SOUTHEND - 9 January 2003 - 307 words

Christian peace campaigner stages 'war tax' boycott

Claire Bergin

A peace campaigner who refused to pay his taxes unless he was assured that the money was not used to fund a war in Iraq, was ordered to settle his bill by magistrates yesterday.

Roy Prockter, a Quaker from Thorpe-le-Soken, near Clacton, told Colchester magistrates: "My conscience directs me not to pay."

He added: "I am not willing to pay somebody else to murder in my name."

Prockter said he had sent a cheque for £145.90 when he was supposed to, but had made it payable to the 'UK Government Non-Military Resolution Fund' - which does not exist.

The court clerk asked Mr Prockter if he agreed with the tax calculation and after Prockter said he did, she directed the magistrates at Colchester to make an order for him to pay a total of £176,25, including costs.

Afterwards, Mr Prockter said he felt strongly that his taxes should not be used to fund war in Iraq but said if bailiffs were sent to his house he would pay up.

"I am trying to make the point that I am very willing to pay my taxes but I am not willing if is used for military purposes.

"This issue would affect people of all religions and people who have no religion. I know people who feel the same and they are Anglican, Catholic, Buddhist and one or two are of no particular religion at all.

"I would like to pay my taxes in the knowledge that they are being used for peaceful means of resolving conflict - I would rather do something positive.

"Fighting only makes things worse. If nobody had armies then no-one would need armies. I know we are a long way from that but every journey starts with the first step. War isn't about solving conflict, it is about power."

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