For immediate release: 19 May 2004

On the 26th May 2004 Londoners will quiz the candidates standing in this year's London Mayoral elections at a Peace Hustings organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Issues raised at the Hustings will include the war on Iraq and the continuing occupation, pre-emptive war, nuclear first-use policy, and the possible development of new nuclear weapons.

According to a YouGov, survey in February 2003, 72% opposed Britain joining any American-led military action against Iraq, without United Nations' approval. In the same survey 79% of Londoners felt that British forces involvement in an attack on Iraq would make a terrorist attack on London more likely. 70% also expressed concern about the effects an attack on Iraq would have on the London economy.

London also hosted the biggest anti-war demonstrations in history, which reflects not only national sentiments in general, but also those of Londoners in particular. One year on, CND is giving voters the opportunity to choose a candidate that reflects their views on these crucial issues.

Kate Hudson, Chair of CND said

"The illegal war on Iraq, the continuing occupation and the revelations of abuses are central issues in the London Mayoral election campaign - as are increasing concerns about the potential use of nuclear weapons in future UK-backed pre-emptive wars. Londoners quite rightly have specific concerns about the approach our government takes to the current global crisis. - not only for moral, legal and humanitarian reasons, but also because the government's approach may well affect the likelihood of a terrorist attack on London. The horrific attack on Madrid on March 11th this year has only added to concern that London has become an even greater terrorist target since the war began."

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Notes to Editor:

1. For further information please contact Ruth Tanner CND's Press & Communications Officer on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859

2. Issues raised at the Hustings will include the continued occupation of Iraq, pre-emptive war, nuclear first-use policy, and the possible development of new nuclear weapons. The threat posed to Londoners by the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment which is only 50 miles away from central London will be addressed, as will concerns felt by Londoners about nuclear trains, which transport nuclear material through high-density population areas. This event will be an opportunity for candidates in the Mayoral election to show voters that they recognise the concerns of Londoners on these vital issues.

3. To see details of YouGov Survey go to - http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/iraq-conflict/poll.jsp

4. Details of event:
CND Peace Hustings
What will the next Mayor of London say about ...
WAR, OCCUPATION, NEW NUKES, TRIDENT, NUCLEAR TRAINS?
Ask your questions and get the answers from:
Ken Livingstone (Labour)
Simon Hughes (LibDem)
Steve Norris (Conservative - invited)
Darren Johnson (Green)
Lindsey German (Respect)
Wednesday 26 May at 7pm
Large Hall, Friends House, Euston Road, NW1