Buxton Against War
High Peak Stop the War Coalition

Press Release

17th March 2003

Feelings ran high when Tom Levitt braved High Peak voters on Friday at the first public meeting organised by Buxton Against the war. Debating “Is war the Intelligent Answer” anti-war speaker from Manchester Stop the War campaign, Richard Searle pointed out that if we are talking about the war on poverty then “Yes” war is the intelligent answer. But the view was almost unanimous amongst the 112 constituents present that when solving the problem of Iraq’s disarmament War definitely was not the answer and according to one member from Buxton Against War, “The general tone of the meeting was firmly anti war”. The packed United Reform Church Hall also heard Mary Littlefield from the Glossop Stop the War Campaign encourage people to take action and to do something if they felt strongly that the fast approaching war against Iraq was wrong. Tom Levitt declared his loyalty to the Government and eloquently presented Tony Blairs arguments for attacking Iraq.

The meeting was skilfully chaired by Jane McGrother and many questions were raised from the floor after the introductions by the three speakers. “I think it was a good idea that things were said out loud and that our MP knows how the people of High Peak stand. Not one person had a pro war stance” said a member of the audience when describing the questions put to Tom Levitt. Unfortunately not everyone wanting to put a question was able to do so as so many people had points to make and queries to raise there was just not enough time to accommodate everyone but a lively, informative and constructive evening was had by all.