Lance Corporal Joe Glenton has refused to serve in Afghanistan and led the national Stop the War demonstration in October. He has now been imprisoned for speaking out against the war.
He needs our support for his brave stand.
What better place to protest at his imprisonment than at the Kingsland Shopping Centre where the Army showroom is attempting to disguise the reality of the war.
Come along and help campaign to end the occupation of Afghanistan. Thousands of civilians have been killed and hundreds of British soldiers have lost their lives in a pointless war to defend a corrupt regime. Sending more troops will do nothing but increase the threat of terrorism.
Come and protest. We shall be leafletting, petitioning and asking for support for Joe Glenton.
Paul Flynn MP and Sabah Jawad from Iraqi Democrats Against Occupation are among the speakers at a Stop the War briefing meeting on Afghanistan and the Iraq Inquiry at the House of Commons on Wednesday 9 December.
The meeting is open to all and will provide up to date discussion of the Afghanistan War, following Gordon Brown's troop surge, and an expert briefing on the Iraq Inquiry.
STOP THE WAR BRIEFING ON AFGHANISTAN & IRAQ INQUIRY Hosted by Paul Flynn MP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 7PM HOUSE OF COMMONS PORTCULLIS HOUSE, WESTMINSTER BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SW1.
The next Viva Palestina convoy, supported by Stop the War, is going to be a huge international gathering delivering aid to the people of Gaza on 27 December, the anniversary of Israel's barbaric invasion at the turn of 2009.
The Israeli seige of Gaza prevents essential resources reaching Palestinians trapped in the world's most densely populated area. Convoys from Britain, the United States and Turkey, packed with aid donated by the people of those countries, will converge on Gaza to break that seige.
The UK convoy departs on 6 December. For more details and to donate, go to: www.vivapalestina.org
In addition a local Stop the War supporter is joining the convoy....
Dear all
I'm joining the upcoming Viva Palestina convoy. We will be leaving London on 5 December with lorries, minibuses and ambulances full of medical and other supplies and hoping to enter Gaza on 27 December. All our vehicles and equipment, as well as the aid, will be left in Gaza.
There are only 7 days to go, and we urgently need YOUR MONEY! Please please please, consider giving something to help us break the siege and bring urgently-needed medical aid to the people of Gaza.
Everything you can give really will make a difference, so please give extremely generously! And if you're short of dosh, consider asking someone to donate an early Christmas present on your behalf :)
********************************** IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) THE ONLY SERIOUS EXIT STRATEGY FOR AFGHANISTAN 2) THE IRAQ INQUIRY CATCH PHRASE: "NOT ME, GUV'" 3) VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY TO GAZA: 5 DECEMBER 4) SUPPORT GROWING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES PROTEST 5) THURSDAY 28 JANUARY: DATE FOR YOUR DIARY 6) DON'T FORGET JOE GLENTON 7) XMAS PARTY: FROM BLIAR TO STOP BUSH 8) STOP THE WAR SONG OF THE WEEK
********************************** 1) THE ONLY SERIOUS EXIT STRATEGY FOR AFGHANISTAN
Inevitably the news of yet another British soldier dying in Afghanistan coincided with Gordon Brown's announcement that he is sending 500 more British troops to fight in a war which in the latest poll 71 per cent of the British public opposes.
We are witnessing a very dangerous escalation of the war. With Barack Obama likely to announce a surge of around 30,000 troops, and other Nato allies adding a further five thousand, the total number of foreign troops occupying Afghanistan will equal that deployed by the Soviet Union in the 1979-89 Afghan war, which ended in its catastrophic defeat.
Gordon Brown's troop surge is a response to failure after eight years of war. All the various war aims have been shown to be false. The war has not made Britain safer from terrorism, but has made it more dangerous. The war is not being fought for democracy, but to protect one of the most corrupt governments in the world. The troops are not engaged in a humanitarian mission, but in a war of occupation opposed by the majority of Afghans.
Brown and Obama both claim that this dramatic increase in the number of troops is the beginning of an exit strategy. It is nothing of the sort. It is the signal that the major powers are planning to continue a war -- which after Vietnam is the second longest in American history -- for years to come.
Just as in Vietnam the US claimed that sending more troops was the key to bringing peace, Obama and Brown are proposing more war as necessary for their "exit strategy".
There is only one serious exit strategy: that is to recognise that Britain and the other Nato powers have no right to be in Afghanistan, and -- far from escalating the numbers -- Gordon Brown should be withdrawing all British troops now.
********************************** 2) THE IRAQ INQUIRY CATCH PHRASE: "NOT ME, GUV'"
The evidence given to the Iraq Inquiry in its first week saw a series of establishment figures trying to absolve themselves of any blame for their part in the build up to war, implying all responsibility lay with Tony Blair.
It appears that Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General who notoriously changed his advice about the legality of the war just days before the invasion, is getting his "not me, guv'" in early -- even before he appears at the inquiry. The details of a letter he wrote to Blair eight months before the invasion, in which he stated categorically that the war was illegal, were revealed over the weekend. You can read the details here: http://bit.ly/6Tk6w7
Apparently Gordon Brown is worried that in the run up to the general election all these revelations about Iraq will remind people of why they opposed the war in the first place.
Stop the War is taking every opportunity to ensure that the issues remain in the public eye -- not least the key question of holding the war criminals to account.
Stop the War held a protest on the first day of the Chilcot inquiry, which received worldwide media coverage. (See http://bit.ly/5IYYCK). We will announce soon a major public meeting on the issue.
And we await with much anticipation the appearance of Tony Blair before the Iraq Inquiry -- likely to be in January or February -- when we will organise a large scale protest to ensure he is warmly welcomed.
********************************** 3) VIVA PALESTINA THIS WEEKEND
On 27 December, the anniversary of Israel's barbaric invasion at the turn of 2009, convoys from Britain, the United States and Turkey, packed with aid donated by the people of those countries, will converge on Gaza to break the inhuman siege which prevents essential resources reaching Palestinians in the world's most densely populated area.
The British convoy leaves London this weekend. Details of the departure place and time will be available shortly on the Viva Palestina website: http://www.vivapalestina.org/
********************************** 4) SUPPORT GROWING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES PROTEST
Support is continuing to build for the Military Families Against the War protest at Downing Street at 5pm on Monday 21 December.
As well as many families who have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, or have relatives serving in the Afghan war, there will be a number of former soldiers joining the protest, when the Bring the Troops Home petition will be handed in to Downing Street.
The military families also plan to demand to see Gordon Brown.
All the local Stop the War groups across the country have been asked to sponsor military families in their area to come down to the Downing Street protest and to send delegations in support.
The families are asking for the widest support possible. Please help publicise the event as widely as you can.
********************************** 5) THURSDAY 28 JANUARY: DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Gordon Brown has announced that he is organising an international conference on Afghanistan in London on Thursday 28 January 2010.
As well as organising a protest at Brown's conference, Stop the War will in response hold its own alternative meetings and conference. Please note the date now. We will publicise further details soon.
********************************** 6) DON'T FORGET JOE GLENTON
Send messages of support to Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, in prison for speaking out against the Afghan war and facing court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan.
* Email messages of support to: defendjoeglenton@gmail.com
* Write letters, cards to: Lance Corporal Joe Glenton Military Corrective Training Centre Berechurch Hall Camp Colchester CO2 9NU
********************************** 7) XMAS PARTY: FROM BLIAR TO STOP BUSH If you live in London, Stop the War's Xmas party on Friday 11 December is not to be missed. As well as food, drinks and music, the party takes place surrounded by a showcase of Stop the War's history, drawn from our archive which is now housed at the Bishopsgate Institute.
The displays will include many of the posters and placards going back to our earliest demonstrations, including the now iconic designs by artist David Gentleman, leaflets, pamphlets, press cutting, photographs etc.
Admission is free.
STOP THE WAR'S XMAS PARTY FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 7-10 PM BISHOPSGATE INSTITUTE 230 BISHOPSGATE LONDON EC2M 4QH (Opposite Liverpool Street Station)
********************************** 8) STOP THE WAR SONG OF THE WEEK
Our song of the week is I Come And Stand At Every Door by This Mortal Coil. The song puts to music the English translation of a poem by Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet, which is a plea for peace from a seven-year-old girl who has perished in the atomic bomb attack at Hiroshima.
There will be a major event on the issue of boycott, disinvestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel in SOAS, University of London, Malet St, on Friday 4 December at 7pm.
The lecturers' union UCU is hosting an international conference on BDS and the London event is a "spin off" with many of the key note speakers from the UCU conference.
Leaked secret Government reports show that hiding Tony Blair's lies meant some troops were sent to Iraq with only five bullets each. The supply chain was such a farce that one container was sent full of skis to use in the desert. Some troops who were deployed to Iraq by civilian airlines took their equipment as hand luggage and had their weapons confiscated by airport security. By Robin Beste Stop the War Coalition 22 November 2009
The Iraq inquiry, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, begins its public hearings on Tuesday 24 November. Whether it turns out to be the whitewash clearly intended by Gordon Brown’s choice of the inquiry's committee members will be determined by how it deals with the latest revelations of secret Government reports, leaked to the Telegraph.
The price paid for Tony Blair's lies.
The reports show beyond dispute that Tony Blair had decided as early as February 2002 that Britain would join George Bush in waging an illegal war on Iraq, which began a year later in March 2003.
Despite this decision having been taken, throughout 2002 and up to the invasion, Blair lied repeatedly to MPs and the public, claiming that Britain’s objective was "disarmament, not regime change" and that there had been no planning for military action.
Because the lies had to be concealed from Parliament, only a tiny number of officials were involved in the planning process for war.
The result, say the Government reports, was a "rushed operation" "lacking in coherence and resources" which caused "significant risk" to troops.
Operations were so under-resourced that some troops went into action with only five bullets each. Others had to deploy to war on civilian airlines, taking their equipment as hand luggage. Some troops had weapons confiscated by airport security.
Skis in the desert
One army commander described the supply chain as "absolutely appalling", saying: "I know for a fact that there was one container full of skis in the desert."
The reports describe the war itself as a "significant military success" but only because the British forces faced a "third-rate army," adding that "a more capable enemy would probably have punished these shortcomings severely."
It was Blair’s lies and concealment that explain the almost complete absence of contingency planning once the military operations were completed. British forces were so "ill-prepared and equipped to deal with the problems in the first 100 days" that they could not safeguard Iraqi civilians.
Military commanders are expected to tell the inquiry that this was because preparations were sabotaged by Blair's government in its attempts to mislead the public. They believe members of the British and US governments at the time could be prosecuted for war crimes, for breaching the duty of occupying armies, as stated in the Geneva convention, to safeguard civilians in a conflict.
These secret Government reports show why Gordon Brown initially intended that the Iraq Inquiry should be held in private.
When he was forced by public uproar to make the inquiry public -- albeit with the inquiry chairman’s discretion as to how much -- Brown then chose a committee for the inquiry which was clearly aimed at exonerating the warmongers. On the evidence of these leaked reports, Tony Blair is incriminated in war crimes that have left hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and 179 British soldiers dead.
Sir John Chilcot was apparently shocked by the unanimity of the military families who lost loved ones in the the Iraq war and who, in giving evidence to the inquiry, insisted there should be no "whitewash" and that if the accusation of war crimes is proven then Tony Blair must be held to account, as must others in the government at the time who knew the scale of the lying Blair was using to justify an illegal war.
That said, Stop the War is not holding its breath as to the outcome the inquiry.
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1126 17 November 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) BRING THEM HOME BY CHRISTMAS 2) PROTESTS, VIGILS WHEN 100th SOLDIER KILLED IN 2009 3) BRING THE TROOPS HOME POSTCARD 4) CALLING ALL STUDENTS IN LONDON 5) MILITARY FAMILIES GO TO DOWNING STREET 6) DEFEND L/CPL JOE GLENTON - LET SOLDIERS SPEAK 7) STOP THE WAR AT CHRISTMAS
******************************* 1) BRING THEM HOME BY CHRISTMAS
It is a sign of the strength of anti war opinion in Britain that Gordon Brown has been forced to say that he is thinking about an 'exit strategy' from Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, instead of announcing a date for withdrawal of British troops -- in line with majority public opinion in this country - his vague remarks smack more of a pre election manoeuvre than of a serious change in policy.
Brown's speech at the Lord Mayor's banquet last night reflects the political divisions in the US and Britain over the war, and the realisation that the antiwar movement is growing as calls increase for the troops to come home. Brown's claim that the war is helping to defeat al Qaeda is also disingenuous.
The killings of al Qaeda leaders have been carried out by the CIA in Pakistan. They are not the result of the war in Afghanistan.
We are almost at the tragic figure of 100 British soldiers killed in Afghanistan in this year alone. Thousands of Afghans have died. The only commitment worth anything from Gordon Brown is to get the troops out by Christmas.
******************************* 2) PROTESTS, VIGILS WHEN 100th SOLDIER KILLED IN 2009
Local groups of the Stop the War Coalition are organising protests, vigils and namings of the dead on the day that the 100th soldier this year dies. The figure currently stands at 97. Check the website for your local contacts.
******************************* 3) BRING THE TROOPS HOME POSTCARD
Stop the War has produced Bring the Troops Home postcards for sending to your local MP. To order call 020 7801 2768.
******************************* 4) CALLING ALL STUDENTS IN LONDON
Students across London are organising a DIE-IN protest calling for the troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan at Parliament Square on Wednesday 25 November at 1.30pm. For more details contact Stewart: stewart@stopwar.org.uk or call 020 7801 2768.
******************************* 5) MILITARY FAMILIES GO TO DOWNING STREET
Military families and veterans are going to Downing Street at 5pm on Monday 21 December to demand to see Gordon Brown and hand in the Bring the Troops Home petition. They would like to see as many people as possible join them to show support.
Two family members who have lost loved ones in the war have asked us to send out this invitation to all Stop the War supporters.
MESSAGE FROM GRAEME KNIGHT AND JOAN HUMPHRIES Graeme Knight is the father of Sergeant Ben Knight who died in Afghanistan in 2004 Joan Humphries is the grandmother of Private Kevin Elliott who died on foot patrol in Afghanistan 2009.
"We have suffered terrible personal loss in this war in Afghanistan and we don't want one more family to go through the same pain. Everyone knows now this is a pointless war, deeply unpopular in Britain and Afghanistan. Young lives are being sacrificed so that politicians can save face.
"Britain is slavishly supporting the US just to keep up the so-called special relationship. Meanwhile the death toll is mounting. It is high time the troops came home.
"We are going to Downing Street with other Families who have loved ones or have lost loved ones in Afghanistan and ex soldiers on Monday 21 December. We will be demanding to see Gordon Brown and give him a petition signed by tens of thousands calling for the troops to be brought home . Candles will be lit for those who have died.
"Please join us at Downing Street if you can and publicise 21 December as widely as possible."
******************************* 6) DEFEND L/CPL JOE GLENTON - LET SOLDIERS SPEAK
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton who is currently in prison for speaking out against the war in Afghanistan faces a hearing tomorrow morning at 10pm. Join the protest to support him 9.45 am, The Official Solicitors' Office, 81 Chancery Lane WC2A 1DD
Messages of support for Joe are pouring in. You can see a selection here: http://bit.ly/7AhDN
Send your message to: defendjoeglenton@gmail.com
******************************* 7) STOP THE WAR AT CHRISTMAS
Stop the war is offering some Christmas gift ideas to help fund the campaign to get the troops home. We have Afghan slipper socks for only £9 plus postage and packing. Plus a special offer of the illustrated history of the Stop the War Coalition for just £5 plus postage.
Messages of support are pouring in for Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who has been arrested for refusing to return to Afghanistan, leading an anti-war demonstration in London on 24 October 2009 and speaking to the media in defiance of orders. The charges carry a maximum of ten years imprisonment. 14 November 2009
Send your message of support to defendjoeglenton@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Selection of messages of support for Joe Glenton
Malalai Joya, Afghan MP, often called "the bravest women in Afghanistan": Dear Joe, Stay strong! The majority of the Afghan people are with you and we respect and admire the stand you have taken. When there is no justice, it is better for honest people to go even to jail rather than go to war. Down with the occupation. I send you my warmest greetings and solidarity.
Caroline Lucas MEP, leader of the Green Party: Dear Lance Corporal Glenton, I would like to express my admiration for your decision to take a courageous and principled stand against the war in Afghanistan. You have the support of the many people in the UK and abroad who passionately oppose this ongoing conflict, which increasingly appears unwinnable. I hope your heroic resistance to the reckless and misguided foreign policy played out in Afghanistan will increase the pressure on the UK Government to accelerate an exit strategy and withdraw our troops.
12 November 2009: Demonstration in support of Joe Glenton, Ministry of Defence, Whitehall, London
Gareth Hill: Only one in 5 people in this country believe that the war in Afghanistan is just and is about defending our freedom and successfully protecting us from terrorism. Your moral stand against the war is both heroic and reflects the views of our entire country.
Dr Douglas Reid: Chin up, Joe! Good for you! You are one of a long line of British people who have followed their consciences and sooner or later changed government policy.
Joe Jenkins: There are literally millions of people who approve of what you are doing. The military-industrial complex will try all it can to dishearten you and dishonour what you’re trying to achieve. Your courageous action is an inspiration.
B. Ormondroyd: Full support for Joe. l served in the RAF - to defend Britain, not to invade other countries on questionable grounds.
Lisa Anning: I've the utmost admiration for the stand you're taking, and for the part you're playing in galvanising public opinion against this awful war. I come from a military family myself, and can fully understand the gravity of your decision to defy orders. But I believe there's a huge latent groundswell of public opinion in this country against endlessly continuing this futile campaign, which is wrecking so many families and taking so many young lives. We need figureheads like yourself to act as a public focus for that opposition, to help mobilise and articulate protest to the powers that be. I wish you every success, and hope common sense will prevail. Your efforts aren't in vain and you should be proud of what you've achieved.
Kay: I and everyone I know, plus the majority of the country, support you and your decision not to risk your life by returning to the futile, pointless and horrific war in Afghanistan. We all admire your courage and your principles. If only other young soldiers took your stand, this war would come to an end and there would be no more wasted young lives. Why shouldn't you speak out and follow your principles? Good luck to you! I shall be following your progress and if there are any protest meetings I'll do my best to get there.
Peter Waterman: I had to do my compulsory military service some 50 years ago. Because of my left political background (of which I made no secret) I was confined to the rank of private and the function of truck-driving. Fortunately I was not required to take part in any war being waged by British military and political elites against any 'disobedient natives' or 'evil empires'. If I had been, I am not sure I would have had the courage you have shown. In the conflict between duty and truth, you have chosen the right one: truth trumps obedience or we are on our way to 1984. It may be a long and lonely struggle, mate. But my guess is that a lot of good people are going to support you.
Sharmila Sengupta and Ela Sengupta: We support you,with all our hearts. We want to do all we possibly can for you. You are a true soldier,one who fights for peace and justice. Try and hang in there. It must be hard,awfully hard, but you will come out the other side. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Robin Carvell: You've stood up when so many others have not. Your actions are admirable and I believe you are a soldier in the truest sence as you are fighting now, without a gun, in order to bring peace and safety. Your involvement in the information war is of great value. I support you in your actions and want you to know that many others do too. Please remember this if times get hard. You're grasping the nettle for all of us here and those in Iraq and Afganistan - for millions. If there's a heaven, this action would surely let you in.
Dr. Beata Binkowska: I'm fully supporting your fight against the war and your rights to refuse to be forced to go to war in Afghanistan! I also appealed to some of my colleagues in Gateng Health Department to support your plea! Here in Africa,now, we also urgently need to create awareness campaign against war criminals who benefit from selling death all over the world and create never ending areas of conflict and killing fields! This mass murder called war, must stop! With my great respect for your courage and determination.
Anne & Richard Watson: We think it is appalling that you have been arrested simply for telling the truth and refusing to fight in Afghanistan. This is an absolute travesty of democracy and we are protesting to the Ministry of Defence and anyone else we can think of. We heard you speak at Trafalgar Square and consider you to be a very brave man. If only there were more like you. Stay strong.
Stephen Watson: Years ago I read a quote which said "War will end only when men refuse to fight" and it has always remained with me. I admire your decision enormously and I wish you the very best in helping our government, and others, to see sense where there seem to be none at present. I believe that the invasion of Iraq was cooked up under a false pretext, as was Afghanistan and it is clear with all the talk around Iran and their 'nuclear programme' (despite no evidence) is sounding eerily familiar. The world is hurting enough from the way we currently live our lives and the one thing humanity does not need are more wars to pile on the agony.
Ghada Razuki: I heard you speak on the demo on the 24th October and thought that you were brilliant. It takes a brave person to speak out and go against the main stream but I want you to know that there are many people like me who really appreciate the sacrifice that you have made so that hopefully others do not have to die or be brutally injured whether British Soldiers or Afghanis. If sometimes you feel alone in your cell please don't as we are all thinking of you and Clare.
Ghazala: I would just like to express my admiration to you for making a stand against the war. Keep up the good work, you truly are a man of bravery. I shall hope and pray for your wellbeing.
Andree Duguy: I admire you for standing for what you believe is right regardless of the consequences. I fully support your actions and wish that more sloldiers felt like you. Blair and Brown are criminals and should be tried for their crimes. They should be the ones to go to prison and not you. How can Brown and the likes of him still support a war which cannot be won and is unjust. soldiers as well as civilians die everyday for no reason so that supposedly we in Britain feel more secure . How can we be so arrogant and attack a country which has done nothing to us.
Gerry Poole, co-chair Merseyside CND: Well done Joe, a soldier has the right to speak out against actions which he finds repugnant and not glibly obey orders. At Nuremberg the Nazis stated they were only obeying orders when charged with war crimes, but they were still sentenced.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your other comrades who are opposed to this debacle in Afghanistan.
Kev White: It's a lot eaisier to go with the flow than what it is to do the right thing. Total respect to yourself, Ben Griffin, and others who have had the courage to say no. Anything I can do to help, let me know.
Annette Lillig: I salute you for your courage to do what many would like to do. That's why they prosecute you, but others will follow you. One day you'll be a national hero, so, chin up! This mess will not go on for ever. With love and prayers.
Richard Jones & Kath Eilbeck: Take heart - you have spoken out for all of us. Let us know what we can do to help.
Alun Llewelyn: I was on the Stop the War march last month and I was proud the be led by a soldier that is prepared to stand up and say what I believe many of the troops in Afghanistan and in Britain think. It is the only way this government will be forced to abandon their role in that country if the soldiers will support your brave stance.
Fabrizio: I would just like to express my admiration for your courage to stand up against the government and all its institutions. In my opinion speaking out at a time like this despite all opposition is truly a courageous act standing up for justice which few, in the view of being singled out, are able to do. I think that your opposition to the occupation of afghanistan has won the anti war movement many supporters who were before either easily manipulated by the government and the media or just afraid of stepping out from the flock. Your opposition to war is a giant step towards ending these wars of aggression and ultimately, for democracy.
Hasina Khan: You are a true hero for standing up for what you and we believe in and you are much cherished by all those who oppose brutality and wish for peace, justice and equality. Peace and respect.
Eric Westacott, Ret. Lance Corp. 43/1st Swiss Army Medical Corp: Joe, myself and my family send you our full support in what actions you are taking. It is a crime what the military and governemnt is doing to you and your fellow soldiers. One day soon you will be free again, until then try to stay calm and relaxed and find ways to fill your time with good thoughts also towards those who make you suffer. Imagine yourself free and walking away and you will very soon.
Paula Clare Yates: You are a great inspiration to everyone for protesting and speaking out against the futile war in Afganistan which most people now believe is increasing terrorism.
David McQueen: I'm really sorry to hear about your arrest. The best way we can honour our dead is to not fight any more wars, especially unwinnable wars. Like the US soldiers who protested against Vietnam you are being punished for speaking the truth, but like them your struggle will be remembered as the most courageous stand in the face of a military machine that can't understand that it will never conquer Afghanistan.
Dan Viesnik: I just wanted to express to you, Joe, my admiration for your incredibly brave stand against the war in Afghanistan and the establishment and to wish you all the very best. I think it is fair to say that peace activists all around the world are with you all the way.
How to support Lance Corporal Joe Glenton
Email: Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth: defencesecretary@mod.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or ainsworthr@parliament.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Write: Secretary of State for Defence, Floor 5, Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB • FAX: 020 7218 6538 Petition: Download the Defend Joe Glenton petition... Messages of Support:defendjoeglenton@gmail.com
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1125 11 November 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) ANTI-WAR SOLDIER ARRESTED: PROTEST NOW 2) MILITARY FAMILIES DELIVER PETITION TO GORDON BROWN
******************************* EMERGENCY PROTEST AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEFEND LANCE CORPORAL JOE GLENTON THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER, 5PM MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, WHITEHALL (OPPOSITE DOWNING STREET) Facebook Event - Please circulate: http://bit.ly/2h9IOf
*******************************
1) ANTI-WAR SOLDIER ARRESTED: PROTEST NOW
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, the soldier who faces desertion charges for refusing to return to Afghanistan, has been arrested and charged with five further offences for leading Stop the War's demonstration in London on 24 October and for expressing his opposition to the media in defiance of orders.
The new charges carry a maximum of ten years imprisonment in addition to the sentence of three to four years that Joe could get if the desertion charge is upheld.
Joe's mother, Sue Glenton, has spoken out against his arrest: "You've got government ministers, army commanders and MPs speaking every day in support of the war. What's so scary about a Lance Corporal having his say? My son is only speaking out for what he thinks is right."
Joe's arrest and imprisonment are signs of panic by the government and military commanders, faced with an ever growing majority of the British public opposing the war and an increasing number of prominent voices in the media calling for the withdrawal of British troops.
A poll published in the Independent shows that only one in five voters believes that Britain's military presence in Afghanistan is helping to protect the country from terrorism, as Gordon Brown insists. The same poll shows that 48 percent of voters think the war in Afghanistan increases the risk of domestic terrorist attack.
Stop the War has launched a campaign to defend Joe Glenton and his right to freedom of speech. (For updates see http://www.stopwar.org.uk.)
A protest has been called outside the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall on Thursday 12 November at 5pm and we list below what you can do to support the only serving soldier who has so far had the courage to stand up for what many in the army believe; that this is a futile and unwinnable war.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
* EMERGENCY PROTEST AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE If you live in London, please try to join the protest on Thursday 12 November, 5pm, at the Ministry of Defence, Whitehall (opposite Downing Street) FACEBOOK EVENT (Please circulate): http://bit.ly/2h9IOf
* WRITE TO DEFENCE SECRETARY BOB AINSWORTH EMAIL: defencesecretary@mod.uk or ainsworthr@parliament.uk WRITE: Secretary of State for Defence, Floor 5, Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB FAX: 020 7218 6538
* COLLECT PETITION SIGNATURES The Defend Joe Glenton petition can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/10gDKb
* WRITE LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO JOE GLENTON Lance Corporal Joe Glenton Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) Berechurch Hall Camp Colchester Essex CO2 9NU
* EMAIL SUPPORT defendjoeglenton@gmail.com
******************************* 2) MILITARY FAMILIES DELIVER PETITION TO GORDON BROWN
On 21 December, Stop the War's Bring the Troops Home Now petition will be delivered to Gordon Brown at Downing Street by soldiers, ex-soldiers and military families.
More than 15,000 have already signed, but we want to get many more signatures before 21 December. You can sign online but we are also encouraging our supporters to download the petition and collect signatures among friends, work colleagues, fellow students, neighbours etc.
If you live in London, make a note of 21 December, as the soldiers, ex-soldiers and military families would welcome the widest support from the anti-war movement when they deliver the petition to Gordon Brown. (More details to follow soon.)
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1124 09 November 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
The war effort in Afghanistan is starting to fall apart at the seams. We will shortly reach the hundredth British soldier's death this year, and there is talk in military circles of withdrawing British troops from the frontline.
There is growing opposition amongst MPs as well as unease amongst senior military figures. The Independent on Sunday called for the end of the war on its front page yesterday and other papers are becoming very critical of the war.
Most important of all, 73% of the population now believe the troops should be brought home soon and there is growing opposition to the war amongst the troops. Now is the time to step up the pressure on government to bring the troops home.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
-We have produced a 'Bring the Troops Home' postcard designed to send to your local MP. It is available from the office. Please phone if you want us to send you some.
-Stop the War groups will be organising protests and vigils around the country on the tragic day when the hundredth British soldier this year dies. The figure now stands at 95. Please contact your local Stop the War group for details. You can find the contact details for the groups on the website.
-On December 21st, members of soldiers, ex-soldiers and military families will be taking our Bring the Troops Home Petition to Gordon Brown in Downing Street. More than 15,000 have already signed, but we want to get many more signatures before December 21st. You can sign online at http://bit.ly/ft6BP, but we are also asking everyone to download a hard copy of the petition, get your colleagues and friends to sign and return to the office.
Also mark down the date December 21st, and get ready to come down and support the families at Downing Street that evening.
SPECIAL LONDON ACTIVIST MEETING ON AFGHANISTAN We have called an urgent activist meeting to discuss the crisis and the campaign tomorrow night (Tuesday 10th November). We are asking as many of our supporters as possible to attend.
SPECIAL MEETING 6PM TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER INDIAN YMCA, 41 FITZROY SQUARE W1T 6AQ NEAREST TUBE WARREN STREET.
They're not establishing democracy, they're establishing the basis for an economic occupation which will continue after the military occupation is ended.
Dr Dahlia Wasfi is an American doctor who campaigns for the the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of American troops and mercenaries from Iraq.
from Stop The War Coalition: On 4 November, five soldiers were killed by one or more Afghan policemen. 229 soldiers have now died since the 2001 invasion, 92 of them this year. Gordon Brown insists, "They fought to make Afghanistan more secure, but above all to make Britain safer from the terrorism and extremism which continues to threaten us." The truth is, they are dying in an unwinnable war which has no other purpose than to save the reputation of politicians like Brown, who slavishly follow the dictates of US foreign policy, even when it's obvious that the world's second poorest country is no threat whatever to British interests. The blood of these five soldiers is on the hands of Gordon Brown. How many more British soldiers and Afghan civilians will die before he is forced to accept the inevitable and bring all the troops home?
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 1) RESPONDING TO THE AFGHAN ELECTION FARCE 2) LONDON STOP THE WAR ACTIVISTS' MEETING
*************************** 1) RESPONDING TO THE AFGHAN ELECTION FARCE
NATO's operation in Afghanistan has descended into farce. Gordon Brown and Barack Obama have both congratulated Hamid Karzai - a man they installed as Afghanistan's ruler in the first place - for winning an election they themselves have condemned as corrupt.
The result of this charade will be to further weaken support for the war here. The fact that there are now establishment voices arguing the war is pointless also strengthens the hand of those of us who want to bring the troops home altogether.
Following the excellent Bring The Troops Home demonstration ten days ago we need to use the weeks up to Christmas to put maximum pressure on the government.
We are asking all our supporters to do as many of the following as possible:
- PETITION: Get everyone you know to sign the Bring the Troops Home petition. We plan to hand it in very publicly to Gordon Brown in December, so we need the maximum possible number of signatures by then. You can sign it online (http://bit.ly/ft6BP) or download a copy (http://bit.ly/rNaTZ) and take it round your workmates, neighbours, friends etc.
- LOBBY YOUR MP: Lobby your MP and demand he or she does everything possible to end the occupation. Send a Bring the Troops Home postcard (available from the office) to your MP.
- ANNIVERSARY OF AFGHAN "LIBERATION": Join local protests on Bring the Troops Home day Friday 13th November - the anniversary of the so-called liberation of Afghanistan.
- MILITARY FAMILIES: If you have family connections with the military or know anyone who does and is against the war, please contact the Stop the War office. More and more military families are getting in touch. As Michael Clarke, Director of the Royal United Services Institute is quoted as saying in Today's Guardian 'The cynicism that eventually corroded the morale of US forces in Vietnam is a spectre that is beginning to haunt the whole Afghanistan enterprise'.
5) DONATE: Donate to the Bring the Troops Home appeal. In order to maintain a high profile campaign, the Stop the War Coalition we need money, for leaflets and postcards, for office and transport costs.
HOW TO DONATE: * Online: http://bit.ly/APlKX ; * By credit / debit card: Phone 020 7801 2768 * By cheque: Made out to 'Stop the War Coalition' and sent to: Stop the War Coalition 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EH
*************************** 2) LONDON ACTIVISTS' MEETING: OPEN ALL
If you are based in or near London, a Stop the War activists meeting has been organised for Tuesday 10 November at the Indian YMCA 41, Fitzroy Square London W1T 6AQ. Nearest tube Warren Street.
The meeting will give us a chance to assess the situation in Afghanistan, brainstorm about the campaign to bring the troops home and protest ideas in the run up to Christmas and to exchange ideas about strengthening the local groups. We are keen to make sure we get newer activists along to the meeting to get them fully involved.
Watch this and know why we demonstrate on 24 October
This two-minute video shows what a futile and unjustified war means for the Afghan people and gives yet another reason why we're demonstrating on 24 October. The US army predictably claimed that the civilians died because the occupying forces came under Taliban attack. Afghan witnesses and grieving relatives say this is a lie.
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1120 22 October 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk ; Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) FRIDAY IS LONDON TUBES DAY 2) SPEAKERS AT DEMONSTRATION RALLY 3) WAR CRIMINAL STRAW FACES "ANTI-WAR" FASCIST 4) IMPORTANT: MARBLE ARCH TUBE STATION 5) ROBB JOHNSON'S AFGHANISTAN WAR SONG 6) KEEP WEAPONS OF MASS COMMUNICATION GOING 7) LONDON STOP THE WAR GROUPS' CONTACT DETAILS
****************************** 1) FRIDAY IS LONDON TUBES DAY
The campaign tempo for Saturday's Bring the Troops Home demonstration has been raised dramatically this week. So many leaflets have been distributed, particularly in London, that the office ran out and had to do an urgent re-order.
This was particularly important because Stop the War has designated Friday 23 October as London tube station day, when we've asked our local groups to leaflet as many tubes stations as possible.
We have listed at the end of this newsletter all London groups, together with contact names and telephone numbers. If you have any time at all to help leaflet the tubes, please contact your local group for details of when and where this is taking place.
****************************** 2) SPEAKERS AT DEMONSTRATION RALLY There is a varied list of speakers at the demonstration rally, who will make contributions in a range of formats. Speakers include:
* Serving soldier JOE GLENTON, facing court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan; * Ex-soldier PAUL MCGURK, who left the army last month because he refused to continue fighting an unjustified war in Afghanistan; * A number of relatives from military families, including PETER BRIERLEY, who famously refused to shake Tony Blair's hand because it "has my son's blood on it"; * TARIQ ALI, GEORGE GALLOWAY MP and ANDREJ HUNKO MP from the German Die Linke party * Musicians ROBB JOHNSON (see below), LOWKEY and the KING BLUES; * Actors BILL PATERSON, KIKA MARKHAM and CORIN REDGRAVE, who will do readings and Naming the Dead commemorations.
Assemble 12 noon Hyde Park: March to Trafalgar Square Called by Stop the War Coalition, CND and BMI The march will be lead by anti-war soldiers, ex-soldiers and military families
****************************** 3) WAR CRIMINAL STRAW FACES "ANTI-WAR" FASCIST
If there were any accountability for the Iraq war, Jack Straw - who was British foreign secretary at the time - would be indicted for war crimes. (See http://bit.ly/RmX66)
On the BBC's Question Time programme, Straw will debate with Nick Griffin, leader of the fascist British National Party, which opposes both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
No doubt Nick Griffin will have a field day highlighting Jack Straw's war crimes, but whatever the BNP says about Iraq and Afghanistan, it is not an anti-war party. It is a fascist organisation and its policies can only be carried through by a civil war against ethnic minorities and all those it regards as inferior.
Stop the War supports the campaigns which reveal the true nature of the BNP and which mobilise opposition to its fascist policies. Many of Stop the War's supporters will join the protest on Thursday 22 October against the BBC's decison to invite a fascist party to participate in its Question Time programme.
****************************** 4) IMPORTANT: MARBLE ARCH TUBE STATION
Marble Arch Station, which is the nearest to the demonstration assembly point in Hyde Park, is closed all day Saturday. Please use Lancaster Gate, Bond Street or Hyde Park Corner tube stations.
****************************** 5) ROBB JOHNSON'S AFGHANISTAN WAR SONG
Renowned songwriter Robb Johnson will be appearing at the demonstration rally on Saturday. Stop the War has made his new song North West Frontier -- which is about the Afghanistan war -- our song of the week. You can hear it on the Stop the War website: http://bit.ly/116gTa
****************************** 6) KEEP WEAPONS OF MASS COMMUNICATION GOING
Another British soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, highlighting yet again the importance of Saturday's demonstration. Please do all you can to spread the word in the last couple of days, not forgetting the weapons of mass communication to everyone you know: emails, texts, tweets, Facebook, etc.
****************************** 7) LONDON STOP THE WAR GROUPS CONTACT DETAILS
Live in London? Get involved with your local Stop the War Group. Help leaflet the tube stations on Friday 22 October. Find your local group below:
NORTH * Bloomsbury, Isobel McMillan, 07951 199 672 * Brent, Sarah Cox 07951 084 101 * Camden, Liz Wheatley 07525 846 520 * Haringey, Simon Hester 0773 606 4045 * Wembley, Hind 07944 267 272 * Islington, Shirley Franklin 07958 745 802
SOUTH * Southwark, Laura Harvey 07976 911 887 * East Dulwich, Nicola Fields 07790 330 142 * Croydon Dima, 07917 475 748 * Lambeth, Chris Blake 07766 601 777 * Lewisham, Michael Coulsten 07753 185 732 * Wandsworth, John Clossick 020 7223 3483 * Tooting (Wandsworth) Dave Esbester, 0208 646 5545, 07913 468 659 * Putney (Wandsworth) Pat Shearin 07931 679 459
EAST * Tower Hamlets, Jo Gough 07730 612 105 * Newham, Andy Brown 07736 812 366 * Waltham Forest, Carole Vincent 07982 875 032 * Hackney, Despina 07932 714 833
WEST * Wimbledon James 07926 742 907 * Richmond Sam Oxby, 07960 770 835 * Kingston, Noel, 0208 395 2656 * Twickenham, John Whits. 07812 348 845 * Acton/Ealing, Iqbal 07773 577 461 * Hounslow, Richard 07774 936 556 * Ladbroke Grove, Giavanni * Hammersmith, Victoria 07887 943 194
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1119 20 October 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES LEAD SATURDAY'S MARCH 2) MUSICIANS AND ACTORS PERFORM AT THE RALLY 3) HELP STEWARD THE DEMONSTRATION ON 24 OCTOBER
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton (http://bit.ly/eO3V0 )will become the first serving British soldier to openly attend an anti-war demonstration when he leads marchers from Hyde Park to Trafalgar square on Saturday 24 October calling for all troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan.
Joe, who is currently fighting a court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan, will be joined by families of soldiers who have given their lives during the occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Joan Humphries' grandson Kevin Elliott, 24, from Black Watch, was killed while on on foot patrol in the southern Afghan province of Helmand on August 31 of this year. She says:
"I have supported CND all my life and have been involved in Stop the War since the march in 2003 when more than a million people were on the streets. Kevin knew my feelings. But there were no jobs, education was poor and the politicians down south were dishonest and there was simply nothing else he felt he could do but join the army."
Peter Brierley ( http://bit.ly/C7atg ) will attend the demonstration in memory of his son, Lance Corporal Shaun Brierley, who was killed while on duty in Iraq. Peter refused to shake the hand of Tony Blair at a memorial service for those who died in Iraq at St Paul's Cathedral earlier this month, explaining that it had "my son's blood on it."
Paul McGurk, 25, served in Helmand province until April 2008 but left the army last month because he could not support the war with Afghanistan. "My regiment has been posted back to Afghanistan and I will be attending the demonstration for them, calling for them to come home because this conflict cannot be justified.
"Morale in the army was very low when I was serving and this can only be getting worse. Those who intend serving for the next 22 years face being posted to Afghanistan six more times."
DEMONSTRATE SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER BRING THE TROOPS HOME ASSEMBLE 12 NOON HYDE PARK MARCH TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE Called by Stop the War, CND and BMI
Please use email, texts, tweets, Facebook etc to help publicise the demonstration as widely as possible.
****************************** 2) MUSICIANS AND ACTORS PERFORM AT THE RALLY
Up and coming band King Blues and the rapper Lowkey will be among the perfomers at the end of march rally in Trafalgar Square. Actors Bill Paterson, Corin Redgrave and Kika Markham will do readings, including naming the dead commemorations. Other speakers include Bianca Jagger, George Galloway MP and Andrej Hanko, who is an MP for Die Linke party in the German Parliament.
A full list of speakers will be posted soon on the Stop the War website: http://bit.ly/2pZlGD
****************************** 3) HELP STEWARD THE DEMONSTRATION ON 24 OCTOBER
Stop the War has always been fortunate in the number and the commitment of the volunteers who help us organise our demonstrations. If you would like to join the team organising the demonstration on Saturday 24 October, please email your name and contact details to office@stopwar.org.uk or call 020 7801 2768
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1118 18 October 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
WEAPONS OF MASS COMMUNICATION FOR 24 OCTOBER
Full details of the national Bring the Troops Home demonstration on 24 October are now on our website (see http://bit.ly/2pZlGD), including a map of the march route, latest details of coaches from outside London (see http://bit.ly/FGook), and details of keynote speakers at the rally in Trafalgar Square.
Every day this week there are activities and events taking place across the country to build support for the demonstration. Virtually every corner of London is being covered, with leafleting of tube stations, mosques, colleges, shopping centres etc. For details and to get involved, see http://bit.ly/3cPI3i
There is a way we can all make a difference. The mainstream media gives acres of coverage to the warmongers but does no favours to the antiwar movement. We have to use our own networks to publicise our events. And it works. If we all commit ourselves to using the weapons of mass communication at our disposal, we can make a real difference.
Emailing, texting, sending Twitter tweets, posting on Facebook -- if we all use every communication means we have to spread the word about the demonstration and urge everyone we contact to do the same, we will reach a mass audience very quickly, despite the vitual news blackout by the mainstream media.
Then no one will be able to say after 24 October that they weren't on the demonstration because they didn't know about it.
The stakes couldn't be higher, with Gordon Brown having just announced an increase in the number of British troops fighting an unwinnable and pointless war -- and almost certain to send even more when Obama announces his second troop "surge".
The latest poll shows that 68 percent of the British public want all the troops brought home. The bigger the turnout on Saturday, the more pressure we will put on all those MPs who have closed their ears to the majority view of their constituents. We're only a few months away from a general election. We have to ensure that the war in Afghanistan is a central issue. Saturday's demonstration will be the best springboard to ensuring that happens.
* SEND THIS MESSAGE BY EMAIL, TEXT, FACEBOOK ETC: Join the National Demonstration. Bring the Troops Home from Afghanistan. You can make a difference. London: Saturday 24 October Assemble Hyde Park 12 noon March to Trafalgar Square Full details here: http://bit.ly/2pZlGD Please pass on this message to everyone you know.
* TWEET THIS ON TWITTER: You can make a difference. Join the Troops Out of #Afghanistan demo: London 24 October http://bit.ly/2pZlGD
WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK: Last week dozens of bereaved relatives who lost loved ones in the Iraq war gave evidence to the Iraq War Inquiry. The committee was stunned when the relatives demanded -- with almost complete unanimity -- that the illegality of the war should be a central issue for the inquiry, and that Tony Blair should be indicted for his war crimes.
Our demonstration on Saturday and our continuing campaign to end the war in Afghanistan, are aimed to prevent any more futile loss of life, by Afghans and soldiers alike. Please act now to publicise the demonstration in every way you can. And please join us on Saturday.
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1117 15 October 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk ; ; Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) WHY SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER MATTERS 2) PETER BRIERLEY: WHY I'LL BE THERE ON 24 OCTOBER 3) CALLING ALL LONDONERS 4) MEDIA COVERAGE FOR 24 OCTOBER 5) TREMENDOUS RESPONSE TO OUR FINANCIAL APPEAL
************************************* 1) WHY SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER MATTERS
Next Saturday October 24th is one of the most important anti war demonstrations Stop the War has ever organised.
It comes at the moment when the war in Afghanistan has lost all credibility but the governments on both sides of the Atlantic are sending more troops.
It comes at a time of widespread revulsion against the war across the country. Amongst others, many soldiers, ex soldiers and military families are contacting us to express their outrage at the terrible waste of life it is causing.
It comes at a time when the reasons given for the war have been exposed as lies. As violence spirals in Afghanistan who can now believe the war is making the world a safer place? After the sham elections who can believe it is bringing democracy to Afghanistan?
Members of military families, including those of serving soldiers, are travelling from as far afield as Dundee and Exeter. They will be at the head of the demonstration, alongside Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, the soldier who is facing a court martial for refusing to go back to Afghanistan (see http://bit.ly/1b5cb5), and Peter Brierley, the father who lost his son in Iraq and refused to shake Tony Blair's hand in St Paul's Cathedral a week ago (see below: Why I'll be there on 24 October).
Over the following week, we are asking all local Stop the War groups to use all opportunities to publicise the demonstration in every way they can. The tremendous response of the London groups is a very encouraging sign (see below: Calling All Londoners), as are the new student Stop the War groups springing up in colleges where we have never had one before.
Transport to bring protestors from outside London has been organised across the country from Glasgow in the North to Portsmouth in the South. (See http://bit.ly/FGook).
Both Obama and Gordon Brown are clearly worried by the growing opposition to the war. The latest poll shows 68 percent of the British public want the troops brought home. Our demonstration, called in conjunction with the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the British Muslim Initiative, could not have been more timely.
Please use every means you can to publicise the demonstration: texts, emails, tweets (for the Twitter users), letters to the local press are things we can all do. If you would like to help in your local Stop the War group's activities see http://bit.ly/3cPI3i.
DEMONSTRATE: BRING THE TROOPS HOME SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER ASSEMBLE 12 NOON HYDE PARK: MARCH TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE For updates including the march route: http://stopwar.org.uk
************************************* 2) PETER BRIERLEY: WHY I'LL BE THERE ON 24 OCTOBER
Peter Brierley, whose son died in Iraq, became the subject of a worldwide news story when he refused to shake Tony Blair's hand at a commemoration service for British soldiers killed in Iraq, with the words: "Don't you dare. You have my son's blood on your hands." Peter, who is a member of Stop the War, explains here why he will be on next week's demonstration.
"I believe marching makes a difference. By being on the streets we get closer to the point of bringing the troops home. Everyone should bring one or two other people - people who have never been on a demonstration before, who aren't activists. I used to be the person who sat in the chair. I'd watch the protests and think, I want to be part of that. It took my son's death to push me into doing something. Demonstrate to show the government that we are strong."
************************************* 3) CALLING ALL LONDONERS
Over the next week, London Stop the War groups are pulling out all the stops mobilising support for the demonstration. The list of dozens of activities in all corners of the capital city has been posted on the Stop the War website. If you live in London and have any time to help in your area, please look for details of events here: http://bit.ly/1fcykL
************************************* 4) MEDIA COVERAGE FOR 24 OCTOBER
Stop the War is getting numerous requests for interviews on TV and radio but we still find it difficult to get the mainstream newspapers to give us coverage prior to a demonstration (Seumas Milne's excellent article in today's Guardian is an exception: http://bit.ly/1ziQez).
One possibly more accessible media is the local press and we are encouraging our supporters to write to their local newspaper, linking a local issue with the demonstration (the cost of the war when local services are facing draconian cuts, is an obvious topic).
************************************* 5) TREMENDOUS RESPONSE TO OUR FINANCIAL APPEAL
Many thanks to everyone who has responded to our urgent appeal for funds. These contributions are essential for us to cover the costs of next week's demonstration and for continuing our campaign in the coming months, as we aim to ensure that the war in Afghanistan features prominently in the run up to the general election, which is only a few months away.
We still need urgently to raise more funding, so if you have not donated yet, any contribution you can make will be very much appreciated.
HOW TO DONATE: * Online: http://bit.ly/APlKX ; * By credit / debit card: Phone 020 7801 2768 * By cheque: Made out to 'Stop the War Coalition' and sent to
Stop the War Coalition 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EH
STOP THE WAR COALITION NEWSLETTER No. 1116 09 October 2009 Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 Web: http://.stopwar.org.uk ; Twitter: http://twitter.com/STWuk
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 1) WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP BUILD 24 OCTOBER 2) RETHINK AFGHANISTAN: IMPORTANT DOCUMENTARY 3) SONG OF THE WEEK: PALESTINE WILL BE FREE
***************************************** 1) WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP BUILD 24 OCTOBER
Stop the War is now working at full throttle to ensure that no one can say after the national demonstration on 24 October that they were not there because they did not know it was taking place.
We need every one of our supporters to help us achieve this. At a minimum we are asking you to email, text or tweet your friends, relatives and contacts with details of the demonstration and ask them to do the same (details below). Regular updates for the demonstration are posted on our website: http://stopwar.org.uk
We have to be systematic in creating our own networks to publicise the demonstration because the mainstream media is rarely interested in giving us pre-publicity, even for events which represent majority opinion in this country
If all of our supporters do the following, we can spread the word about the demonstration to all corners of the country:
- 1 Leaflet your street with the demonstration leaflets, which includes our Ten Reasons Why We Should Get Out of Afghanistan. Available from the national office. - 2 Put a demonstration poster in your window and in local shops. Available from the national office. - 3 Write a letter to your local paper arguing the troops come home and publicising the demonstration - 4 Organise a leafleting session of your local tube, bus or train station, or the local high street - 5 Email, tweet and text all your friends and contacts to make sure they know the date, time and assembly point
If you would like to get involved with a Stop the War group in your area, look at the diary of local events on the Stop the War website, which gets updated every day. If there is no local event in your area, contact the national office, who should be able to put you in contact with local anti-war activists where you live.
The national Troops Out of Afghanistan demonstration on Saturday 24 October could not be more timely, with Gordon Brown expected to announce soon an increase in the number of British troops deployed, and the BBC reporting that the majority in Britain opposing the war has increased.
The demonstration on 24 October will be of crucial importance in raising the profile of the anti-war majority, as we enter the last few months before a general election, in which the politicians will hope to avoid the issue of their pointless and unwinnable war.
Please do all you can to help us publicise the demonstration as widely as possible.
DEMONSTRATE: BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER CENTRAL LONDON ASSEMBLE 12 NOON HYDE PARK: MARCH TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE Email office@stopwar.org.uk Tel: 020 7801 2768 http://stopwar.org.uk
***************************************** 2) RETHINK AFGHANISTAN: IMPORTANT DOCUMENTARY
Rethink Afghanistan is an important must-watch documentary which lays bare the reality behind the politicans' and generals' "failure is not an option". WATCH HERE: http://bit.ly/qyR1R
***************************************** 3) SONG OF THE WEEK: PALESTINE WILL BE FREE
This week's anti-war song of the week is Palestine Will Be Free by Maher Zain, which is illustrated with a brilliant animation. WATCH HERE: http://bit.ly/nJKxR
Thanks to everyone who has sent in suggestions for our song of the week, which are now in the pool for future selections. We welcome more suggestions which should be emailed to stwsong@stopwar.org.uk
AFGHANISTAN: IS IT MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? Wed 7 Oct 2009 20:00 BBC Radio 4 Sat 10 Oct 2009 22:15 BBC Radio 4
This BBC debate asks on the day the latest poll shows 56 per cent in Britain oppose the war: What is the war's 'mission'? To close down terrorist cells in the country, making the UK a safer place? To introduce democracy, greater freedom for women, more electricity, water?
Lindsey German, national convenor of Stop the War, joins MP Eric Joyce, former EU Special Representative for Afghanistan Francesc Vendrell, Brigadier Buster Howes from the Ministry of Defence, and counter-insurgency expert Dr John Mackinlay.
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