UK Day of Action against War

Thursday October 31, 2002 17:23

by anti war - StWc

live updates on UK Indymedia- big kickoff in London at 5.30pm

Thousands of anti-war activist across the UK are taking to the streets today in protest at the government's plans to join a US led attack against Iraq. Actions planned include critical mass bike rides, occupations, and a mass demonstrations in Parliament Square at 5:30pm. Everybody is being asked to join in the non-violent resistance against war and oppression by engaging in acts of civil disobedience, however large or small. Prior to the sun rising this morning, Anti-war slogans were projected onto the houses of parliament. Other actions are being created throughout the day and reports so far include; a "disco akt-ion" at Liverpool Street station in London; Women blocked Westminster bridge with street theatre - puppets and music, leading to an arrest after police forcefully intervened. In Manchester a road blockade has taken place, alongside an occupation of the Maths Tower of the University of Manchester. Sheffield activists blocked traffic with

George Bush and Tony Blair are determined to attack Iraq. It will not be a war for democracy — it will be a war to control the oil-rich and strategically vital Middle East. It will not be a war to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, because Iraq does not possess such weapons.

The majority of people in this country oppose war. Yet their views are being ignored by the government and marginalised by the media.

There will be no vote on war in parliament and only public outcry forced Tony Blair to allow even a “consultative” meeting of the House of Commons.

George Bush and Tony Blair are determined to attack Iraq, but they have a problem. Us. The anti-war movement is the great democratic movement in this country. It is the only movement in the country that can force the government to stop the carnage and bloodshed that now threatens peace in the Middle East.

We now have to move from words to deeds. We have to move from demonstrations to direct action.

If the hundreds of thousands of people who demonstrated in London on 28 September go back and organise direct action in their localities we can build a movement the government cannot ignore.

We have to make our numbers count. That is why we are backing Tony Benn’s call for civil disobedience.

On Thursday 31 October we are calling on everyone who opposes the war to organise:

Meetings in or near your workplace with anti-war speakers, perhaps with a local march.
College occupations and teach-ins.
In the evening join us for a central protest in the town where you live. Bring banners, sit down and block traffic.

We need a protest the media and the government cannot ignore. Contact your local trade unions, peace organisations, student unions, campaigns, mosques and churches. Leaflet every meeting, every workplace, college and high street.

Make Thursday 31 October the day we stop your city or town to stop the war.