Rochdale Peace Campaigners say 'Bombing is not the answer!'

Rochdale and Littleborough Peace Group took to the street immediately on Friday (26 September 2014) to protest against the parliamentary vote to join the US-led bombing campaign in Iraq and Syria. They unfurled a large banner reading 'Bombing is not the answer!' and displayed peace flags at the junction of A58 and A664 in Sudden.

Philip Gilligan said,

"‘The grim atrocities carried out by the so-called Islamic State (IS) have rightly shocked and repulsed the world, but heaping further atrocities onto the people of Iraq cannot be the answer. Airstrikes will inevitably result in the deaths of civilians; innocent children, women and men who have played no part in the actions of IS. It was the illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003 that led to the chaos which has allowed the rise of the so-called Islamic State What is needed now is urgent humanitarian assistance, political pressure and working with allies in the region to halt the spread of this murderous group: not another disastrous and ill-conceived bombing campaign which will make the situation worse.’

Peace Group expresses sadness at death of Jim Dobbin MP

Rochdale and Littleborough Peace Group has expressed its sadness at the sudden death of Jim Dobbin MP.

Philip Gilligan said,

“This is a very sad loss for our borough and for parliament. Jim was a politician who could be relied on to act on principle and to promote the cause of peace. He voted against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and remained firm in his consistent opposition to plans to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system. The peace group greatly welcomed Jim’s support and encouragement over many years. He will be sadly missed.”