Politicians unite to pay tribute to murdered Iraq hostage from Skelmersdale

Jun 25 2009 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

PARTY leaders joined Prime Minister Gordon Brown in paying tribute to murdered Iraq hostage Jason Swindlehurst and offering condolences to his family.

The body of Mr Swindlehurst, a security guard and father-of-one from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, was handed over to the Iraqi authorities at the weekend, along with fellow hostage Jason Creswell, from Scotland.

Mr Brown insisted during Prime Minister’s Questions that the Government was doing “all that we can” to secure the release of the three remaining hostages.

He said: “The taking of hostages is a cruel and barbaric act and can never be justified.

“I can assure the House that the Government are doing all that we can, and our thoughts and the thoughts of all people in this House will be with the families and friends of those who wait for news.”

Tory leader David Cameron offered his “heartfelt sympathy”, adding: “The Prime Minister knows he has our full support with all the efforts being made to free the remaining hostages in Iraq.”