Press release

24-01-03
Barrett launches Iraq poll during visit to Prime Minister’s former school

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today launched a major opinion poll for his constituents in West Edinburgh to voice their opinions on military action against Iraq.

Mr Barrett made the announcement during a speech to the Political Society of Fettes College, the Prime Minister's former school.

People can vote by visiting Mr Barrett's website on http://www.johnbarrettmp.com/views.html

Security measures have been put in place to ensure that a person can only vote once. The questions on the website are:

· Do you believe there is enough evidence to justify military action against Iraq?

· Do you believe that he Prime Minister should make a decision on committing troops to military action or should this be a decision for the entire UK Parliament?

· Should military action begin without a mandate from the United Nations?
Speaking after the Political Society meeting, John Barrett MP said:

"Many people feel that their voices are being ignored on this issue and that war is now inevitable. It is clearly something which people feel very strongly about and an issue which now dominates my daily postbag.

"I find it significant that not one person has written to me calling for military action to take place. Dozens though have called for caution and for United Nations approval before any attack takes place.

"I hope as many of my constituents as possible will cast their vote on the website so that the proper view of West Edinburgh is expressed."

ENDS