date=5 September 2016|accessdate=7 September 2016}}</ref> He was "holding them up as examples of good Jews that other ''Jews'' should emulate, not as anti-apartheid campaigners that ''everyone'' should emulate".<ref name="Goldberg" />
During his unsuccessful ] campaign to be re-elected for Bradford West, Galloway announced that he would stand in the election for ] if he lost,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1470829/galloway-i-will-run-for-mayor-if-mp-bid-fails|title=Galloway: I Will Run For Mayor If MP Bid Fails|publisher=Sky News|date=23 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Withnall|first=Adam|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/george-galloway-will-run-to-replace-boris-johnson-as-london-mayor-if-he-fails-to-get-reelected-as-bradford-west-mp-10198667.html|title=George Galloway 'will run to replace Boris Johnson as London Mayor' if he fails to get re-elected as Bradford West MP|work=The Independent|date=23 April 2015}}</ref> an intention he confirmed on Twitter on 28 May.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peyer|first=Robin de|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/george-galloway-announces-plan-to-run-for-london-mayor-10281834.html|title=George Galloway announces plan to run for London Mayor|work=Evening Standard|date=28 May 2015}}</ref> Dave Hill, writing for ''The Guardian'' in November 2015, accused Galloway of making "cutting personal attacks" about the Labour candidate ], a Muslim whom "Galloway{{nbsp}}... appears to consider{{nbsp}}... an inadequate practitioner of his faith" (a reference to Galloway's remark that Khan held the Quran in his left, not right, hand, and it "wasn't missed by people who care about these things").<ref name="Hill251115">{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Dave|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/davehillblog/2015/nov/25/george-galloway-if-i-was-jeremy-corbyn-id-want-me-to-be-london-mayor|title=George Galloway: if I was Jeremy Corbyn I'd want me to be London mayor|work=The Guardian|date=25 November 2015|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Edwardes">{{cite news|last=Edwardes|first=Charlotte|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/george-galloway-i-ve-always-fancied-being-mayor-and-next-year-i-finally-could-be-a3106411.html|title=George Galloway: I've always fancied being mayor – and next year I finally could be|work=Evening Standard|date=4 November 2015|access-date=20 August 2016}}</ref> In the final result, Galloway came seventh with 37,007 (1.4%) first preference votes. After second preference were accounted for, Sadiq Khan became mayor of London.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 May 2016|title=London Elections 2016, Candidates & Results|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/london/results|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>


] in 2017]]
==== Speech in Leeds, August 2014 ====
On 2 August 2014, during the ], Galloway delivered a speech at a public meeting in Leeds.<!-- Unlike HP, some other sources suggest this was a meeting of Respect activists. This is incorrect, the pre-publicity clearly indicated the meeting was open to all. --><ref name="Vale">{{cite news|last=Vale|first=Paul|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/07/george-galloway-investigated-by-yorkshire-police-over-declaration-of-bradford-as-an-israel-free-zone_n_5659328.html|title=George Galloway Investigated By Police Over Declaration Of Bradford As An 'Israel-Free Zone'|work=The Huffington Post|date=7 August 2014}}</ref> He said:
{{cquote|We have declared Bradford an Israel-free zone. We don't want any Israeli goods, we don't want any Israeli services, we don't want any Israeli academics coming to the university or the college, we don't even want any Israeli tourists to come to Bradford even if any of them had thought of doing so. We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel. And you have to do the same."<ref name="Rawlinson">{{cite news|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/07/george-galloway-investigated-police-bradford-israel-free-zone|title=George Galloway investigated by police for saying Bradford an 'Israel-free zone'|work=The Guardian|date=7 August 2014}}</ref>}}


In July 2015, Galloway endorsed Jeremy Corbyn's ] in the ].<ref name="Hill251115" /> He ]: "Congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn MP and good fortune in the labour leadership contest. If he wins it will change everything{{nbsp}}..."<ref name="spectator">{{cite magazine|url=https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2015/07/friends-reunited-how-george-galloway-hopes-to-work-closely-with-jeremy-corbyn/|title=Friends reunited: how George Galloway hopes to 'work closely' with Jeremy Corbyn|magazine=]|date=28 July 2015|access-date=15 July 2017|archive-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522182418/https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2015/07/friends-reunited-how-george-galloway-hopes-to-work-closely-with-jeremy-corbyn/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also said that he would become a Labour Party member "pretty damn quick" if Corbyn was elected as Labour leader.<ref name="Edwardes" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Bolton|first=Doug|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-says-he-will-re-join-labour-pretty-damn-quick-if-jeremy-corbyn-becomes-leader-10429016.html|title=George Galloway says he will re-join Labour 'pretty damn quick' if Jeremy Corbyn becomes leader|work=The Independent|date=30 July 2015|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref> Less than a week after Corbyn became leader, a Labour <!-- Form used in the source. -->spokeswoman told '']'': "George Galloway has not applied to rejoin the Labour party and he will not be receiving an invitation."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Lucy|last2=Cowburn|first2=Ashley|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article4560336.ece|title=Labour tells Galloway he isn't welcome|work=The Times|location=London|date=18 September 2015|access-date=11 April 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Corbyn himself said in July 2015 during an interview with ''New Statesman'' editor ] that he was appalled at the tactics Galloway used while defending his seat against Naz Shah (Labour) during the general election.<ref name=Cowley>{{cite news|last=Cowley|first=Jason|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2015/07/jeremy-corbyn-interview-i-think-we-have-think-terms-disillusioned-who-didn-t|title=Jeremy Corbyn: 'I think we have to think in terms of the disillusioned who didn't vote'|work=New Statesman|date=29 July 2015|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref> In an interview to '']'' journalist Paul Waugh in December 2015, Corbyn said that Galloway's readmission to the party was a decision not within his powers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waugh|first=Paul|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/12/20/jeremy-corbyn-signals-lab_0_n_8849300.html|title=Jeremy Corbyn Signals Labour Party Members Could Have Direct Say Over Trident Policy; George Galloway And Reselection Rules 'Up to The Party To Decide'|work=HuffPost|date=21 December 2015|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>
Galloway's remarks drew sharp criticism from British politicians and Jewish leaders. ] MP ] described Galloway's words as an "ill-considered rant that will cause great offence to many" while adding that "most ] citizens are like British people as a whole: tolerant and decent – and will ignore Mr Galloway’s demands, treating them with the contempt they deserve."<ref name="BBC070814">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28687233|title=Galloway under investigation over Israel remarks|publisher=BBC News|date=7 August 2014}}</ref> Jonathan Arkush, then vice-president of the ] stated that Galloway "is so intolerant he can’t bear to have someone with an opposing view in his town".<ref name=Israelienvoy /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.609515|title=U.K. MP Galloway probed for declaring Bradford an 'Israel-free zone'|work=Haaretz|date=7 August 2014}}</ref>


Following ]'s much criticised comments in late April 2016 concerning ] and Zionism, Galloway supported Livingstone's argument.<ref name=IndyLivingstone>{{cite news|last=Staufenberg|first=Jess|title=George Galloway has defended Ken Livingstone's Hitler comments as 'historical fact'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-antisemitism-row-george-galloway-ken-livingstone-hitler-comments-historical-fact-a7006321.html|access-date=29 April 2016|work=The Independent|date=29 April 2016}}</ref> Galloway disputed that Livingstone's comments were antisemitic.<ref name=IndyLivingstone /> "The ] has just destroyed the Labour Party", he tweeted in May 2016. "It is an amazing achievement".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hirsh|first=David|url=https://www.thejc.com/comment/analysis/there-is-a-serious-problem-among-uk-opinion-formers-1.56504|title=There is a serious problem among UK opinion formers|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=6 May 2016|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref>
], the Israeli ambassador to the UK, visited Bradford on 18 August in response to an invitation, where he met with local councillors, faith leaders and community representatives.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/19/israel-geroge-galloway-bradford-ambassador_n_5690556.html|title=Israeli Ambassador Pays A Visit To George Galloway's 'Israel-Free Zone'|work=The Huffington Post|date=19 August 2014}}</ref> In an interview, Taub commented that his visit was proof that "the people of Bradford sent a clear message that George Galloway does not represent them."<ref>{{cite news|last=Whitehouse|first=Paul|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/bradford/11417368.print/|title=Israeli ambassador visits Bradford to answer Galloway comments|work=Telegraph & Argus|location=Bradford|date=18 August 2014}}</ref> Galloway told a reporter from the ] website: "As has just been proved, I cannot make Bradford an Israel-free zone, but I am certain that the Israeli ambassador was not welcome."<ref name=Israelienvoy>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-envoy-to-britain-visits-israel-free-zone/|title=Israeli envoy to Britain visits ‘Israel-free zone’|work=The Times of Israel|date=19 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Waterson|first=Jim|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimwaterson/george-galloway-attacks-israeli-ambassador-for-visiting-brad|title=George Galloway Attacks Israeli Ambassador For Visiting Bradford’s 'Israeli-Free Zone'|work=BuzzFeed|date=19 August 2015}}</ref> Galloway accused the councillors who had invited the ambassador of fraternising with a "mouthpiece for murder".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kalmus|first=Jonathan|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/121590/ambassador-turns-bradford-israeli|title=Ambassador turns Bradford Israeli|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=21 August 2014}}</ref>


In July 2016, Galloway endorsed Corbyn's campaign in the ]. He said: "If Corbyn wins a big victory – and I think he will – then that should be, and it's important that it is, the final burial of ] and ]."<ref name="independent">{{cite news |last=Aftab|first=Kaleem|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-on-his-documentary-film-the-killing-of-tony-blair-it-s-a-considered-narrative-not-an-a7156986.html|title=George Galloway on his documentary film The Killing$ of Tony Blair: 'It's a considered narrative, not an angry tirade'|work=]|date=26 July 2016|access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref>
] had said earlier in the month that they were investigating two complaints which had been made following Galloway's speech to determine if Galloway's words constituted ] (British law prohibits discrimination based on nationality).<ref name="Rawlinson" /><ref name="BBC070814" /> It emerged on 19 August that Galloway had been questioned under caution by West Yorkshire police in Leeds, and the matter would be referred to the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-28861448|title=George Galloway MP questioned by police over Israel speech|publisher=BBC News|date=10 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=Mancharged>{{cite news|url=http://www.jta.org/2014/08/31/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/man-charged-in-religiously-motivated-assault-on-british-lawmaker-george-Galloway|title=Man charged in religiously motivated assault on British lawmaker George Galloway|agency=]|date=31 August 2014}}</ref> Galloway subsequently criticised the police investigation, describing it as "an absolute and despicable attempt to curb my freedom of speech".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/george-galloway-quizzed-by-police-over-israel-speech.1408519031|title=George Galloway: I won't be silenced|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|date=20 August 2014}}</ref>


The Respect Party "voluntarily deregistered" from the ] on 18 August 2016.<ref name="Fenton">{{cite news|last=Fenton|first=Siobhan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-respect-party-deregisters-labour-jeremy-corbyn-member-a7202191.html|title=George Galloway's Respect Party deregisters, prompting speculation politician may rejoin Labour|work=The Independent|date=21 August 2016|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP362|title=Registration summary|publisher=Electoral Commission|date=18 August 2016|access-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>
In October 2014, it emerged that Galloway would not be prosecuted for his comments on the grounds of "insufficient evidence", although West Yorkshire Police had "recorded this matter as a hate incident."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/bradford-mp-george-galloway-escapes-criminal-charges-over-anti-israel-speech-in-leeds-1-6897569|title=Bradford MP George Galloway escapes criminal charges over anti-Israel speech in Leeds|work=Yorkshire Post|date=15 October 2014}}</ref> On 13 October 2014, Galloway abstained from a vote in the ] formally recognising Palestine because the motion included the recognition of Israel as well. In a statement released on the Respect website, he advocated a one-state solution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.respectparty.org/2014/10/10/statement-from-george-galloway-on-palestine-motion-in-parliament|title=Statement from George Galloway on Parliament Palestine motion|publisher=Respect Party|date=10 October 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101215823/http://www.respectparty.org/2014/10/10/statement-from-george-galloway-on-palestine-motion-in-parliament/|archivedate=1 November 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/10/13/palestine-statehood-vote-parliament-recognise-britain_n_5976472.html|title=Palestine Statehood Vote: Parliament To Argue For Recognition From UK|work=The Huffington Post|date=13 October 2014}}</ref>


It was announced on 21 March 2017 that Galloway was standing as an independent candidate at the ] set for 4 May, following the death of Sir ] in February. Gorton had been one of Labour's safest seats at the 2015 general election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/mar/21/george-galloway-to-contest-manchester-gorton-byelection|title=George Galloway to contest Manchester Gorton byelection|work=The Guardian|date=21 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref> The by-election was cancelled following the announcement of the ] being held on 8 June. Galloway subsequently transferred his candidacy to the general election. At the election, Labour easily retained the seat; Galloway came a distant third with 5.7% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000808|title=Manchester Gorton|publisher=BBC News|date=9 June 2017|access-date=9 June 2017}}</ref>
=== Before and after the 2015 general election ===


In the ], Galloway contested the Parliamentary seat of ] as an independent, describing himself as supportive of Corbyn's leadership but also supportive of Brexit.<ref name="LabourList">{{cite news|last1=Rodgers|first1=Sienna|date=9 November 2019|title=Ibrahim Dogus replaces Tom Watson as Labour's West Bromwich East candidate|work=LabourList|url=https://labourlist.org/2019/11/ibrahim-dogus-replaces-tom-watson-as-labours-west-bromwich-east-candidate/|access-date=9 November 2019}}</ref> He came sixth with 489 votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Bromwich East |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001029 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=14 December 2019}}</ref>
==== Further accusations of antisemitism ====
On 5 February 2015, Galloway appeared on an edition of the BBC's '']'' discussion programme which was recorded in ], London, part of a constituency with the largest Jewish community in the UK.<ref name="Dysch060215">{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/129593/george-galloway-challenged-hostile-audience-finchley-question-time|title=George Galloway challenged by hostile audience at Finchley Question Time|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=6 February 2015}}</ref> Galloway's appearance on this edition of the programme was the subject of much media coverage at the time because of his outspoken attitude towards Israel.<ref>Alex Klineberg , ''The Times of Israel'' (blog), 28 February 2015.</ref> Part of the debate focused on ] and Galloway strongly objected to the insinuation that he is an antisemite.<ref name="Dysch060215" /> (In 2008, Galloway said "the slur" was "categorically crushed" after he won a libel action against the Jewish station ] following the broadcast of a parody of him shouting "Kill the Jews, Kill the Jews".)<ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/galloway-spoof-closed-down-a-radio-station|title=Galloway spoof that closed down a radio station|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=7 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920221623/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/galloway-spoof-closed-down-a-radio-station|archive-date=20 September 2016|dead-url=yes}}</ref> Five days later, ], a columnist for ''The Guardian'', tweeted: "Galloway has said and done things that cross the line from anti-Israel to antisemitic".<ref>{{cite news|last=Mostrous|first=Alexi|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article4368101.ece|title=Galloway demands cash for Twitter 'libel'|work=The Times|date=28 February 2015|accessdate=16 September 2015}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cohen|first=Ben|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/02/12/anti-zionist-british-parliamentarian-george-galloway-launches-legal-action-against-journalists-antisemite-tweet|title=Anti-Zionist British Parliamentarian George Galloway Launches Legal Action Against Journalist’s 'Antisemite' Tweet|work=the algemeiner|date=12 February 2015}}</ref>


On 14 December 2019, Galloway launched the ], which describes itself as "economically radical with an independent foreign policy" and "unequivocally committed to class politics".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18104403.former-bradford-mp-george-galloway-launches-new-workers-party/|title=Former Bradford MP George Galloway launches new 'Workers Party'|last=Macnamara|first=Felicity|date=16 December 2019|access-date=12 January 2020|work=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> Galloway is the party's leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://workerspartybritain.org/about/|title=Introducing the Workers Party|date=12 December 2019|website=Workers Party of Britain|access-date=15 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214213955/https://workerspartybritain.org/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref> Electoral Commission Register of Political Parties</ref>
Galloway warned Freeman of a suit for defamation if her tweet were not deleted, but reverted to his earlier posture after she did so.<ref name="Reidy">{{cite news|last=Reidy|first=Padraig|url=https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2015/03/padraig-reidy-george-galloways-dear-tweeter-letters/|title=George Galloway’s dear tweeter letters|work=Index on Censorship|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> Some Twitter account holders who had re-tweeted Freeman's comment were then sent a letter from Chambers Solicitors acting for Galloway asking for an apology and £5,000 plus ] (then levied at 20%) to cover costs incurred by the letter and were threatened with potential litigation if the recipients did not pay the money into a ] bank account.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dearden|first=Lizzie|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-galloway-demanding-5000-from-twitter-users-over-antisemitism-libel-10077205.html|title=George Galloway demands £5,000 from Twitter users over 'anti-Semitism' libel and threatens legal action|work=The Independent|date=28 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/131079/tweeters-offered-legal-help-galloway-sues|title=Tweeters offered legal help as Galloway sues|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> The ], which looks into professional malpractice were aware of the issue by early March 2015.<ref name="Reidy" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Bowcott|first=Owen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/04/complaints-to-solicitors-regulator-over-libel-demands-from-galloways-lawyers|title=Complaints to solicitors' regulator over libel demands from Galloway's lawyers|work=The Guardian|date=4 March 2015}}</ref>


On 16 November 2020 Galloway announced his intention to stand in the expected by-election in ], after sitting MP ] was accused of breaching COVID-19 regulations, for which she faces a possible recall petition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-MP Galloway sets his sights on one more parliamentary battle – a by-election in Rutherglen|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18876175.ex-mp-george-galloway-sets-sights-one-parliamentary-battle---by-election-rutherglen/|access-date=19 November 2020|website=The Herald|date=16 November 2020 }}</ref>
], Professor of Law at ], noted that an editor of the ] website had sent a tweet to Freeman asking if she could provide evidence for her claim that Galloway is antisemitic. Heinze wrote that "any example she could cite would probably persuade some and not others. Even if an overwhelming majority were unpersuaded, a highly popular opinion does not create an objectively verifiable fact."<ref>{{cite news|last=Heinze|first=Eric|url=https://theconversation.com/british-mp-exploits-vague-defamation-law-to-sue-guardian-journalist-37486|title=British MP exploits vague defamation law to sue Guardian journalist|work=The Conversation|date=12 February 2015}} See also {{cite book|last=Heinze|first=Eric|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P1hxCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA31|title=Hate Speech and Democratic Citizenship|location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2016|page=31}}</ref> Chambers Solicitors' conduct was the subject of a warning from the SRA a year later.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ames|first1=Jonathan|last2=Gibb|first2=Frances|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article4710618.ece|title=Galloway’s lawyers warned over letters to tweeters|work=The Times|location=London|date=11 March 2016|accessdate=11 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Initiating a libel action must begin within a year and no formal writ was issued.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marcus|first=Laura|url=http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/comment/154762/george-galloway-made-me-a-zionist|title=George Galloway made me a Zionist|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=17 March 2016|accessdate=4 April 2016}}</ref>


He led ] in the ]<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=14 July 2020|title=Could a new independence party reshape Scottish politics?|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-53402456|access-date=28 January 2021}}</ref> and announced his intention to vote for the ] on the constituency vote, and for his own party on the list vote. This contradicted several other occasions in which he said voting Conservative was something he would never even consider.<ref>{{cite news|title=George Galloway to vote Tory despite saying he would sooner 'poke his eyes out'|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19126273.george-galloway-vote-tory-try-stop-scottish-independence/|date=1 March 2021|access-date=2 March 2021|website=The National}}</ref> All for Unity received 23,299 votes in the election, or 0.9%, placing the party 7th nationally and giving them zero seats.
==== Campaign and defeat ====
During a husting meeting in Galloway's Bradford West constituency on 8 April during the ] heated exchanges occurred between Galloway and the Labour candidate, ]. Galloway accused her of lying about her ] which had been the subject of an open letter written by Shah and released to the media after her selection as a candidate.<ref name="BBC100415">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32259901|title=Election 2015: George Galloway broke election law, Labour claims|publisher=BBC News|date=10 April 2015}}</ref> He said Shah was in error in claiming she was "subject to a forced marriage at the age of 15. But you were not 15. You were 16-and-a-half". He then produced what he said was her ''nikah'', a Muslim marriage certificate.<ref>{{cite news|last=Selby|first=Jenn|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-galloway-accuses-labour-candidate-naz-shah-of-lying-about-her-forced-marriage-10164429.html|title=George Galloway: Respect MP accuses Labour candidate Naz Shah of lying about her forced marriage|work=The Independent|date=9 April 2015}}</ref>


On 27 May 2021, Galloway announced his intention to stand for the ].<ref>{{cite web|date=27 May 2021|title=Ex-Labour MP George Galloway joins Batley and Spen byelection race|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/27/ex-labour-mp-george-galloway-joins-batley-and-spen-byelection-race|access-date=27 May 2021|website=The Guardian}}</ref> The Labour campaign accused Galloway's campaign of aggressive and intimidatory tactics during the by-election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jul/01/galloway-bid-for-batley-and-spen-seat-mired-in-intimidation-claims |title=Galloway bid for Batley and Spen seat mired in intimidation claims |last=Wolfe-Robinson |first=Maya |website=The Guardian |date=1 July 2021 |access-date=13 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/02/george-galloway-batley-and-spen-byelection |title=George Galloway doesn't 'sow division'. He sprays it everywhere |last=Hyde |first=Marina |website=The Guardian |date=2 July 2021 |access-date=13 February 2024}}</ref> Galloway came third with 21.8% of the vote, and said he would challenge the outcome of the election in court, as he said lies were told about him during the election campaign.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 July 2021|title=George Galloway says he will take legal action to challenge by-election defeat|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-batley-and-spen-by-election-result-legal-challenge-b1876823.html|access-date=2 July 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref>
Shah alleged at the event that Galloway's representative in ] impersonated her deceased father in order to acquire the ''nikah''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Henderson|first=Hannah|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32233892|title=George Galloway's accusations over opponent's forced marriage|publisher=BBC News|date=9 April 2015}}</ref> Ron McKay, Galloway's spokesman, has asserted that there was no dishonesty in gaining access to the document via an intermediary in Pakistan.<ref name="Pidd091415">{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/09/george-galloway-naz-shah-forced-marriage-nikah-bradford-hustings|title=George Galloway accuses Naz Shah of lying about her forced marriage|work=The Guardian|date=9 April 2015}}</ref> Labour supplied media outlets with a copy of Shah's ''nikah'' which confirms that she was fifteen at the time of her forced marriage.<ref name="Pidd130415" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Rhys|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/12885061.War_of_words_intensifies_between_Bradford_West_candidates/|title=War of words intensifies between Bradford West candidates|work=Telegraph & Argus|location=Bradford|date=12 April 2015}}</ref> By her own account, Shah was raped during the marriage, but in an email to ], ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Northern Editor, McKay disputed whether it had been a forced marriage at all.<ref name="Pidd130415">{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/13/george-galloway-battle-for-bradford-west-respect-general-election|title=George Galloway divides opinion in battle for Bradford West|work=The Guardian|date=13 April 2015}}</ref>


In mid-May 2022, Galloway, who ran in neighbouring Batley and Spen in a 2021 by-election, posted a video saying that he might "put my own hat in the ring" and run in the ] for the ], while criticising Labour's candidate selection process. However, Galloway stated that he would prefer for a local candidate amongst the Labour ranks to stand.<ref name=":1" />
Galloway accused Shah of favouring Israel. At one point during the campaign, Galloway tweeted a picture of Israelis waving Israeli flags with the caption "Thank you for electing Naz Shah". The image was juxtaposed with another, showing Palestinians celebrating his own supposedly imminent victory.<ref name="Pidd080515">{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/08/george-galloway-loses-bradford-west-seat-labour-naz-shah-respect|title=George Galloway loses Bradford West seat to Labour's Naz Shah|work=The Guardian|date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bindel|first=Julie|url=http://www.standpointmag.co.uk/node/6024/full|title=The Bitter Battle For The Soul Of Bradford West|work=Standpoint|date=May 2015}}</ref> Shah said she has participated in marches supporting the Palestinian cause.<ref name="Pidd080515" />


==MP for Rochdale and after (2024–present)==
Galloway was defeated at the ]. Naz Shah won a majority of 11,420 votes over him, reversing the majority of 10,000 votes he had gained at the by-election three years earlier.<ref name="Duggan">{{cite news|last=Duggan|first=Emily|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-facing-defeat-as-tactics-backfire-in-bradford-10234486.html|title=George Galloway defeated by Labour's Naz Shah as tactics backfire in Bradford|work=The Independent|date=8 May 2015|accessdate=15 July 2016}}</ref>
{{multiple image|total_width=400
|image1=George Galloway, Rochdale by-election 2.png
|caption1=Galloway making his post-declaration speech at the ] count
|image2=George Galloway sworn in Commons (2024-03-04) (cropped).jpg
|caption2=Galloway being sworn in as the MP for ], 4 March 2024
}}
In January 2024, Galloway announced that he would stand in the ] the following month, again for the Workers Party of Britain.<ref>{{cite news|date=27 January 2024|title=George Galloway throws his hat into the ring for Rochdale by-election to 'teach Labour a lesson'|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/george-galloway-throws-hat-ring-28524793|access-date=27 January 2024 |work=Manchester Evening News|first=William|last=Morgan}}</ref> He was elected in a ] after Azhar Ali, the Labour candidate, lost the support of his party due to comments made regarding the ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Castle |first=Stephen |date=1 March 2024 |title=George Galloway, Leftist Firebrand, Wins U.K. Seat in Blow to Labour Party |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/world/europe/george-galloway-rochdale-by-election.html |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Courea |first1=Eleni |last2=Adu |first2=Aletha |date=12 February 2024 |title=Labour withdraws support for Rochdale candidate after Israel-Gaza remarks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/12/labour-withdraws-support-for-rochdale-candidate-after-israel-gaza-remarks |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=] |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Galloway won almost 40% of the vote and overturned a Labour majority of 9,668.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grunewald |first1=Zoe |title=George Galloway wins Rochdale by-election after Labour fiasco and declares: 'This is for Gaza' |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/george-galloway-wins-rochdale-election-030302665.html|website=Yahoo News |access-date=1 March 2024 |date=1 March 2024}}</ref> The ] dominated the campaign. In his election speech, Galloway said "], this is for Gaza. You will pay a high price for the role that you have played in enabling, encouraging and covering for the catastrophe presently going on in occupied Gaza, in the Gaza Strip".<ref name=Halliday>{{cite web |last1=Halliday |first1=Josh |last2=Ahmed |first2=Aneesa |title='This is for Gaza': George Galloway sweeps to victory in Rochdale byelection |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/01/george-galloway-wins-rochdale-byelection |website=The Guardian |access-date=1 March 2024 |date=1 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Residents of Rochdale caught up in increasingly toxic by-election campaign |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d6678003-7d84-44a6-aad1-801760d6cf06 |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Alluding to the size of his win over the Labour and Conservative candidates, he said, "Keir Starmer and ] are two cheeks of the same backside and they both got well and truly spanked tonight here in Rochdale."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-68443430|title=Rochdale by-election: Landslide win for George Galloway|date=1 March 2024|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> On 23 May, Galloway confirmed he would be running for re-election in Rochdale at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=General election 2024: what we know so far about Rochdale candidates and constituencies |url=https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/156214/general-election-2024-what-we-know-so-far-about-rochdale-candidates-and-constituencies |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=www.rochdaleonline.co.uk}}</ref> Galloway polled 11,508 votes and lost the seat to Labour's ], who polled 13,047 votes. Galloway did not attend the vote count.<ref>{{Cite web |author=LabourList Staff|date=2024-07-05 |title=Rochdale election result: Paul Waugh wins seat back from George Galloway |url=https://labourlist.org/2024/07/george-galloway-rochdale-general-election-results-2024/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=LabourList |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=James |date=2024-07-05 |title=George Galloway is no show at election count after just 92 days as Rochdale MP |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/george-galloway-no-show-election-29479046 |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}</ref> He was MP for Rochdale for 92 days.<ref name=":2" />


==Political views==
It emerged in January 2017 that Galloway's reimbursed expense claim for the rent of his constituency office in Bradford West has been forwarded by the ] (IPSA) to the ] who were then at the early assessment stage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/galloway-faces-police-inquiry-over-expenses-59j6k2n3v|title=Galloway faces police inquiry over expenses|work=The Times|location=London|date=13 January 2017|accessdate=13 January 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
{{Republicanism sidebar}}
] petition, sitting on the edge of the ] stage at the 2005 ] rally.]]
Galloway told '']'' in June 2012: "I am not a ]. I am a revolutionary. I am a ] who doesn't like ] and who likes ] less. ... I support the armed struggle where there is no alternative."<ref>{{cite news|last=Chalmers|first=Robert|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/still-standing-george-galloway-reveals-why-his-staunchly-leftist-outlook-is-still-invariably-right-7848557.html|title=Still standing: George Galloway reveals why his staunchly Leftist outlook is still invariably right|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=17 June 2012}}</ref> In a 2002 interview with '']'', Galloway said he had supported the ] and said that its end was "the biggest catastrophe of my life".<ref name="Hattenstone" /> In 2024, Galloway identified as ].<ref name="Telegraph, February 2024" />


Writing for ''The Guardian'' in 2024, Michael Chessum argued that Galloway's politics had shifted in the latter half of the 2010s, embracing ] and social conservatism alongside more typically leftist positions, and highlighting the involvement of the socially conservative ] in the early years of the Workers Party. Chessum likened Galloway's political evolution to that of German politician ], a leading member of ] who broke away to found ], and who similarly espouses socially conservative positions and anti-] views.<ref name="Chessum 2024">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/commentisfree/2024/mar/03/writing-off-george-galloway-ignores-his-dangerous-appeal-to-both-far-left-and-right |title=Writing off George Galloway ignores his dangerous appeal to both far left and right |last=Chessum |first=Michael |date=3 March 2024 |website=] |access-date=3 March 2024}}</ref>
==== London Mayoral campaign (2015–16) ====
During his unsuccessful 2015 general election campaign to be re-elected for Bradford West, Galloway announced that he would stand in the election for ] if he lost,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1470829/galloway-i-will-run-for-mayor-if-mp-bid-fails|title=Galloway: I Will Run For Mayor If MP Bid Fails|publisher=Sky News|date=23 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Withnall|first=Adam|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/george-galloway-will-run-to-replace-boris-johnson-as-london-mayor-if-he-fails-to-get-reelected-as-bradford-west-mp-10198667.html|title=George Galloway 'will run to replace Boris Johnson as London Mayor' if he fails to get re-elected as Bradford West MP|work=The Independent|date=23 April 2015}}</ref> an intention he confirmed, via his Twitter account, on 28 May.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peyer|first=Robin de|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/george-galloway-announces-plan-to-run-for-london-mayor-10281834.html|title=George Galloway announces plan to run for London Mayor|work=London Evening Standard|date=28 May 2015}}</ref>


===Social conservatism===
Dave Hill, writing for ''The Guardian'' in November 2015, accused Galloway of making "cutting personal attacks" about the Labour candidate ], a Muslim who Galloway believes inadequately practices the faith.<ref name="Hill251115">{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Dave|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/davehillblog/2015/nov/25/george-galloway-if-i-was-jeremy-corbyn-id-want-me-to-be-london-mayor|title=George Galloway: if I was Jeremy Corbyn I'd want me to be London mayor|work=The Guardian|date=25 November 2015|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Edwardes">{{cite news|last=Edwardes|first=Charlotte|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/george-galloway-i-ve-always-fancied-being-mayor-and-next-year-i-finally-could-be-a3106411.html|title=George Galloway: I’ve always fancied being mayor – and next year I finally could be|work=London Evening Standard|date=4 November 2015|accessdate=20 August 2016}}</ref> In the final result, Galloway came seventh with 37,007 (1.4%) first preference votes. After second preference were accounted for, Sadiq Khan became Mayor of London.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/london/results|title=London Elections 2016, Candidates & Results|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=7 May 2016}}</ref>
Galloway's views on social issues have changed over time. He once received an award from ] and voted to lower the age of consent for homosexuality from 18 to 16.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=Benjamin |title="What was the right answer for the question?" George Galloway and gay rights |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2006/02/21/what-was-the-right-answer-for-the-question-george-galloway-and-gay-rights/ |website=PinkNews |date=21 February 2006}}</ref> He voted in favour of allowing gay couples to marry in 2013, though he was absent for the third reading of the bill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/divisions/pw-2013-02-05-151-commons/mp/10218|title=Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill — Second Reading: Recent Votes|website=TheyWorkForYou}}</ref>


In 2024, Galloway described himself as ].<ref name="Telegraph, February 2024" /> In May 2024, the left-wing organisation ] accused Galloway of "blatant ] and ]", after Galloway stated in an interview that he did not want children taught that "gay relationships are exactly the same and as normal as a mum, a dad and kids". Galloway said he wanted children taught that "the normal thing in Britain, in society across the world, is a mother, a father and a family".<ref>{{cite news |last= Corbett |first= Helen |date= 3 May 2024 |title= George Galloway criticised for 'blatant homophobia' |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/george-galloway-rochdale-chris-bryant-britain-momentum-b1155230.html |work= Evening Standard |access-date= 4 May 2024}}</ref> Galloway has also been stated to oppose transgender rights<ref name="Chessum 2024" /> and has been accused of "transphobic dog-whistles", as well as "disinformation and conspiracist ideas" regarding transgender people.<ref name="Byline Times">{{cite news |last= Norris |first= Sian |date= 28 June 2021 |title= Homophobic and Transphobic Dog-Whistles in Batley Echo the Religious Right's Anti-LGBTIQ Agenda |url= https://bylinetimes.com/2021/06/28/homophobic-and-transphobic-dog-whistles-in-batley-echo-the-religious-rights-anti-lgbtiq-agenda/ |work= Byline Times |access-date= 8 May 2024}}</ref> Galloway has complained in written articles – including for RT – of what he has called "transmania".<ref name="Byline Times"/>
==== Other developments (2015–17) ====
In July 2015, Galloway endorsed ]'s ] in the ]. He ]: "Congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn MP and good fortune in the labour leadership contest. If he wins it will change everything..."<ref name="spectator">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2015/07/friends-reunited-how-george-galloway-hopes-to-work-closely-with-jeremy-corbyn/|title=Friends reunited: how George Galloway hopes to ‘work closely' with Jeremy Corbyn|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=28 July 2015|accessdate=15 July 2017}}</ref> He also said that he would become a Labour Party member "pretty damn quick" if Corbyn was elected as Labour leader.<ref name="Edwardes" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Bolton|first=Doug|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-says-he-will-re-join-labour-pretty-damn-quick-if-jeremy-corbyn-becomes-leader-10429016.html|title=George Galloway says he will re-join Labour 'pretty damn quick' if Jeremy Corbyn becomes leader|work=The Independent|date=30 July 2015|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref> Less than a week after Corbyn became leader, a Labour <!-- Form used in the source. -->spokeswoman told ''The Times'': "George Galloway has not applied to rejoin the Labour party and he will not be receiving an invitation."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Lucy|last2=Cowburn|first2=Ashley|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article4560336.ece|title=Labour tells Galloway he isn’t welcome|work=The Times|location=London|date=18 September 2015|accessdate=11 April 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Corbyn himself said in July 2015 during an interview with ''New Statesman'' editor ] that he was appalled at the tactics Galloway used while defending his seat against Naz Shah (Labour) during the general election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cowley|first=Jason|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2015/07/jeremy-corbyn-interview-i-think-we-have-think-terms-disillusioned-who-didn-t|title=Jeremy Corbyn: 'I think we have to think in terms of the disillusioned who didn't vote'|work=New Statesman|date=29 July 2015|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref> He told Paul Waugh in December 2015 that Galloway's readmission to the party was a decision not within his powers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waugh|first=Paul|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/12/20/jeremy-corbyn-signals-lab_0_n_8849300.html|title=Jeremy Corbyn Signals Labour Party Members Could Have Direct Say Over Trident Policy; George Galloway And Reselection Rules 'Up to The Party To Decide'|work=The Huffington Post|date=21 December 2015|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>


In a 2004 interview with '']'', Galloway stated his opposition to abortion rights. He said he was "strongly against abortion. I believe life begins at conception, and therefore unborn babies have rights. I think abortion is immoral."<ref>{{cite web |date=4 April 2004 |title=George Galloway: It's not easy being Gorgeous |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/george-galloway-it-s-not-easy-being-gorgeous-54718.html |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=The Independent }}</ref>
Following ]'s much criticised comments in late April 2016 concerning ] and Zionism, Galloway supported Livingstone's argument.<ref name=IndyLivingstone>{{cite news|last=Staufenberg|first=Jess|title=George Galloway has defended Ken Livingstone's Hitler comments as 'historical fact'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-antisemitism-row-george-galloway-ken-livingstone-hitler-comments-historical-fact-a7006321.html|accessdate=29 April 2016|work=The Independent|date=29 April 2016}}</ref> Galloway disputed that Livingstone's comments were antisemitic.<ref name=IndyLivingstone /> "The Israel lobby has just destroyed the Labour Party", he tweeted in May 2016. "It is an amazing achievement".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hirsh|first=David|url=https://www.thejc.com/comment/analysis/there-is-a-serious-problem-among-uk-opinion-formers-1.56504|title=There is a serious problem among UK opinion formers|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=6 May 2016|accessdate=12 March 2017}}</ref>


===Opposition to Israel and Zionism===
In July 2016, Galloway also endorsed Corbyn's ] in ]. He said: "If Corbyn wins a big victory – and I think he will – then that should be, and it's important that it is, the final burial of ] and ]."<ref name="independent">{{cite news |last=Aftab|first=Kaleem|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-on-his-documentary-film-the-killing-of-tony-blair-it-s-a-considered-narrative-not-an-a7156986.html|title=George Galloway on his documentary film The Killing$ of Tony Blair: ‘It’s a considered narrative, not an angry tirade’|work= |location= |publisher='']''|date=26 July 2016|accessdate=15 July 2017}}</ref>
Galloway is a staunch ] and ]. He regards ] committing ]. In 2013, he said "I don't recognise Israel and I don't debate with Israelis".<ref name=MurrayJones/> The following year, he declared Bradford an "Israel-free zone".<ref name=Rawlinson/>


During the ], Galloway said in a speech at ] on 3 January 2009: "Today, the Palestinian people in Gaza are the new ], and those who are murdering them are the equivalent of those who murdered the Jews in Warsaw in 1943".<ref name="Rausing">{{cite news|last=Rausing|first=Sigrid|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/middle-east/2009/04/israel-ghetto-palestinian-anti|title=The code for conspiracy|work=New Statesman|date=23 April 2009}}</ref> ] in '']'' commented that "the effect of repeating, again and again, that Israel is a Nazi state" was, potentially, an incitement to attack Jews because the comparison with Nazis as "the embodiment of evil" implies that "the only appropriate response is hate".<ref>{{cite news|last=Freedland|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/feb/04/gaza-jewish-community|title=As British Jews come under attack, the liberal left must not remain silent|work=The Guardian|date=4 February 2009}}</ref> ] wrote in the '']'': "The claim of moral equivalence is dangerous, not because it exaggerates the horror of Gaza (the reality of that bombardment was probably worse than we can really imagine), but because it minimises the horror of the ]."<ref name="Rausing" />
The Respect Party "voluntarily deregistered" from the ] on 18 August 2016.<ref name="Fenton" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP362|title=Registration summary|publisher=Electoral Commission|date=18 August 2016|accessdate=20 August 2016}}</ref> It was announced on 21 March 2017 that Galloway was standing as an ] candidate at the forthcoming ] set for 4 May, following the death of Sir ] in February. Gorton had been one of Labour's safest seats at the 2015 general election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/mar/21/george-galloway-to-contest-manchester-gorton-byelection|title=George Galloway to contest Manchester Gorton byelection|work=The Guardian|date=21 March 2017|accessdate=21 March 2017}}</ref> The by-election was cancelled following the announcement of the ] being held on 8 June. Galloway subsequently transferred his candidacy to the general election. At the election, Labour easily retained the seat; Galloway came a distant third with 5.7% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000808|title=Manchester Gorton|publisher=BBC News|date=9 June 2017|accessdate=9 June 2017}}</ref>


In an interview with the American radio host and conspiracy theorist ] in September 2005, Galloway said: "This is the thing about Zionism. It has nothing to do with Jewishness. Some of the biggest Zionists in the world are not ]. These people have used Jewish people.{{nbsp}}... They created the conditions in the Arab countries and in some European countries to stampede Jewish people out of the countries that they had been living in for many hundreds of years and stampede them into the Zionist state".<ref>{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Khatan|url=http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=1655|title=Galloway Blasts Israel|publisher=Totally Jewish.com|date=30 September 2005|access-date=19 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619003100/http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=1655|archive-date=19 June 2012}}</ref>
Meanwhile, on 20 June 2016, Galloway lost a libel action brought by Aisha Ali Khan, his assistant for six months in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-32802971|title=Ex-MP George Galloway referred to police over parliamentary expenses|publisher=BBC News|date=19 May 2015}}</ref> He had claimed that she had pursued a "dirty tricks" campaign against him and the Respect Party and had slept at his house with her (now former) husband. The case was heard in the ]. His counsel apologised on Galloway's behalf, and accepted that he had made "defamatory accusations". Ali Khan will receive a "five-figure sum" in damages and her legal costs.<ref name="Kennedy">{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/galloway-libel-feud-reaches-high-court-3t60jl6bx|title=Galloway libel feud reaches High Court|work=The Times|location=London|date=20 June 2016|accessdate=20 June 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Weaver|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/20/george-galloway-damages-assistant-aisha-ali-khan-dirty-tricks-claims|title=George Galloway pays damages to former aide over dirty tricks claims|work=The Guardian|date=20 June 2016|accessdate=20 June 2016}}</ref>


During an interview for Al Jazeera television on 17 November 2005, he said his election as MP earlier in the year was "despite all the efforts made by the British government, the Zionist movement and the newspapers and news media which are controlled by Zionism".<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Sholem|url=http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=2144|title=Galloway Under Fire After TV Slur|publisher=TotallyJewish.com|date=1 December 2005|access-date=19 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907045822/http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=2144|archive-date=7 September 2013}}</ref> In '']: A History of Anti-Semitism in England'', ] cites this interview as one example of Galloway pandering to the ] prejudices of his audience. According to Julius, Galloway merely refers to the "right-wing press" in the British media, whereas he has the habit of adding the word "Zionist" when speaking on television in the Arab world.<ref>{{cite book|last=Julius|first=Anthony|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sHAVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA530|title=Trials of the Diaspora: A History of Anti-Semitism in England|location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2010|pages=530–31, 761–62|isbn=9780199600724}}</ref> A few years later, in a May 2009 speech given at a meeting in Westminster,<!-- NOTE: Not in the House of Commons. --> Galloway said: "I do not agree with the argument that there is a shadowy Jewish influence. Israel is doing what America wants it to do and to argue otherwise is to go down the dark tunnel of racist antisemitism".<ref>{{cite web|first=Bernard|last=Josephs|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/anti-israel-camp-split-zionist-conspiracy|title=Anti-Israel camp split on 'Zionist conspiracy'|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=7 May 2009|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
In July 2017, Galloway applied to the Bankruptcy Court to set aside the payment to Ali-Khan. She filed a petition to declare him bankrupt in mid-August.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/former-aide-asks-court-to-declare-george-galloway-bankrupt-c9k326d3x|title=Former aide asks court to declare George Galloway bankrupt|date=19 August 2017|accessdate=19 August 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


Galloway criticised the British government's support of Israel during the ] and condemned the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway who campaigned against Gaza war wins UK by-election |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/1/uk-politician-galloway-who-campaigned-against-gaza-war-wins-by-election |work=Al Jazeera |date=1 March 2024}}</ref> Galloway disputed reports from the Israeli government about the ]. Specifically, he disputed the number of babies killed and suggested two-thirds of those killed ]. He also suggested that those who propagate the official Israeli government account of 7 October are "war criminals".<ref>{{cite web |date=11 November 2023 |title=Believing Israeli accounts of Oct. 7 makes you a war criminal – ex-UK MP |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-772775 |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com }}</ref>
== Other domestic and international issues ==
=== Syria ===
==== Support for Bashar al-Assad's government ====
Galloway expressed support for the ]n presence in Lebanon five months before it ended, telling the Lebanese '']'' in August 2008: "Syrian troops in Lebanon maintain stability and protect the country from Israel". In the same article he expressed his opposition to ], which urged the Lebanese Government to establish control over all its territory.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Glackin|first1=Michael|last2=Rasmussen|first2=Will|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=10758|title=Galloway declares support for Barghouti in PA election|work=Daily Starlocation=Lebanon|date=7 December 2004|accessdate=21 August 2008}}</ref> When Syria did withdraw from Lebanon, Galloway objected and said the neighbouring states presence had been entirely "legal"; Christopher Hitchens, citing the ] of 1989, disputed his comment.<ref name="Hitchens130905">{{cite news|last=Hitchens|first=Christopher|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2005/09/george_galloway_is_gruesome_not_gorgeous.html|title=George Galloway Is Gruesome, Not Gorgeous|work=Slate|date=13 September 2005}}</ref>


The ], the largest Jewish community organisation in the UK, has called Galloway "a demagogue and conspiracy theorist".<ref>{{cite news |title=Veteran British left-wing disruptor George Galloway wins a special election dominated by war in Gaza |url=https://apnews.com/article/britain-gaza-israel-george-galloway-election-rochdale-d81f0a1674b342e71a228b5d76d35563 |work=Associated Press |date=1 March 2024}}</ref><ref name=Halliday/> According to Jonathan Freedland writing in ''The Guardian'', Galloway's critics have made an "unmerited charge ... that he is somehow uniquely guilty of exploiting the pain of Gaza for political gain".<ref name=Freedland/>
Of ], and the country he leads, he said during a visit to the ] in November 2005: "For me he is the last Arab ruler, and Syria is the last Arab country. It is the fortress of the remaining dignity of the Arabs,"<ref name="Scotsman181105">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/world/galloway-heaps-praise-on-syrian-regime-1-1109881|title=Galloway heaps praise on Syrian regime|work=The Scotsman|location=Edinburgh|date=18 November 2005|accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref> and a "breath of fresh air,"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4451848.stm|title=Galloway praises Syrian president|publisher=BBC News|date=19 November 2005}}</ref>


===Support for Hezbollah and Hamas===
Galloway again praised the government of Assad in a leaked 2010 email to Assad's advisor ] when asking for help in a Viva Palestina convoy and reminded her of previous help from the Syrian government for the campaign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kenner|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2012/02/06/george-galloway-flatters-assads-media-advisor/blog_passport_full11|title=George Galloway flatters Assad’s media advisor|work=Foreign Policy|date=6 February 2012|accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref> In the correspondence, leaked by the ] hacking group, she responded: "God bless your amazing efforts and I will be honoured to be part and parcel of it".<ref>{{cite news|last=Greenwodd|first=Phoebe|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9067118/Anonymous-hackers-leak-Syrias-Bashar-al-Assads-astonishing-office-emails-discussing-Barbara-Walters.html|title=Hackers leak Assad's astonishing office emails|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=7 February 2012|accessdate=8 January 2016}}</ref> "I knew that I could rely on you and the last Arab country in this historic endeavour", he wrote in response.<ref name="Ravid">{{cite news|last=Ravid|first=Barak|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/haaretz-exclusive-organizer-of-gaza-flotilla-sought-assistance-from-assad-s-office-1.411556|title=Organizer of Gaza Flotilla Sought Assistance From Assad's Office|work=Haaretz|date=7 February 2012|accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref>
At a 22 July 2006 demonstration (and later in a '']'' op-ed), Galloway stated that "] is not and has never been a terrorist organisation. It is the legitimate national resistance movement of Lebanon".<ref name="Galloway290706">{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=George|url=http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php?article_id=9334 |title=Hizbollah is right to fight Zionist terror|work=Socialist Worker|issue=2011|date=29 July 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305175223/http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php?article_id=9334|archive-date=5 March 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Julius574">, p. 574. Julius quotes from Galloway's ''Socialist Worker'' article.</ref> He further said: "The ], for that's what it is, is a monstrous injustice. I side with the resistance to that injustice. Hizbollah is leading that resistance. ... I glorify the Hizbollah national resistance movement, and I glorify the leader of Hizbollah, ]".<ref name="Galloway290706" /><ref name="Julius574" />


In 2009, Galloway received a ] from ] leader ]. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by ], the ], UK, and the US.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7939480.stm|title=UK MP given Palestinian passport|publisher=BBC News|date=12 March 2009|access-date=3 May 2010}}</ref> He was denied entry into Canada on national security grounds, with ], then a spokesman for ], Canada's immigration minister, commenting: "We're going to uphold the law, not give special treatment to this infandous street-corner Cromwell who actually brags about giving 'financial support' to Hamas, a terrorist organisation banned in Canada."<ref>{{cite news |last=Summers |first=Deborah |date=20 March 2009 |title=George Galloway banned from Canada |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/mar/20/george-galloway-banned-canada |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> After a 2010 investigation into the actions of Velshi and other staffers in Kenney's office and into decisions made by bureaucrats prior to Galloway's visit, Justice ] ruled that the government's decision to ban Galloway was politically motivated. A week after Mosley's ruling, Galloway travelled to Canada.<ref>{{cite web |title=George Galloway allowed into Canada |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/george-galloway-allowed-into-canada-1.559088 |website=CTVNews |access-date=8 June 2024 |language=en |date=2 October 2010}}</ref>
Galloway said in a July 2011 interview on Hezbollah's Al-Manar station: "Bashar Assad wants reform and change, to realize the aspirations of his people". In the early stages of the Civil War (when Assad was reported as "perpetrating massacres of his own people"), opponents were "trying to pressure Syria and President Assad because of the good things that he did, such as supporting Palestinian and Lebanese resistance and rejecting to surrender to Israel".<ref name="Ravid" />


===Iraq===
==== Syrian civil war (2011–present) ====
In a House of Commons debate on 6 March 2002, ] minister ] said Galloway was "not just an apologist, but a mouthpiece, for the Iraqi regime over many years."<!-- Some sources use "to" rather than "for" in quoting Bradshaw, but the version given here is taken from Hansard. --><ref>, House of Commons debates, 6 March 2002, Col. 88WH</ref> Galloway called the minister a liar and refused to withdraw on the grounds that Bradshaw's claim was "a clear imputation of dishonour", and the sitting was suspended due to the dispute.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1386986/Yesterday-in-Parliament.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1386986/Yesterday-in-Parliament.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2008|title=Yesterday in Parliament|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=7 March 2002|first=Michael|last=Kallenbach|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Bradshaw later withdrew his allegation, and Galloway apologised for using unparliamentary language.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-apologises-for-calling-minister-a-liar-1-605885|title=Galloway apologises for calling minister a liar|work=The Scotsman|date=8 March 2002}}</ref>
A month later, in an August 2011 piece for the Al Jazeera website, Galloway wrote he "was never close to the Syrian regime" and acknowledged its "authoritarian character, its police state mentality", and the "rampant" corruption "much of it concentrated around his own family".<ref name="Galloway0811">{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/08/20118159535828664.html|title=Syria left vulnerable by state violence|work=Al Jazeera|date=15 August 2011|accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref> "I fully support the Syrian revolution", Galloway told Christopher Silvester in November 2012. "I want to see the end of all the dictatorships in the Middle East and I hope that it can be achieved peacefully. But if peaceful change is not possible, then violent change is inevitable. I wholly support the Syrian people’s demands for democratic government. I just don’t support armed intervention in Syria, any more than I supported it in any other country in the region".<ref>{{cite news|last=Silvester|first=Christopher|url=http://www.lady.co.uk/people/5676-i-ve-had-a-good-series-of-wars|title='I've had a good series of wars'|work=The Lady|date=30 November 2012|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref>


In August 2002, Galloway returned to Iraq and met Saddam Hussein for a second and final time. According to Galloway, the intention of the trip was to persuade Saddam to re-admit ], and the United Nations weapons inspectors into the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Free Speech Radio News lineup|url=http://www.fsrn.org/news/20020809_news.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040624131917/http://www.fsrn.org/news/20020809_news.html|archive-date=24 June 2004|access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref>
Following the ] on 21 August 2013, Galloway speculated on his Press TV show that the responsibility for the atrocity lay with ] and the rebels in Syria who had been provided with the weapons by Israel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Massie|first=Alex|url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/alex-massie/2013/08/george-galloway-blames-the-jews-for-the-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-syria|title=George Galloway blames Israel for the use of chemical weapons in Syria|work=The Spectator|date=23 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rashty|first=Sandy|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/110717/israel-gave-al-qaeda-chemical-weapons-says-galloway|title=Israel gave al-Qaeda chemical weapons, says Galloway|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=26 August 2013}}</ref> During his speech in the House of Commons debate about the crisis in Syria on 29 August 2013, Galloway was asked about this broadcast by the Conservative MP ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Moseley|first=Tom|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/08/29/george-galloway-assad_n_3837585.html|title=George Galloway: 'Assad's Bad Enough, Is He Mad Enough?'|work=The Huffington Post|date=29 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/08/22/syria-george-galloway-israel-chemical-weapons_n_3799287.html|title=George Galloway Says Israel Gave Al-Qaeda Chemical Weapons To Use In Syria|work=The Huffington Post|date=23 August 2013}}</ref> In response, he asserted that he had "said no such thing", and was accused of lying.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/110989/george-galloway-accused-israel-syria-claim|title=George Galloway accused on Israel-Syria claim|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=3 September 2013}}</ref> In the debate Galloway had stated "It is not that the regime is not bad enough to do it; everybody knows that it is bad enough to do it. The question is: is it mad enough to do it?".<ref name=chathamhouse-2015>{{cite journal |pages=1132 |url=https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/field/field_document/INTA91_5_11_Strong_0.pdf |title=Interpreting the Syria vote: parliament and British foreign policy |last=Strong |first=James |journal=International Affairs |publisher=The Royal Institute of International Affairs |date=16 September 2015 |volume=91 |issue=5 |doi=10.1111/1468-2346.12401 |accessdate=22 July 2017}}</ref>


In a March 2000 article in ''The Guardian'', Galloway describes himself as a supporter of the Iraqi people and the ], but not Saddam Hussein himself.<ref>{{cite news|last=MacAskill|first=Ewen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/mar/16/iraq.georgegalloway|title=The left's Lawrence of Arabia|work=The Guardian|date=16 March 2000}}</ref> Giving evidence in his libel case against '']'' in 2004, Galloway testified that he regarded Saddam as a "bestial dictator" and would have welcomed his removal from power, but not by means of a military attack on Iraq. Galloway also pointed out that he was a prominent critic of Saddam Hussein's government in the 1980s, as well as of the role of ]'s government in supporting arms sales to Iraq during the ].
In a House of Commons debate on 26 September 2014 he opposed military action by the west against the ] (ISIL) insurgency group, which he called a "death cult", and instead advocated military action from the regional powers.<ref name="Watt260914">{{cite news|last=Watt|first=Nicholas|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/26/george-galloway-angers-mps-isis-iraq-debate|title=George Galloway angers MPs with comment about 'quiescent' Iraqis|work=The Guardian|date=26 September 2014}}</ref>
Galloway told ''Prospect'' magazine in February 2016: "I support the decision of the Russian government to come to the aid of the government in Syria because whatever faults it may have, whatever crimes it has committed, they are considerably fewer than the crimes committed by IS or would be committed by IS were they to come to power".<ref>{{cite news|last=Rahim|first=Sameer|url=http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/george-galloway-ill-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-with-corbyn|title=George Galloway: I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with Corbyn|work=Prospect|date=12 February 2016|accessdate=30 November 2016}}</ref>


In his memoir, ''I'm Not the Only One'' (2004), Galloway wrote:<blockquote>"Just as ] industrialised the Soviet Union, so on a different scale Saddam plotted Iraq's own Great Leap Forward. ... He managed to keep his country together until 1991. Indeed, he is likely to have been the leader in history who came closest to creating a truly Iraqi national identity, and he developed Iraq and the living, health, social and education standards of his own people."<ref name="Hitchens2005" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Galloway|first=George|title=I'm Not the Only One|location=London|publisher=Allen Lane|year=2004|page=128}}</ref></blockquote>
=== Latin America ===
He has been an advocate for the Venezuelan government of ] and, in his '']'', for the former Cuban leader.<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/feb/28/comment.politics|title=These orchestrated attacks on Chávez are a travesty|date=28 February 2007|accessdate=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/hugo-chavezs-death-is-a-body-blow-for-the-poor-and-oppressed-throughout-latin-america-8521834.html|title=Hugo Chavez's death is a body blow for the poor and oppressed throughout Latin America|work=The Independent|date=5 March 2013|accessdate=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wadi|first=Ramona|url=https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/44790 |title='We have made a revolution that is bigger than us'|work=Green Left Weekly|date=17 July 2010|accessdate=22 May 2016}}</ref> "You were the greatest man I ever met Comandante Fidel", he tweeted when Castro died in November 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38117068|title=Fidel Castro: Jeremy Corbyn praises 'huge figure'|publisher=BBC News|date=26 November 2016|accessdate=26 November 2016}}</ref>


In the book, Galloway also expresses the opinion that ], which ], is "clearly a part of the greater Iraqi whole, stolen from the motherland by ]". ] responded that the state existed before Iraq had a name.<ref name="Hitchens2005">{{cite news|last=Hitchens|first=Christopher|date=30 May 2005|title=Unmitigated Galloway|pages=1–3|work=Weekly Standard|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/641kyjkk.asp?page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304193653/http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/641kyjkk.asp?page=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2010}} This essay is reprinted in {{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/christopherhitch00thom|title=Christopher Hitchens and His Critics: Terror, Iraq, and the Left|publisher=New York University Press|year=2008|isbn=9780814716861|editor1-last=Cottee|editor1-first=Simon|editor1-link=Simon Cottee|location=New York & London|pages=–50, 144–46, 149|editor2-last=Cushman|editor2-first=Thomas|url-access=registration}} The text of Galloway's book differs in reprints.</ref> The ], was according to Galloway, "a civil war that involved massive violence on both sides".<ref name="Hitchens2005" />
=== Scotland and the UK ===
Galloway has long supported devolution for Scotland, but opposes ]. In the run-up to the ], held on 18 September 2014, Galloway was dismissive of the official ] campaign because it also involved Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, and he believed its leader, ], to be ineffective.<ref name="Kutchinsky">{{cite news|last=Kutchinsky|first=Serena|url=http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/george-galloway-on-why-hes-saying-naw-to-scottish-independence|title=George Galloway on why he's saying 'naw' to Scottish independence|work=Prospect|date=28 April 2014}}</ref> "My case isn’t that Scotland couldn’t be independent, but shouldn’t", ''The Sunday Times'' quoted him as saying.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Allardyce|first1=Jason|last2=Azam|first2=Imran|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1335513.ece|title=Galloway urges Scots to say no|work=The Sunday Times|location=London|date=3 November 2013|accessdate=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref>


In 2006 a video surfaced showing Galloway greeting ], Saddam's eldest son, with the title of "Excellency", at Uday's palace in 1999. Galloway is heard saying he will be with Uday "until the end".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/397225/galloways-pledge-to-saddams-son|title=Galloway's Pledge To Saddam's Son|access-date=23 May 2015|publisher=Sky News|date=25 January 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Laura|title=Ugly times on way for Gorgeous George|url=http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=127252006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070423224649/http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=127252006|archive-date=23 April 2007|access-date=4 August 2009|work=The Scotsman|location=Edinburgh|date=26 January 2006}}</ref> Galloway continued to praise Iraq's prime minister under Saddam, ]. In April 2005, on ] during that year's general election campaign, he described Aziz as "an eminent diplomatic and intellectual person". In his opinion, Aziz was "a ]" and advocated his release.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waugh|first=Paul|title=Galloway calls for Aziz to be freed|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/galloway-calls-for-aziz-to-be-freed-7268922.html|work=Evening Standard|date=18 April 2005|access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rageh|first=Rawya|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/galloways-pledge-to-saddam-deputy-415336.html|title=Galloway's pledge to Saddam deputy|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=10 September 2006|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>
Galloway's argument against independence was based on a defence of "class" over "nationality". He told Serena Kutchinsky in an interview for '']'' magazine: "If we lose this vote the possibility of a real Labour government, or any kind of Labour government, in the rest of UK will be gone".<ref name="Kutchinsky" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/scottish-independence-the-political-class-is-doing-what-hitler-couldnt--destroying-britain-9730260.html|title=The political class is doing what Hitler couldn’t – destroying Britain|work=The Independent|date=12 September 2014}}</ref> He has, however, argued in favour of greater Scottish devolution.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/99728-george-galloway-devo-max-must-be-an-option-on-independence-referendum/|title=George Galloway: Devo-max must be an option on independence referendum|publisher=STV|date=14 May 2012}}</ref>


After the Iraqi government was overthrown in the ], Galloway defended ] targeting Western forces. In August 2005, he praised them as "martyrs", condemned Iraqis who worked with the new security forces as "collaborators" and said it was "normal" for them to be the targets of suicide bombers.<ref name="Butcher">{{cite news|last=Butcher|first=Tim|author-link=Tim Butcher|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/1495583/Galloway-pours-petrol-on-the-flames.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/1495583/Galloway-pours-petrol-on-the-flames.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Galloway pours petrol on the flames|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=5 August 2005|access-date=26 December 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/galloway-praises-iraqi-insurgents-1-727287|title=Galloway praises Iraqi insurgents|work=The Scotsman|date=5 August 2005}}</ref> He said: <blockquote>"These poor Iraqis&nbsp;– ragged people, with their sandals, with their ], with the lightest and most basic of weapons&nbsp;– are writing the names of their cities and towns in the stars, with 145 military operations every day, which has made the country ungovernable. We don't know who they are, we don't know their names, we never saw their faces, they don't put up photographs of their martyrs, we don't know the names of their leaders".</blockquote> Galloway was challenged by the ] but denied making the "martyrs" comment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4744685.stm |title=Galloway defends 'martyrs' remark |publisher=BBC News |date=5 August 2005}}</ref><ref name="Hitchens130905" />
In 2013, Galloway began a series of public meetings in Scotland using the slogan of "Just Say Naw."<ref name="Harris">{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/26/scottish-referendum-george-galloway-naw-tour-independence-no-vote|title=Scottish referendum: George Galloway on tour to say 'naw' to independence|work=The Guardian|date=26 March 2014}}</ref> On 11 September 2014, Galloway took part in '']'', an independence debate held in Glasgow and <!-- Mentorn, see Tinopolis, was the principal production company. -->broadcast by the BBC during the evening.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/galloway-faces-sturgeon-in-tonights-bbc-tv-debate.1410456022|title=Galloway faces Sturgeon in tonight's BBC TV debate|date=11 September 2014|work=Herald Scotland|accessdate=13 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/tv-radio/tv-review-the-big-big-debate.1410471562|title=TV review: The Big, Big Debate|date=11 September 2014|work=Herald Scotland|accessdate=13 September 2014}}</ref>


Concerning the ], he said he would not rest "until ] is brought to justice", and in 2019 announced plans to try to prosecute ].<ref>Luke Dolan . Talkradio, 17 July 2017.</ref><ref>Holly Pine . Talkradio, 29 May 2019.</ref>
=== Grassroots Out ===
At a rally at the ] on 19 February 2016, Galloway endorsed the ] campaign which advocated the "Leave" option in the ].<ref name="Mance" /> He was introduced by ] leader ] as a "special guest" who is "without doubt one of the greatest orators in this country, he is a towering figure on the left of British politics".<ref name="Millward">{{cite news|last=Millward|first=David|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/12166080/George-Galloways-appearance-at-Brexit-campaign-rally-sparks-furore.html|title=George Galloway's appearance at Brexit campaign rally sparks furore|work=]|date=20 February 2016|accessdate=20 February 2016}}</ref> Labour MP ], who was involved with Grassroots Out, defended Galloway's participation. "George ended up getting a hugely favourable response to what he said", she told ''The Sunday Times''.<ref name="Lyons">{{cite news|last1=Lyons|first1=James|last2=Shipman|first2=Tim|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1670475.ece|title=Galloway splits 'leave' camp|work=The Sunday Times|date=21 February 2016|accessdate=21 February 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Responding to criticism of his association with Farage, Galloway tweeted: "We are not pals. We are allies in one cause. Like Churchill and Stalin".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sims|first=Alexandra|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-galloway-compares-relationship-with-nigel-farage-to-churchill-and-stalin-a6888526.html|title=George Galloway compares relationship with Nigel Farage to Churchill and Stalin|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=21 February 2016|accessdate=5 December 2017}}</ref>


===Syria===
However, Galloway's presence at the rally prompted some of those present to leave.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowden|first1=George|title=Nigel Farage And George Galloway's Grassroots Out Alliance Mercilessly Mocked Online|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/20/nigel-farage-george-galloway-grassroots-out-campaign-mocked_n_9280984.html|accessdate=21 February 2016|work=]|date=20 February 2016}}</ref>
====Support for Bashar al-Assad====
Galloway supported the ], telling the Lebanese '']'' in August 2008: "Syrian troops in Lebanon maintain stability and protect the country from Israel". In the same article he expressed his opposition to ], which urged the Lebanese Government to establish control over all its territory.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Glackin|first1=Michael|last2=Rasmussen|first2=Will|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=10758|title=Galloway declares support for Barghouti in PA election|work=Daily Star|location=Lebanon|date=7 December 2004|access-date=21 August 2008|archive-date=29 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929090619/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=10758|url-status=dead}}</ref> When Syria did withdraw from Lebanon, Galloway objected and said the occupation had been entirely "legal"; Christopher Hitchens, citing the ] of 1989, disputed his comment.<ref name="Hitchens130905">{{cite news|last=Hitchens|first=Christopher|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2005/09/george_galloway_is_gruesome_not_gorgeous.html|title=George Galloway Is Gruesome, Not Gorgeous|work=Slate|date=13 September 2005}}</ref>


Referring to Syrian president ], Galloway said during a visit to the ] in November 2005: "For me he is the last Arab ruler, and Syria is the last Arab country. It is the fortress of the remaining dignity of the Arabs".<ref name="Scotsman181105">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/world/galloway-heaps-praise-on-syrian-regime-1-1109881|title=Galloway heaps praise on Syrian regime|work=The Scotsman|location=Edinburgh|date=18 November 2005|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> He also called Assad a "breath of fresh air".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4451848.stm|title=Galloway praises Syrian president|publisher=BBC News|date=19 November 2005}}</ref>
== Television presenter ==
In August 2009, editions of Galloway's programmes ''The Real Deal'' and ''Comment'' programme for ], a London-based news channel controlled by the government of Iran, was criticised by the British telecommunications regulator ] for breaching their broadcasting code as impartiality rules were broken.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/press-tv-anti-israel-bias-slammed-by-ofcom-1.10659|title=Press TV anti-Israel bias slammed by Ofcom|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=3 August 2009|accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref>


Galloway again praised the government of Assad in a leaked 2010 email to Assad's advisor ] when asking for help in a Viva Palestina convoy, and reminded her of previous help from the Syrian government for the campaign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kenner|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2012/02/06/george-galloway-flatters-assads-media-advisor/blog_passport_full11|title=George Galloway flatters Assad's media advisor|work=Foreign Policy|date=6 February 2012|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> In the correspondence, leaked by the ] hacking group, she responded: "God bless your amazing efforts and I will be honoured to be part and parcel of it".<ref>{{cite news|last=Greenwodd|first=Phoebe|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9067118/Anonymous-hackers-leak-Syrias-Bashar-al-Assads-astonishing-office-emails-discussing-Barbara-Walters.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9067118/Anonymous-hackers-leak-Syrias-Bashar-al-Assads-astonishing-office-emails-discussing-Barbara-Walters.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Hackers leak Assad's astonishing office emails|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=7 February 2012|access-date=8 January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "I knew that I could rely on you and the last Arab country in this historic endeavour", Galloway wrote in response.<ref name="Ravid">{{cite news|last=Ravid|first=Barak|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/haaretz-exclusive-organizer-of-gaza-flotilla-sought-assistance-from-assad-s-office-1.411556|title=Organizer of Gaza Flotilla Sought Assistance From Assad's Office|work=Haaretz|date=7 February 2012|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref>
After Press TV lost its Ofcom licence in 2012, according to Galloway, the Iranian broadcaster owed him £40,000, leading to his company Miranda Media entering compulsory liquidation in 2013 because of unpaid tax. Reportedly, the owed payment amounts to £100,000, although Galloway disputed this in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mendick|first=Robert|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/12176066/George-Galloways-firm-goes-bust-owing-100000-tax.html|title=George Galloway’s firm goes bust owing £100,000 tax|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=27 February 2016|accessdate=27 February 2016}}</ref> Miranda Media, in which income from Galloway's media work was deposited, was established in September 2007 under a month before a law came into force allowing directors to receive loans from their own companies, a facility Galloway used on multiple occasions.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gadher|first=Dipesh|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1121914.ece|title=Galloway able to slash tax with media firms|work=The Sunday Times|location=London|date=9 September 2012|accessdate=31 December 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


Galloway said in a July 2011 interview on Hezbollah's Al-Manar station: "Bashar Assad wants reform and change, to realise the aspirations of his people". In the early stages of the ], when Assad was reported as "perpetrating massacres of his own people", Galloway said Assad's opponents were "trying to pressure Syria and President Assad because of the good things that he did, such as supporting Palestinian and Lebanese resistance and rejecting to surrender to Israel".<ref name="Ravid" />
Shortly after its foundation in June 2012, Galloway became a presenter with the ] television station which reportedly has connections with Iran and the Assad government in Syria, and has been accused of supporting the Assad government, a claim Galloway has rejected.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pitel|first=Laura|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/medianews/article3520071.ece|title=Galloway joins TV station 'linked to Syria'|work=The Times|date=28 August 2012|accessdate=11 December 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kingsley|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/shortcuts/2012/aug/28/tv-stations-george-galloway-julian-assange|title=The TV stations where George Galloway and Julian Assange are stars|work=The Guardian|date=28 August 2012|accessdate=30 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Tim|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10278115/What-George-Galloway-neglected-to-mention-in-Syria-debate.html|title=What George Galloway neglected to mention in Syria debate|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=1 September 2013|accessdate=30 November 2016}}</ref> In November 2013, Galloway and his wife Gayatri began to present '']'' for the ] network (formerly known as Russia Today). He is a regular contributor to RT's other programming.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite news|last=Armstrong|first=Claire|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10913724.Bradford_Respect_MP_George_Galloway_to_be_father_again/|title=Bradford Respect MP George Galloway to be father again|work=Telegraph & Argus|location=Bradford|date=3 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Perraudin|first=Frances|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/oct/30/rt-russia-todays-six-most-memorable-moments|title=RT: Russia Today's six most memorable moments|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2014}}</ref>


====Syrian civil war (2011–present)====
In an overview of the broadcasting organisations Galloway works for, Tom Rogan in the '']'' in April 2014 described him as being "a Western puppet for tyranny’s propagandists".<ref>{{cite news|last=Rogan|first=Tom|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/article/376670/tyranny-smile-tom-rogan|title=Tyranny with a Smile|work=National Review|date=28 April 2014}}</ref> In the register of members' financial interests published at the end of January 2015, Galloway disclosed that he had earned £293,450 from his television broadcasting in the previous year and had received almost £70,000 in travelling expenses and hotel stays.<ref>{{cite news|last=McSmith|first=Andy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-mcsmiths-diary-gordon-brown-and-george-galloway-earn-more-than-tory-barristers-10024308.html|title=Gordon Brown and George Galloway earn more than Tory barristers|work=The Independent|date=4 February 2015}} See the itemised list in {{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmregmem/911/911.pdf|title=Register of Members' Financial Interests, as of 26 January 2015|publisher=House of Commons|date=2 February 2015|pages=120–23}}</ref> For the period November 2013 to February 2015, Galloway was paid £100,000 for his appearances on RT, the highest payment to any British politician working for the channel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Doward|first1=Jamie|last2=Hyman|first2=Mika|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/18/mps-kremlin-propaganda-channel-rt|title=MPs defend fees of up to £1,000 an hour to appear on ‘Kremlin propaganda’ channel|work=The Observer|date=18 November 2017|accessdate=19 November 2017}}</ref>
A month later, in an August 2011 piece for the Al Jazeera website, Galloway wrote he "was never close to the Syrian regime" and acknowledged its "authoritarian character, its police state mentality", and the "rampant" corruption "much of it concentrated around his own family".<ref name="Galloway0811">{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/08/20118159535828664.html|title=Syria left vulnerable by state violence|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=15 August 2011|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> "I fully support the Syrian revolution", Galloway told Christopher Silvester in November 2012. "I want to see the end of all the dictatorships in the Middle East and I hope that it can be achieved peacefully. But if peaceful change is not possible, then violent change is inevitable. I wholly support the Syrian people's demands for democratic government. I just don't support armed intervention in Syria, any more than I supported it in any other country in the region".<ref>{{cite news|last=Silvester|first=Christopher|url=http://www.lady.co.uk/people/5676-i-ve-had-a-good-series-of-wars|title='I've had a good series of wars'|work=The Lady|date=30 November 2012|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064517/http://www.lady.co.uk/people/5676-i-ve-had-a-good-series-of-wars|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In January 2013, Galloway criticised ]'s government for ] linked to ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Cameron's attack on George Galloway reflects the west's self-delusions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jan/31/cameron-galloway-saudis-bahrain-dictators |work=The Guardian |date=31 January 2013}}</ref> Following the ] on 21 August 2013, Galloway speculated on his ] show that responsibility for the atrocity lay with ] and the rebels in Syria who had been provided with the weapons by Israel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Massie|first=Alex|url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/alex-massie/2013/08/george-galloway-blames-the-jews-for-the-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-syria|title=George Galloway blames Israel for the use of chemical weapons in Syria|work=The Spectator|date=23 August 2013|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901042708/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/alex-massie/2013/08/george-galloway-blames-the-jews-for-the-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rashty|first=Sandy|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/110717/israel-gave-al-qaeda-chemical-weapons-says-galloway|title=Israel gave al-Qaeda chemical weapons, says Galloway|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=26 August 2013}}</ref> During his speech in the House of Commons debate about the crisis in Syria on 29 August 2013, Galloway was asked about this broadcast by the Conservative MP ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Moseley|first=Tom|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/08/29/george-galloway-assad_n_3837585.html|title=George Galloway: 'Assad's Bad Enough, Is He Mad Enough?'|work=HuffPost|date=29 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/08/22/syria-george-galloway-israel-chemical-weapons_n_3799287.html|title=George Galloway Says Israel Gave Al-Qaeda Chemical Weapons To Use in Syria|work=HuffPost|date=23 August 2013}}</ref> In the debate, Galloway stated "It is not that the regime is not bad enough to do it; everybody knows that it is bad enough to do it. The question is: is it mad enough to do it?".<ref name=chathamhouse-2015>{{cite journal |pages=1132 |url=https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/field/field_document/INTA91_5_11_Strong_0.pdf |title=Interpreting the Syria vote: parliament and British foreign policy |last=Strong |first=James |journal=International Affairs |publisher=The Royal Institute of International Affairs |date=16 September 2015 |volume=91 |issue=5 |doi=10.1111/1468-2346.12401 |s2cid=154571899 |access-date=22 July 2017 |archive-date=7 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107061926/https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/field/field_document/INTA91_5_11_Strong_0.pdf |url-status=dead |issn=0020-5850 }}</ref>
== Personal life ==
=== Marriages ===
Galloway has been ] four times; his first three marriages ended in ].


In 2014, Galloway opposed ] against ], which he called a "death cult", and instead advocated military action from the regional powers.<ref name="Watt260914">{{cite news|last=Watt|first=Nicholas|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/26/george-galloway-angers-mps-isis-iraq-debate|title=George Galloway angers MPs with comment about 'quiescent' Iraqis|work=The Guardian|date=26 September 2014}}</ref>
From 1979 to 1999, he was married to Elaine Fyffe, with whom he has a daughter, Lucy (born 1983).<ref name="Armstrong" /> The couple separated in 1987, and divorced in 1999.<ref name="Davis" />
In 2016, he supported ] against Islamic State, saying: "I support the decision of the Russian government to come to the aid of the government in Syria because whatever faults it may have, whatever crimes it has committed, they are considerably fewer than the crimes committed by IS or would be committed by IS were they to come to power".<ref>{{cite news|last=Rahim|first=Sameer|url=http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/george-galloway-ill-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-with-corbyn|title=George Galloway: I'll stand shoulder to shoulder with Corbyn|work=Prospect|date=12 February 2016|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>


===Support for the Iranian government===
In 1994, Galloway married his second wife Dr. Amineh Abu-Zayyad, a biologist of Palestinian origin, in an ];<ref name="Robinson">{{cite news|last=Wolfe-Robinson|first=Maya|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2012/apr/03/how-many-wives-does-george-galloway-have|title=How many wives does George Galloway have?|work=The Guardian|date=3 April 2012|accessdate=30 March 2016}}</ref> a civil ceremony followed around 2000, after his divorce from Fyffe in 1999.<ref name="Davis" /> Abu-Zayyad was granted a divorce in February 2009, after an estrangement of several years, on the grounds of "unreasonable behaviour"; her petition was not contested.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4292303/George-Galloway-divorced-over-unreasonable-behaviour.html|title=George Galloway divorced over 'unreasonable behaviour'|work=]|date=20 January 2009|accessdate=30 March 2016}}</ref>
Galloway has worked for the Iranian state-run satellite television channel, ] since 2008. During an event at the ] in March 2011, he said: "Because I don't believe that the government of Iran is a dictatorship I have no problem about working for Press TV in London which is a British owned television station. I'm not responsible for the government of ]. I'm not responsible for the leadership of Press TV". Galloway also said: "There are many things wrong with Iran. One thing they do have is elections. They elected a president that you or I might not have voted for but I am in no doubt that Ahmadinejad won the presidential election" ].<ref name="Rosen">{{cite news|last=Rosen|first=Robyn|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/46333/george-galloway-gaza-war-bad-ww2|title=George Galloway: Gaza war as bad as WW2|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=9 March 2011}}</ref> (See ] below.)


Galloway married Rima Husseini, his former researcher, in a Muslim ceremony in 2005.<ref name="Robinson" /> With his third wife, who is originally from Lebanon, Galloway had two sons: Zein and Faris.<ref name="Davis" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/03/george-galloway-baby_n_4535836.html|title=George Galloway's 29-Year-Old Wife Is Expecting A Baby|work=The Huffington Post|date=3 January 2014|accessdate=22 September 2014}}</ref> In March 2008, Galloway said that the issue of ] was being misused by supporters of war against Iran. He said on '']'' chat show that the executed boyfriend of gay Iranian asylum seeker ] was executed for "]s" rather than for being gay.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7132.html|access-date=21 August 2008|title=Galloway claims Iran executes sex offenders, not gays|work=Pink News|date=14 March 2008|first=Tony|last=Grew}}</ref>


], writing in ''The Guardian'' on 31 March, criticised Galloway's claim that "homosexuals are not executed in Iran, just rapists," pointing out that current law in the country stipulates that "Penetrative sex acts between men can bring death on the first conviction."<ref>{{cite news|last=Long|first=Scott|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/mar/31/theissueistorture|title=The issue is torture|work=The Guardian|date=31 March 2008}}</ref> ] activist ], writing in ''The Guardian'' on 26 March, wrote that Galloway's "passionate opposition to a war against Iran, which I share, seems to have clouded his judgement" and "his claim that lesbian and gay people are not at risk of execution in Iran is refuted by every reputable human rights organisation, including ], ], the ] and the ]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Tatchell|first=Peter|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/mar/26/gallowaysiranianpropaganda|title=Galloway's Iranian propaganda?|work=The Guardian|date=26 March 2008}}</ref>
On 31 March 2012, he married his fourth wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, in an Islamic ceremony in Amsterdam, two days after the Bradford West by-election, and four months after his third wife gave birth to their second child.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rickman|first=Dina|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/04/03/george-galloway-married-putri-gayatri-pertiwi_n_1398879.html|title=George Galloway Weds Fourth Bride Putri Gayatri Pertiwi|work=The Huffington Post|date=15 April 2012|accessdate=19 December 2016}}</ref> The initial event was followed by ceremonies in Sumatra and, in September 2012, at the House of Commons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/george-galloway-shows-off-his-bride-to-the-commons-8167688.html|title=George Galloway shows off his bride to the Commons|work=London Evening Standard|date=24 September 2012|accessdate=20 August 2016}}</ref> Gayatri <!-- PGP's year of birth unconfirmed, age given as 29 in 3 Jan 2014 article. -->(born c. 1984) is an anthropologist, born in the Netherlands of Indonesian descent, who works as a consultant for a Dutch research firm.<ref>{{cite news |last=Odone |first=Cristina|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/cristinaodone/100148867/what-is-it-about-gorgeous-george-that-gets-the-girls/|title=What is it about Gorgeous George that gets the girls?|work=]|date=3 April 2012|accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref> Their son, Toren Mustaqim, was born in summer 2014.<!-- "15-month-old" in only RS from 4 November 2015, but in fact born on July 15. --><ref name="Edwardes" /> The couple's second child (and Galloway's fifth), daughter Orlá Dhien, was born in April 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=McIntyre|first=Niamh|url=|title=George Galloway becomes father for fifth time, aged 62|work=The Independent|date=8 April 2017|accessdate=8 April 2017}}</ref>


In August 2010, on his Press TV programme ''The Real Deal'', Galloway interviewed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, following Galloway's participation in a conference for expatriate Iranians whose expenses were paid by Iran's government.<ref name="Fletcher060810" /> He discussed ], an Iranian woman convicted of adultery and ], which he described as "the so-called stoning case". Galloway said of Ashtiani's sentence: "Every so often an issue comes along which is seized upon by the enemies of Iran and it becomes a heavy problem and magnified{{nbsp}}...".<ref name="Fletcher180810">{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Martin|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/thunderer/article2690853.ece|title=Galloway meets Ahmadinejad – a shameful sight|work=The Times|date=18 August 2010|access-date=2 September 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref name="Khorsandi">{{cite news|last=Khorsandi|first=Peyvand|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/stop-iran-broadcasting-propaganda-from-ealing-6504722.html|title=Stop Iran broadcasting propaganda from Ealing|work=Evening Standard|date=19 August 2010|access-date=2 September 2016}} Unattributed in the online source, but Khorsandi was the other individual involved in the non-violent incident with Galloway which is mentioned.</ref>
An article in ''The Guardian'' at the time of Galloway's fourth marriage said there was a lack of clarity over his wedding ceremonies and a reputedly unaccounted for divorce from his third wife.<ref name="Davis" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Wolfe-Robinson|first=Maya|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2012/apr/03/how-many-wives-does-george-galloway-have|title=How many wives does George Galloway have?|work=The Guardian|date=3 April 2012|accessdate=19 December 2016}}</ref> Galloway rejected the claim of Rima Husseini, in April 2012, who said the couple were still married under Islamic law.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nelson|first=Sara C.|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/04/04/george-galloway-is-still-married-to-me-claims-third-wife-after-mps-fourth-wedding_n_1402048.html|title=George Galloway Is Still Married To Me, Claims Third Wife After MP’s Fourth Wedding|work=The Huffington Post|date=2 April 2016|accessdate=25 December 2016}}</ref>


According to ] in ''The Times'', Ahmadinejad gave "mendacious answers" which "went unchallenged by his obsequious interlocutor".<ref name="Fletcher180810" /> Galloway told Ahmadinejad: "I have police protection in London from the Iranian opposition because of my support for your election campaign" in 2009. "I mention this so you know where I'm coming from."<ref name="Khorsandi" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Neil|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Neil|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13865122|title=Iran: George Galloway challenged on Ahmadinejad TV interview|publisher=BBC News|date=21 June 2011|access-date=2 September 2016}}</ref>
=== Religion ===
He stated at a March 2012 rally "We stand for justice and '']''" and "A Muslim is somebody who is not afraid of earthly power but who fears only the ]. I’m ready for that, I’m working for that and it's the only thing I fear."<ref>{{cite news|last=Gilligan|first=Andrew|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9176195/A-runaway-victory-for-George-Galloway-and-all-praise-to-Allah.html |title=A runaway victory for George Galloway – and all praise to Allah |work=The Daily Telegraph |date= 30 March 2012|accessdate=4 April 2012}}</ref>


===Opposition to Scottish independence===
According to ], writing for the ''New Statesman'' in April 2012, Galloway became a ] around 2000, but had not advertised this fact.<ref>{{cite news|last=Khan|first=Jemima|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/politics/2012/04/one-day-i%E2%80%99ll-be-national-treasure |title=One day, I’ll be a national treasure|work=New Statesman|date=25 April 2012|accessdate=23 March 2013}}</ref> Galloway denied that the ceremony had taken place: "I have never attended any such ceremony in Kilburn, Karachi or Kathmandu. It is simply and categorically untrue." He said his religious beliefs are a "personal matter".<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/26/george-galloway-jemima-khan-muslim?newsfeed=true|title=George Galloway denies Jemima Khan's claims of Muslim conversion ceremony|work=The Guardian|date=26 April 2012}}</ref> Later, the ''New Statesman'' pointed to inconsistencies in Galloway's rejection of the claims Jemima Khan had made.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gribbin|first=Alice|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/04/george-galloway-conversion-islam-muslim |title=George Galloway's conversion to Islam|work=New Statesman |accessdate=26 April 2012}}</ref>
Galloway has long supported devolution for Scotland,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/99728-george-galloway-devo-max-must-be-an-option-on-independence-referendum/|title=George Galloway: Devo-max must be an option on independence referendum|publisher=STV|date=14 May 2012|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-date=11 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911003854/http://news.stv.tv/politics/99728-george-galloway-devo-max-must-be-an-option-on-independence-referendum/|url-status=dead}}</ref> but opposes ]. In the run-up to the ], held on 18 September 2014, Galloway was dismissive of the official ] campaign because it also involved Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, and he believed its leader, ], to be ineffective.<ref name="Kutchinsky">{{cite news|last=Kutchinsky|first=Serena|url=http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/george-galloway-on-why-hes-saying-naw-to-scottish-independence|title=George Galloway on why he's saying 'naw' to Scottish independence|work=Prospect|date=28 April 2014}}</ref> "My case isn't that Scotland couldn't be independent, but shouldn't", ''The Sunday Times'' quoted him as saying.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Allardyce|first1=Jason|last2=Azam|first2=Imran|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1335513.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124110534/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1335513.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 January 2016|title=Galloway urges Scots to say no|work=The Sunday Times|location=London|date=3 November 2013|access-date=16 September 2015}} (subscription required)</ref>


Galloway's argument against independence was based on "class" over "nationality". He told Serena Kutchinsky in an interview for '']'' magazine: "If we lose this vote the possibility of a real Labour government, or any kind of Labour government, in the rest of UK will be gone".<ref name="Kutchinsky" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/scottish-independence-the-political-class-is-doing-what-hitler-couldnt--destroying-britain-9730260.html|title=The political class is doing what Hitler couldn't – destroying Britain|work=The Independent|date=12 September 2014}}</ref>
=== Assault in August 2014 ===
During the evening of 29 August 2014, while posing for photographs with members of the public in Golborne Road, Notting Hill, Galloway was assaulted by Neil Masterson, a convert to ].<ref name="Telegraph111214">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11286954/George-Galloway-attacker-Neil-Masterson-jailed.html |title=George Galloway attacker Neil Masterson jailed |date=11 December 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> Masterson, who was wearing a T-shirt with the logo of the ] (IDF) when arrested, shouted references to the Holocaust and referred to Galloway as "a Hitler."<ref name="Telegraph111214" /><ref name="BBC300814">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-28994862|title=George Galloway leaves hospital after London street attack|publisher=BBC News|date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Wilcock">{{cite news|last=Wilcock|first=David|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/george-galloway-left-scared-to-go-out-alone-as-street-attacker-jailed-for-16-months-9919057.html|title=George Galloway left ‘scared to go out alone’ as street attacker jailed for 16 months|work=The Independent|date=11 December 2014}}</ref>


In 2013, Galloway began a series of public meetings in Scotland, using the slogan "Just Say Naw" to independence.<ref name="Harris">{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/26/scottish-referendum-george-galloway-naw-tour-independence-no-vote|title=Scottish referendum: George Galloway on tour to say 'naw' to independence|work=The Guardian|date=26 March 2014}}</ref> On 11 September 2014, Galloway took part in '']'', an independence debate held in Glasgow and <!-- Mentorn, see Tinopolis, was the principal production company. -->broadcast by the BBC during the evening.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/galloway-faces-sturgeon-in-tonights-bbc-tv-debate.1410456022|title=Galloway faces Sturgeon in tonight's BBC TV debate|date=11 September 2014|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/tv-radio/tv-review-the-big-big-debate.1410471562|title=TV review: The Big, Big Debate|date=11 September 2014|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref>
Galloway suffered a bruised rib in addition to severe bruising on his head and face.<ref name="BBC300814" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Lewis|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/george-galloway-attacked-on-notting-hill-street-by-man-shouting-about-the-holocaust-9700883.html|title=George Galloway left with severe bruising after attack in Notting Hill by man 'shouting about the Holocaust'|work=The Independent|date=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBC290814">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28992601|title=George Galloway taken to hospital after street attack|publisher=BBC News|date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Martin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/29/george-galloway-injured-london-street-attack|title=George Galloway badly injured in street attack|work=The Guardian|date=29 August 2014}}</ref> He was admitted to ] in Paddington, where he stayed overnight and was discharged early the following morning.<ref name="Telegraph111214" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/30/george-galloway-released-hospital-assault|title=George Galloway released from hospital after assault|work=The Guardian|date=30 August 2014}}</ref> The conservative commentator ], writing for ''The Daily Telegraph'' of 1 September, found the lack of comment about the incident, or empathy for Galloway, from the political mainstream "very disturbing."<!-- Galloway has said on Twitter that 4 MPs expressed private sympathy, so some of Oborne's +omitted+ comments are slightly inaccurate. --> and the assault Galloway suffered was "an attack on British democracy".<ref>{{cite news|last=Oborne|first=Peter|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peteroborne/100284716/why-the-silence-over-the-assault-on-george-galloway/|title=Why the silence over the assault on George Galloway?|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=1 September 2014}}</ref>


In July 2020, Galloway co-founded and established a cross-party ] political coalition called Alliance 4 Unity (later re-named ]). Its goal was to defeat the ] and ] in general at the ], by ] for any Scottish unionist candidates in the proportional vote on each ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Alliance 4 Unity|url=http://www.alliance4unity.uk|access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Blackett|first=Jamie|date=23 August 2020|title=How George Galloway and I plan to save the Union|work=]|url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-george-galloway-and-i-plan-to-save-the-union|access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McCall|first=Chris|date=26 July 2020|title=George Galloway says he'll work with Tories at Holyrood election to stop SNP breaking up Britain|work=]|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/firebrand-galloway-says-sole-aim-22416482|access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref> The party got no seats, winning 0.86% of the Scottish vote, with 1.5% vote share in the ] region in which Galloway stood. It was dissolved the following year.
Masterson, a 39-year-old man, was charged with religiously aggravated assault.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/30/george-galloway-released-hospital-assault|title=Man charged over George Galloway assault|work=The Guardian|date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lewis|first=Jerry|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Alleged-attacker-of-controversial-British-MP-Galloway-faces-court-today-373048|title=Alleged attacker of controversial British MP Galloway faces court today|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=1 September 2014}}</ref> At a hearing held on 1 September at Hammersmith magistrates court, the defendant gave a not guilty plea.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-29018884|title=Man denies assaulting MP Galloway|publisher=BBC News|date=1 August 2014}}</ref> According to the prosecutor, Masterson believed "the victim was enemy of Judaism" and that the defendant had told the police "I didn't want him to think I'm scared, Galloway is Anti-semitic and I am Jewish."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11068824/Jewish-carer-denies-George-Galloway-attack.html|title=Jewish carer denies George Galloway attack|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=1 September 2014}}</ref> Masterson was remanded in custody.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/man-appears-in-court-over-george-galloway-street-assault-9704816.html|title=Man appears in court over George Galloway street assault|work=London Evening Standard|date=1 September 2014|accessdate=16 December 2016}}</ref> At ] on 15 September Masterson changed his plea, admitting the assault but still denying that it was religiously aggravated.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29206972l|title=Man admits attacking MP George Galloway in Notting Hill|publisher=BBC News|date=15 September 2014}}</ref> In December 2014, Masterson was sentenced to 16 months in prison for the attack.<ref name="Wilcock" /> He was released from prison in September 2015, but soon returned to jail for a month after breaking a restraining order forbidding him from contacting Galloway. Masterson was also fined for harassment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/george-galloway-has-punchable-face-says-attacker-1-3929173#axzz3pyYA8bW5|title=George Galloway has ‘punchable face’, says attacker|work=The Scotsman|date=27 October 2015|accessdate=29 October 2015}}</ref>


During the ] Galloway was criticised for "]" comments about the then ] ], about who he tweeted "Well #Humza you're not more Scottish than me. You're not a Celt like me."<ref>{{cite news|title=George Galloway: Humza Yousaf hits back at 'not a celt' comments|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19169254.george-galloway-humza-yousaf-hits-back-not-celt-comments/|last=Hutchison|first=Caitlin|date=18 March 2021|access-date=2 March 2024|work=]}}</ref>
== See also ==
* '']'' – George Galloway's documentary film released July 2016
* '']'' – phone-in programme presented by Galloway on ] between 2006 and 2010 and ] from 2016


===European Union===
== References ==
In 2014, Galloway said he would "be campaigning to remain in the ], as anyone with any brain cells will also be doing".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Galloway |first1=George |author1-link=George Galloway |title=Newsnight Scotland Jim Sillars Vs. George Galloway 24/03/2014 Scottish Independence debate |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hMFYvPGUjI&t=38m20s |via=YouTube |publisher=FMQUnofficial |format=video |date=25 March 2014}}</ref>
{{Reflist|35em|refs=}}


However, in 2016, he began campaigning for the UK to leave the EU. At a rally at the ] on 19 February 2016, Galloway endorsed the ] (GO) campaign for the ].<ref name="Mance">{{cite news|last=Mance|first=Henry|date=19 February 2016|title=George Galloway joins anti-EU rally as Brussels talks reach climax|work=]|location=London, UK|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bcf6df22-d754-11e5-8887-98e7feb46f27.html|access-date=19 February 2016}}</ref> He was introduced by ] leader ] as a "special guest" who is "without doubt one of the greatest orators in this country, he is a towering figure on the left of British politics".<ref name="Millward">{{cite news|last=Millward|first=David|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/12166080/George-Galloways-appearance-at-Brexit-campaign-rally-sparks-furore.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220085020/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/12166080/George-Galloways-appearance-at-Brexit-campaign-rally-sparks-furore.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2016|title=George Galloway's appearance at Brexit campaign rally sparks furore|work=]|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016}}</ref> Galloway's presence at the rally prompted some of those present to leave.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowden|first1=George|title=Nigel Farage And George Galloway's Grassroots Out Alliance Mercilessly Mocked Online|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/20/nigel-farage-george-galloway-grassroots-out-campaign-mocked_n_9280984.html|access-date=21 February 2016|work=]|date=20 February 2016}}</ref> Labour MP ], who was involved with GO, defended Galloway's participation. "George ended up getting a hugely favourable response to what he said".<ref name="Lyons">{{cite news|last1=Lyons|first1=James|last2=Shipman|first2=Tim|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1670475.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302083315/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1670475.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2016|title=Galloway splits 'leave' camp|work=The Sunday Times|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Responding to criticism of his association with Farage, Galloway tweeted: "We are not pals. We are allies in one cause. Like ] and ]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sims|first=Alexandra|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-galloway-compares-relationship-with-nigel-farage-to-churchill-and-stalin-a6888526.html|title=George Galloway compares relationship with Nigel Farage to Churchill and Stalin|work=The Independent on Sunday|date=21 February 2016|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

On 17 April 2019 Galloway announced he would support the ] led by Nigel Farage in the May ]. He said that "given the nature of Labour's Euro-fanatic candidates list and the crucial juncture we have reached in the fight for the full implementation of the Brexit referendum result and for one-time only I will be supporting Nigel Farage in next months elections."<ref name=Herald19>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Martin|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17582739.socialist-george-galloway-under-fire-for-backing-nigel-farages-brexit-party-in-eu-elections/|title=Socialist George Galloway under fire for backing Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in EU elections|work=]|date=18 April 2019|access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=National19>{{cite news|last=Newsdesk|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/17582992.brexit-george-galloway-reveals-his-support-for-nigel-farages-party/|title=Brexit: George Galloway reveals his support for Nigel Farage's party|work=]|date=18 April 2019|access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref>

===Russia and Ukraine===
From 2013 to 2022, Galloway was a presenter on the Russian state-controlled television network ].

Galloway called the ] a "coup" and a "foreign financed invasion of the sovereignty of Ukraine". He believes ] was legitimate, because he said the disputed ] showed that "the huge majority of people in Crimea wanted to leave Ukraine".<ref>{{cite web |title=Five minutes with George Galloway: "The West is guilty of deep, laughable hypocrisy over Crimea" |url=https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2014/03/26/five-minutes-with-george-galloway-the-west-is-guilty-of-deep-laughable-hypocrisy-over-crimea/ |publisher=] |date=26 March 2014}}</ref>

In a 2016 interview of Nigel Farage, Galloway said "I respect ] and I think he's very popular in Russia".<ref>{{cite news |title=Nigel Farage interviewed by George Galloway, who Agreed with him on Everything they Discussed |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/13/nigel-farage-george-galloway-eu-sputnik_n_9227554.html |work=] |date=13 February 2016}}</ref>

When ] leader ] was ], Galloway claimed on RT that Navalny was a ].<ref name="Scotsman 2022">{{cite news |date=1 March 2022 |title=Anti-independence party led by Vladimir 'Putin's court clown' George Galloway collapses |work=The Scotsman |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/anti-independence-party-led-by-putins-court-clown-george-galloway-collapses-3591189 |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref>

In early 2022, Galloway dismissed claims that Russia was ], writing "I told you it wasn't. You were wrong. I was right".<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway's Russian ramblings |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/george-galloway-s-russian-ramblings/ |work=] |date=22 March 2022}}</ref> When ] ten days later, he said the invasion was "not what I wanted", but he blamed the invasion on "the West" and accused it of "Pumping Ukraine full of NATO weapons, mercenaries and propaganda".<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway defiant on Russia as he sues Twitter for defamation |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/george-galloway-defiant-on-russia-as-he-sues-twitter-for-defamation-kk2s37699 |work=] |date=26 May 2022}}</ref> He suggested that the ] was staged.<ref name="Moscow attack"/> Galloway was accused of being an apologist and propagandist for Russian president ] by the larger political parties. ] ended their political alliance ] over their disagreement on Ukraine. The ] leader, ], called Galloway "an apologist for ]" and said that Galloway's "association with RT has lent legitimacy and influence to the propaganda apparatus of a hostile power".<ref name="Scotsman 2022"/><ref>{{cite news |date=1 March 2022 |title=George Galloway's All for Unity party collapses amid upset over RT programme |work=The National |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19960713.george-galloways-unity-party-collapses-amid-upset-rt-programme/ |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref>

Regarding the ] in Russia, Galloway said he had "four pieces of evidence that lead to believe that the United States, its Nato allies, and their puppet stump state Ukraine are, in fact, responsible for this massacre".<ref name="Moscow attack">{{cite news |title=George Galloway accuses UK of being involved in Moscow terror attack |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-galloway-uk-moscow-attack-isis-obama-russia-b2519381.html |work=] |date=28 March 2024}}</ref>

===China and North Korea===
In 2019, Galloway defended the authorities' crackdown on ] in ]. He told ]: "These people should know that Hong Kong is China. No country, absolutely no country, will allow an existential threat to emerge on its territory".<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway defends China over Hong Kong protests |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/george-galloway-defends-china-over-hong-kong-protests-jvhk63ls5 |work=] |date=17 August 2019}}</ref>

Galloway has dismissed the evidence for the ] by the Chinese authorities. In 2022, he said there were no ] in China. He stated that China had established "re-education centres" to steer terrorists away from the path of extremism.<ref name=Freedland>{{cite news |last=Freedland|first=Jonathan|title=George Galloway stands accused of profiting from the pain of Gaza – and rightly so. But he is not the only one |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/01/george-galloway-profiting-pain-gaza-rochdale |work=] |date=1 March 2024}}</ref>

Galloway said, after spending time in ], he "does not agree with the North Korean system" and would not like to live there. He said "there have been achievements in North Korea ... They have a cohesive, pristine actually, innocent culture, a culture not penetrated by globalisation and Western mores". During a period of tension between North and ] in 2013, Galloway said "North Korea has no intention to harm any of us. North Korea's problem is with South Korea. ... South Korea exists because America invaded Korea, killed millions of people, divided the country and continues to garrison South Korea with ], nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapon". He blamed the United States for "war mongering" during the crisis and called South Korea its "puppet state".<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway: North Korea Has 'Cohesive, Pristine, Innocent Culture' |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/10/george-galloway-north-korea-has-innocent-culture_n_3050682.html |work=] |date=10 April 2013}}</ref>

===Latin America===
He has been an advocate for the Venezuelan government of ] and, in his '']'', for the former Cuban leader.<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/feb/28/comment.politics|title=These orchestrated attacks on Chávez are a travesty|date=28 February 2007|access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=George|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/hugo-chavezs-death-is-a-body-blow-for-the-poor-and-oppressed-throughout-latin-america-8521834.html|title=Hugo Chavez's death is a body blow for the poor and oppressed throughout Latin America|work=The Independent|date=5 March 2013|access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wadi|first=Ramona|url=https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/44790 |title=We have made a revolution that is bigger than us|work=Green Left Weekly|date=17 July 2010|access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> "You were the greatest man I ever met Comandante Fidel. You were the man of the century", he tweeted when Castro died in November 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38117068|title=Fidel Castro: Jeremy Corbyn praises 'huge figure'|publisher=BBC News|date=26 November 2016|access-date=26 November 2016}}</ref>

===Saudi Arabia===
Galloway has criticised Britain's close ties with ] and British involvement in the ]. In 2017, he said: "It is a country with no democracy or freedom of any kind. It is a country that exports terrorism around the world and funds terrorism and extremism around the world. We should have nothing whatsoever to do with them."<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway: UK must sever all ties with the charnel house that is Saudi Arabia |url=http://talkradio.co.uk/news/george-galloway-uk-must-sever-all-ties-charnel-house-saudi-arabia-17072516635 |work=Talkradio |date=25 July 2017}}</ref>

=== India ===
Galloway opposes ]'s role in the ] with ], and has voiced support for the ].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=17 November 2019 |title=Kashmiris have right to use arms in their struggle: Galloway |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2101042/kashmiris-right-use-arms-struggle-galloway |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |quote=Noted British politician George Galloway said that ] was under illegal occupation of Indian forces and its tyranny against the Muslims of Kashmir was due to its own fear of the ] and vigour for independence from Indian occupation.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=I'm speaking with the President of Pakistan here in the next few hours on #Kashmir |url=https://twitter.com/georgegalloway/status/1195576818536988672 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=Twitter }}</ref> He said the Indian Prime Minister ] "has blood on his hands". Modi was accused of initiating and condoning the ] against India's Muslim minority.<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway says Narendra Modi 'has blood on his hands' at protest as Indian PM meets David Cameron |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/george-galloway-says-narendra-modi-has-blood-on-his-hands-at-protest-as-indian-pm-meets-david-a6731906.html |last=Dearden |first=Lizzie |work=The Independent |date=12 November 2015}}</ref>

== Defamation cases ==
===Allegations and lawsuit against the Mirror Group===
In October 1991, Galloway tabled a motion in the House of Commons expressing concern at the allegations against news publisher ] put forward in ]'s recently published book, '']''. Hersh alleged that the '']'''s foreign editor, ], was involved in weapons sales to Iran and had given the whereabouts of ] to ]. Mossad sought to capture Vanunu due to his role as a ] of Israeli nuclear operations, and later "lured out of Britain to Italy", where he "was kidnapped, drugged and returned to Israel". Galloway's motion also called upon Mirror Group's owner, ], to appoint a tribunal to investigate the allegations and the potential involvement of foreign intelligence in the publishing group.<ref>{{cite act |type= Early Day Motion|index= 1284|date= 21 December 1991|legislature= UK Parliament|title= MIRROR GROUP NEWSPAPERS AND ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE|url= https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/2134}}</ref> As the motion was signed under parliamentary privilege, other news outlets could report on it without worrying about legal repercussion, as Maxwell was known for litigiousness. Following this, the Daily Mirror published a "vitriolic" front-page editorial against Galloway, accusing him of abusing parliamentary privilege and of being motivated by links to anti-Israel terrorist groups. Galloway sued for libel and was awarded a public apology and substantial undisclosed damages from the Mirror Group.<ref>{{cite news| title = Scottish MP wins libel damages| work = The Herald| date = 21 December 1992| url = https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12589730.scottish-mp-wins-libel-damages/| access-date = 11 February 2023}}</ref>

===''Daily Telegraph'' libel case===
On 22 April 2003, '']'' published news articles and comment describing documents found by its reporter ] in the ruins of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. The documents purported to be records of meetings between Galloway and Iraqi intelligence agents, and they stated that he had received £375,000 per year from the proceeds of the ].<ref name="judgement"/> Galloway sued the newspaper for libel, and the case was heard in the High Court on 14 November 2004.<ref name="judgement"/>

On 2 December, Justice ] ruled that the story had been "seriously defamatory", and that ''The Daily Telegraph'' was "obliged to compensate Mr Galloway{{nbsp}}... and to make an award for the purposes of restoring his reputation." Galloway was awarded damages of £150,000 plus, after a failed appeal in 2006, legal costs of about £2&nbsp;million.<ref name=appeal>{{cite web|url=http://www.5rb.com/docs/Galloway-v-Telegraph%20CA%2025%20Jan%202006.pdf|title=In the Supreme Court of Judicature Court of Appeal (Civil Division) Between: George Galloway MP and Telegraph Group Limited|id=Neutral Citation Number: EWCA Civ 17/Case No: A2/2005/0308|author=Sir Anthony Clarke MR|publisher=Royal Courts of Justice|date=25 January 2006|access-date=24 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810095555/http://www.5rb.com/docs/Galloway-v-Telegraph%20CA%2025%20Jan%202006.pdf|archive-date=10 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="guardian-20060126">{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Clare|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/26/thedailytelegraph.politicsandiraq|title=Telegraph loses Galloway libel appeal|work=The Guardian|date=26 January 2006|access-date=23 April 2011}}</ref>

Both sides regarded the libel case as an important test of the ]. ''The Daily Telegraph'' did not attempt to claim justification (where the defendant seeks to prove the truth of the defamatory reports): "It has never been the ''Telegraph''{{'s}} case to suggest that the allegations contained in these documents are true".<ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway wins Saddam libel case|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4061165.stm|date=2 December 2004|publisher=BBC News|access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref> The newspaper argued that it acted responsibly as the allegations it reported were of sufficient public interest to outweigh the damage caused to Galloway's reputation.<ref name="guardian-20060125">{{cite news|last=Cozens|first=Claire|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/25/Iraqandthemedia.thedailytelegraph|title=Telegraph loses Galloway libel appeal|work=The Guardian|date=25 January 2006|access-date=23 April 2011}}</ref> The trial judge did not accept this defence, noting that comments such as Galloway being guilty of "treason", "in Saddam's pay", and being "Saddam's little helper" caused him to conclude that "the newspaper was not neutral but both embraced the allegations with relish and fervour and went on to embellish them";<ref name="guardian-20060126" /> additionally, the judge ruled, Galloway had not been given a fair or reasonable opportunity to make inquiries or meaningful comment upon the documents before they were published.<ref name=judgement />

===''Christian Science Monitor'' libel case===
'']'' also published a story on 25 April 2003, stating that it had documentary evidence that he had received "more than ten million dollars" from the Iraqi government. However, on 20 June 2003, the ''Monitor'' reported that its own investigation had concluded that the documents were sophisticated forgeries.<ref name="auto1"/>

Galloway sued ''The'' ''Christian Science Monitor'' for libel. In March 2004, he accepted damages and a public apology from the ''Monitor''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3549679.stm|title=Galloway accepts libel damages|publisher=BBC News|date=19 March 2004|access-date=15 December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Galloway wins damages for Iraq libel|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/mar/20/uk.iraq|access-date=21 August 2008|work=The Guardian|date=20 March 2004|location=London, UK|first=Jamie|last=Wilson}}</ref>

===Jcom radio libel case===
In November 2007, Jewish radio station ] aired a satirical segment in which a character named 'Georgie Galloway' used the anti-Semitic catchphrase "kill the Jews, kill the Jews". Galloway sued the station for libel and won the case in the ]. Galloway was awarded £15,000 in damages and around £5,000 in costs. The radio station closed after losing the case. Galloway said the judgment had "categorically crushed the slur of anti-Semitism" against him.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Michael |title=London's Jewish radio station closes after Galloway sues |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-s-jewish-radio-station-closes-after-galloway-sues-891492.html |website=The Independent |access-date=6 March 2024 |date=11 August 2008}}</ref>

===BBC ''Question Time'' appearance===
On 5 February 2015, Galloway appeared on BBC's '']'' discussion programme, recorded in ], London, within a constituency with Britain's largest Jewish community.<ref name="Dysch060215">{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/usa/harvard-leaders-accused-of-obstructing-antisemitism-investigation-ryl0r3ms|title=George Galloway challenged by hostile audience at Finchley Question Time|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=6 February 2015}}</ref> The '']'' wrote that "Galloway was heckled by Jewish audience members who challenged him on his anti-Israel record" and the audience shouted "You're not welcome here".<ref name="Dysch060215" />

Five days later, ], a columnist for ''The Guardian'', tweeted: "Galloway has said and done things that cross the line from anti-Israel to antisemitic".<ref>{{cite news|last=Mostrous|first=Alexi|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article4368101.ece|title=Galloway demands cash for Twitter 'libel'|work=The Times|date=28 February 2015|access-date=16 September 2015}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cohen|first=Ben|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/02/12/anti-zionist-british-parliamentarian-george-galloway-launches-legal-action-against-journalists-antisemite-tweet|title=Anti-Zionist British Parliamentarian George Galloway Launches Legal Action Against Journalist's 'Antisemite' Tweet|work=the algemeiner|date=12 February 2015}}</ref> Galloway said that he would issue a suit for defamation against her.<ref name="Reidy">{{cite news|last=Reidy|first=Padraig|url=https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2015/03/padraig-reidy-george-galloways-dear-tweeter-letters/|title=George Galloway's dear tweeter letters|work=Index on Censorship|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> Freeman then deleted the tweet.<ref name="Bowcott 2024">{{cite news |last=Bowcott |first=Owen |title=Complaints to solicitors' regulator over libel demands from Galloway's lawyers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/04/complaints-to-solicitors-regulator-over-libel-demands-from-galloways-lawyers |website=The Guardian |access-date=6 March 2024 |date=4 March 2015}}</ref>

Some who had re-tweeted Freeman's comment were then sent a letter from Chambers Solicitors, acting for Galloway, asking for an apology and £5,000 plus ] (then levied at 20%) to cover costs incurred by the letter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dearden|first=Lizzie|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-galloway-demanding-5000-from-twitter-users-over-antisemitism-libel-10077205.html|title=George Galloway demands £5,000 from Twitter users over 'anti-Semitism' libel and threatens legal action|work=The Independent|date=28 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/131079/tweeters-offered-legal-help-galloway-sues|title=Tweeters offered legal help as Galloway sues|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> Some people who received the letter complained to the ].<ref name="Reidy" /><ref name="Bowcott 2024" /> ], Professor of Law at ], noted that an editor of the ] website had sent a tweet to Freeman asking if she could provide evidence for her claim that Galloway is antisemitic. Heinze wrote that "any example she could cite would probably persuade some and not others. Even if an overwhelming majority were unpersuaded, a highly popular opinion does not create an objectively verifiable fact."<ref>{{cite news|last=Heinze|first=Eric|url=https://theconversation.com/british-mp-exploits-vague-defamation-law-to-sue-guardian-journalist-37486|title=British MP exploits vague defamation law to sue Guardian journalist|work=The Conversation|date=12 February 2015}} See also {{cite book|last=Heinze|first=Eric|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P1hxCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA31|title=Hate Speech and Democratic Citizenship|location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2016|page=31|isbn=9780198759027}}</ref> Chambers Solicitors' conduct was the subject of a warning from the SRA a year later.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ames|first1=Jonathan|last2=Gibb|first2=Frances|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article4710618.ece|title=Galloway's lawyers warned over letters to tweeters|work=The Times|location=London|date=11 March 2016|access-date=11 March 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Initiating a libel action must begin within a year and no formal writ was issued.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marcus|first=Laura|url=http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/comment/154762/george-galloway-made-me-a-zionist|title=George Galloway made me a Zionist|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=17 March 2016|access-date=4 April 2016}}</ref>

===Aisha Ali-Khan libel case===
On 20 June 2016, Galloway lost a libel action brought by Aisha Ali-Khan, his assistant for six months in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-32802971|title=Ex-MP George Galloway referred to police over parliamentary expenses|publisher=BBC News|date=19 May 2015}}</ref> He had claimed that she had pursued a "dirty tricks" campaign against him and the Respect Party, and had slept at his house with her then-husband. The case was heard in the ]. His counsel apologised on Galloway's behalf, and accepted that he had made "defamatory accusations". Ali-Khan will receive a "five-figure sum" in damages and her legal costs.<ref name="Kennedy">{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Dominic|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/galloway-libel-feud-reaches-high-court-3t60jl6bx|title=Galloway libel feud reaches High Court|work=The Times|location=London|date=20 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Weaver|first=Matthew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/20/george-galloway-damages-assistant-aisha-ali-khan-dirty-tricks-claims|title=George Galloway pays damages to former aide over dirty tricks claims|work=The Guardian|date=20 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref> As part of the settlement of their libel claim, both Galloway and Ali-Khan gave undertakings not to make any further public statement about the litigation or to defame each other. In 2018 Galloway brought an action that Ali-Khan had breached this undertaking 26 times, which Ali-Khan admitted, and in April 2018 the High Court imprisoned Ali-Khan for 12 weeks for ], describing her action as "deliberate, flagrant, persistent and inexcusable". Ali-Khan had been found guilty of contempt of court on a previous occasion.<ref name=thetelegraphandargus-20180419>{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/16171212.George_Galloway_s_former_parliamentary_assistant_jailed_for_contempt/ |title=George Galloway's former parliamentary assistant Aisha Ali-Khan jailed for contempt |last=Black |first=Michael |website=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=19 April 2018 |access-date=4 July 2018}}</ref><ref name=times-20180323>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/aisha-ali-khan-former-aide-to-george-galloway-may-face-jail-zkxshhzwz |title=Aisha Ali-Khan, former aide to George Galloway, may face jail |last=Kennedy |first=Dominic |work=The Times |location=London |date=23 March 2018 |access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref><ref name=judiciary-20180322>{{cite web |url=https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/galloway-v-ali-khan-1.pdf |title=George Galloway -v- Aisha Ali-Khan |author=Mr Justice Warby |publisher=High Court of Justice |id=HQ14X01162 |date=22 March 2018 |access-date=4 July 2018}}</ref> Previously, during 2017, Ali-Khan had filed a petition for Galloway's bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Dominic |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/former-aide-asks-court-to-declare-george-galloway-bankrupt-c9k326d3x|title=Former aide asks court to declare George Galloway bankrupt |work=The Times |location=London |date=19 August 2017 |access-date=19 August 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

===Twitter defamation case===
{{Update|section|reason=Has the case been resolved and, if so, what was the outcome?|date=March 2024}}
In April 2022, Galloway's Twitter account was labelled "Russian state-affiliated media" by Twitter. In response Galloway tweeted: "I work for NO Russian media. I have 400,000 followers. I'm the leader of a British political party and spent nearly 30 years in the British parliament. If you do not remove this designation I will take legal action".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dwoskin |first1=Elizabeth |title=China is Russia's most powerful weapon for information warfare |url=https://news.yahoo.com/china-russias-most-powerful-weapon-103842525.html |website=news.yahoo.com |date=8 April 2022 |agency=The Washington Post |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref> Twitter users pointed out that Galloway's own profile named the Russian state media outlets that he worked for. Galloway then removed these from his profile,<ref>{{cite web |last=Masnick |first=Mike |date=11 April 2022 |title=UK Politician Who Had Shows On Russian TV Channel Threatens To Sue Twitter For Noting His Connections To Russian Media |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2022/04/11/uk-politician-who-had-shows-on-russian-tv-channel-threatens-to-sue-twitter-for-noting-his-connections-to-russian-media/ |access-date=13 April 2022 |website=] }}</ref> He said Twitter had refused to explain the label, which he said was added to his account after he had stopped presenting on Russian television channels, which were closed by the British government in March 2022. Galloway sued Twitter for defamation in the ]. The suit also alleged that Twitter had unlawfully processed his personal data by labelling and censoring his account.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ebrahimi |first1=Soraya |title=UK's George Galloway sues Twitter over Russia label |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/05/26/uks-george-galloway-sues-twitter-over-russia-label/ |website=The National |access-date=6 March 2024 |date=26 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carswell |first1=Simon |title=George Galloway sues Twitter in Dublin over 'Russian state-affiliated' label |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2022/05/25/george-galloway-sues-twitter-in-dublin-over-russian-state-affiliated-label/ |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=6 March 2024 |date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

== Elections contested ==
=== UK Parliament elections ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!Constituency
!colspan=2|Party
!Votes
!% votes
!Position
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}}
|17,958
|42.9
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}}
|15,148
|38.5
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}}
|16,643
|51.0
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}}
|12,014
|44.8
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Respect Party}}
|15,801
|35.9
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Respect Party}}
|8,160
|17.5
|3rd
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Respect Party}}
|18,341
|55.9
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Respect Party}}
|8,557
|21.2
|2nd
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Independent politician}}
|2,615
|5.7
|3rd
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Independent politician}}
|489
|1.4
|6th
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Workers Party of Britain}}
|8,264
|21.87
|3rd
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Workers Party of Britain}}
|12,335
|39.65
|'''Won'''
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Workers Party of Britain}}
|11,587
|29.2
|2nd
|}

=== London mayoral elections ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!colspan=2|Party
!Votes
!% votes
!Position
|-
|]
| {{party name with colour|Respect Party}}
|37,007
|1.4
|7th
|}

=== Scottish Parliament elections ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!Region
!colspan=2|Party
!Votes
!% votes
!Position
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|Respect Party}}
|6,972
|3.3
|5th
|-
|]
|]
| {{party name with colour|All for Unity}}
|5,521
|1.5
|6th
|}

==Television presenter==
In an overview of the broadcasting organisations Galloway works for, Tom Rogan in the '']'' in April 2014 described him as being "a Western puppet for tyranny's propagandists".<ref>{{cite news|last=Rogan|first=Tom|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/article/376670/tyranny-smile-tom-rogan|title=Tyranny with a Smile|work=National Review|date=28 April 2014}}</ref>

In August 2009, editions of Galloway's programmes ''The Real Deal'' and ''Comment'' programme for ], a London-based news channel controlled by the government of Iran, were found by the British broadcasting regulator ] to have breached its broadcasting code on impartiality.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/press-tv-anti-israel-bias-slammed-by-ofcom-1.10659|title=Press TV anti-Israel bias slammed by Ofcom|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=3 August 2009|access-date=10 June 2017}}</ref>

After Press TV lost its Ofcom licence in 2012, according to Galloway, the Iranian broadcaster owed him £40,000, leading to his company Miranda Media entering compulsory liquidation in 2013 because of unpaid tax. Reportedly, the owed payment amounts to £100,000, although Galloway disputed this in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mendick|first=Robert|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/12176066/George-Galloways-firm-goes-bust-owing-100000-tax.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/12176066/George-Galloways-firm-goes-bust-owing-100000-tax.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=George Galloway's firm goes bust owing £100,000 tax|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=27 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Miranda Media, in which income from Galloway's media work was deposited, was established in September 2007 under a month before a law came into force allowing directors to receive loans from their own companies, a facility Galloway used on multiple occasions.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gadher|first=Dipesh|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1121914.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529151505/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/Politics/article1121914.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 May 2015|title=Galloway able to slash tax with media firms|work=The Sunday Times|location=London|date=9 September 2012|access-date=31 December 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Shortly after its foundation in June 2012, Galloway became a presenter with the ] television station where he presents "Kalima Hurra" ({{langx|ar|كلمة حرّة}} meaning free word). Al Mayadeen reportedly has connections with Iran and the Assad government in Syria, and has been accused of supporting the Assad government, a claim Galloway has rejected.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pitel|first=Laura|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/medianews/article3520071.ece|title=Galloway joins TV station 'linked to Syria'|work=The Times|date=28 August 2012|access-date=11 December 2016}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kingsley|first=Patrick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/shortcuts/2012/aug/28/tv-stations-george-galloway-julian-assange|title=The TV stations where George Galloway and Julian Assange are stars|work=The Guardian|date=28 August 2012|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Tim|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10278115/What-George-Galloway-neglected-to-mention-in-Syria-debate.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10278115/What-George-Galloway-neglected-to-mention-in-Syria-debate.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=What George Galloway neglected to mention in Syria debate|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=1 September 2013|access-date=30 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In November 2013, Galloway and his wife Gayatri began to present '']'' for the Russian government-backed station ]. He is a regular contributor to RT's other programming.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite news|last=Armstrong|first=Claire|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10913724.Bradford_Respect_MP_George_Galloway_to_be_father_again/|title=Bradford Respect MP George Galloway to be father again|work=Telegraph & Argus|location=Bradford|date=3 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Perraudin|first=Frances|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/oct/30/rt-russia-todays-six-most-memorable-moments|title=RT: Russia Today's six most memorable moments|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2014}}</ref> Among the notable guests on Galloway's RT programmes have been ],<ref name="Dych"/><ref name="Cohen 2015">{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Ben | title=Anti-Zionist British Parliamentarian George Galloway Launches Legal Action Against Journalist's 'Antisemite' Tweet | website=Algemeiner.com | date=12 February 2015 | url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2015/02/12/anti-zionist-british-parliamentarian-george-galloway-launches-legal-action-against-journalists-antisemite-tweet/ | access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="CST 2015">{{cite web | title=When George schmoozed Gilad – Blog | website=CST – Protecting Our Jewish Community | date=6 January 2015 | url=https://cst.org.uk/news/blog/2015/01/06/when-george-schmoozed-gilad | access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref> and ].<ref name="Solomon 2018">{{cite web | last=Solomon | first=Esther | title=Why David Duke, David Icke, Louis Farrakhan and the Assad regime all love Shlomo Sand | website=Haaretz.com | date=20 November 2018 | url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-why-david-duke-louis-farrakhan-and-the-assad-regime-all-love-shlomo-sand-1.6673617 | access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref>

In the register of members' financial interests published at the end of January 2015, Galloway disclosed that he had earned £293,450 from his television broadcasting in the previous year and had received almost £70,000 in travelling expenses and hotel stays.<ref>{{cite news|last=McSmith|first=Andy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-mcsmiths-diary-gordon-brown-and-george-galloway-earn-more-than-tory-barristers-10024308.html|title=Gordon Brown and George Galloway earn more than Tory barristers|work=The Independent|date=4 February 2015}} See the itemised list in {{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmregmem/911/911.pdf|title=Register of Members' Financial Interests, as of 26 January 2015|publisher=House of Commons|date=2 February 2015|pages=120–23}}</ref> For the period November 2013 to February 2015, Galloway was paid £100,000 for his appearances on RT, the highest payment to any British politician working for the channel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Doward|first1=Jamie|last2=Hyman|first2=Mika|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/18/mps-kremlin-propaganda-channel-rt|title=MPs defend fees of up to £1,000 an hour to appear on 'Kremlin propaganda' channel|work=The Observer|date=18 November 2017|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref>

In 2016, Galloway presented a documentary film, '']''.

==Radio presenter==
{{main|The Mother of All Talk Shows}}
Having broadcast on talkSPORT from 2006 to 2012, Galloway began to broadcast on ] (which launched in March 2016 as a sister station to ]) in June 2016. Amongst his many monologues, he said that if Scotland were to leave the UK and join the EU "it would not be a good thing for his fellow countrymen", and has condemned the BBC as a "national disgrace".<ref>Amy Southall . Talkradio, 8 March 2017.</ref><ref>Luke Dolan . Talkradio, 19 July 2017.</ref>

In June 2019, after ] had defeated ] in the Champions League final, Galloway congratulated the people of ] and tweeted "No #Israël{{sic}} flags on the Cup!". He said that this referred to a number of Tottenham fans who were flying the flag of Israel in the crowd, showing "an affiliation to a ']'".<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway sacked by talkRADIO over allegedly anti-Semitic tweet |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48498010 |access-date=3 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=3 June 2019}}</ref> Tottenham Hotspur accused Galloway of "blatant ]" and talkRADIO sacked him saying the broadcaster "does not tolerate anti-Semitic views".<ref>{{cite news |title=George Galloway Sacked By TalkRadio After Being Accused Of 'Blatant Anti-Semitism'|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/george-galloway-anti-semitism-tottenham_uk_5cf4f4d2e4b0a1997b6d68cc?u4 |work=] |access-date=3 June 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==

In 2014, Galloway was attacked in ], London, by a Jewish convert, due to his position on the state of Israel, and sustained a head injury, leading him to wear a hat ever since.<ref name="BBC290814"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/georgegalloway/status/1158107440107413504?lang=en-GB |title=George Galloway MP |date=4 August 2019 |publisher=twitter.com |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref>

===Marriages and children===
Galloway has been married four times and has six children.<ref name="Telegraph, February 2024"/>

In 1979, he married Elaine Fyffe, with whom he has a daughter.<ref name="Armstrong" /> The couple separated in 1987 and divorced in 1999.<ref name="Davis" />

In 1994, Galloway married Amineh Abu-Zayyad, a Palestinian biologist, in a non-legally binding ];<ref name="Robinson">{{cite news|last=Wolfe-Robinson|first=Maya|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2012/apr/03/how-many-wives-does-george-galloway-have|title=How many wives does George Galloway have?|work=The Guardian|date=3 April 2012|access-date=30 March 2016}}</ref> a legally binding ] followed in March 2000.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/categories/34/?name=George_Galloway&marriage=2000&marriage_x=2-0-0| title = George Galloway - Ancestry.com}}</ref><ref name="Davis" /> Abu-Zayyad was granted a divorce in February 2009, after an estrangement of several years, on the grounds of "unreasonable behaviour"; her petition was not contested.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4292303/George-Galloway-divorced-over-unreasonable-behaviour.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4292303/George-Galloway-divorced-over-unreasonable-behaviour.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=George Galloway divorced over 'unreasonable behaviour'|work=]|date=20 January 2009|access-date=30 March 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Galloway married Rima Husseini, his former researcher, in a ] Islamic ceremony in 2005.<ref name="Robinson" /> Galloway had two sons with Husseini, who is from Lebanon.<ref name="Davis" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/03/george-galloway-baby_n_4535836.html|title=George Galloway's 29-Year-Old Wife Is Expecting A Baby|work=HuffPost|date=3 January 2014|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref>

On 31 March 2012 he married his fourth wife, Dutch-Indonesian anthropologist Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, then 27, in Amsterdam.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rickman|first=Dina|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/04/03/george-galloway-married-putri-gayatri-pertiwi_n_1398879.html|title=George Galloway Weds Fourth Bride Putri Gayatri Pertiwi|work=HuffPost|date=15 April 2012|access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref> The initial event was followed by a traditional ] wedding ceremony in ] and a ] at the House of Commons in September 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/george-galloway-shows-off-his-bride-to-the-commons-8167688.html|title=George Galloway shows off his bride to the Commons|work=Evening Standard|date=24 September 2012|access-date=20 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="MacLean 2024">{{cite news |last=Maclean |first=Ruth |date=1 March 2024 |title=Galloway marries for the fourth time |newspaper=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/galloway-marries-for-the-fourth-time-vmxz5wr655h |access-date=1 March 2024 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> Pertiwi worked as a consultant for a Dutch research firm and as a co-presenter of Galloway's TV show ''Sputnik''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Odone |first=Cristina|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/cristinaodone/100148867/what-is-it-about-gorgeous-george-that-gets-the-girls/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406081931/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/cristinaodone/100148867/what-is-it-about-gorgeous-george-that-gets-the-girls/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 April 2012|title=What is it about Gorgeous George that gets the girls?|work=]|date=3 April 2012|access-date=3 April 2012}}</ref> The couple have three children.

===Religion===
Galloway has been outspoken in support of religious liberties. Though he has long stated that his religious beliefs are a private matter, Galloway was raised, and identified in 2016, as a ] Christian.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgf66iZDlM8&ab_channel=GeorgeGalloway|title = "Utterly damning & no road back" – George Galloway on Chilcot|via = ]| date=7 July 2016 }}</ref> In a 2013 interview, Galloway sparked controversy for saying as a Roman Catholic, he would not feel safe in an independent Scotland given the historically bigoted views harboured by many Scottish nationalists towards Catholics.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13105420.galloway-attacked-for-snp-catholic-slur/|title=Galloway attacked for SNP Catholic slur|work=Herald Scotland|access-date=6 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/29/george-galloway-interview-bradford-west|title=George Galloway: 'I believe that on judgment day, people have to answer for what they did'|date=29 April 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 December 2020}}</ref>

At a 2012 rally, he said: "We stand for justice and '']''" and "A Muslim is somebody who is not afraid of earthly power but who fears only the ]. I'm ready for that, I'm working for that and it's the only thing I fear."<ref name=Runaway/> In April 2012 ] claimed Galloway had converted to ] around 2000 and that his '']h'' was performed in ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Khan |first=Jemima |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/politics/2012/04/one-day-i%E2%80%99ll-be-national-treasure |title=One day, I'll be a national treasure|work=New Statesman|date=25 April 2012|access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref> Galloway denied the claims, saying: "I have never attended any such ceremony in Kilburn, Karachi or Kathmandu. It is simply and categorically untrue." He went on to reiterate his position that religious beliefs are a "personal matter".<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/26/george-galloway-jemima-khan-muslim?newsfeed=true|title=George Galloway denies Jemima Khan's claims of Muslim conversion ceremony|work=The Guardian|date=26 April 2012}}</ref> His marriages to Dr Abu-Zayyad in 1994 and Rima Husseini in 2007 both took place in Muslim ceremonies.<ref name="MacLean 2024" /> His wife since 2012, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, is also Muslim.<ref name=Herald2012/>

In March 2024, Galloway was ] as an MP holding a Bible.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crace |first1=John |title=The Ego has Landed: George Galloway basks in his swearing in as MP |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/04/the-ego-has-landed-george-galloway-basks-in-his-swearing-in-as-mp |access-date=22 March 2024 |work=] |date=4 March 2024}}</ref> In an '']'' interview, in April of the same year, Galloway stated he was "a practicing Roman Catholic".<ref>{{cite video |title=Susanna Questions George Galloway on Rishi Sunak's Comments After Rochdale By-Election |work=Good Morning Britain |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNDAmrLZr3k |access-date=19 May 2024 |date=30 April 2024}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
<!-- 1/ Reference: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TMOATS --> <!-- 1/ Reference: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TMOATS -->


== Further reading == ==Further reading==
; Author ; Author
* '']'' (2004) * '']'' (2004)
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* David Morley ''Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway'', Politico's Publishing, 2007 {{ISBN|978-1842751855}} * David Morley ''Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway'', Politico's Publishing, 2007 {{ISBN|978-1842751855}}


== External links == ==External links==
{{Commons}} {{Commons}}
{{Wikiquote}} {{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://www.georgegalloway.com}}
*{{Twitter}}
* {{UK MP links
*{{Official website|http://www.georgegalloway.com}}
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* Contributor page, ''The Guardian'' website
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* Contributor page, ''The Independent'' website
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* contributor page for the Westmonster website
| publicwhip = George_Galloway
*{{Hansard-contribs | mr-george-galloway | George Galloway}}
| theywork = 10218
*{{IMDb name|1544210|George Galloway}}
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* Contributor page, ''The Guardian'' website
* Contributor page, ''The Independent'' website
* {{Hansard-contribs | mr-george-galloway | George Galloway}}
* {{IMDb name|1544210|George Galloway}}


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Latest revision as of 22:00, 17 December 2024

British politician, broadcaster, and writer (born 1954) For other people named George Galloway, see George Galloway (disambiguation).

George Galloway
Official portrait, 2024
Leader of the Workers Party of Britain
Incumbent
Assumed office
8 December 2019
Deputy
Preceded byParty established
Leader of the Respect Party
In office
10 June 2013 – 18 August 2016
DeputyDawud Islam
Preceded byArshad Ali
Succeeded byParty dissolved
Member of Parliament
In office
29 February 2024 – 30 May 2024
Preceded byTony Lloyd
Succeeded byPaul Waugh
ConstituencyRochdale
In office
29 March 2012 – 30 March 2015
Preceded byMarsha Singh
Succeeded byNaz Shah
ConstituencyBradford West
In office
5 May 2005 – 12 April 2010
Preceded byOona King
Succeeded byRushanara Ali
ConstituencyBethnal Green and Bow
In office
11 June 1987 – 11 April 2005
Preceded byRoy Jenkins
Succeeded byConstituency abolished
ConstituencyGlasgow Kelvin
(1997–2005)
Glasgow Hillhead
(1987–1997)
Personal details
Born (1954-08-16) 16 August 1954 (age 70)
Dundee, Scotland
Political party
Other political
affiliations
Spouses
Elaine Fyffe ​ ​(m. 1979; div. 1999)
Amineh Abu-Zayyad ​ ​(m. 2000; div. 2009)
Rima Husseini ​ ​(m. 2005; div. 2010)
Putri Gayatri Pertiwi ​ ​(m. 2012)
Children6
Signature
Websitegeorgegalloway.com
George Galloway's voice Galloway on Scottish independence
Recorded 5 May 2019
This article is part of
a series about
George Galloway

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George Galloway (born 16 August 1954) is a British politician, broadcaster, and writer. He has been leader of the Workers Party of Britain since he founded it in 2019, and is a former leader of the Respect Party. Until 2003, he was a member of the Labour Party. From 1987 to 2010, from 2012 to 2015 and briefly in 2024 Galloway served as Member of Parliament (MP) for five constituencies.

Galloway was born in Dundee, Scotland. After becoming the youngest ever chair of the Scottish Labour Party in 1981, he was general secretary of the charity War on Want from 1983 until his election as MP for Glasgow Hillhead at the 1987 general election; he was re-elected three times. He was expelled from the Labour Party in 2003 due to his prominent opposition to the Iraq War. Galloway joined the Respect Party in 2004, and was its leader from 2013 to 2016. He was elected as MP for Bethnal Green and Bow at the 2005 general election. After losing in the neighbouring constituency of Poplar and Limehouse at the 2010 general election, he regained a parliamentary seat at the 2012 Bradford West by-election, only to lose it at the 2015 general election. He unsuccessfully stood as an independent candidate at the 2017 and 2019 general elections. Galloway then founded the Workers Party of Britain, and stood unsuccessfully for the party at the 2021 Batley and Spen by-election. Galloway won the 2024 Rochdale by-election. He lost the seat at the 2024 general election.

Galloway describes himself as both a socialist and socially conservative. He travelled to Iraq to meet government officials in the 1990s. He caused controversy for praising Saddam Hussein at a 1994 meeting, which he denied. Galloway founded the Mariam Appeal in 1998 to campaign against sanctions on Iraq. Galloway was accused of receiving illicit payments from Iraq's government, partly from money diverted from the United Nations' Oil-for-Food Program, defending himself at a 2005 United States Senate hearing. A staunch critic of Israel and of Zionism, he supports the Palestinians in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and was involved in the 2009 Viva Palestina aid convoys to the Gaza Strip. In 2014, Galloway sustained injuries after being attacked by a Jewish convert due to his positions on Israel. He supported Jeremy Corbyn in his leadership of the Labour Party. In 2016 he campaigned for the UK to leave the European Union, later supporting Nigel Farage's Brexit Party at the 2019 European Parliament election. He opposes Scottish independence, and founded the British unionist alliance All for Unity, which received 0.9 per cent of votes at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. More recently, Galloway has blamed the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the West.

Galloway hosted the TalkRadio show The Mother of All Talk Shows from 2006 to 2010 and from 2016 until his dismissal in 2019. He then moved the show to social media platforms. He was a presenter on Russian state media outlet RT from 2013 to 2022, and was a presenter on Iranian state media outlet Press TV.

Early life and career

Background and education

Galloway was born in Dundee, Scotland, to George Galloway Sr., a Scottish trade unionist, and Sheila O'Reilly, a Scot of Irish descent. Initially raised in Lochee, Dundee, he has described himself as "born in an attic in a slum tenement in the Irish quarter of Dundee, which is known as Tipperary". His father began as an electrician, before studying a degree to become an electromechanical engineer at NCR. After being made redundant, he retrained as a teacher. His mother was a cleaner, and then a factory worker. According to Galloway, his father was patriotic, while his mother had Irish nationalist sympathies, and was critical of perceived British pretensions in the world. He took his mother's side in arguments, and has been a long-time supporter of Sinn Féin and Irish reunification. David Morley, his biographer, has written that people who knew both father and son have said that they had Marxist opinions common in the local Labour Party movement of the time.

Galloway grew up in Charleston, Dundee, and attended Charleston Primary and then Harris Academy, in the city's West End, an academically selective and non-denominational state school, which became comprehensive in 1973. Galloway played for the school football team as well as for West End United U12s, Lochee Boys Club U16s and St Columba's U18s.

In a 2016 New Internationalist interview, Galloway speculated that an incident of sexual abuse from a colonel, which he suffered when he was 12, caused a "lifelong fear of being gay and this led me into ostentatious, rapacious heterosexual promiscuity". According to Galloway, he grew a moustache at the age of 15, and refused to shave it off when his headmaster objected. He decided, at the age of 18, never to drink alcohol; the reason was originally derived from comments by his father, and he has described alcohol as having a "very deleterious effect on people".

Labour Party organiser

Galloway joined the Labour Party Young Socialists aged 13, having falsely claimed to have been 15, and was still a teenager when he became secretary of the Dundee Labour Party.

Galloway became vice-chairman of the Labour Party in the City of Dundee and a member of the Scottish Executive Committee in 1975. On 5 May 1977, he contested his first election campaign in the Scottish district elections, but failed to hold the safe Labour Gillburn ward in Dundee, being defeated by the independent Bunty Turley. He became the secretary organiser of the Dundee Labour Party in 1977, and at 26, was the youngest ever chairman of the Scottish Labour Party in March 1981, a post he held for a year, after holding the vice-chairman post over the previous year.

After a trip to Beirut, Lebanon during 1977, Galloway became a supporter of Palestine, stating during his libel case against The Daily Telegraph in 2004 that "barely a week after my return I made a pledge, in the Tavern Bar in Dundee's Hawkhill District, to devote the rest of my life to the Palestinian and Arab cause." He supported Dundee City Council when it flew the Palestinian flag over the City Chambers building, and was involved in the twinning of Dundee with the Palestinian West Bank town of Nablus in 1980.

In late 1981, Galloway was interviewed for the Scottish Marxist, in which Galloway supported the affiliation of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) to the Labour Party, in the same way as the Fabian Society does. Believing that a deficiency in political theory was being filled by the entryist infiltration of the party by the Trotskyists (such as the Militant tendency), he thought the problem was better resolved by communist thinking from members of the CPGB. (He was later opposed to the expulsion of members of Militant.)

In response, Denis Healey, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, tried and failed to remove Galloway from the list of prospective parliamentary candidates. Healey lost his motion by 13 votes to five. Galloway once quipped that, to overcome a £1.5 million deficit which had arisen in Dundee's city budget, he, Ernie Ross, and leading councillors should be placed in the stocks in the city square: "We would allow people to throw buckets of water over us at 20p a time."

In 1983, Galloway attempted to stand for the safe Labour seat of Rhondda after the Welsh Transport and General Workers' Union and the National Union of Miners had both nominated him to succeed Alec Jones, who had died. He hoped to be selected in the newly created seat of Dunfermline East, where no incumbent was standing. Galloway failed to be selected for either seat, with Rhondda selecting Allan Rogers, and Dunfermline East selecting future Chancellor of the Exchequer and later Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

Standing as a candidate for a place on the Labour Party National Executive Committee in 1986, in a large field of 18 candidates, Galloway finished in 16th place.

War on Want

From November 1983 to 1987, Galloway was the general secretary of War on Want, a British charity campaigning against poverty worldwide. In this post he travelled widely, and wrote eye-witness accounts of the famine in Eritrea in 1985 which were published in The Sunday Times and The Spectator. His deputy at the charity, Simon Stocker, recalled: "If you went into a fight with George, you knew you would never walk out with a win."

On 28 October 1986, the Daily Mirror, in a front-page story by Alastair Campbell, alleged Galloway had spent £20,000 in expenses and had been "enjoying a life of luxury". An internal investigation, and later, an independent auditor, both cleared him of the accusation of any misuse of funds, although he did repay £1,720 in contested expenses. The official history of War on Want comments about Galloway that "even though the problems were not all of his own making, his way of dealing with them heightened tensions".

MP for Glasgow Hillhead and Kelvin (1987–2005)

At the 1987 general election, Galloway was elected as the MP for Glasgow Hillhead gaining the seat for Labour from the SDP defeating Roy Jenkins with a majority of 3,251 votes. Although known for his left-wing political views, Galloway was never a member of the Campaign Group.

In September 1987, Galloway was asked by a journalist about his relationship to a woman during the 1986 War on Want conference on the Greek island of Mykonos. Galloway admitted having an extra-marital affair, saying:

I travelled to, and spent time in, Greece with lots of people, many of whom were women, some of whom were known carnally to me. I actually had sexual intercourse with some of the people in Greece. And if the British public and BBC Scotland think that's of interest they are welcome to broadcast it.

As a result, Galloway made front-page headlines in the tabloid press at the time. He and his first wife separated that year. In February 1988, the executive committee of his constituency Labour Party passed a vote of no confidence in him by 15 to 8. The constituency's general management committee voted 54-to-44 in favour of the motion a fortnight later on 22 February, although just three of the 25 members in the trade union section supported it.

Galloway gained re-selection when challenged by Trish Godman (wife of fellow MP Norman Godman) in June 1989, but failed to get a majority of the electoral college on the first ballot. This was the worst result for any sitting Labour MP who was reselected, but Galloway gained 62% in total in the final vote. Galloway assured his party there would be a "summer of peace and reconciliation" in his acceptance speech, but this did not happen. Many members of the party who had supported Godman reportedly refused to work for Galloway in the next election, including Johann Lamont, who later became Leader of the Scottish Labour Party in 2011. The following August, 13 of the 26 members of the constituency party's executive committee resigned, including Lamont. According to her, Galloway "has done nothing to build bridges with the Members of the Executive who opposed his selection." She told a journalist from The Guardian: "The quarrel we have is all about accountability, and democracy ... working in harmony, rather than any personal matters."

The Labour Party leadership election in 1992 saw Galloway voting for the eventually successful candidates, John Smith for leader and Margaret Beckett as deputy leader. In 1994, after Smith died, Galloway declined to cast a vote in the leadership election (one of only three MPs to do so). In a debate with the leader of the Scottish National Party, Alex Salmond, Galloway responded to one of Salmond's jibes against Labour by declaring "I don't give a fuck what Tony Blair thinks".

In 1997, Galloway's Glasgow Hillhead constituency was abolished and, although facing a challenge for the Labour nomination as the candidate for Glasgow Kelvin at the 1997 general election, Galloway defeated Shiona Waldron. He was unchallenged for the nomination for the 2001 general election. He was elected with majorities of 16,643 and 12,014 votes respectively. During the period he was Labour MP for Glasgow Kelvin, from 1997 to 2003, he voted against the whip 32 times, five votes out of 665 (0.8%) in the 1997–2001 parliament and the majority (27 votes out of 209 or 12.9%) in the period from the 2001 election until his expulsion from the Labour Party. He was one of several politicians arrested in February 2001 during a protest at the Faslane nuclear base in Scotland, which led to him being convicted of a breach of the peace and fined £180.

Iraq and Saddam Hussein

Writing for The Observer in April 2003, David Aaronovitch speculated that Galloway's support for Ba'athist Iraq and Saddam Hussein may have been based on "the belief that my enemy's enemy is my friend. Or, in the context of the modern world, any anti-American will do. When Iraq stopped being a friend of the West it became a friend of George's." According to Tam Dalyell, Galloway had been the "only one MP that I can recollect making speeches about human rights in Iraq" in the House of Commons.

Galloway opposed the 1991 Gulf War and was critical of the effect that the subsequent sanctions had on the people of Iraq.

Meeting with Saddam Hussein in 1994

In January 1994, Galloway faced some of his strongest criticism for a Middle Eastern trip, during which he met Saddam Hussein. At his meeting with the Iraqi president, Galloway told Saddam Hussein:

Your excellency, Mr President, I greet you in the name of the many thousands of people in Britain who stood against the tide and opposed the war ... I greet you too in the name of the Palestinian people ... I thought the president would appreciate knowing that even today, three years after the war, I still meet families who are calling their newborn sons Saddam ... Sir, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability. And I want you to know that we are with you until victory, until victory, until Jerusalem (hatta al-nasr, hatta al-nasr, hatta al-Quds).

During Galloway's 2004 defamation case against the Daily Telegraph, the paper's defence Queen's Counsel accused Galloway of having "fawned over" Saddam during their meeting in 1994. Labour leader John Smith said: "I deeply deplore the foolish statement made in Iraq by Mr. George Galloway. In no way did he speak for the Labour Party and I wholly reject his comments". Galloway said that he was saluting the Iraqi people, rather than Saddam Hussein, and Galloway's friend Anas Altikriti observed that this is how it was translated for Saddam. Shortly after his return, Galloway was given a "severe reprimand" and "final warning" by the Labour Chief Whip, Derek Foster. Galloway apologised for his conduct and undertook to follow future instruction from the whips.

For his meeting with Saddam, Galloway was dubbed the "MP for Baghdad North". When he spoke before the U.S. Senate on 17 May 2005, Galloway said that he had "met Saddam Hussein exactly the same number of times as Donald Rumsfeld met him," but "The difference is Donald Rumsfeld met him to sell him guns ... I met him to try to bring about an end to sanctions, suffering and war".

The Mariam Appeal

In 1998, Galloway founded the Mariam Appeal which was intended, according to its website's welcome page in 1999, "to campaign against sanctions on Iraq which are having disastrous effects on the ordinary people of Iraq". The campaign was named after Mariam Hamza, a child flown by the fund from Iraq to Britain to receive treatment for leukaemia. The intention was to raise awareness of the suffering and death of hundreds of thousands of other Iraqi children, due to poor health conditions and lack of suitable medicines and facilities, and to campaign for the lifting of the Iraq sanctions that many maintained were responsible for that situation. In 1999, Galloway was criticised for spending Christmas in Iraq with Tariq Aziz, who was Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister at the time. In a 17 May 2005 hearing of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Galloway stated that he had many meetings with Aziz, and characterised their relationship as friendly. In all, he has admitted to more than 10 meetings with Aziz.

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the fund received scrutiny after a complaint that Galloway used some donated money to pay for his travel expenses. He responded by stating that the expenses were incurred in his capacity as the appeal's chairman. Although the Mariam Appeal was never a registered charity and never intended to be such, it was investigated by the Charity Commission. The report of this year-long inquiry, published in June 2004, found that the Mariam Appeal was undertaking charitable work (and so ought to have registered with the commission), but did not substantiate allegations that any funds had been misused. It emerged some years later that Galloway had appealed in a letter dated 24 April 2003 to Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney-General, to stop the investigation into the Mariam Appeal. According to a report in The Times, after the letter was released under the Freedom of Information Act, Galloway falsely asserted that the appeal "received no money from Iraq".

A further Charity Commission Report published on 7 June 2007 found that the appeal had received funds from Fawaz Zureikat that originated from the Oil-for-Food Programme, and concluded that:

Although Mr Galloway, Mr Halford and Mr Al-Mukhtar have confirmed that they were unaware of the source of Mr Zureikat's donations, the Commission has concluded that the charity trustees should have made further enquiries when accepting such large single and cumulative donations to satisfy themselves as to their origin and legitimacy. The Commission's conclusion is that the charity trustees did not properly discharge their duty of care as trustees to the Appeal in respect of these donations ... The Commission is also concerned, having considered the totality of the evidence before it, that Mr Galloway may also have known of the connection between the Appeal and the Programme.

Galloway, in response, stated: "I've always disputed the Commission's retrospective view that a campaign to win a change in national and international policy – a political campaign – was, in fact, a charity".

Iraq War and Labour Party expulsion

George Galloway addressing the 15 February 2003 anti-war protests in London

Galloway became the vice-president of the Stop the War Coalition in 2001. Actively involved, he often delivered speeches from StWC platforms at anti-war demonstrations. After permission for a rally in Hyde Park during the international anti-war protests on 15 February 2003 was initially refused, Galloway said the government had a choice between "half a million people at the rally or half a million people in a riot".

In I'm Not the Only One, Galloway wrote:

The only war that can be fought against a superpower is a war of movement. I brought Tariq Aziz all the writings of Che Guevara and Mao Tse Tung on the arts of revolutionary war and he had them translated into Arabic. Fight a war of movement, take the uniforms off, swim among the Iraqi people and whatever their views on the regime, they will undoubtedly provide deep aquifers of support for a patriotic resistance.

On 20 March 2003, a coalition including the United Kingdom and United States invaded Ba'athist Iraq. On 28 March 2003, Galloway said in an interview with Abu Dhabi TV:

Iraq is fighting for all the Arabs. Why don't the Arabs do something for the Iraqis? Where are the Arab armies? ... They have lied to the British Air Force and Navy, when they said the battle of Iraq would be very quick and easy. They attacked Iraq like wolves. They attacked civilians. They encountered resistance from Iraqi forces and Iraqi people who are defending their dignity, religion and country ... It is better for Blair and Bush to stop this crime and this catastrophe. ... The best thing British troops can do is to refuse to obey illegal orders.

Labour leader Tony Blair said: "His comments were disgraceful and wrong. The National Executive will deal with it". Labour MP Tam Dalyell commented in Galloway's defence: "I think he is a deeply serious, committed politician and a man of great sincerity about the causes he takes up." On 6 May 2003, David Triesman, then general secretary of the Labour Party, suspended Galloway from holding office in the party pending a hearing on charges that he had violated the party's constitution by "bringing the Labour Party into disrepute through behaviour that is prejudicial or grossly detrimental to the Party." Galloway said he stood by every word of the Abu Dhabi interview.

The National Constitutional Committee, responsible for disciplinary matters in the Labour Party, held a hearing on 22 October 2003 to consider the charges, taking evidence from Galloway himself, from other party witnesses, viewing media interviews, and hearing character testimony from former cabinet minister Tony Benn, among others. The following day, the committee unanimously found Galloway guilty of four of the five charges: inciting Arabs to fight British troops, inciting British troops to defy orders, inciting voters to reject Labour MPs, and threatening to stand against Labour. Galloway was expelled from the Labour Party.

Galloway said after his expulsion: "This was a politically motivated kangaroo court whose verdict had been written in advance in the best tradition of political show trials". He claimed that other MPs who opposed the war, such as Bob Marshall Andrews and Glenda Jackson, would soon be expelled, but no other MP was expelled from the Labour Party for opposing the Iraq War. Ian McCartney, Labour Party chairman at the time, said Galloway was the only Labour MP who "incited foreign forces to rise up against British troops". Tony Benn questioned why Galloway strove to remain in the Labour Party despite calling its leadership a "blood-splattered, lying, crooked group of war criminals". Benn added, "It put me off George Galloway in a fairly fundamental way".

Following the 7 July 2005 London bombings, which killed 52 civilians, Galloway linked the attack to Western policies in the Middle East. He said Tony Blair and George W. Bush had "far more blood on their hands" than the terrorists who carried out the bombings, and called President Bush the world's "biggest terrorist".

Oil-for-Food profiting accusations

George Galloway speaking in September 2005

On 22 April 2003, The Daily Telegraph published news articles and comment describing documents found by its reporter David Blair in the ruins of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. The documents purported to be records of meetings between Galloway and Iraqi intelligence agents, and they stated that he had received £375,000 per year from the proceeds of the United Nations (UN) Oil-for-Food Programme. Galloway denied the claims and pointed to the nature of the discovery within an unguarded, bombed-out building as being questionable. He successfully sued the newspaper for libel (see below).

The Christian Science Monitor also published a story on 25 April 2003, stating that it had documentary evidence that Galloway had received "more than ten million dollars" from the Iraqi government. However, on 20 June 2003, the Monitor reported that its own investigation had concluded that the documents were sophisticated forgeries.

In January 2004, it was reported that documents from Iraq's oil ministry showed that Galloway's Mariam Appeal received money from businessmen who had had allegedly illicitly siphoned profits from the UN oil-for-food program. Galloway said that money had been paid into the Mariam Appeal by Iraqi businessmen who had profited from the UN-run programme. He stated he had not benefited personally and that there was nothing illicit about the transaction:

It is hard to see what is dishonourable, let alone "illicit", about Arab nationalist businessmen donating some of the profits they made from legitimate UN-controlled business with Iraq to anti-sanctions campaigns, as opposed to, say, keeping their profits for themselves. It's equally difficult to understand why The Guardian should put seven of its finest journalists to work roping Tam Dalyell and Albert Reynolds into the rightwing witch-hunt against me, particularly on the basis of documents that may have been faked or doctored in the forgery capital of the world.

In May 2005, before the reports by the US Senate and the UN had been published, The Guardian reporter David Pallister wrote that "despite all the investigations in the Oil-for-Food Programme, no one has ever produced any evidence that Iraqi oil money ended up in Mr Galloway's pocket".

US Senate

Senate allegations

In May 2005, a United States Senate committee report accused Galloway and others of receiving, from the Iraqi government, the right to buy oil under the UN's Oil-for-Food Programme. The report was issued by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Norm Coleman, a Republican from Minnesota.

Coleman's committee said that Galloway received oil allocations worth 20 million barrels (3,200,000 m) from 2000 to 2003. The allegations against Galloway, had been made before, including in an October report by US arms inspector Charles Duelfer, as well as in the various purported documents described earlier in this section.

Senate hearing (17 May 2005)
Further information: Oil-for-Food Program Hearings
External videos
video icon UK politician faces questions from senators (Galloway testifies before the Senate permanent subcommittee, 17 May 2005), from the Associated Press

On 17 May 2005, the committee held a hearing on allegations that Galloway received illicit payments from the Iraqi government through the Oil-for-Food Program. Attending Galloway's oral testimony and questioning him were two of the 13 committee members: the chair (Coleman) and the ranking Democrat (Carl Levin).

On arriving in the US, Galloway told Reuters, "I have no expectation of justice from a group of Christian fundamentalist and Zionist activists." He described Coleman as a "pro-war, neocon hawk and the lickspittle of George W. Bush", who, he said, sought vengeance against anyone who did not support the war in Iraq.

In his testimony, Galloway made the following statements in response to the allegations against him:

Senator, I am not now, nor have I ever been, an oil trader—and neither has anyone on my behalf. I have never seen a barrel of oil, owned one, bought one, sold one—and neither has anyone on my behalf. Now I know that standards have slipped in the last few years in Washington, but for a lawyer you are remarkably cavalier with any idea of justice. I am here today but last week you already found me guilty. You traduced my name around the world without ever having asked me a single question, without ever having contacted me, without ever having written to me or telephoned me, without any attempt to contact me whatsoever, and you call that justice.

Galloway countered the charges by claiming they were politically motivated and a "smokescreen". He accused Coleman and other pro-war politicians of covering up the "theft of billions of dollars of Iraq's wealth". He claimed this happened "on your watch" under the post-invasion Coalition Provisional Authority, and was committed by "Halliburton and other American corporations ... with the connivance of your own government".

Senate report (October 2005)

The report, by the then-majority Republican Party staff of the Senate committee, was published in October 2005. It stated that Galloway had "knowingly made false or misleading statements under oath". The report exhibits bank statements, which the authors claim show that $150,000 of proceeds from the Oil-for-Food Program had been paid to Galloway's wife Amineh Abu-Zayyad.

It also stated that Galloway (and the Mariam Appeal) received eight allocations of oil from the Iraqi government amounting to 23 million barrels from 1999 to 2003. The Mariam Appeal was also found to have improperly received $446,000 via the Oil-for-Food Program. Iraq's former prime minister Tariq Aziz was said to have told the investigators that oil had been allocated in the names of two of Galloway's representatives: Buhan Al-Chalabi and Fawaz Zureikat. Aziz had told the investigators: "These oil allocations were for the benefit of George Galloway and for Mariam's Appeal. The proceeds from the sale benefited the cause and Mr Galloway".

Galloway reiterated his denial of the charges and asked the US Senate committee to charge him with perjury so that he could confront the charges in court. He said the investigation was an attempt to divert attention from the "pack of lies" that led to the Iraq invasion in 2003. He said Coleman's motive was revenge over the embarrassment of his appearance before the committee in May. Galloway also said he spoke to Aziz's lawyers, who told him "Tariq Aziz absolutely denies ever saying that I benefited from oil deals".

UN committee report

The United Nations (UN) had set up its own committee, the 'Paul Volcker Committee', to investigate alleged corruption in the Oil-for-Food program. In its October 2005 report, it stated that "over 18 million barrels of oil were allocated either directly in the name of George Galloway ... or in the name of one of his associates, Fawaz Abdullah Zureikat, to support Mr Galloway's campaign against sanctions ... Zureikat received commissions for handling the sale of approximately 11 million barrels that were allocated in Mr Galloway's name". The report further holds that: "Iraq officials identified Mr Zureikat as acting on Mr Galloway's behalf to conduct the oil transactions in Baghdad".

The report states that payments of $445,000 were channelled through Galloway's Mariam Appeal, and claims that $120,000 from oil sales was paid into the bank account of Galloway's wife Amineh Abu Zayyad, who was also involved with the Mariam Appeal.

The committee chairman, Paul Volcker, suggested that his investigation had further material about Galloway which had not been published. He said "If the legal authorities in Britain want to discuss with us what other evidence we may have, that may not be in the report, then we would be prepared to co-operate".

However, the committee did not show evidence that any of the money was paid directly into accounts held by George Galloway. The report acknowledges that "both Mr Galloway and Mr Zureikat have denied that Mr Galloway was involved in obtaining the oil allocations or receiving any proceeds from the oil sales". Galloway wrote to the committee saying: "I had nothing to do with any oil deals done by Mr Fawaz Zureikat or anyone else. He and any other company involved were trading on their own behalf".

Aziz was also interviewed for the Volcker Committee, but changed his story, which the committee considered unconvincing.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

When the allegations against Galloway emerged in 2003, the UK parliament's Commissioner for Standards began investigating, as Galloway was a Member of Parliament and none of the alleged funding had been declared in the Register of Members' Interests. The Commissioner, Philip Mawer, was overseen by the Standards and Privileges Committee. After a four-year investigation, he published a detailed report in 2007, which concluded:

I have not found a "smoking gun" which shows that Mr Galloway has, personally and directly, unlawfully received moneys from the former Iraqi regime. However I have amassed a very substantial body of evidence from a variety of sources which is generally internally consistent and, in my view:

a) Clearly shows that Mr Galloway's anti-sanctions work through the Mariam Appeal was in effect supported by the former Iraqi regime, through Mr Fawaz Zureikat and using, among other things, the mechanism of the Oil for Food Programme.

b) Clearly shows that Mr Galloway at best turned a blind eye to the fact that this was happening.

c) Shows that it is more likely than not that Mr Galloway knew about and was complicit in what was happening.

The Commissioner stated that he did not have "access to bank accounts held either solely by Mr Galloway or jointly by him with others".

Founding the Respect Party

Galloway wrote in an article for The Guardian at the end of October 2003 that he would soon be part of a coalition consisting of the "red, green, anti-war, Muslim and other social constituencies radicalised by the war." In January 2004, it emerged that Galloway would be working with the Socialist Workers Party in England and Wales, and others, under the name Respect – The Unity Coalition, generally referred to simply as "Respect". In the opinion of Nick Cohen of The Observer it was an "alliance ... between the Trotskyist far left and the Islamic far right."

Galloway announced in December 2003 that he would not force a by-election and did not intend to contest the next general election in Glasgow. His Glasgow Kelvin seat was to be split between three constituencies for the next general election. In one of these, the new Glasgow Central constituency, Mohammad Sarwar, the first Muslim Labour MP, wanted to be selected as the candidate. Galloway chose not to challenge him, announcing this decision at the end of May 2004 in his Mail on Sunday column.

MP for Bethnal Green (2005–2010)

Galloway in September 2005

General election 2005

After the 2004 European Parliamentary election results became known, in which Galloway stood in London, but did not gain a seat, he announced that he would stand in East London at the next general election. On 2 December, he confirmed that he was aiming to be nominated as the Respect Party candidate for Bethnal Green and Bow.

The ensuing electoral campaign in the seat proved to be a difficult one with heated exchanges between Galloway, Oona King (the incumbent Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow), and their respective supporters. Galloway and Respect threatened to sue King, whose mother is Jewish, if she repeated her assertion in the Evening Standard on 10 April 2005 which reported her as saying: "I have been told by several people that members of Respect have told Muslim voters 'not to vote for me because I am Jewish'". A major issue of the campaign was King's support for the Iraq War.

Galloway was asked at a hustings early in the campaign why he was standing against one of only two black female MPs to which he replied that King had "voted to kill a lot of women in the last few years. Many of them had much darker skins than her". Claiming to be the ghost of Old Labour, Galloway told The Sunday Times contributor A. A. Gill that "we're here to haunt new Labour". Bethnal Green and Bow is "where Labour was founded. We're giving birth to the Labour Party all over again".

Galloway said at a hustings event that the Labour Government had been pursuing a "war on Muslims" while King said her stance against Saddam Hussein had been "principled". Galloway received death threats from an offshoot of al-Muhajiroun (a banned extreme Islamist group). On 19 April, about 30 men forced Galloway's meeting with a tenants' association to be abandoned after claiming he was a "false prophet" for encouraging Muslims to vote. Galloway was held by the group for about 20 minutes before the police arrived at the scene. All the major candidates united in condemning the threats and violence. Both the Labour and Respect candidates were given police protection.

It emerged in a Channel 4 Dispatches programme in 2010 that the Islamic Forum of Europe, which advocates sharia law, had been involved in campaigning for Galloway in the Bethnal Green constituency. In a secretly recorded speech at a dinner shortly after his election, Galloway said that the involvement of the IFE had played "the decisive role" in his win. Although the IFE itself denied the accusation, Galloway admitted in a statement that the allegation was true.

On 5 May, Galloway gained the seat from the Labour Party with a narrow majority of 823 votes, and denounced the returning officer for alleged discrepancies in the electoral process. After the election result became known, Galloway's spokesman, Ron McKay, rejected claims that King had been racially abused during the campaign and said it was King who had brought up her Jewish background.

In his acceptance speech, Galloway said "Mr Blair, this is for Iraq". During the BBC's election night coverage, Jeremy Paxman asked Galloway about whether he was happy to have removed one of the few black women in parliament, He replied: "I don't believe that people get elected because of the colour of their skin. I believe that people get elected because of their record and because of their policies". Oona King later told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that she found Paxman's line of questioning inappropriate. Galloway "shouldn't be barred from running against me because I'm a black woman. ... I was not defined, or did not wish to be defined, by either my ethnicity or religious background".

Celebrity Big Brother

In January 2006, Galloway appeared on the fourth series of the reality TV programme Celebrity Big Brother for nearly three weeks. During his time on the programme, he mimed licking imaginary milk, whilst pretending to be a cat, from the cupped hands of another housemate, actress Rula Lenska. He wrote later that his activities "were actually the same stunts that BBC presenters and celebs get up for Children in Need".

Galloway faced a claim at the time from Hilary Armstrong, Labour's Chief Whip, that he should "respect his constituents, not his ego". Ron McKay, his spokesman and friend, said of the imaginary milk incident: "I rather wish he hadn't been given that particularly silly task". It had been assumed, McKay said, that Galloway's comments about politics would not be cut. Just after his eviction, Galloway told presenter Davina McCall he was positive about having taken part, although when asked if he was "glad" to have participated, he said: "Not after I've seen those press cuttings."

Galloway wrote in a column for The Independent newspaper in November 2012 that his "antics on Big Brother" had "raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity Interpal" and paid for an "extra caseworker in my constituency".

Suspension from parliament

Galloway at a Stop the War event in February 2007

On 17 July 2007, following a four-year inquiry, the House of Commons Select Committee on Standards and Privileges published its sixth report. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, in an addendum to the report, concluded that there was no evidence that Galloway gained any personal benefit from either the former Iraqi administration, or from the Oil-for-Food Programme, but admitted that some documents had been unavailable to him. However, the Committee concluded, in the main body of the report:

we agree with the Commissioner that there is strong circumstantial evidence that the Oil for Food Programme was used by the Iraqi government, with Mr Galloway's connivance, to fund the campaigning activities of the Mariam Appeal.

It found that Galloway's use of parliamentary resources to support his work on the Mariam Appeal "went beyond what was reasonable" and "we recommend that he apologise to the House, and be suspended from its service for a period of 18 actual sitting days."

Galloway's suspension was not intended to be immediate, and he was given the opportunity to defend himself in front of the committee members in the House of Commons on 23 July 2007. During the debate, Galloway repeatedly called into question the motives of the members of the Select Committee, in particular alleging that some of them were members of a political organisation named "Indict" and were persecuting him for speaking out against the Iraq War. Speaker Michael Martin warned Galloway that his accusations were not relevant to the matter at hand, but he rejected the warning and responded by saying that Martin would have to order him out of the house if he had any issue with the accusations. Martin therefore named Galloway, leading to the attending members voting to trigger his suspension from parliament that day rather than wait until after the summer recess as had been recommended.

The Respect Party split in the autumn of 2007, with the Socialist Workers' Party and Galloway's wing of Respect blaming each other for what he described as a "car crash on the left". Galloway did not seek re-election in Bethnal Green and Bow at the 2010 general election, fulfilling a pledge he made to only serve one parliamentary term in the constituency. He instead opted to stand in the neighbouring constituency of Poplar and Limehouse and received 8,160 votes coming third after the Labour and Conservative candidates.

Viva Palestina aid convoys

Main article: Viva Palestina
George Galloway at a January 2009 protest against the 2009 Gaza War

In response to the 2008–09 Israel–Gaza conflict Galloway instigated the Viva Palestina aid convoy to the Gaza Strip in January 2009. "There is a kind of intifada among the youth. They are determined to act", he told Cole Moreton writing for The Independent, adding, "We say, 'Don't be lured by the siren voices of separatism and extremism – join with us and express your anger politically, in a way that will be peaceful, non-violent, and not cost you your life, but will not cost other people their lives either".

By mid-February, the organisation said it had raised over £1,000,000 for humanitarian aid in four weeks, although the Charity Commission later found the true figure to be £180,000. On 14 February 2009, Galloway and hundreds of volunteers launched the convoy comprising approximately 120 vehicles intended for use in the Strip, including a fire engine donated by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), 12 ambulances, a boat and trucks full of medicines, tools, clothes, blankets and gifts for children. The 5,000-mile route passed through Belgium, France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

The convoy arrived in Gaza on 9 March, accompanied by approximately 180 extra trucks of aid donated by Libya's Gaddafi Foundation. On 10 March 2009, Galloway announced at a press conference in Gaza City attended by several senior Hamas officials: "We are giving you now 100 vehicles and all of their contents, and we make no apology for what I am about to say. We are giving them to the elected government of Palestine", adding that he would personally donate three cars and £25,000 to Hamas organisation "Prime Minister" Ismail Haniyeh.

On 8 April 2009, Galloway joined Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic to launch Viva Palestina US. A third Viva Palestina convoy began travelling at the end of 2009. On 8 January 2010, Galloway and his colleague Ron McKay were deported from Egypt immediately following their entry from Gaza. They had been attempting to help take about 200 aid trucks into the Gaza Strip. They were driven by the police to the airport and placed on a plane bound for London.

The Foreign Ministry of Egypt released a statement reading: "George Galloway is considered persona non grata and will not be allowed to enter into Egypt again". Shortly after his deportation, Galloway said, "It is a badge of honour to be deported by a dictatorship" and "I've been thrown out of better joints than that."

Viva Palestina was registered as a charity in April 2009 but, following its continued non-submission of accounts, ceased to be recognised as a charitable organisation in November 2013. It was taken over by the Charity Commission in October 2014, which appointed an accountant to oversee the group because of the concerns over its financial management.

MP for Bradford West (2012–2015)

George Galloway election poster in Bradford, 2012

By-election 2012

Main article: 2012 Bradford West by-election

After the resignation of Labour MP Marsha Singh due to ill health, Galloway returned to parliament at the March 2012 Bradford West by-election in an unexpected landslide result, with Galloway calling it "the most sensational victory in British political history." His 36% swing, defeating the Labour candidate Imran Hussain, was amongst the largest in modern British political history. Jeremy Corbyn, then a backbench Labour MP, congratulated him in a tweet. Galloway described the result as a "Bradford spring" (after the Arab Spring) and said that it showed the "total rejection" by voters of the three leading political parties.

The election campaign was marked by controversy, in particular over the role of sectarianism, Baradari (clan) networks, and allegations about rivals' lack of "Islamic values" Andrew Gilligan noted in The Daily Telegraph that Galloway had won in wards with a predominantly white electorate as well as those with a majority Muslim population. Nick Robinson, the BBC's political editor, believed it was "a one-off political coup by a political one-off" in a seat which has not followed national trends in the past. The novelist Howard Jacobson in The Independent wrote that Galloway's "campaign shamelessly courted Muslim prejudice in smaller matters such as alcohol – where Galloway painted himself as more Muslim than the Muslim Labour candidate whom he accused of liking, shock horror, a tipple." Patrick Cockburn in The Independent on Sunday commented: "It says something about the comatose nature of British politics that an effective critic of ... failed wars like Mr Galloway, who beats an established party, should be instantly savaged as a self-serving demagogue."

In October 2013, the Total Politics magazine published an interview with Galloway in which he admitted: "I like elections more than I like serving", and said that he found being an MP was "2% terrifying, and 98% tedium."

In late 2013, Galloway became Leader of the Respect Party.

Comments on Julian Assange sexual assault allegations

Galloway was criticised for comments he made in August 2012 on the legal case involving Wikileaks' Julian Assange in a podcast released on YouTube. He stated that "I think that Julian Assange's personal sexual behaviour is something sordid, disgusting, and I condemn it." Swedish prosecutors wanted to question Assange in relation to the alleged sexual assault of two women, an accusation he has rejected.

Galloway continued by stating: "But even taken at its worst, if the allegations made by these two women were true, 100 per cent true, and even if a camera in the room captured them, they don't constitute rape, at least not rape as anyone with any sense can possibly recognise it." He also stated that "not everybody needs to be asked prior to each insertion." He continued by saying that the allegations, even if true, "don't constitute rape" because initiating sex with someone who is asleep after a sexual encounter the previous night is not rape (one of the women, he said, "woke up to him having sex with her again – something which can happen, you know"). He said that Assange's alleged actions amounted to no more than "bad sexual etiquette", and he did not believe the women's story anyway.

According to British barrister Felicity Gerry, Galloway's description of rape is not correct under English law. Galloway's comments were criticised by anti-rape campaigners as "ignorant", "very unhelpful", "offensive" and "deeply concerning." Then-Respect Party leader Salma Yaqoob described Galloway's comments as "deeply disappointing and wrong." She subsequently resigned from her post and the party. Yaqoob later stated that having to choose between Galloway's "anti-imperialist stances" and standing up for the rights of women was "a false choice."

Galloway subsequently lost his job as a columnist for Holyrood, a Scottish political magazine, for refusing to apologise for his remarks, and subject to a No platform policy by the National Union of Students.

Oxford debate walkout, 2013

On 20 February 2013, Galloway walked out of a publicised debate when he found out that his opponent had Israeli citizenship. The debate, hosted by Oxford University's Christ Church, was on the topic "Israel should withdraw immediately from the West Bank". Galloway interrupted his opponent, Eylon Levy, a third-year PPE student, to ask whether he was an Israeli. When Levy acknowledged his joint British–Israeli nationality, Galloway stood up and stated "I don't recognise Israel and I don't debate with Israelis" and left the meeting. Explaining his actions on his Facebook page, Galloway wrote:

The reason is simple: no recognition, no normalisation. Just boycott, divestment and sanctions, until the apartheid state is defeated. I never debate with Israelis nor speak to their media. If they want to speak about Palestine – the address is the PLO.

Galloway later said on his Twitter feed that he had been "misled", writing that "Christ Church never informed us that the debate would be with an Israeli. Simple." The organiser, Mahmood Naji, denied Galloway's allegations in an open letter, explaining: "At no point during my email exchange with Mr Galloway's secretary was Eylon's nationality ever brought up or mentioned ... nor do I expect to have to tell the speaker what his opponent's nationality is."

Galloway's behaviour was criticised by Julian Huppert, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge, and The Times. The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) National Committee subsequently released a statement indicating that, while it does support a "boycott of Israel", the campaign rejects boycotting an individual "because she or he happens to be Israeli or because they express certain views."

In a debate at The Oxford Union the following October, Galloway compared the support of debating Israeli Zionists with that of supporting South African apartheid. Referring indirectly to his encounter with Aslan-Levy, Galloway said that he had worked with Jewish anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, adding "So Jews don't have to be on the side of apartheid".

Declaring an "Israel-free zone", 2014

On 2 August 2014, during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, Galloway delivered a speech at a public meeting in Leeds. He said:

We have declared Bradford an Israel-free zone. We don't want any Israeli goods, we don't want any Israeli services, we don't want any Israeli academics coming to the university or the college, we don't even want any Israeli tourists to come to Bradford even if any of them had thought of doing so. We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel. And you have to do the same.

Galloway's remarks drew sharp criticism from British politicians and Jewish leaders. Conservative MP and pro-Israel campaigner Robert Halfon described Galloway's words as an "ill-considered rant that will cause great offence to many" while adding that "most Bradford citizens are like British people as a whole: tolerant and decent – and will ignore Mr Galloway's demands, treating them with the contempt they deserve." Jonathan Arkush, then vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews stated that Galloway "is so intolerant he can't bear to have someone with an opposing view in his town".

Daniel Taub, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, visited Bradford on 18 August in response to an invitation, where he met with local councillors, faith leaders and community representatives. In an interview, Taub commented that his visit was proof that "the people of Bradford sent a clear message that George Galloway does not represent them." Galloway told a reporter from the BuzzFeed website: "As has just been proved, I cannot make Bradford an Israel-free zone, but I am certain that the Israeli ambassador was not welcome." Galloway accused the councillors who had invited the ambassador of fraternising with a "mouthpiece for murder".

West Yorkshire Police investigated two complaints to determine if Galloway's words constituted hate speech (British law prohibits discrimination based on nationality). Galloway was questioned under caution by the police and the matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. Galloway subsequently criticised the police investigation, describing it as "an absolute and despicable attempt to curb my freedom of speech". In October 2014, it emerged that Galloway would not be prosecuted for his comments on the grounds of "insufficient evidence", although West Yorkshire Police had "recorded this matter as a hate incident."

On 29 August 2014, Galloway was assaulted in Notting Hill by Neil Masterson, a convert to Judaism, and suffered a bruised rib and severe bruising on his head and face. Masterson was charged with religiously aggravated assault and sentenced to 16 months in prison. Released from prison in September 2015, he soon returned to jail for a month after breaking a restraining order forbidding him from contacting Galloway. Masterson was also fined for harassment.

On 13 October 2014, Galloway abstained from a vote in the House of Commons formally recognising Palestine because the motion included the recognition of Israel as well. On the Respect website he advocated a one-state solution.

General election 2015

During a hustings meeting in Galloway's Bradford West constituency on 8 April during the 2015 general election heated exchanges occurred between Galloway and the Labour candidate, Naz Shah. Galloway accused her of lying about her forced marriage which had been the subject of an open letter written by Shah and released to the media after her selection as a candidate. He said Shah was in error in claiming she was "subject to a forced marriage at the age of 15. But you were not 15. You were 16-and-a-half". He then produced what he said was her nikah, a Muslim marriage certificate.

Shah alleged at the event that Galloway's representative in Pakistan impersonated her deceased father to acquire the nikah. Ron McKay, Galloway's spokesman, said that there was no dishonesty in gaining access to the document via an intermediary in Pakistan. Labour supplied media outlets with a copy of Shah's nikah which confirms that she was 15 at the time of her forced marriage. By her own account, Shah was raped during the marriage, but in an email to Helen Pidd, The Guardian's northern editor, McKay disputed that it had been a forced marriage at all.

Galloway accused Shah of favouring Israel. At one point during the campaign, Galloway tweeted a picture of Israelis waving Israeli flags with the caption "Thank you for electing Naz Shah". The image was juxtaposed with another, showing Palestinians celebrating his own supposedly imminent victory. Shah said she has participated in marches supporting the Palestinian cause.

Galloway was defeated at the 2015 general election. Naz Shah won a majority of 11,420 votes over him, reversing the majority of 10,000 votes he had gained at the by-election three years earlier.

On 10 May 2015, Galloway announced an intention to challenge the result, alleging that false statements and malpractice related to postal votes during the campaign meant that the result of the election should be set aside, but did not do so. The Fawcett Society expressed concern that "the continued opposition of the unsuccessful Respect Party candidate George Galloway, to Shah's election is the culmination of a sexist electoral campaign by Galloway". In July 2015, Jeremy Corbyn said he thought "... the tactics he used against our candidate, were appalling. I was quite shocked; it was appalling."

It emerged in January 2017 that Galloway's reimbursed expense claim for the rent of his constituency office in Bradford West has been forwarded by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) to the Metropolitan Police, which was then at the early assessment stage.

Political career outside Parliament (2015–2023)

During his unsuccessful 2015 general election campaign to be re-elected for Bradford West, Galloway announced that he would stand in the election for London mayor in 2016 if he lost, an intention he confirmed on Twitter on 28 May. Dave Hill, writing for The Guardian in November 2015, accused Galloway of making "cutting personal attacks" about the Labour candidate Sadiq Khan, a Muslim whom "Galloway ... appears to consider ... an inadequate practitioner of his faith" (a reference to Galloway's remark that Khan held the Quran in his left, not right, hand, and it "wasn't missed by people who care about these things"). In the final result, Galloway came seventh with 37,007 (1.4%) first preference votes. After second preference were accounted for, Sadiq Khan became mayor of London.

George Galloway poster in Longsight in 2017

In July 2015, Galloway endorsed Jeremy Corbyn's campaign in the Labour Party leadership election. He tweeted: "Congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn MP and good fortune in the labour leadership contest. If he wins it will change everything ..." He also said that he would become a Labour Party member "pretty damn quick" if Corbyn was elected as Labour leader. Less than a week after Corbyn became leader, a Labour spokeswoman told The Times: "George Galloway has not applied to rejoin the Labour party and he will not be receiving an invitation." Corbyn himself said in July 2015 during an interview with New Statesman editor Jason Cowley that he was appalled at the tactics Galloway used while defending his seat against Naz Shah (Labour) during the general election. In an interview to The Huffington Post journalist Paul Waugh in December 2015, Corbyn said that Galloway's readmission to the party was a decision not within his powers.

Following Ken Livingstone's much criticised comments in late April 2016 concerning Adolf Hitler and Zionism, Galloway supported Livingstone's argument. Galloway disputed that Livingstone's comments were antisemitic. "The Israel lobby has just destroyed the Labour Party", he tweeted in May 2016. "It is an amazing achievement".

In July 2016, Galloway endorsed Corbyn's campaign in the Labour Party leadership election. He said: "If Corbyn wins a big victory – and I think he will – then that should be, and it's important that it is, the final burial of Blair and Blairism."

The Respect Party "voluntarily deregistered" from the Electoral Commission on 18 August 2016.

It was announced on 21 March 2017 that Galloway was standing as an independent candidate at the Manchester Gorton by-election set for 4 May, following the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman in February. Gorton had been one of Labour's safest seats at the 2015 general election. The by-election was cancelled following the announcement of the 2017 snap general election being held on 8 June. Galloway subsequently transferred his candidacy to the general election. At the election, Labour easily retained the seat; Galloway came a distant third with 5.7% of the vote.

In the 2019 general election, Galloway contested the Parliamentary seat of West Bromwich East as an independent, describing himself as supportive of Corbyn's leadership but also supportive of Brexit. He came sixth with 489 votes.

On 14 December 2019, Galloway launched the Workers Party of Britain, which describes itself as "economically radical with an independent foreign policy" and "unequivocally committed to class politics". Galloway is the party's leader.

On 16 November 2020 Galloway announced his intention to stand in the expected by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, after sitting MP Margaret Ferrier was accused of breaching COVID-19 regulations, for which she faces a possible recall petition.

He led All for Unity in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election and announced his intention to vote for the Conservative Party on the constituency vote, and for his own party on the list vote. This contradicted several other occasions in which he said voting Conservative was something he would never even consider. All for Unity received 23,299 votes in the election, or 0.9%, placing the party 7th nationally and giving them zero seats.

On 27 May 2021, Galloway announced his intention to stand for the 2021 Batley and Spen by-election. The Labour campaign accused Galloway's campaign of aggressive and intimidatory tactics during the by-election. Galloway came third with 21.8% of the vote, and said he would challenge the outcome of the election in court, as he said lies were told about him during the election campaign.

In mid-May 2022, Galloway, who ran in neighbouring Batley and Spen in a 2021 by-election, posted a video saying that he might "put my own hat in the ring" and run in the 2022 Wakefield by-election for the Workers Party of Britain, while criticising Labour's candidate selection process. However, Galloway stated that he would prefer for a local candidate amongst the Labour ranks to stand.

MP for Rochdale and after (2024–present)

Galloway making his post-declaration speech at the 2024 Rochdale by-election countGalloway being sworn in as the MP for Rochdale, 4 March 2024

In January 2024, Galloway announced that he would stand in the Rochdale by-election the following month, again for the Workers Party of Britain. He was elected in a political upset after Azhar Ali, the Labour candidate, lost the support of his party due to comments made regarding the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Galloway won almost 40% of the vote and overturned a Labour majority of 9,668. The Israel–Hamas war dominated the campaign. In his election speech, Galloway said "Keir Starmer, this is for Gaza. You will pay a high price for the role that you have played in enabling, encouraging and covering for the catastrophe presently going on in occupied Gaza, in the Gaza Strip". Alluding to the size of his win over the Labour and Conservative candidates, he said, "Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are two cheeks of the same backside and they both got well and truly spanked tonight here in Rochdale." On 23 May, Galloway confirmed he would be running for re-election in Rochdale at the 2024 general election. Galloway polled 11,508 votes and lost the seat to Labour's Paul Waugh, who polled 13,047 votes. Galloway did not attend the vote count. He was MP for Rochdale for 92 days.

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Galloway signing an asylum seekers petition, sitting on the edge of the StWC stage at the 2005 Make Poverty History rally.

Galloway told The Independent on Sunday in June 2012: "I am not a pacifist. I am a revolutionary. I am a Socialist who doesn't like Capitalism and who likes Imperialism less. ... I support the armed struggle where there is no alternative." In a 2002 interview with The Guardian, Galloway said he had supported the Soviet Union and said that its end was "the biggest catastrophe of my life". In 2024, Galloway identified as socially conservative.

Writing for The Guardian in 2024, Michael Chessum argued that Galloway's politics had shifted in the latter half of the 2010s, embracing Scottish unionism and social conservatism alongside more typically leftist positions, and highlighting the involvement of the socially conservative Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist) in the early years of the Workers Party. Chessum likened Galloway's political evolution to that of German politician Sahra Wagenknecht, a leading member of The Left who broke away to found her own eponymous political movement, and who similarly espouses socially conservative positions and anti-NATO views.

Social conservatism

Galloway's views on social issues have changed over time. He once received an award from Stonewall and voted to lower the age of consent for homosexuality from 18 to 16. He voted in favour of allowing gay couples to marry in 2013, though he was absent for the third reading of the bill.

In 2024, Galloway described himself as socially conservative. In May 2024, the left-wing organisation Momentum accused Galloway of "blatant homophobia and opposition to LGBT rights", after Galloway stated in an interview that he did not want children taught that "gay relationships are exactly the same and as normal as a mum, a dad and kids". Galloway said he wanted children taught that "the normal thing in Britain, in society across the world, is a mother, a father and a family". Galloway has also been stated to oppose transgender rights and has been accused of "transphobic dog-whistles", as well as "disinformation and conspiracist ideas" regarding transgender people. Galloway has complained in written articles – including for RT – of what he has called "transmania".

In a 2004 interview with The Independent, Galloway stated his opposition to abortion rights. He said he was "strongly against abortion. I believe life begins at conception, and therefore unborn babies have rights. I think abortion is immoral."

Opposition to Israel and Zionism

Galloway is a staunch critic of Israel and of Zionism. He regards Israel as an apartheid state committing genocide against Palestinians. In 2013, he said "I don't recognise Israel and I don't debate with Israelis". The following year, he declared Bradford an "Israel-free zone".

During the Gaza War, Galloway said in a speech at Trafalgar Square on 3 January 2009: "Today, the Palestinian people in Gaza are the new Warsaw Ghetto, and those who are murdering them are the equivalent of those who murdered the Jews in Warsaw in 1943". Jonathan Freedland in The Guardian commented that "the effect of repeating, again and again, that Israel is a Nazi state" was, potentially, an incitement to attack Jews because the comparison with Nazis as "the embodiment of evil" implies that "the only appropriate response is hate". Sigrid Rausing wrote in the New Statesman: "The claim of moral equivalence is dangerous, not because it exaggerates the horror of Gaza (the reality of that bombardment was probably worse than we can really imagine), but because it minimises the horror of the Holocaust."

In an interview with the American radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in September 2005, Galloway said: "This is the thing about Zionism. It has nothing to do with Jewishness. Some of the biggest Zionists in the world are not Jews. These people have used Jewish people. ... They created the conditions in the Arab countries and in some European countries to stampede Jewish people out of the countries that they had been living in for many hundreds of years and stampede them into the Zionist state".

During an interview for Al Jazeera television on 17 November 2005, he said his election as MP earlier in the year was "despite all the efforts made by the British government, the Zionist movement and the newspapers and news media which are controlled by Zionism". In Trials of the Diaspora: A History of Anti-Semitism in England, Anthony Julius cites this interview as one example of Galloway pandering to the antisemitic prejudices of his audience. According to Julius, Galloway merely refers to the "right-wing press" in the British media, whereas he has the habit of adding the word "Zionist" when speaking on television in the Arab world. A few years later, in a May 2009 speech given at a meeting in Westminster, Galloway said: "I do not agree with the argument that there is a shadowy Jewish influence. Israel is doing what America wants it to do and to argue otherwise is to go down the dark tunnel of racist antisemitism".

Galloway criticised the British government's support of Israel during the Israel–Hamas war and condemned the alleged genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Galloway disputed reports from the Israeli government about the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Specifically, he disputed the number of babies killed and suggested two-thirds of those killed were from the IDF. He also suggested that those who propagate the official Israeli government account of 7 October are "war criminals".

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the largest Jewish community organisation in the UK, has called Galloway "a demagogue and conspiracy theorist". According to Jonathan Freedland writing in The Guardian, Galloway's critics have made an "unmerited charge ... that he is somehow uniquely guilty of exploiting the pain of Gaza for political gain".

Support for Hezbollah and Hamas

At a 22 July 2006 demonstration (and later in a Socialist Worker op-ed), Galloway stated that "Hizbollah is not and has never been a terrorist organisation. It is the legitimate national resistance movement of Lebanon". He further said: "The invasion of Lebanon by Israel, for that's what it is, is a monstrous injustice. I side with the resistance to that injustice. Hizbollah is leading that resistance. ... I glorify the Hizbollah national resistance movement, and I glorify the leader of Hizbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah".

In 2009, Galloway received a Palestinian passport from Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the European Union, UK, and the US. He was denied entry into Canada on national security grounds, with Alykhan Velshi, then a spokesman for Jason Kenney, Canada's immigration minister, commenting: "We're going to uphold the law, not give special treatment to this infandous street-corner Cromwell who actually brags about giving 'financial support' to Hamas, a terrorist organisation banned in Canada." After a 2010 investigation into the actions of Velshi and other staffers in Kenney's office and into decisions made by bureaucrats prior to Galloway's visit, Justice Richard Mosley ruled that the government's decision to ban Galloway was politically motivated. A week after Mosley's ruling, Galloway travelled to Canada.

Iraq

In a House of Commons debate on 6 March 2002, Foreign Office minister Ben Bradshaw said Galloway was "not just an apologist, but a mouthpiece, for the Iraqi regime over many years." Galloway called the minister a liar and refused to withdraw on the grounds that Bradshaw's claim was "a clear imputation of dishonour", and the sitting was suspended due to the dispute. Bradshaw later withdrew his allegation, and Galloway apologised for using unparliamentary language.

In August 2002, Galloway returned to Iraq and met Saddam Hussein for a second and final time. According to Galloway, the intention of the trip was to persuade Saddam to re-admit Hans Blix, and the United Nations weapons inspectors into the country.

In a March 2000 article in The Guardian, Galloway describes himself as a supporter of the Iraqi people and the Ba'ath Party, but not Saddam Hussein himself. Giving evidence in his libel case against The Daily Telegraph in 2004, Galloway testified that he regarded Saddam as a "bestial dictator" and would have welcomed his removal from power, but not by means of a military attack on Iraq. Galloway also pointed out that he was a prominent critic of Saddam Hussein's government in the 1980s, as well as of the role of Margaret Thatcher's government in supporting arms sales to Iraq during the Iran–Iraq War.

In his memoir, I'm Not the Only One (2004), Galloway wrote:

"Just as Stalin industrialised the Soviet Union, so on a different scale Saddam plotted Iraq's own Great Leap Forward. ... He managed to keep his country together until 1991. Indeed, he is likely to have been the leader in history who came closest to creating a truly Iraqi national identity, and he developed Iraq and the living, health, social and education standards of his own people."

In the book, Galloway also expresses the opinion that Kuwait, which Iraq invaded, is "clearly a part of the greater Iraqi whole, stolen from the motherland by perfidious Albion". Christopher Hitchens responded that the state existed before Iraq had a name. The massacres of Kurds and Shias after the 1991 Gulf War, was according to Galloway, "a civil war that involved massive violence on both sides".

In 2006 a video surfaced showing Galloway greeting Uday Hussein, Saddam's eldest son, with the title of "Excellency", at Uday's palace in 1999. Galloway is heard saying he will be with Uday "until the end". Galloway continued to praise Iraq's prime minister under Saddam, Tariq Aziz. In April 2005, on Al Jazeera during that year's general election campaign, he described Aziz as "an eminent diplomatic and intellectual person". In his opinion, Aziz was "a political prisoner" and advocated his release.

After the Iraqi government was overthrown in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Galloway defended Iraqi insurgents targeting Western forces. In August 2005, he praised them as "martyrs", condemned Iraqis who worked with the new security forces as "collaborators" and said it was "normal" for them to be the targets of suicide bombers. He said:

"These poor Iraqis – ragged people, with their sandals, with their Kalashnikovs, with the lightest and most basic of weapons – are writing the names of their cities and towns in the stars, with 145 military operations every day, which has made the country ungovernable. We don't know who they are, we don't know their names, we never saw their faces, they don't put up photographs of their martyrs, we don't know the names of their leaders".

Galloway was challenged by the BBC but denied making the "martyrs" comment.

Concerning the Iraq War, he said he would not rest "until Tony Blair is brought to justice", and in 2019 announced plans to try to prosecute Alastair Campbell.

Syria

Support for Bashar al-Assad

Galloway supported the Syrian occupation of Lebanon, telling the Lebanese Daily Star in August 2008: "Syrian troops in Lebanon maintain stability and protect the country from Israel". In the same article he expressed his opposition to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, which urged the Lebanese Government to establish control over all its territory. When Syria did withdraw from Lebanon, Galloway objected and said the occupation had been entirely "legal"; Christopher Hitchens, citing the Taif Accords of 1989, disputed his comment.

Referring to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Galloway said during a visit to the University of Damascus in November 2005: "For me he is the last Arab ruler, and Syria is the last Arab country. It is the fortress of the remaining dignity of the Arabs". He also called Assad a "breath of fresh air".

Galloway again praised the government of Assad in a leaked 2010 email to Assad's advisor Bouthaina Shaaban when asking for help in a Viva Palestina convoy, and reminded her of previous help from the Syrian government for the campaign. In the correspondence, leaked by the Anonymous hacking group, she responded: "God bless your amazing efforts and I will be honoured to be part and parcel of it". "I knew that I could rely on you and the last Arab country in this historic endeavour", Galloway wrote in response.

Galloway said in a July 2011 interview on Hezbollah's Al-Manar station: "Bashar Assad wants reform and change, to realise the aspirations of his people". In the early stages of the Syrian civil war, when Assad was reported as "perpetrating massacres of his own people", Galloway said Assad's opponents were "trying to pressure Syria and President Assad because of the good things that he did, such as supporting Palestinian and Lebanese resistance and rejecting to surrender to Israel".

Syrian civil war (2011–present)

A month later, in an August 2011 piece for the Al Jazeera website, Galloway wrote he "was never close to the Syrian regime" and acknowledged its "authoritarian character, its police state mentality", and the "rampant" corruption "much of it concentrated around his own family". "I fully support the Syrian revolution", Galloway told Christopher Silvester in November 2012. "I want to see the end of all the dictatorships in the Middle East and I hope that it can be achieved peacefully. But if peaceful change is not possible, then violent change is inevitable. I wholly support the Syrian people's demands for democratic government. I just don't support armed intervention in Syria, any more than I supported it in any other country in the region".

In January 2013, Galloway criticised David Cameron's government for arming Syrian rebels linked to Salafi jihadism. Following the Ghouta chemical attack on 21 August 2013, Galloway speculated on his Press TV show that responsibility for the atrocity lay with al-Qaeda and the rebels in Syria who had been provided with the weapons by Israel. During his speech in the House of Commons debate about the crisis in Syria on 29 August 2013, Galloway was asked about this broadcast by the Conservative MP Matthew Offord. In the debate, Galloway stated "It is not that the regime is not bad enough to do it; everybody knows that it is bad enough to do it. The question is: is it mad enough to do it?".

In 2014, Galloway opposed Western military action against Islamic State, which he called a "death cult", and instead advocated military action from the regional powers. In 2016, he supported Russian military action against Islamic State, saying: "I support the decision of the Russian government to come to the aid of the government in Syria because whatever faults it may have, whatever crimes it has committed, they are considerably fewer than the crimes committed by IS or would be committed by IS were they to come to power".

Support for the Iranian government

Galloway has worked for the Iranian state-run satellite television channel, Press TV since 2008. During an event at the London School of Economics in March 2011, he said: "Because I don't believe that the government of Iran is a dictatorship I have no problem about working for Press TV in London which is a British owned television station. I'm not responsible for the government of Ahmedinejad. I'm not responsible for the leadership of Press TV". Galloway also said: "There are many things wrong with Iran. One thing they do have is elections. They elected a president that you or I might not have voted for but I am in no doubt that Ahmadinejad won the presidential election" held in 2009. (See Television presenter below.)

In March 2008, Galloway said that the issue of gay rights in Iran was being misused by supporters of war against Iran. He said on The Wright Stuff chat show that the executed boyfriend of gay Iranian asylum seeker Mehdi Kazemi was executed for "sex crimes" rather than for being gay.

Scott Long, writing in The Guardian on 31 March, criticised Galloway's claim that "homosexuals are not executed in Iran, just rapists," pointing out that current law in the country stipulates that "Penetrative sex acts between men can bring death on the first conviction." Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, writing in The Guardian on 26 March, wrote that Galloway's "passionate opposition to a war against Iran, which I share, seems to have clouded his judgement" and "his claim that lesbian and gay people are not at risk of execution in Iran is refuted by every reputable human rights organisation, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the International Lesbian and Gay Association".

In August 2010, on his Press TV programme The Real Deal, Galloway interviewed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, following Galloway's participation in a conference for expatriate Iranians whose expenses were paid by Iran's government. He discussed Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, an Iranian woman convicted of adultery and sentenced to stoning, which he described as "the so-called stoning case". Galloway said of Ashtiani's sentence: "Every so often an issue comes along which is seized upon by the enemies of Iran and it becomes a heavy problem and magnified ...".

According to Martin Fletcher in The Times, Ahmadinejad gave "mendacious answers" which "went unchallenged by his obsequious interlocutor". Galloway told Ahmadinejad: "I have police protection in London from the Iranian opposition because of my support for your election campaign" in 2009. "I mention this so you know where I'm coming from."

Opposition to Scottish independence

Galloway has long supported devolution for Scotland, but opposes Scottish independence. In the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum, held on 18 September 2014, Galloway was dismissive of the official Better Together campaign because it also involved Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, and he believed its leader, Alistair Darling, to be ineffective. "My case isn't that Scotland couldn't be independent, but shouldn't", The Sunday Times quoted him as saying.

Galloway's argument against independence was based on "class" over "nationality". He told Serena Kutchinsky in an interview for Prospect magazine: "If we lose this vote the possibility of a real Labour government, or any kind of Labour government, in the rest of UK will be gone".

In 2013, Galloway began a series of public meetings in Scotland, using the slogan "Just Say Naw" to independence. On 11 September 2014, Galloway took part in Scotland Decides: The Big, Big Debate, an independence debate held in Glasgow and broadcast by the BBC during the evening.

In July 2020, Galloway co-founded and established a cross-party Scottish unionist political coalition called Alliance 4 Unity (later re-named All for Unity). Its goal was to defeat the Scottish National Party and Scottish nationalism in general at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, by tactical voting for any Scottish unionist candidates in the proportional vote on each Scottish electoral regions. The party got no seats, winning 0.86% of the Scottish vote, with 1.5% vote share in the South Scotland region in which Galloway stood. It was dissolved the following year.

During the election campaign Galloway was criticised for "race-baiting" comments about the then Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf, about who he tweeted "Well #Humza you're not more Scottish than me. You're not a Celt like me."

European Union

In 2014, Galloway said he would "be campaigning to remain in the European Union, as anyone with any brain cells will also be doing".

However, in 2016, he began campaigning for the UK to leave the EU. At a rally at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on 19 February 2016, Galloway endorsed the Grassroots Out (GO) campaign for the European Union membership referendum. He was introduced by UKIP leader Nigel Farage as a "special guest" who is "without doubt one of the greatest orators in this country, he is a towering figure on the left of British politics". Galloway's presence at the rally prompted some of those present to leave. Labour MP Kate Hoey, who was involved with GO, defended Galloway's participation. "George ended up getting a hugely favourable response to what he said". Responding to criticism of his association with Farage, Galloway tweeted: "We are not pals. We are allies in one cause. Like Churchill and Stalin".

On 17 April 2019 Galloway announced he would support the Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage in the May 2019 European Parliament election. He said that "given the nature of Labour's Euro-fanatic candidates list and the crucial juncture we have reached in the fight for the full implementation of the Brexit referendum result and for one-time only I will be supporting Nigel Farage in next months elections."

Russia and Ukraine

From 2013 to 2022, Galloway was a presenter on the Russian state-controlled television network RT.

Galloway called the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution a "coup" and a "foreign financed invasion of the sovereignty of Ukraine". He believes Russia's annexation of Crimea was legitimate, because he said the disputed 2014 Crimean status referendum showed that "the huge majority of people in Crimea wanted to leave Ukraine".

In a 2016 interview of Nigel Farage, Galloway said "I respect Putin and I think he's very popular in Russia".

When Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August 2020, Galloway claimed on RT that Navalny was a white supremacist.

In early 2022, Galloway dismissed claims that Russia was about to invade Ukraine, writing "I told you it wasn't. You were wrong. I was right". When Russia invaded Ukraine ten days later, he said the invasion was "not what I wanted", but he blamed the invasion on "the West" and accused it of "Pumping Ukraine full of NATO weapons, mercenaries and propaganda". He suggested that the Bucha massacre was staged. Galloway was accused of being an apologist and propagandist for Russian president Vladimir Putin by the larger political parties. Jamie Blackett ended their political alliance All for Unity over their disagreement on Ukraine. The Scottish Liberal Democrats leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, called Galloway "an apologist for Russian expansionist aggression" and said that Galloway's "association with RT has lent legitimacy and influence to the propaganda apparatus of a hostile power".

Regarding the Crocus City Hall attack in Russia, Galloway said he had "four pieces of evidence that lead to believe that the United States, its Nato allies, and their puppet stump state Ukraine are, in fact, responsible for this massacre".

China and North Korea

In 2019, Galloway defended the authorities' crackdown on protests in Hong Kong. He told China Global Television Network: "These people should know that Hong Kong is China. No country, absolutely no country, will allow an existential threat to emerge on its territory".

Galloway has dismissed the evidence for the persecution of Uighur Muslims by the Chinese authorities. In 2022, he said there were no internment camps for Uighurs in China. He stated that China had established "re-education centres" to steer terrorists away from the path of extremism.

Galloway said, after spending time in North Korea, he "does not agree with the North Korean system" and would not like to live there. He said "there have been achievements in North Korea ... They have a cohesive, pristine actually, innocent culture, a culture not penetrated by globalisation and Western mores". During a period of tension between North and South Korea in 2013, Galloway said "North Korea has no intention to harm any of us. North Korea's problem is with South Korea. ... South Korea exists because America invaded Korea, killed millions of people, divided the country and continues to garrison South Korea with military bases, nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapon". He blamed the United States for "war mongering" during the crisis and called South Korea its "puppet state".

Latin America

He has been an advocate for the Venezuelan government of Hugo Chávez and, in his Fidel Castro Handbook, for the former Cuban leader. "You were the greatest man I ever met Comandante Fidel. You were the man of the century", he tweeted when Castro died in November 2016.

Saudi Arabia

Galloway has criticised Britain's close ties with Saudi Arabia and British involvement in the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen. In 2017, he said: "It is a country with no democracy or freedom of any kind. It is a country that exports terrorism around the world and funds terrorism and extremism around the world. We should have nothing whatsoever to do with them."

India

Galloway opposes India's role in the Kashmir conflict with Pakistan, and has voiced support for the insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir. He said the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has blood on his hands". Modi was accused of initiating and condoning the 2002 Gujarat riots against India's Muslim minority.

Defamation cases

Allegations and lawsuit against the Mirror Group

In October 1991, Galloway tabled a motion in the House of Commons expressing concern at the allegations against news publisher Mirror Group Newspapers put forward in Seymour Hersh's recently published book, The Samson Option: Israel's Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy. Hersh alleged that the Daily Mirror's foreign editor, Nicholas Davies, was involved in weapons sales to Iran and had given the whereabouts of Mordechai Vanunu to Mossad. Mossad sought to capture Vanunu due to his role as a whistleblower of Israeli nuclear operations, and later "lured out of Britain to Italy", where he "was kidnapped, drugged and returned to Israel". Galloway's motion also called upon Mirror Group's owner, Robert Maxwell, to appoint a tribunal to investigate the allegations and the potential involvement of foreign intelligence in the publishing group. As the motion was signed under parliamentary privilege, other news outlets could report on it without worrying about legal repercussion, as Maxwell was known for litigiousness. Following this, the Daily Mirror published a "vitriolic" front-page editorial against Galloway, accusing him of abusing parliamentary privilege and of being motivated by links to anti-Israel terrorist groups. Galloway sued for libel and was awarded a public apology and substantial undisclosed damages from the Mirror Group.

Daily Telegraph libel case

On 22 April 2003, The Daily Telegraph published news articles and comment describing documents found by its reporter David Blair in the ruins of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. The documents purported to be records of meetings between Galloway and Iraqi intelligence agents, and they stated that he had received £375,000 per year from the proceeds of the Oil-for-Food Programme. Galloway sued the newspaper for libel, and the case was heard in the High Court on 14 November 2004.

On 2 December, Justice David Eady ruled that the story had been "seriously defamatory", and that The Daily Telegraph was "obliged to compensate Mr Galloway ... and to make an award for the purposes of restoring his reputation." Galloway was awarded damages of £150,000 plus, after a failed appeal in 2006, legal costs of about £2 million.

Both sides regarded the libel case as an important test of the Reynolds qualified-privilege defence. The Daily Telegraph did not attempt to claim justification (where the defendant seeks to prove the truth of the defamatory reports): "It has never been the Telegraph's case to suggest that the allegations contained in these documents are true". The newspaper argued that it acted responsibly as the allegations it reported were of sufficient public interest to outweigh the damage caused to Galloway's reputation. The trial judge did not accept this defence, noting that comments such as Galloway being guilty of "treason", "in Saddam's pay", and being "Saddam's little helper" caused him to conclude that "the newspaper was not neutral but both embraced the allegations with relish and fervour and went on to embellish them"; additionally, the judge ruled, Galloway had not been given a fair or reasonable opportunity to make inquiries or meaningful comment upon the documents before they were published.

Christian Science Monitor libel case

The Christian Science Monitor also published a story on 25 April 2003, stating that it had documentary evidence that he had received "more than ten million dollars" from the Iraqi government. However, on 20 June 2003, the Monitor reported that its own investigation had concluded that the documents were sophisticated forgeries.

Galloway sued The Christian Science Monitor for libel. In March 2004, he accepted damages and a public apology from the Monitor.

Jcom radio libel case

In November 2007, Jewish radio station Jcom aired a satirical segment in which a character named 'Georgie Galloway' used the anti-Semitic catchphrase "kill the Jews, kill the Jews". Galloway sued the station for libel and won the case in the High Court. Galloway was awarded £15,000 in damages and around £5,000 in costs. The radio station closed after losing the case. Galloway said the judgment had "categorically crushed the slur of anti-Semitism" against him.

BBC Question Time appearance

On 5 February 2015, Galloway appeared on BBC's Question Time discussion programme, recorded in Finchley, London, within a constituency with Britain's largest Jewish community. The Jewish Chronicle wrote that "Galloway was heckled by Jewish audience members who challenged him on his anti-Israel record" and the audience shouted "You're not welcome here".

Five days later, Hadley Freeman, a columnist for The Guardian, tweeted: "Galloway has said and done things that cross the line from anti-Israel to antisemitic". Galloway said that he would issue a suit for defamation against her. Freeman then deleted the tweet.

Some who had re-tweeted Freeman's comment were then sent a letter from Chambers Solicitors, acting for Galloway, asking for an apology and £5,000 plus Value Added Tax (then levied at 20%) to cover costs incurred by the letter. Some people who received the letter complained to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Eric Heinze, Professor of Law at Queen Mary University of London, noted that an editor of the Media Lens website had sent a tweet to Freeman asking if she could provide evidence for her claim that Galloway is antisemitic. Heinze wrote that "any example she could cite would probably persuade some and not others. Even if an overwhelming majority were unpersuaded, a highly popular opinion does not create an objectively verifiable fact." Chambers Solicitors' conduct was the subject of a warning from the SRA a year later. Initiating a libel action must begin within a year and no formal writ was issued.

Aisha Ali-Khan libel case

On 20 June 2016, Galloway lost a libel action brought by Aisha Ali-Khan, his assistant for six months in 2012. He had claimed that she had pursued a "dirty tricks" campaign against him and the Respect Party, and had slept at his house with her then-husband. The case was heard in the High Court. His counsel apologised on Galloway's behalf, and accepted that he had made "defamatory accusations". Ali-Khan will receive a "five-figure sum" in damages and her legal costs. As part of the settlement of their libel claim, both Galloway and Ali-Khan gave undertakings not to make any further public statement about the litigation or to defame each other. In 2018 Galloway brought an action that Ali-Khan had breached this undertaking 26 times, which Ali-Khan admitted, and in April 2018 the High Court imprisoned Ali-Khan for 12 weeks for contempt of court, describing her action as "deliberate, flagrant, persistent and inexcusable". Ali-Khan had been found guilty of contempt of court on a previous occasion. Previously, during 2017, Ali-Khan had filed a petition for Galloway's bankruptcy.

Twitter defamation case

This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: Has the case been resolved and, if so, what was the outcome?. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2024)

In April 2022, Galloway's Twitter account was labelled "Russian state-affiliated media" by Twitter. In response Galloway tweeted: "I work for NO Russian media. I have 400,000 followers. I'm the leader of a British political party and spent nearly 30 years in the British parliament. If you do not remove this designation I will take legal action". Twitter users pointed out that Galloway's own profile named the Russian state media outlets that he worked for. Galloway then removed these from his profile, He said Twitter had refused to explain the label, which he said was added to his account after he had stopped presenting on Russian television channels, which were closed by the British government in March 2022. Galloway sued Twitter for defamation in the High Court, Dublin. The suit also alleged that Twitter had unlawfully processed his personal data by labelling and censoring his account.

Elections contested

UK Parliament elections

Date Constituency Party Votes % votes Position
1987 general election Glasgow Hillhead Labour 17,958 42.9 Won
1992 general election Glasgow Hillhead Labour 15,148 38.5 Won
1997 general election Glasgow Kelvin Labour 16,643 51.0 Won
2001 general election Glasgow Kelvin Labour 12,014 44.8 Won
2005 general election Bethnal Green and Bow Respect 15,801 35.9 Won
2010 general election Poplar and Limehouse Respect 8,160 17.5 3rd
2012 Bradford West by-election Bradford West Respect 18,341 55.9 Won
2015 general election Bradford West Respect 8,557 21.2 2nd
2017 general election Manchester Gorton Independent 2,615 5.7 3rd
2019 general election West Bromwich East Independent 489 1.4 6th
2021 Batley and Spen by-election Batley and Spen Workers Party 8,264 21.87 3rd
2024 Rochdale by-election Rochdale Workers Party 12,335 39.65 Won
2024 general election Rochdale Workers Party 11,587 29.2 2nd

London mayoral elections

Date Party Votes % votes Position
2016 London mayoral election Respect 37,007 1.4 7th

Scottish Parliament elections

Date Region Party Votes % votes Position
2011 Scottish Parliament election Glasgow Respect 6,972 3.3 5th
2021 Scottish Parliament election South Scotland All for Unity 5,521 1.5 6th

Television presenter

In an overview of the broadcasting organisations Galloway works for, Tom Rogan in the National Review in April 2014 described him as being "a Western puppet for tyranny's propagandists".

In August 2009, editions of Galloway's programmes The Real Deal and Comment programme for Press TV, a London-based news channel controlled by the government of Iran, were found by the British broadcasting regulator Ofcom to have breached its broadcasting code on impartiality.

After Press TV lost its Ofcom licence in 2012, according to Galloway, the Iranian broadcaster owed him £40,000, leading to his company Miranda Media entering compulsory liquidation in 2013 because of unpaid tax. Reportedly, the owed payment amounts to £100,000, although Galloway disputed this in February 2016. Miranda Media, in which income from Galloway's media work was deposited, was established in September 2007 under a month before a law came into force allowing directors to receive loans from their own companies, a facility Galloway used on multiple occasions.

Shortly after its foundation in June 2012, Galloway became a presenter with the Al Mayadeen television station where he presents "Kalima Hurra" (Arabic: كلمة حرّة meaning free word). Al Mayadeen reportedly has connections with Iran and the Assad government in Syria, and has been accused of supporting the Assad government, a claim Galloway has rejected.

In November 2013, Galloway and his wife Gayatri began to present Sputnik for the Russian government-backed station RT. He is a regular contributor to RT's other programming. Among the notable guests on Galloway's RT programmes have been Gilad Atzmon, and Shlomo Sand.

In the register of members' financial interests published at the end of January 2015, Galloway disclosed that he had earned £293,450 from his television broadcasting in the previous year and had received almost £70,000 in travelling expenses and hotel stays. For the period November 2013 to February 2015, Galloway was paid £100,000 for his appearances on RT, the highest payment to any British politician working for the channel.

In 2016, Galloway presented a documentary film, The Killing$ of Tony Blair.

Radio presenter

Main article: The Mother of All Talk Shows

Having broadcast on talkSPORT from 2006 to 2012, Galloway began to broadcast on talkRADIO (which launched in March 2016 as a sister station to Talksport) in June 2016. Amongst his many monologues, he said that if Scotland were to leave the UK and join the EU "it would not be a good thing for his fellow countrymen", and has condemned the BBC as a "national disgrace".

In June 2019, after Liverpool Football Club had defeated Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in the Champions League final, Galloway congratulated the people of Liverpool and tweeted "No #Israël [sic] flags on the Cup!". He said that this referred to a number of Tottenham fans who were flying the flag of Israel in the crowd, showing "an affiliation to a 'racist state'". Tottenham Hotspur accused Galloway of "blatant anti-Semitism" and talkRADIO sacked him saying the broadcaster "does not tolerate anti-Semitic views".

Personal life

In 2014, Galloway was attacked in Notting Hill, London, by a Jewish convert, due to his position on the state of Israel, and sustained a head injury, leading him to wear a hat ever since.

Marriages and children

Galloway has been married four times and has six children.

In 1979, he married Elaine Fyffe, with whom he has a daughter. The couple separated in 1987 and divorced in 1999.

In 1994, Galloway married Amineh Abu-Zayyad, a Palestinian biologist, in a non-legally binding Islamic ceremony; a legally binding civil ceremony followed in March 2000. Abu-Zayyad was granted a divorce in February 2009, after an estrangement of several years, on the grounds of "unreasonable behaviour"; her petition was not contested.

Galloway married Rima Husseini, his former researcher, in a non-legally binding Islamic ceremony in 2005. Galloway had two sons with Husseini, who is from Lebanon.

On 31 March 2012 he married his fourth wife, Dutch-Indonesian anthropologist Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, then 27, in Amsterdam. The initial event was followed by a traditional Javanese wedding ceremony in Sumatra and a civil marriage at the House of Commons in September 2012. Pertiwi worked as a consultant for a Dutch research firm and as a co-presenter of Galloway's TV show Sputnik. The couple have three children.

Religion

Galloway has been outspoken in support of religious liberties. Though he has long stated that his religious beliefs are a private matter, Galloway was raised, and identified in 2016, as a Roman Catholic Christian. In a 2013 interview, Galloway sparked controversy for saying as a Roman Catholic, he would not feel safe in an independent Scotland given the historically bigoted views harboured by many Scottish nationalists towards Catholics.

At a 2012 rally, he said: "We stand for justice and haqq" and "A Muslim is somebody who is not afraid of earthly power but who fears only the Judgment Day. I'm ready for that, I'm working for that and it's the only thing I fear." In April 2012 Jemima Khan claimed Galloway had converted to Islam around 2000 and that his shahadah was performed in Kilburn, London. Galloway denied the claims, saying: "I have never attended any such ceremony in Kilburn, Karachi or Kathmandu. It is simply and categorically untrue." He went on to reiterate his position that religious beliefs are a "personal matter". His marriages to Dr Abu-Zayyad in 1994 and Rima Husseini in 2007 both took place in Muslim ceremonies. His wife since 2012, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, is also Muslim.

In March 2024, Galloway was sworn-in as an MP holding a Bible. In an Good Morning Britain interview, in April of the same year, Galloway stated he was "a practicing Roman Catholic".

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Further reading

Author
Biography
  • David Morley Gorgeous George: The Life and Adventures of George Galloway, Politico's Publishing, 2007 ISBN 978-1842751855

External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded byRoy Jenkins Member of Parliament for Glasgow Hillhead
19871997
Constituency abolished
New constituency Member of Parliament for Glasgow Kelvin
19972005
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20052010
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