[Northampton Newspaper]
Written by NICHOLAS BIEBER
The Dalai Lama’s representative will be in Northampton next week to raise the Tibetan flag.
Thubten Samdup will join Mayor Les Marriott and Mayoress Lisa Marriott for the event at the Guildhall on Tuesday at midday.
Caroline Scattergood, a Free Tibet campaigner, said there will also be a screening of a four-minute film on the day while playing the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
There will also be speeches, music and prayer in memory of the Tibetans who have self-immolated.
Northampton North MP Michael Ellis says he won’t be able to attend, however he has pledged his support for the Tibetan people.
This is a statement which will be read out on Mr Ellis’ behalf:
“I am pleased that the people of Northampton will again have an opportunity to show their support for the Tibetan people. I would have liked to have been able to attend but I am required at the House of Commons.
“I remain very concerned about the situation in Tibet. The conduct of the Chinese Government with regards to Tibet has repeatedly shown how little they respect the rights and wills of the Tibetan people.
“The new Chinese leadership have shown a willingness to reform in other areas of public policy and I hope they will also show a reforming attitude to this matter and a new-found respect for Tibetan culture. Until they do, campaigners like those here today are very necessary and important.
“I know the Prime Minister also feels strongly about this, and alongside the Foreign Secretary, have repeatedly raised the human rights issue with the Chinese Government at every available opportunity. This diplomatic pressure will continue until a solution can be found and I hope we will all eventually see a peaceful and equitable resolution.”
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