But to cut off relations with an aggressor may often invite retaliation by armed action, and this would, in its turn, make necessary some form of collective self-defence by the loyal members of the League.

Uniquely he was elected to Parliament a total of five times at by-elections where he had not been the previous MP and he holds the record for the greatest number of comebacks from losing his seat. In 1884 Henderson lost his job and concentrated on his education and preaching commitments.

He was popular among his colleagues who called him "Uncle Arthur" in acknowledgement of his integrity devotion to the cause and unperturbability. Arthur Henderson (20 September 1863 – 20 October 1935) was a British iron moulder and Labour politician.