Press release – Charities Parliament

Young anti-knife crime activist and veteran anti-war campaigner to debate the one thing we can all do for peace.

Tony Benn will stand alongside national and local peace advocates to show how one small step can bring lasting peace, ahead of UN International Day of Peace.

The veteran peace protestor will be joined by anti war activist MP Paul Flynn, the Director of the Peace Alliance Nims Obunge MBE and Alex Rose, a 21-year-old community organiser who set up anti gun and knife crime campaign STOP (Solve This Ongoing Problem) after his friend was stabbed to death.

The peace movement in the UK, with Tony Benn’s help and leadership, is growing into a formidable coalition of organisations and individuals who are seeking to bring real change to communities at home and abroad and no one illustrates this better than Alex Rose who will talk about the challenges in setting up a local campaign to counter the influence of violent crime.

Director of Charities Parliament, Pete Brierley says, ‘There is a need to galvanise support for certain issues and encourage and inspire community organisers from across the UK. We think peace is as good a topic as any to get people working together.’

The event on the 13th September will be a call to peaceful arms. Steve Chalke MBE, who will chair the event, hopes that Tony Benn will be able to encourage people in attendance to action in the lead up to the International Day of Peace. Chalke said, ‘As well as calling on budding activists we want to invite anyone who wants to make a difference to attend. The event will give some really practical ways that you can be a peace maker.’ 

Charities that have signed up to be a part of the event include Christian Aid, War on Want, Stop the Traffik, Fellowship of Reconciliation, The Peace Alliance, the Refugee Council, Southside Radio, XLP, the S.T.O.P campaign and Street Pastors.

Charities Parliament was set up in 2009 and aims to encourage debate and inspire innovation amongst and between civil society and government.

The event, to be held at The Oasis Centre, 75 Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7HS, Monday 13th September 2010 from 6:30pm-9pm. Doors open 6.00pm.

Tickets: £5 available at www.charitiesparliament.org.
Group discount available.
Further information: rsvp@charitiesparliament.org or 020 7921 4289 

Press – for more information and complimentary tickets: Andrew Green 020 7921 4300 or 07887 687 885

ENDS