Redgraves back Ludford for European Parliament

6.19.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th Jun 2004

Sarah Ludford has campaigned with Vanessa Redgrave on a number of issues, including Guantanamo Bay, human rights in Chechnya and the campaign to reunite the Parthenon marbles

Actors and human rights campaigners Corin and Vanessa Redgrave are supporting Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford for re-election to the European Parliament.

Vanessa Redgrave said:

"Sarah Ludford has been a key fighter for human rights and the rule of international law. Corin and I were delighted that Sarah could be involved as a patron of the Guantanamo Human Rights Commission which is working so hard to keep up the pressure over the illegal detention, inhumane conditions and reports of torture in Guantanamo Bay of so many European citizens and residents.

"When our freedom faces so many threats, both external and internal, we need more people like Sarah in the European Parliament to defend our rights. I hope Londoners will strongly support their excellent MEP on 10th June."

Baroness Ludford commented:

"It has been a great privilege to work with Vanessa and Corin on issues such as Chechnya and Guantanamo Bay. The European Union should be a beacon to the rest of the world standing up for justice and human rights. However too often European governments, and notably the UK government have failed to defend these fundamental rights.

"On June 10th voters have a real chance to send a message to Bush and Blair that they are going in the wrong direction. We want long term stability and better relations with our neighbours, not unilaterally declared illegal and immoral wars."