Reading Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrats in Reading have called Labour MP Martin Salter to account for failing to vote against the disastrous invasion of Iraq on the fifth anniversary of the start of the almost certainly illegal war.

Speaking at a meeting of members, Cllr Gareth Epps said, “Five years ago, the Labour Government led Britain into war in Iraq. The Conservatives were the cheerleaders for military action, with MPs from both parties attacking the Liberal Democrats for opposing the invasion.”

Patrick Murray, Liberal Democrat PPC for Reading West, said: “It is now clear that the war in Iraq and the occupation of the country were the worst foreign policy decisions taken by Britain in recent memory. Martin Salter failed to vote against this decision in 2003. Five years on from the start of the invasion 176 (26 March 2008 See BBC website for full details) British troops have lost their lives, £7 billion of our money has been lost on this appalling venture and, according to some estimates, 600,000 Iraqis have lost their lives as a result. Martin Salter should apologise to the people of Reading for his part in failing to block this disastrous venture.”

Cllr Gareth Epps, who marched against the war, said: “Without the support of Conservative MPs, the Labour Government would have lost the vote in Parliament and the UK would not have joined in this ill-judged expedition.”

“This was a war that we were told was meant to make the world safer. This was a war we were told was to get rid of weapons of mass destruction. This was a war we were told was a war to end terrorism. However the weapons of mass destruction singularly failed to be found despite extensive searching and the threat from terrorism has increased making the world a much riskier place. The Government are asking the men and women of our armed forces to put their lives at risk for little apparent gain for either Iraq, the UK or the world at large. Despite assurances by Gordon Brown that our troops will be coming home, they are still there with no apparent exit strategy.”

On a personal note Gareth continued “Last year, a friend of mine was killed working for the security services in Iraq. I would not wish that on anybody’s family least of all the innocent civilians in Iraq who are struggling to lead a normal life.”

“We are calling on both Reading MPs to join the Liberal Democrats in urging the Government to set a timetable for the full withdrawal of the remaining UK troops from Iraq. Lessons must be learnt so the mistakes of Iraq are never made again.”