Hounslow Lib Dems march against war

12.00.00am GMT Mon 17th Feb 2003

Liberal Democrats from across the borough of Hounslow made their voices heard as a million people marched against war on Saturday.

The eight-strong group, plus others from the borough who were unable to meet up with them because of the crowds, joined leader Charles Kennedy in marching from the Embankment to Hyde Park.

Cllr John Howliston, a United Nations peacekeeper in Korea, was one of the marchers. He said:

"America's case for war is based on blindness, hypocrisy and lies. I do not see why we Britons should be expected to go along with it.

"The case for war has not been presented using any cogent and compelling arguments. Half a century ago we felt that the war in Korea was morally justified. This threatened war is most certainly not."

And Hounslow Borough Liberal Democrats' chair Andy Darley, who was also there, said:

"Nobody on that march supported Saddam Hussein - but what Tony Blair must learn is that the British people believe it is the job of the United Nations to deal with him, not the US and UK.

"What I found astonishing is how ten times as many people came on Saturday as went to the Poll Tax demonstrations which marked the beginning of the end for Margaret Thatcher. Tony Blair would do well to take note."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The photo shows (L-R) Lib Dem supporter Hazel Dakers and members Cllr John Howliston (kneeling), Robina Howliston (both Bedfont), Chris Dakers, Andrew Dakers (both Brentford), Andy Darley (Hanworth Park), Satnam Kaur Khalsa and Harjinder Singh Khalsa (both Heston) at the start of the march.