VACANT FOURTH PLINTH IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Early day motion 1170, tabled 8 May 2003 by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 42 members.

That this House celebrates the multicultural diversity of London; notes that the plinth on the northwest corner of Trafalgar Square is currently vacant; further notes that this plinth is close to South Africa House, the scene of 40 years of anti-apartheid demonstrations and 28 years of protests against the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela; further notes that Trafalgar Square is a prominent public venue; recognises that Nelson Mandela is a figure of international stature whose brave fight against an unjust regime earned him the respect of the British people as well as the millions of visitors to London and therefore calls on Westminster City Council to recognize the achievements of Nelson Mandela and to grant permission for plans to erect a statue in Nelson Mandela's honour on the plinth on the northwest corner of Trafalgar Square.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3.