ANTI-war Labour MP Alan Simpson is due to visit Swindon on July 5 for a public meeting organised by Swindon Stop the War Coalition.

The venue is to be confirmed. Mr Simpson opposed the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

The coalition claims he is one of the most popular figures in the Labour party due to his anti-war stance, as well as his opposition to genetically-modified crops. Mr Simpson has also been an outspoken opponent of the World Trade Organisation, which he believes is undemocratic.

Swindon Stop the War Coalition spokesman Andy Newman said: "Within the Labour Party, there has been a long tradition of support for the peace movement.

"In Swindon, both of our two Labour MPs voted for war, using arguments about weapons of mass destruction and bringing democracy to Iraq that are looking increasingly threadbare.

"We are therefore very pleased to give Alan the opportunity to explain why many other Labour MPs opposed the war."

Obviously this is a public meeting, so everyone is welcome, but we particularly hope that it will appeal to members and supporters of the Labour Party."