Luton South Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate Cllr. Qurban Hussain yesterday spoke at a debate in the House of Lords to argue for greater international cooperation to pursue peace throughout the world.

Following remarks outlining his support for British armed forces and their need for better pay and equipment Cllr. Hussain argued that “by pursuing peace through dialogue we can help to secure a lasting peace throughout the world and avoid putting our troops in danger.”

Focusing on the ongoing dispute over Kashmir Cllr. Hussain spoke of the desire for peace in the region shared by all in Luton’s diverse community.

Cllr. Hussain’s visit to the House of Lords comes soon after meetings with members of the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet concerning jobs, the economy, the environment and the war in Afghanistan.

After the meeting Qurban said:

“I was proud to represent our town again in the Houses of Parliament. In Margaret Moran’s absence it is essential that the voices of Luton residents are heard in Westminster on the wide range of issues that concern us and the Liberal Democrats and myself are dedicated to ensuring that happens.

From speaking with many, many people throughout our town it is clear we are all rightly proud of our hard-working and courageous armed forces and that we all want to see peace in the areas they are currently deployed.

It is also clear that the people of India, Pakistan and Kashmir want to see a lasting peace in their region. In Britain we can play a key role in establishing a positive settlement on the matter and I believe it is necessary for the security and best interests of our troops and British citizens that we do so.”

Following on from Cllr. Hussain’s calls for greater support for the British Armed Forces Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg MP, raised the issue again with Gordon Brown at Prime Minister’s questions.