Press release
26-02-03
The case for war has not been proven - Barrett
John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat
MP for Edinburgh West, speaking in the House of Commons debate
on Iraq, said
the case for war had not yet been made.
In a statement, John
Barrett said:
"I believe my views and that of Charles
Kennedy and the Liberal Democrats reflect the concerns of
my own constituents and
the vast majority of the people in the country.
"Hundreds of people have contacted
me by telephone, e-mail and fax and not one of them have
argued in favour of military
action. The anti-war march on the 15th February which I took
part in showed to me the depth of feeling on the issue and
the anger of a people feeling ignored.
"At a time when people are becoming
more and more disenfranchised with politics, it is critical
that politicians, individuals
elected to represent the views of the people, do their job
and speak out to reflect the mood of the country. The Government
has a duty to listen to these concerns and fears, and to
convince us that action being taken in our name is right.
This is something Tony Blair has totally failed to do.
"War should only ever be used as a
last resort and it is clear that diplomatic options are far
from exhausted. To give up
on weapon's inspections after only 11 weeks is premature.
We must pursue this issue through the United Nations which
as of yet, remains far from convinced of the need for military
conflict. Any second resolution which comes through arm twisting
or bribery will not strengthen the UN but will only serve
to weaken it."
"I believe I have a duty not just
to vote for what I believe in but to vote for what my constituents
believe. That is
why I shall vote against the Government."
ENDS
Full speech >> |
