PRESS RELEASE

CND and Massive Attack criticise re-release of Lennon's 'Happy Xmas' (War is Over)

For immediate release: 10 December 2003

3D from Massive Attack today joined the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament to roundly condemn the decision to release a Pop Idol version of John Lennon’s single “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” this Christmas.

CND is calling for all profits from the sale of the CD to go to humatrian aid organisations working in Afghanistan and Iraq. The organisation, which has 32,000 members across the UK and was one of the leading organisations opposing the war in Iraq, pointed out that whilst President Bush has declared the war to be over, soldiers and innocent people are dying daily from the violence and battles that are continuing across the country.

CND’s chair, Kate Hudson, said:
”The war in Iraq was a tragic, immoral and illegal action. It is not something to be taken lightly nor something to be exploited. This move is both insensitive and offensive to those that have lost friends and family in the war. There are some serious dangers facing the world. We need to take them seriously and confront them, not take advantage of them.”

3D from Massive Attack, said:
“This is a new low - it is utterly repugnent as a choice of song by anyone right now. US planes bombed and killed 9 children in Afghanistan this week, US troop deaths since May have topped 200 and there have been thousands of iraqi civilian casualties since Bush declared the war to be over. This country, alongside the USA, is responsible. This is an insult to the families of the dead and maimed.”

CND says it hasn’t heard the single and has no criticism of the singers or their ability. They plan to contact the publishers to make their concerns clear and are considering what further action to take.

ENDS

Notes

1) CND Press Officer available to arrange interviews and further comment – 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859 or pressoffice@cnduk.org

2) CND was one of the leading campaign groups opposing the war on Iraq and is heavily involved in wider international militarism issues, including new nuclear weapons, Star Wars, nuclear proliferation and disarmament.

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