Buxton Against War
High Peak Stop the War Coalition

Press Release: “We were there, again!”

29th September 2003

Local people from Buxton were again participants in a massive anti-war demonstration in London last Saturday. Calling for an “end to lies” as well as an end to the occupations of Iraq and Palestine the demonstrators from High Peak joined people from all over the country in a peaceful though noisy march through the centre of London. Estimates put the number of protesters on this march, the fifth national demonstration to protest against Tony Blair’s foreign policy at around 100,000. A sea of placards gathered in Hyde Park and progressed via Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square where speakers addressed the huge rally, gathered just a few hundred yards from Downing Street.

“It was moving to see people from so many different walks of life – different religious beliefs and different allegiances all united around one single issue, all wanting our country to pursue a more peaceful, independent and constructive foreign policy. A whole variety of organisations such as Amnesty International, churches, anti war groups and political parties such as the Green Party were there along with ordinary individuals and families,” said a member of Buxton Against War.

One of the protestors from Buxton said “I think it is important to demonstrate our anger to Tony Blair about the continuing occupation of Iraq, and also to protest against Israel’s own “terrorism” towards the Palestinian people with its assassinations and occupation of Palestinian land.” He was also critical of Tony Blair’s lack of action in helping the Palestinians. “The Israelis are building a wall to annexe even more land from the Palestinians and this is creating an apartheid system.”.

Buxton Against War is still campaigning for peace and hoping our government will follow a more constructive foreign policy. A Public Meeting will be held on 12th November at 7.30pm.at the Methodist Church Hall, Market Place, Buxton. The speakers will be Bruce Kent and Margaret Wright. For more information telephone.

See Gallery for photos