MP Challenges Opponents on Iraq

New Forest East MP, Dr. Julian Lewis, has issued a challenge to his LibDem opponent. Through the letters column of the Daily Echo Dr. Lewis wrote:-

"I have just seen Brian Dash's letter [criticising my support of the Government policy on Iraq], on my return from a visit to Poland.

If we had listened to such prominent Liberal Democrats as Paddy Ashdown during the cold war, Poland and many of her neighbours would not now be free.

It was partly because we did not take LibDem advice to appease the Soviet Union by unilaterally scrapping our nuclear weapons that central and eastern Europe are no longer subject to dictatorship.

A more democratic Iraq will likewise add to our security in the medium to long term.

Brian Dash, and his colleague Lee Dunsden have developed an uncharacteristic (for them) interest in foreign affairs. Brian suggesting, like other appeasers, that taking on fanatics onlt adds to their numbers, and Lee disputing my argument that we must take the fight to our enemies rather than waiting for them to hit us at home. If they are serious in wishing to debate such points, I invite them to take part in a public debate with me and perhaps a local Labour Party spokesman. Are they up to facing this challenge?"