A campaign to establish the first ever global arms treaty is being backed by a local politician. Ian Murray MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South, has added his name to Oxfam’s campaign for a strong and robust Arms Trade Treaty.
Ian has joined thousands of people worldwide calling for an end to the unregulated trade of guns, bombs and bullets.
This includes David Grimason, whose son Alistair was only two when he was shot dead by a gunman during a holiday to Turkey in 2003. Dr Mick North is also supporting the campaign. His five year old daughter Sophie was killed, along with 15 classmates and their teacher, at Dunblane Primary School in 1996.
The two fathers feature in this powerful new campaign video for the Control Arms campaign which is being promoted all across the world.
Ian Murray MP said: “Labour believes that it is vital that a robust and effective global Arms Trade Treaty is negotiated this year with comprehensive scope and robust parameters. A strong treaty is vital to tighten the net to eliminate irresponsible trade, and ensure that legitimate trade everywhere is properly regulated. Such an agreement would help to prevent the spread of conflict and ultimately save lives and reduce human rights abuses.”
Across the world it is estimated that 2000 people die every single day from armed violence with 26 million people currently displaced within their own countries as a result of armed conflict.
The poorly regulated global trade in arms and ammunition fuels conflict, poverty and human rights abuses. Since 2006, the governments of 153 countries have been working on a global arms trade treaty and in July the United Nations will decide the terms of this treaty.
Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “The next few weeks and months are crucial in gathering support for a strong Arms Trade Treaty.
“Controlling the movement of weapons will save many lives and I welcome the support of Ian Murray.
“I urge other Scots to sign our online campaign to make sure the UK Government recognises the strength of feeling on this issue in Scotland – and acts upon it.”
To join the campaign, go to www.controlarms.org.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
