8 April 2005

Herald Report on Candidates is False

The Campaign for Socialism dismisses claims in Today’s Herald Newspaper based on a story in the New Statesman, that two of its members who are standing for Parliament as Labour Party candidates, are closely associated with Tony Blair or supported the Gulf war or the prevention of terrorism act. The two PPCs concerned are Katy Clark Ayrshire North and Arran and Jim McGovern Dundee West.

Speaking on behalf of the CfS Vince Mills, secretary said:

‘ This is at best sloppy journalism and at worst a deliberate attempt to confuse voters about the political credentials of the candidates before them. You would have thought that any journalist worth his NUJ card would have taken the time to work out that PPCs who speak from left wing platforms and are members of left wing party organizations are hardly likely to be having tea with Tony Blair. Given that we are about to go to the polls this is a very serious matter and both offending publications will need to look to their editorial standards. The Left meanwhile, might have to look elsewhere for accurate reporting.’

ENDS

Contact Vince Mills on 0781 461 5224