Protest at Downing Street reception

A letter signed by several influential figures in the child care
sector has called for the boycott of a reception being held by the
National Council for Voluntary Child Care Organisations at 10
Downing Street because of Britain’s war with Iraq.

The letter, signed among others by Ratna Dutt, director of the REU
and Anthony Douglas, Suffolk social services director, urges
organisations invited to the event on 7 April to express opposition
to the war by not turning up. They believe it is “inappropriate” to
hold the reception to mark the NCVCCO’s 60th anniversary at No 10.

Erica De’Ath, chief executive of the NCVCCO, said: “It is
unfortunate that we are in a war but I don’t think that should
diminish from the enormous contributions these organisations have
made.”