'Dear Reg Keys' by Mark Seddon

KEYS FOR SEDGEFIELD CAMPAIGN

PRESS INFORMATION - IMMEDIATE

Labour National Executive Committee Member Mark Seddon - Text of Letter To Reg Keys

Dear Reg,

Thank you for your letter asking for support in your election campaign.

I understand that your son tragically lost his life in Iraq. He is one of many who have lost their lives needlessly. My condolences to you and your family.

I am supporting Labour Party candidates who opposed and voted against the war in Iraq. However, I strongly support the case you are making in regard to the legality of the Iraq war and Tony Blair's decision to take Britain to war. On three separate occasions before the beginning of the war, I unsuccessfully moved resolutions at Labour's ruling National Executive Committee calling upon the Government not to use force a) without a second United Nations resolution explicitly allowing force to be used and b) if the use of force was in contravention of international law. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Anan, has stated that the United States and the United Kingdom were in clear breach of international law. The Government has consistently refused to publish the legal advice presented to it by Lord Goldsmith.

Earlier this month I successfully moved an amendment to Labour's Manifesto document. It stated that; 'The Labour Party, in Government, would uphold international law'. For some reason that amendment has not appeared in the Manifesto.

As a member of the Labour Party NEC I cannot advocate voting for non Labour candidates. but the issues of war and peace, honesty and justice are as vital in Sedgefield as they are elsewhere in the country. You are bravely raising issues that many politicians would rather not talk about.

Best wishes

Mark Seddon
Labour Party NEC
& former editor, Tribune

Contact
Jane Mayes
07748 640 183

by Mark Seddon

Vote for Reg Keys

'Dear Reg Keys' by Mark Seddon