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Concerns raised over pro-Iraq war candidates standing for Labour NEC

CONCERNS were raised today about candidates who expressed support for the Iraq War campaigning to be elected to the Labour Party’s ruling body.

Posts showing support for Britain’s participation in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 have surfaced amid elections for Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC). 

Luke Akehurst, running to be a constituency Labour Party representative, responded to a Socialists of Colour questionnaire by claiming that he believed the conflict was “justifiable” as it removed the threat of Saddam Hussein.  

He added that Britain has a “moral obligation to repair the damage of the post-2003 period,” telling the Star that the NEC reflects the “diverse spectrum of views within our pluralistic party.”

Two other election hopefuls have also been questioned on social-media posts backing the invasion. 

A 2017 Twitter post by Eluned Anderson — who is running to become chair of Young Labour — said that she backed intervention in Iraq as weapons of mass destruction had been in use. 

Meanwhile, Facebook posts show Kira Lewis claiming that they “absolutely” defend the invasion and would “have made the same decision.”

Lewis said that they have clarified their position on the Iraq war, adding they are now “completely opposed” to the war.

One of Lewis’s opponents in their race to become NEC youth representative has spoken out about those showing support for the Iraq War. 

Lara McNeill said: “The Iraq invasion is the single most horrific decision made by a British government this century, and is reviled across the political spectrum. 

“In this time of crisis, rising aggression and radical uncertainty across the world, Labour has more of a duty than ever to stand up for international solidarity and justice, and the rule of law.”

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