Socialist Propaganda League

(Upton Park)" was sent to the Socialist Standard asking: "What would be the attitude of a member of the SPGB if elected to Parliament, and how would he maintain the principle of 'No Compromise'?"

The Standard's reply on the matter, backed by the party's Executive Committee (EC), stated that "each issue would have to be looked at on its merits and the course to be pursued decided democratically."

This was again rebutted firmly by the EC who contended that it would be ridiculous for socialists, by way of example, to oppose a measure designed to stop a war in which the working class was being butchered.

Believing this approach to be a violation of the principle of no compromise, several members resigned over this issue during 1911, a small number going on to found the Socialist Propaganda League.

Though Martin was sympathetic to the SPGB in all other respects, he continued to denounce its willingness to engage in ‘political trading’ in pamphlets and on the outdoor platform until his death in 1951.