MP Soames fights use of grandfather in Scientology recruitment drive

LEGAL action is threatened by the family of Sir Winston Churchill in a bid to stop Scientologists using the famous wartime leader's picture and words in their recruitment drive.

Town MP Nicholas Soames told the Courier and Observer: "Organisation like the BNP and the Scientologists have no right whatsoever to use my grandfather as a means to solicit and elicit support.

"I have written to them asking them to desist from using his image immediately. Unless I get a satisfactory reply, I will take legal action."

Mr Soames said he and his family "deeply resented" the use of the Churchill name and extracts from his famous speeches "and my grandfather would have loathed it".

The decision by the Scientologists to follow the example of the BNP was "unforgivable", Mr Soames said. "They didn't even ask permission."

Pictures of Sir Winston and quotes from his speeches are included in staff recruitment material which has been circulating in the UK. They have also been used to promote speaking engagements and fund raising campaigns.

Founded in 1953 by the late L Ron Hubbard at Saint Hill, East Grinstead it is officially known as the Church of Scientology.

Defending the decision to use the Churchill name, Graham Wilson from Saint Hill told the Courier and Observer: "We often create colourful material for our own members and, like millions of others, might use iconic images from time to time.

"Someone is just trying to create mischief here. A cursory search on the Internet for images of Sir Winston comes up with over two million postings. One of them has been described as one of the most famous portraits ever made. Some say it is the most reproduced image in history."

Mr Soames said: "That is the most dismal excuse I can imagine. I am fed up and very angry about it. My family will have to fight a rearguard action which is time consuming and unpleasant."