PETER BENENSON, FOUNDER OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Early day motion 790, tabled 28 February 2005 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 107 members.

That this House pays tribute to Peter Benenson, the founder of Amnesty International, who died on 25th February; recognises his colossal contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide; fully concurs with the comments by Irene Khan, the current Secretary General of Amnesty International, that his life was a courageous testament to his visionary commitment to fight injustice around the world, that 'he brought light into the darkness of prisons, the horror of torture chambers and tragedy of death camps around the world' and that he was 'a man whose conscience shone in a cruel and terrifying world, who believed in the power of ordinary people to bring about extraordinary change and, by creating Amnesty International, he gave each of us the opportunity to make a difference'; and notes that Amnesty International is the world's largest independent human rights organisation, with over 1.8 million members and supporters committed to the upholding of human rights and the founding values set out by Peter Benenson.

Signatures by party: Labour 71, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 7, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.