Press Release: A week of Anti Bush Protests

24th November 2003

Buxton Against War

All across High Peak people have been involved in the week long protests against George Bush’s visit to Britain. Protesters from Whaley Bridge, Glossop and Hope Valley joined with people from Buxton in a constituency wide expression of opposition to the state visit. Protests began last Tuesday with the effigy of George displayed in Buxton as “Number one Criminal” and leaflets were distributed listing his “crimes”.

Anti Bush activities continued the next day, with members of High Peak Against War taking part in the mock State Procession in London. A protester described what happened,

We had a mock Queen and a mock Bush to highlight the fact that it is ridiculous to welcome Bush when he shows so little respect for other countries or for the future of the planet. The ‘Procession’ ended with us holding an alternative tea party outside Buckingham Palace just as Bush’s cavalcade passed by.

By far the biggest protest was the huge anti war demonstration in London last Thursday. According to the organisers over 150,000 marched from Bloomsbury via Whitehall to cram into Trafalgar Square for a rally. People from Buxton joined with others from the constituency to carry the High Peak Against War banner. A protester from Whaley Bridge on his first major demonstration said

I was surprised what a great carnival it all was, not sombre but joyful and very loud – it was a positive experience protesting against current American policy.

An experienced campaigner from Buxton said

I travelled to London yet again to protest at George Bush’s high handed attitude. I am totally opposed to the way in which the US government is manipulating the UN left right and centre. International problems like those in Iraq must be dealt with by a truly representative United Nations not by the USA and UK acting unilaterally.

A delegation from High Peak also protested on Friday when George Bush travelled to Sedgefield – a visit described by one protester as staged “like a film set”. One delegate attempting a silent protest opposite the “Dunn Cow”, where Mr Bush was to have his lunch, said

We hoped George Bush would see our banner which said “All equal in the sight of God. No blood for oil.” but sadly we were forbidden to show our banner anywhere near the entourage. In Sedgefield Bush only met a select few but there were hundreds of us protesting beyond the metal barricades.

People in High Peak continue to campaign against war and against Derbyshire County Council’s investment of pension funds in the arms trade. Buxton Against War is organising another anti war procession this Christmas. The ‘Peace Procession’ will begin with a candlelit walk from the Market Place, travelling through Buxton to assemble in Ashwood Dale for a vigil. The event begins at 4.30pm on Thursday 11th December. All are welcome to join a peaceful protest against war – bring your own banners, lanterns etc.

See Gallery for photos