The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) sends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the British troops who died in the helicopter crash in Kuwait. All life lost in this conflict, either by accident or design, is a tragedy. As some of the placards on the anti-war protests have said, ‘Support our troops, bring them home.’

CND is appalled by the setting alight of oil fields, reportedly by Iraqi forces. The environmental consequences of this act could be horrendous for the region.

It is clear that the initial attacks have not been the same as was planned. The ‘Shock and Awe’ plan has not happened. CND believes that this is because domestic public opinion in the UK and US would not have accepted that as it would certainly have involved the death of many thousands of innocent people.

Carol Naughton, CND Chair, said: “The worldwide outrage over this war has meant that we have not seen the expected massive bombardment of Iraq. If we had seen on our television screens whole cities alight, along with huge numbers of civilian deaths, there would have been uproar all over the world. It is now vital that people keep protesting to keep up the pressure on our government. We now hope and pray that this war is over as soon as possible.”

The next CND protest is at 11am tomorrow (Saturday 22 March) in Whitehall opposite Downing Street. People will gather to protest in whatever way they feel necessary. At around 12 noon, the march organised by CND, Stop the War Coalition and the Muslim Association of Britain will leave the Embankment on its way to Hyde Park. When it passes our protest, people there can either join in or stay in Whitehall.

Note for interviews
CND Chair Carol Naughton and CND staff will be available for interview from 9am in Whitehall. If you need an interview before then, please contact us today and we will arrange it.

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Contact Ben Miller at CND Press Office on 07968 420859 or Carol Naughton Chairperson on 07736 698702