States asked to support troops

States asked to support troops

The States has been asked to support British troops

Jersey's senior politician has said he is concerned a proposition voicing support for British forces fighting in the Gulf could be delayed if it was brought to the States.

Policy and Resources President Senator Frank Walker said he considered bringing a proposition asking the house to show its backing for the armed forces in the Gulf.

However, Senator Walker said any formal attempt to do that in a proposition could be delayed if a member lodged it.

He is now hoping to have an open letter at the next States meeting for members to sign.

UN resolution

In the UK, Liberal Democrat party leader Charles Kennedy strongly opposed any war with Iraq. But once it had started, he made it clear the party supported the troops who went there to fight.

Jersey States held a debate which ended in a message being sent to the UK Home Office, saying the island did not want to see a war without a second UN resolution.

But now war is under way, there have been calls for the island's government to follow Mr Kennedy's lead and give troops its backing.

The next States sitting is next Tuesday.