Haringey Stop the War Coalition
	Press releases

250 Rally Against War in Wood Green

14 January 2003

ON MONDAY 13 JANUARY, 250 PEOPLE CAME TO HEAR George Galloway MP, Dr. Ghayasuddin Siddiqui from the Muslim Parliament, Gulf War Veteran Tony Flint and Lindsey German for the Stop the War Coalition, speak out against war on Iraq. The rally, organised by the Haringey Stop the War Coalition, was the largest anti-war meeting Haringey has seen, with people struggling to get in to the room in the West Indian Cultural Centre.

Gulf war veteran Tony Flint said “veterans have been dying at the rate of 2 a week since the last war in the Gulf in 1991. I am one of the lucky ones. A cocktail of vaccines and depleted uranium is responsible. But our association used only to deal with veterans. Now soldiers being called up are contacting us with reactions to being given several vaccines at once. That is why I am against this war.”

Dr. Siddiqui called for unity between Muslims and non-Muslims to stop war on Iraq. He stressed that the war was primarily about US’ interests, not a war on Islam.

George Galloway said “We in Britain have a unique opportunity and responsibility to stop this war. Around the world, Prime Minister Blair is hated for his slavish obedience to President Bush. If there is one person responsible for terrorist attacks on Britain, it is Tony Blair. But we can stop this war. Regime change may happen at home before it does in Baghdad.”

Speakers stressed the importance of the demonstration on February 15th. Lindsey German, for the Stop the War Coalition, said “this will be an international demonstration. Millions will march all over the world on the same day. But they will also be looking at London. Because when we demonstrated last year we inspired a global movement. We need an even bigger turnout in Central London on Saturday February 15th 2003.”

At the end of the meeting, people stayed behind to organise local anti-war groups, with the aim of getting the maximum number from every community out on the streets on February 15th. Sean Wallis, chair of Haringey Stop the War Coalition said, “as a result of the meeting we now have groups in Wood Green, Harringay Green Lanes, Crouch End, Stroud Green, Muswell Hill and Tottenham. We appeal to your readers to get involved. If you want to contact the Haringey Coalition, call us on 0773 606 4045, email haringey_stopwar@hotmail.com – or speak to someone on a stall in your high street.”

Notes for editors

On September 28th 2002, some 400,000 people protested against war in the largest-ever anti-war demonstration in this country. Go to www.stopwar.org.uk for more info.

All pictures may be used by press provided they are credited to Matt Saywell. Click on the pictures to obtain high resolution versions.

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