Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has sent a personal message of support to Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who was arrested yesterday on charges of desertion following his refusal to return to fight in Afghanistan - and for his appearance at an anti-war demonstration last month.
In her email to the soldier, she said: "I would like to express my admiration for your decision to take a courageous and principled stand against the war in Afghanistan. You have the support of the many people in the UK and abroad who passionately oppose this ongoing conflict, which increasingly appears unwinnable."
"The US-led invasion of Afghanistan has resulted in a tragic loss of life, an ever-more dangerous and unstable country, and the installation of a fundamentally corrupt political leadership. Those on both sides continue to lose their lives on a daily basis - while the idea of promoting peace feels very far away."
"At the very least, the brave men and women who sign up to be sent into conflict - to risk their lives on the front line - deserve to be told the truth about the war they are fighting in and what they are fighting for."
"L/Cpl Glenton, I hope your heroic resistance to the reckless and misguided foreign policy played out in Afghanistan will increase the pressure on the UK Government to accelerate an exit strategy and withdraw our troops."
In response to the arrest of L/Cpl Glenton, Stop The War Coalition has arranged an emergency protest to take place tomorrow (Thursday 12 November) outside the Ministry Of Defence in Whitehall at 5pm.
Notes to Editors:
- For more information, visit the STWC website - www.stopwar.org.uk
- Joseph Healy, Green parliamentary candidate for Vauxhall, will be attending the rally.