NE W S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2003
STUC OPPOSES WAR ON IRAQ AND SALUTES COURAGE AND INTEGRITY OF ROBIN COOK
Commenting on the decision of the British and US Governments to attack Iraq without United Nations authorisation, and the decision of Robin Cook to resign from the Cabinet, STUC General Secretary Bill Speirs, said:
"As a co-founder of the Campaign Against Repression and for Democratic Rights in Iraq, and having been in Israel during the 1991 Gulf War while Saddam Hussein's Scud missiles were coming in, I know something about the Iraqi regime.
"I also know that it is for the Iraqi people themselves to change it, and that no convincing evidence has been presented that it presents a clear and serious danger to the United Kingdom.
"The war which has now been authorised in defiance of the United Nations by President Bush and Tony Blair will have very serious consequences, including for the economy of Scotland and the security of our citizens in the years ahead.
"That is why Robin Cook's decision to resign from the Cabinet was an act of courage and integrity, and is recognised as such across Scottish society, including within the trade union movement."
For further information and comment, contact: Bill Speirs