(Clearwisdom.net) UK Parliament and local assembly members gave statements publicly condemning the Jiang regime's persecution of Falun Gong at the third anniversary of the persecution.
Speech at the Falun Gong Press Conference by a Greater London Assembly Member, B. Coleman [July 19, 2002]
Whilst I am sorry not to have been able to attend this conference today, I am grateful to have the opportunity of a few remarks on an occasion of such gravity. I would like to begin by paying tribute to those other politicians and leaders who perhaps are present today, and have devoted so much more time to such a worthy cause. If we are one day to celebrate the anniversary of a final end to the ruthless persecution Falun Gong practitioners, then it will only be through consistent pressure exerted by such statesman and leaders.
Indeed, in my capacity as the Greater London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden, I recently submitted a question to our own Mayor of London, Mr Ken Livingstone, asking him whether, when he met with the Chinese Ambassador on the 6th June, he raised the issue of the continued and escalating human rights abuses conducted against practitioners of Falun Gong. I have yet to receive an answer from Mr Livingstone on the matter and I do not know if he tacked that issue or not. But the principle behind this question must prevail for all politicians of all parties whenever the opportunity arises: no-one in authority should duck the issue of the systematic and coordinated abuse of human rights that is taking place in China today.
As ever, the preoccupation of our leaders will be with the state of this nation, but domestic concerns ought never to eclipse the opportunity to make the case for decent human rights for all. Despite this fact, a much-heralded 'ethical foreign policy' has never materialised under the current government, and it is once again down to individuals to take a stand. I for my part will continue to raise the torture, imprisonment and intimidation of Falun Gong practitioners, who stand so simply for Truth, Compassion and Forbearance, with the Chinese government. I will do this at every opportunity I get and I would like to use this occasion to advise all my colleagues at every level of government to do the same. Thank you.
Statement by Labour MP for Hampstead & Highgate, Glenda Jackson [July 19, 2002]
I remain deeply concerned with the treatment of Falun Gong leaders and adherents in China. Such treatment is in direct contravention of provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, signed by China in October 1999, but which it is yet to ratify.
It is to be hoped that the Chinese Authorities will take note of international concern in this area.
Glenda Jackson MP
Labour MP for Hampstead & Highgate