John Battle Calls For Understanding Of Cultures

Former Foreign Office Minister John Battle has called for more understanding of differing cultures and warned against fuelling alienation in Britain.

Mr Battle called the terrorist onslaught in the States "a crime against humanity" and backed international action to root out terrorists.

But he argued dialogue and actions to resolve conflicts around the world were also needed too.

In an emergency Commons debate he said "Unless they go together, there is a real risk of deepening and intesifying existing conflicts and sowing more dragon's teeth of violence rather than isolating terrorists from their present and potential supporters.

"There is a real danger that conflicts not resolved are simply driven under the surface for generations to come.

"And there is a danger that we alienate even some within our own socoety increasing tension, fear and conflict here."

Mr Battle urged more action to deepen our understanding of other traditions and religions.

He said: "I believe our politics should be derived from a commitment to see fears and anger displaced by reason and argument but based on a passionate commitment to justice and peace for every single person throughout our globe"

He supported international work to drive out terrorism "but not to neglect or underplay the need for everyone to promote dialogue to tackle the conflicts in our world".

Mr Battle urged: "Combating international terrorism in the light of this week's atrocities should also lead to the redoubling of efforts to actually reduce tensions, tackle conflict, make serious efforts, talks, whether in the Middle East, the Balkans, Chechnya, Kashmir, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, where Christians and Muslims rage against each other".

Taken from the Yorkshire Evening Post