LONDON, 18 October 2004 — Thousands of anti-war activists filled Trafalgar Square yesterday after marching through central London to protest the US-led coalition’s presence in Iraq as the British government rejected accusations it might reposition British troops to more dangerous areas in Iraq to boost George W. Bush’s political position in the US presidential election race.
The march marked the culmination of the third European Social Forum — three days of speeches, workshops and debates largely dominated by Iraq and the US presidential election.
Marchers carried signs reading “World’s No. 1 Terrorist” over a picture of US President George W. Bush. British Prime Minister Tony Blair was also a target: other placards read “Out with Blair.”
Several activists blew loud whistles or joined in political chants as they trudged through the capital on a cold, rainy day.
While the forum discussed a range of issues concerning privatization and globalization, the march was almost overwhelmingly devoted to opposition to the war in Iraq and the Bush administration.
“I’ve been coming to every demonstration against Bush I can,” said Liz Mawl, a resident of London who carried an “Out with Bush” sign. “His foreign policy is very destabilizing for the entire international community, and I’m not sure Americans realize that’s bad for them as well,” she said.
Many of the marchers said they hoped to send a message to American voters ahead of the Nov. 2 US elections through the demonstration.
“I think our message to Americans is simple: Don’t vote for Bush,” said Emma Jane Berridge, a London resident.
Police estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people took part in the march. Organizers claimed 75,000 gathered in Trafalgar Square.
Paul Bigley, the brother of British engineer Ken Bigley, who was taken hostage and beheaded in Iraq, sent a message of support. “The more people raise their voices, the safer we will all be,” Bigley said in a statement read to the crowd.
Responding to reports that military chiefs are resisting US requests for British troops to be sent to more dangerous areas of Iraq, Health Secretary John Reid dismissed claims a redeployment of troops would be a “political gesture”.
“For people to suggest that there is some tawdry political deal here, I think, diminishes the effort that has been made by our soldiers on the ground,” he told BBC television.
“There will be occasions when you are fighting in coalition when, at a given tactical level, you operate under your ally’s control.”
Media reports in recent days say up to 650 British troops may be moved north to cover for US units battling insurgents in the rebel-held city of Fallujah and elsewhere.
Opposition Conservatives say any troop movement must not be used as a “political gesture” to reassure Bush.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Washington had made a formal request to deploy British troops in US operation sectors of Iraq, which include the highly volatile cities of Fallujah and Baghdad. “The request is being considered on its merits,” he said.
Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon will make a statement to Parliament today but is not expected to announce that any decision has been made on the US request.
