Later today, Jean Lambert will discuss steps towards a nuclear-free world with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
Jean, a longstanding campaigner for peace, will speak on "Lifting the Nuclear Shadow" at the annual garden party of the Orpington branch of the WILPF. Her speech will argue that the British government must commit to scrapping Trident, the UK's submarine-based missile system, and not press ahead with plans to renew it.
In advance of her speech, Jean said: "I'm a Green - I want to people to protect the planet, not look for new ways to blow it up. Not only is Trident is immoral and unsafe, replacing it would be obscenely expensive: some estimates put the lifetime cost as high as £100 billion. It's time to consign this British weapon of mass destruction to history, and with it the perverted Cold War notion of peace built on the threat of mutually assured destruction."
"President Obama has signalled his intention to work towards a world free of nuclear weapons, and he has already put in place plans for the multilateral discussions to kickstart this process. The UK must follow in this new and encouraging direction and make its own decisive contribution to a peaceful, free and nuclear-free world."
Sheila Triggs, an active member of Orpington WILPF, said: "We are very much looking forward to hearing Jean speak on the issue of nuclear weapons, which is very pertinent at the moment. WILPF is strongly campaigning on this issue currently."
The garden party begins at 2.30pm this Saturday 25 July. Jean Lambert will speak at 3pm.
The party will take place at 15 Vinson Close, Orpington (off Knoll Rise), easily accessible from Orpington station. Mainline services to Orpington run from London Bridge, Charing Cross, Victoria and Cannon Street.
There will be delicious teas, stalls selling produce, bric-a-brac, and plants, and information about the WILPF.
--
The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) is an international NGO with national sections in 35 countries. It has consultative status with the UN to formally lobby the UN and its agencies on issues of peace, disarmament and economic justice. Founded in 1915, it is the world's oldest women's peace organisation. For more information about WILPF, contact the WILPF on 020 7250, or visit: www.ukwilpf.org.uk
Jean Lambert has been a Green MEP representing London since 1999 (she was re-elected in 2004 and 2009)
For more information contact: Rosie Lavan, London Media Assistant, media-assistant@jeanlambertmep.org.uk / 07760 220424