MORE than 30 people took part in a candlelit peace vigil in Petersfield Square on the night MPs authorised the RAF to attack ISIS targets in Syria.

Veteran peace campaigner Keith Rose, of Lynton Road, said: “Bombing causes more bloodshed and contributes to the overall level of violence. It will come with a human cost, and civilian deaths are inevitable. Yes the vote was for bombing, but we need to keep getting the message out – there are other ways of dealing with ISIS. Where ISIS sells its oil and to whom could be tracked, and the selling stopped, which would reduce its access to finance. “Those who sell arms to ISIS could be found, and the dealers pursued.

“And if any countries are funding ISIS, sanctions could be brought against them.”

Campaigner Mike Knee, of Petersfield, said: “I am opposed to the bombing, and I was hoping fewer MPs would vote to authorise the air stikes in Syria.” Another campaigner said: “Sanctions could be used against those providing ISIS with weapons, and we must hold the Government to account and keep campaigning to prevent an escalation of violence, such as using troops.” The Petersfield campaigners are now hoping to link with similar groups to exert nationwide pressure for a peaceful solution