Anti-War Protests in Kingston upon Thames


By Tristan Davies

A group of around 100 protested against the Government’s stance towards Iraq amongst late night night shoppers in Kingston.

The protest was arranged and led by the Kingston Peace Council (KPC). Other local groups and individuals joined in the protest, which gained numbers as some shoppers joined their ranks.

The group assembled at 6pm outside the Bentalls Centre in Clarence Street where the groups chanted anti-war slogans and distributed flyers and other material related to the anti-war cause.

The protesters marched to Kingston Bridge to display their banners at the passing traffic where they were met with many "toots" from passing vehicles in support of their efforts. The protesters then made 2 circuits of the town chanting anti-war slogans and displaying their banners.

All in all the event went very well, but was marred towards the end by a small group of yobs who threw eggs at the protesters.

Despite being contacted about the event, no workers for the local press turned up!

Earlier in the day KPC had distributed flyers at Kingston Station to commuters during the morning rush-hour.


There was also a protest against war at Kingston University, Penrhyn Road between 12 and 2pm, which was well attended and attracted much interest. The oranisers of this event have now gathered enough support to start a society at the university. Interested students can contact  resistance_isnt_futile@husmail.com .

A public meeting is currently being planned by the protesters to further inform the people of Kingston about the issues surrounding the governments stance. Details of this will be publicised nearer the time.

Kingston Peace Council’s website can be found at:  http://kpc.gn.apc.org/home.htm

The author of this piece can be contacted by emailing to  tristan@tristandavies.org.uk .