BOLTON TUC is proud of the Octagon Theatre's reputation as a class act, with a national reputation built up over 50 years.

It is right at the heart of Bolton's cultural life, and has brought us consistently great performances, as well as nurturing local talent.

It is no surprise to those who have been to the Octagon recently to see it nominated for a customer excellence award.

What is a surprise, though, is to see the award sponsored by MBDA missile systems.

Many of Bolton TUC delegates support Stop the War; some were pictured in The Bolton News only a few days ago, protesting outside MBDA's factory, drawing attention to the sale of these missiles to countries where war crimes are being committed (Saudi Arabia in Yemen in particular).

Bolton TUC would prefer to see workers in armament factories retrained to develop the wind, solar and tidal technologies which will keep our country safe.

For this to happen, a first step is to draw attention to the way arms firms put profit before life itself — particularly the lives of impoverished civilians, who become mere "collateral damage" in conflicts across the globe, as we become anaesthetised to constant TV images of death and destruction.

Should MBDA be allowed to try to attach itself to our most cherished institutions?

The Octagon management might wish to make a statement.

Tom Hanley

Media Correspondent

Bolton TUC