Stars speak out against war

Actors, pop stars, politicians and seasoned campaigners shared a stage in Hyde Park in London to speak out against war in Iraq.

Crowds who gathered at the rally cheered to the anti-war message from the lips of everyone from R&B star Ms Dynamite to Mo Mowlam.

Speaker after speaker called on the Prime Minister not to ignore their call to resolve the Iraq conflict without going to war.

Former Labour Cabinet minister Mo Mowlam told a sea of protesters: “Things can only get better if we stick together.

“Tony Blair and the Government have put themselves into a right corner.”

Campaigner Bianca Jagger asked the Prime Minister: “Why listen to President Bush rather than the voices of British people.

“Why not listen to the voices of reason?”

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy told demonstrators the case for war had not been made.

“The arguments have been contradictory and inconsistent,” he said. “The information has all too often been misleading as well as inconclusive. It’s no wonder people are scared and concerned.”

Mr Kennedy called on the Prime Minister to recall the House of Commons when it is in recess next week and “make a full statement”.

Britain must pursue international justice through the UN and the Government had to take its people with them, he said.

Speakers included the usual faces, like Tony Benn, who received a huge ovation, when he said: “We want democracy all over the world so we can build a world that is safe for our children and grandchildren.”

Playwright Harold Pinter claimed American barbarism would “destroy the world” and called on the Prime Minister to resign.

To deafening cheers he said: “It is a country run by a bunch of criminals ... with Tony Blair as a hired Christian thug.”

London Mayor Ken Livingstone mounted a sustained personal attack on George Bush.

After a man was bundled away after running on to the stage to speak about his opposition to the congestion charge, Mr Livingstone said: “Let everyone recognise what has happened here today, that Britain does not support this war for oil.

“The British people will not tolerate being used to prop up the most corrupt and racist American administration in over 80 years.”

The Rev Jesse Jackson urged the crowd to “turn up the heat” against George Bush and Tony Blair.

“It is not too late to stop this war, we must march until there is peace and reconciliation.

“Take a step back from war, hear the voices of Britain.”

Ms Dynamite took to the stage and asked of the Prime Minister: “How will you cope with the guilt and the sea of blood which will remain on your hands?”