American relative of September 11 victim praises Norwich marchers demanding a change in UK 'war on terrorism' policy.
24 February 2002 for immediate use

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A message of support from American, Ryan Amundson, whose brother was killed in the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, was read to anti-war protesters in Norwich on Saturday.

Mr Amundson said he was "delighted to hear that you guys are doing all that you are" and passed on his thanks to the Norwich protesters, urging them to " keep it up, keep working."

The message was read out at a rally organised by Norwich Stop the War Coalition in Norwich, after around 130 people braved icy winds on a morning of abysmal weather, to march for a change of UK government anti-terror policy.

Mr Amundson's message was warmly received by the frozen crowd. Mr Amundson has been marching with other relatives of victims, behind a banner "Our grief is not a cry for war" in the US. He was in London last week at an event opposing US bombing. Several relatives of September 11 victims have recently visited victims of US bombing in Afghanistan and demanded help for them and an end to US bombing.

Norwich Stop the War Coalition was delighted by the turnout after rain, hail and even some snow had swept Norwich before supporters assembled in Chapelfield Gardens, central Norwich, at noon.

The procession made an impressive chain along the length of St. Stephens Street behind a banner demanding 'Peace, Justice and Human Rights'. The march continued via Gentleman's Walk and the Guildhall to space outside St. Peter Mancroft church. Many people carried placards declaring 'not in my name' and other anti-war slogans. There was an interested response from the public, with many shoppers accepting leaflets.

Some placards declared "Don't insult us Charles Clarke MP - it is not 'ludicrous' to demand fresh thinking" - a reference to criticism of the march by cabinet minister Charles Clarke MP who called Labour opponents of the 'war on terrorism' "ludicrous". Despite Mr Clarke's views, the Norwich Labour Party banner was carried on the march.

Outside the St Peter Mancroft church, in a freezing gale but bright sunshine, the crowd heard speakers call for Britain to end its uncritical support for US policy which threatens to extend the so-called 'war on terrorism' to other countries including Iraq. Speakers condemned the atrocity of September 11 and made clear their opposition to the likes of Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. They argued, however, that new wars would not end terrorism. Many demanded greater attention to international injustices and the need for a just solution to the Israel - Palestine crisis.

Davida (sic) Higgins, criticised US withdrawal from international treaties such as the anti-ballistic missile treaty and expressed concern at Star Wars plans and policies which suggest that the US pays little regard to international opinion.

Jim Brown, a member of the national steering committee of the Stop the War Coalition, warned of a hidden US agenda, and condemned the $45 billion increase in the US military budget.

Dr Ian Gibson MP, who had accompanied the march, praised the marchers for their commitment and agreed with their demand for a change in Britain's policy in response to September 11. The Norwich North MP said that any serious efforts to tackle the causes of terrorism must address Israel's oppression of the Palestinians.

Trades unionist, Julie Bremner, encouraged support for the national Stop the War demonstration in London on March 2nd. Many of the audience bought tickets for Norwich coaches to the London protest.

Trevor Phillips, Chairperson of Norwich Stop the War Coalition, said:

" It was a great turnout on a dreadful day. It showed the strength of feeling of many people who will not be quiet while our government supports US mistakes. The message of support from an American whose brother died on September 11 was moving and encouraging. We have a duty to press for such views to be taken seriously by MPs in Britain."

Trevor Phillips repeated his challenge to Charles Clarke MP to publicly debate the government's war policy with the Stop the War Coalition. He said: " It is clear that a lot of people have doubts about how the response to September 11 is being handled. It is time for fresh thinking before we see more wars and more innocent victims."


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Note to Picture editors:

Freelance photographers attended the event and are no doubt offering pictures. I may be able to find others.

Note: the families campaigning against US bombing etc : www.peacefultomorrows.org

Norwich Stop the War Coalition
P.O.Box 544
Norwich NR3 1WS
 NorwichSTWC@hotmail.com. Tel: 01603 763536