JUSTICE Secretary Jack Straw is set to give the annual Peace Lecture at Warrington’s pioneering Peace Centre as it celebrates its 10th anniversary next Thursday (March 18).
Opened by former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam in March 2000, it will also mark the 17th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack which claimed the lives of three-year-old Johnathan Ball and 12-year-old Tim Parry following the Bridge Street bombing the day before Mother’s Day – seen by many as the major turning point in the peace process.
Having previously been Leader of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Secretary, Jack has significant knowledge of conflict management at international level.
Under the heading “Using Power Properly” Jack will be speaking about his experience of the rule of law, both in high level international negotiations as Foreign Secretary
and in establishing a legal framework in communities which supports people who wish to go about their lives peacefully.
The Lecture is an annual event which is hosted by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation, the educational peace charity set up after the death of two young boys.
Foundation Chairman Colin Parry said: “We are delighted that Jack is able to be our keynote speaker at the event which commemorates the 17th anniversary of the bombing.
“His speech should give an interesting insight into the issues facing politicians when making decisions on conflict and peace at both national and global level. It should be particularly interesting given the recent coverage of the Iraq enquiry, as well as the upcoming election. We have a large invited audience so there should be a lively debate during the Q&A session following the lecture.”
Individuals from the business and local community have been invited to attend the lecture, as well as young people from schools and colleges in the North West. Following the lecture there will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace was set up by Colin and Wendy Parry following the death of their son Tim and 3-year-old Johnathan.
The Peace Centre is a unique legacy and memorial to Tim and Johnathan and was built with local, national and international support. It is a £3m state of the art, fully equipped learning centre where people develop a passion for peace through participating in our learning programmes.
The Foundation is now a national charity providing conflict transformation programmes to young people aged 5-25, as well opportunities for self development to victims and survivors of conflict and terrorism.
For more information visit http://www.foundation4peace.org/
