March 19, 2003 3:17 PM
Liz wants the human cost of war to be given greater recognition.
A West Midlands Euro-MP has expressed anger at the UK Government's determination to invade Iraq despite the largest backbench rebellion since the 1880s last night over the issue.
As Rapporteur for the European Year for People with Disabilities 2003, Liz Lynne MEP is particularly keen to see that the victims of war are treated with respect and dignity.
Liz said:
"I find it depressingly ironic that just days after being given the role of writing a report on behalf of the European Parliament for the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, our own government has abandoned the UN to pursue a course of destruction that will result in many more maimed and disabled civilians and soldiers."
"The media is already full of stories about the allies fighting a hi-tech war that will minimise casualties, yet this proved to not be the case in 1991. We were told the technology had been perfected in time for the Afghanistan war, yet that didn't stop bombers from blowing up, among others, a wedding party, a Red Cross building and a TV station. And both the UK and US continue to insist on continuing to use cluster bombs, which serve very little strategic purpose and shower large areas with mines that will continue to kill and maim for years to come. Let no one be fooled into thinking this attack will be a liberation with few long term consequences.
"If Tony Blair insists on pursuing this reckless and possibly illegal action, I hope he will at least get back around the table in the UN and discuss the humanitarian effort that will be desperately needed. We have a poor record of looking after the victims of war and if Blair is so keen on claiming the moral high ground it is up to him to sort this out."
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