PROTESTERS opposed to airstrikes on Syria will hold a candlelit vigil at the Clock Tower in Rugby on Monday, beginning at 5.30pm.
MPs voted by 397 votes to 223 in favour of air strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, after a ten-hour Commons debate on Wednesday (December 2).
Organiser Becky Hemsley said the gesture was “in honour, mourning and protest of the innocent lives that will be lost through our nation’s recent decision”.
She said: “Talking to my friends many of us now feel a profound sadness at the news from Parliament regarding Syria.
“We need a different way to proceed to protect ordinary people suffering in Syria, refugees and people in our own country worried about terrorism.
“There will be a time to talk and a time of silence. Some may want to sing, some may want to pray. I hope that there will be space for whatever expressions of grief individuals feel comfortable with.”
Rugby and Bulkington MP Mark Pawsey voted in favour of military action in Syria, saying it was in the national interest to take action.
He said: “The decision to use our armed forces is not one that I, or any of my colleagues from all sides of the House, take lightly.
“However, throughout our history, the United Kingdom has stood up against tyrants, bullies and barbaric regimes. We can, and we must, do so again.”
Attendees to the vigil should bring tea lights, jam jars, warm clothes and umbrellas. The group plans to walk to the War Memorial at the gates of Whitehall Road Recreation Ground, Hillmorton Road, later on.
Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information.
