16 March 2006: for immediate release
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the Stop the War Coalition and the Muslim Association of Britain have called a national demonstration for Saturday 18 March in Central London. The demonstration is calling for “Troops Home from Iraq,” “Don’t Attack Iran,” and “Defend the Muslim Community.” CND is also calling for an “End to Nuclear Hypocrisy” from the UK government. The demonstration starts on Saturday at 12 noon in Parliament Square, followed by a march to Trafalgar Square where there will be a rally with speakers and music.
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, “We are gravely concerned over the recent escalations which could lead to an attack against Iran. The US is making charges about a covert nuclear weapons programme in Iran without presenting any credible evidence. These charges are strikingly similar to the false accusations raised to justify the invasion of Iraq three years ago. The government must listen to the voice of the people, which is calling on them to bring the troops home from Iraq and to solve the Iranian issue peacefully and diplomatically.”
Highlighting CND’s call for an end to the nuclear hypocrisy of the UK government, Ms Hudson said, “The British government must immediately end its one-sided approach to nuclear proliferation. Frequent accusations of Iran pursuing a nuclear weapons programme without presenting evidence are in stark contrast to Britain’s own continued possession of hundreds of nuclear weapons, which is contrary to its obligation under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to disarm. The British government also may have already decided to build a new generation of nuclear weapons to replace the Trident system, which would be a flagrant violation of the NPT.”
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Notes to Editor:
1. For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman, CND’s Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.
3. CND Chair Kate Hudson, Vice President Bruce Kent, Vice President Tony Benn, and Vice Chair Jeremy Corbyn MP will be available at Saturday’s demonstration for interviews and photo opportunities.
4. Speakers at Saturday’s rally in Trafalgar Square include Mark Serwotka, Gen Sec PCS; Jeremy Corbyn, MP; Elaheh Rostami Povey, Iranian academic and Action Iran; Salma Yaqoob, Birmingham Stop the War Coalition; Tony Benn; Iraqi Islamic Party; Craig Murray, ex UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan; Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London; Palestinian Representative; Bruce Kent, CND; Lindsey German, convenor Stop the War Coalition; Billy Hayes, Gen Sec CWU; Baroness Jenny Tonge; Brian Eno; Military Families Against the War; Muslim Association of Britain; Iranian theatre director; School Students Against the War; George Galloway, MP; Kat Fletcher, President National Union of Students; Hasan Juma, President Southern Oil Workers Union (Basra) – (statement); Plaid Cymru; John McDonnell, MP; Paul Ingram, Green Party