Grandmother of Dundee soldier killed in Afghanistan to join SSP

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 14:41

THE grandmother of Dundee soldier Kevin Elliot, who died in Afghanistan, is to take a political stand against the war.

Joan Humphreys' grandson was killed by insurgents while on foot patrol with the Black Watch in Helmand Province in August.

His best friend Barry Delaney wore a lime green dress to his funeral in honour of a pact the two had made.

Today Mrs Humphreys, from Dundee, criticised the war as she revealed she was joining the Scottish Socialist Party.

She described the left-wing party as being "the most important and caring political organisation in Scotland".

And she added: "Having toyed with the idea of joining the SSP for some time, it is their strong anti-war stance, especially against the immoral Afghanistan invasion by the US-led coalition, plus the realisation that the views held by the SSP on anti-racism, women and children's rights, public ownership and fighting poverty ran parallel to mine."

SSP leader Colin Fox will present Mrs Humphreys with her membership card at a party meeting in Glasgow tomorrow.

Mr Fox, a former MSP, said: "I am delighted to welcome her into the party and can promise her we will redouble our efforts to end UK involvement in this senseless occupation and in favour of creating jobs at home and securing a sustainable future for everyone."

At his funeral Pte Elliot's father, Sandy Elliot, told mourners: "The saddest day of our lives was hearing he had died – something no parent wants to hear."