Walter Wolfgang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Wolfgang
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Wolfgang at a Stop the War demonstration in 2007
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Walter Jakob Wolfgang
23 June 1923 Frankfurt, Germany
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| Died | 28 May 2019 (aged 95) |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Anti-war activist |
Walter Jakob Wolfgang (born June 23, 1923 – died May 28, 2019) was a British activist who worked for peace. He was born in Germany. Walter was known for being a socialist and a peace activist.
He was a leader in groups like the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). This group works to get rid of nuclear weapons. He also supported the Stop the War Coalition. Walter became famous when he was removed from a big meeting in 2005. He shouted "nonsense" during a speech about the Iraq War. He was 82 years old at the time. Many people thought his removal was wrong. The next day, he was welcomed back with cheers and an apology.
In 2006, Walter was chosen to be on the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party. This is an important group that helps run the party. He passed away in May 2019 when he was 95.
Contents
Early Life and Activism
Walter Wolfgang was born in Germany. His family was Jewish. They faced danger from the Nazis in Germany. In 1937, when Walter was a teenager, his parents sent him to live in Britain to keep him safe. Two years later, his parents also moved to Britain.
Walter went to school in Britain. After World War II, he became an accountant. In 1948, he joined the Labour Party. This is one of the main political parties in Britain. Walter believed in socialism, which means he thought society should be more equal.
He was part of a group called 'Victory for Socialism'. This group wanted the Labour Party to stick to its socialist ideas. Walter helped write several small books for this group. These books talked about peace and socialism.
In 1959, Walter ran for a seat in the British Parliament. He was a Labour Party candidate for Croydon North East. He did not win the election.
Working for Nuclear Disarmament
Walter Wolfgang was one of the first people to join the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in 1958. This group wanted Britain to get rid of its nuclear weapons. He took part in the first Aldermaston Marches. These were long walks to protest nuclear weapons.
He believed strongly that nuclear weapons should be removed. Walter even wrote a small book called Let Labour Lead. It encouraged people to keep fighting for nuclear disarmament. He thought there was a chance to get rid of these weapons before they destroyed the world.
In 1961, Walter joined a group called the Committee of 100. This group was even more active in its protests. He led a protest where he delivered a milk bottle labeled "Danger – Radioactive" to the Soviet Union embassy. This was to protest a huge nuclear bomb test by the Soviet Union.
Walter also spoke at Labour Party meetings. He talked about making important industries owned by the public. He also wanted Britain to leave NATO and get rid of nuclear weapons. In the late 1970s, he worked to make the Labour Party more democratic.
The 2005 Conference Incident
In 2005, Walter Wolfgang went to the Labour Party's big yearly meeting. He was sitting in the visitor section. During a speech by Jack Straw, who was the Foreign Secretary at the time, Walter shouted "Nonsense!"
Jack Straw was talking about why Britain was involved in the Iraq War. Walter disagreed strongly with what he was saying. Some people said Walter also shouted, "That's a lie and you know it!"
Security guards quickly removed Walter from the hall. They took away his pass. He was briefly held under a law about terrorism. Another person who protested Walter's removal was also taken out.
What Happened Next
The leaders of the Labour Party quickly said they were sorry for how Walter was treated. They said it was too harsh. The next day, a party leader named Ian McCartney apologized to Walter in person.
Even the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, apologized to Walter. He said Walter should not have been removed. Walter explained his actions by saying that if someone is "talking nonsense," you should be able to say so.
Many people saw Walter as a hero. His removal, and the use of the terrorism law, made many people worried. They thought it showed the government was becoming too strict and taking away people's freedoms.
Walter's pass was given back to him. He returned to the conference the next day. He received a big cheer from the people there. Another Labour leader, John Reid, also apologized during his speech. He said Walter had a right to his opinions.
Joining the National Executive Committee
Walter Wolfgang had been a member of a group that wanted more democracy in the Labour Party. In 2006, he was chosen to run for a spot on the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC).
He said he would campaign against the war in Iraq. He also wanted to stop the Royal Navy's Trident missile program, which involves nuclear weapons. He also wanted to make the Labour Party more democratic.
On August 3, 2006, it was announced that Walter had won a seat on the NEC. He was one of the top six candidates elected.
Later Views
In August 2015, Walter Wolfgang supported Jeremy Corbyn in his campaign to become the leader of the Labour Party.
See also
- Speaking Truth to Power: Walter Wolfgang a political life, by Carol Turner, published by Labour CND
- Taking Liberties, 2007 documentary film
- List of peace activists
