Press Release 14:54
Voices in the Wilderness
Call Voices 0845 458 2564/ 0794 7839992

29 arrests at whitehall anti war blockade.

29 anti war activists have been arrested for highway obstruction at Warzone Whitehall,
a nonviolent die in against the war and sanctions on Iraq. The activists were among a
crowd of 250 activists, including comedian Mark Thomas and Euro MP Caroline Lucas,
who gathered at whitehall place at 10.30 am and have been blocking part of whitehall since 11 am.

About 100 activists remain and are now assembled opposite the House of Commons on
Parliament Square where they have joined Brian Haw who has been camped out on
Parliament square for the past 18 months protesting against sanctions on Iraq.
It is not known if more arrests are likely.

One activist Rosy Bremner has twice gained access to the cabinet office,
on one occasion she met Robin Cook MP and told him of her views on Iraq.

Among those arrested was Voices in the Wilderness joint co ordinator Gabriel Carlyle,
who visited Iraq in a sanctions breaking Voices in the Wilderness demonstartion in may 2002


Activists are carrying placards and banners reading "Iraqi Lives in the firing
line- no war on Iraq.", "War kills the innocent. Don't attack Iraq.", and
"1 in 11 countries bombed by the Pentagon."

The action is good natured and peaceful

Mark Thomas said, "I hope other people who oppose the war will consider
their positions and consider whether they should put their liberty on the
line so the voices and principles of peace can be heard."

Caroline Lucas said, "It's been very effective so far and represented the
huge feeling against this war in Britain. We are making the case to Tony
Blair as vividly as possible of the suffering he will inflict on the
22million people of Iraq. This war would be illegal and counterproductive.
We have to use every non-violent measure available to register our
protest"

Richard Byrne, Voices spokesperson said, "This is just the start. 2000
people in the UK have signed a pledge to engage in civil disobedience if
this war starts. Life in Britain cannot go on as normal while the British
Government supports war on Iraq."


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