PEACE campaigners in Watford are organising a demonstration to show their opposition to the US and British bombing of Afghanistan.

The protest is organised by Watford Stop the War Coalition (WSWC) and will take place from 2pm onwards outside HMS Warrior Northwood base in Sandy Lane, Northwood, on Saturday, November 3.

The decision to go ahead with the protest was taken at a committee meeting of the WSWC on Thursday, October 18.

It was decided that the Northwood base would be the focus of the protest as the WSWC believes the base will probably be used to organise attacks on Afghanistan due to its use in organising the bombing of Iraq in 1991 and Yugoslavia in 1999.

Mr Jon Gamble of the WSWC said: "I'm appalled at the bombing of innocent Afghan people who have already seen their country being torn apart by civil war for two decades.

"I don't believe ordinary people in Britain back this slaughter.

"Tony Blair and George Bush are losing the propaganda war. Millions of people are starting to see through the lies we are being fed about this war being against terrorism.

"People can see that the only victims are innocent Afghan civilians.

"The coalition in Watford has brought together veteran peace campaigners and those new to political activity who want to live in a peaceful and just world.

"Our task now is to take our message to local churches, mosques, schools, colleges and workplaces."

Members and supporters of the WSWC will be publicising the Northwood protest by giving out leaflets in St Mary's Place in High Street, Watford on Saturday, October 27, from lunchtime onwards.

October 23, 2001 10:16

Caroline Graham