| Feb 15th marks the tenth anniversary of the largest ever demonstration in Britain where 2 million people marched in London against the illegal invasion of Iraq. Similar demonstrations took place in Glasgow and around the world as millions said No to War despite the British Government’s unfounded claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction ready to use against the UK. Since then more than 700 British soldiers have been killed in the continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 10 years on Iraq is in ruins, with over 100,000 dead and millions remain displaced in refugee camps. Only this month we have embarked on another war in Mali, without a proper discussion in Parliament, and which followed the bombing and military interventions in Libya and Syria. Over the last 10 years we have become customised to war and it has become normal to spend a huge proportion of our taxes in the purchase and manufacture of ever more sophisticated weapons, including armed drones. The UK Government is prosecuting unwinnable wars in, mainly Muslim countries, which is fuelling terrorism. Clare Williams, UNISON Regional Convenor, said, “This public rally has been called to highlight the continuing opposition to war and to campaign for a better world without conflict and a future without war. It has been organised by Northumbria and Newcastle Universities Martin Luther King Peace Committee, Newcastle Stop the War campaign and UNISON Northern Region. “We are calling for an end to the occupation of Afghanistan, no to further war in Syria, Mali and Iran and a re-investment of public money in our health services and social economy at a time of massive cuts. Now is the time for working people, and peace loving people throughout the world, to come together and challenge the military and industrial machine that is making war a permanent part of our life. “As millions predicted 10 years ago the “war on terror” has turned into a catastrophe for the Middle East, Afghanistan and parts of Africa. If you believe in peace then all are welcome to attend this open public meeting and campaign for a better world.” Speakers: Lindsey German - Honorary Convenor Stop the War Coalition Clare Williams – UNISON Northern Region Convenor Hazera Begum – Former Head Sister for Muslim Students at Northumbria University Tony Kempster – Vice President of the International Peace Bureau (Geneva) and Honorary General Secretary of the Aglican Pacifist Fellowship Dr.Nick Megoran – Lecturer in Political Geography, University of Newcastle |