Unison Health Care Service Group Conference

Workers' Daily Internet Edition News Release : Article Index :

Unison Health Care Service Group Conference

Overwhelming Opposition to Foundation Hospitals

Unison Statement on Iraq

How “anti-terrorism” affects migrant communities and refugees:
The "War On Terrorism" – "Not In Our Name"

Building an Ireland of Equals

Strong Opposition to Iraq War

Anti-War Protest at Belfast Summit

Weekend of Protest

The Unison Health Care Service Group Conference opened in Harrogate on Monday.   The conference comes at a time when the government's NHS plan in England, waiting list initiative, its Private Finance Initiative (PFI)  in the funding of new hospitals, its Concordat with the private sector,  management contracts for "failing hospitals" has failed to resolve the crisis in the NHS and reflects the increasing trend of government to abrogate its responsibility for health care. 

             In this situation, conference is facing new proposals being implemented that of  Foundation hospitals which will be given special status on account of their alleged better performance and which will allow these hospitals to run free from the control of the secretary of state, attract more funding and attract private investment and set their own pay levels above national pay and conditions .   At the same time, the Conference is discussing the complete "modernisation" of health service pay for non-pay review staff and pay review staff excluding Doctors and Dentists.       Last November a 10% pay rise over three years was linked to the acceptance of Agenda for Change in line with the governments stepped anti-social offensive of linking pay rises to its "modernisation" agenda. 

            600 delegates representing branches from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have registered at the conference.  Participants in the Health Workers Forum (HWF) as part of their branch delegations are also taking part in the conference.  After discussion it was decided that the main contribution that the HWF can make to the conference was to participate in the conference, discuss and report on it with the perspective that only the working class can save the day.

At Unison’s annual health group conference in Harrogate yesterday (Monday, April 7) delegates voted overwhelmingly to step up their opposition to foundation hospitals.

            Health workers are opposed to them on the grounds they will create a two-tier health service, re-introduce damaging competition and create inequalities in health care.

            Unison's head of health, Karen Jennings, told the 800 delegates: "Foundation hospitals were like a Trojan horse bringing private companies into the heart of the NHS. They will create an internal market and will lead to destabilisation of the NHS.”

            She added that UNISON is going to fight wider privatisation.

            "Alan Milburn has got it wrong and we are going to mobilise to prevent foundation hospitals coming into being."

            Earlier, delegates heard from former Health Secretary Frank Dobson, who said that the government's proposals on foundation hospitals are in a mess.

            "Foundation hospitals will poach staff from other hospitals," he said.

            "Foundation hospitals will be like a cuckoo in the local NHS, developing their own priorities at the expense of everyone else. Foundation hospitals will be able to borrow from the private sector and if they get into a mess will have to be bailed out at the expense of everyone else."

Unison on April 7 announced that its National Executive Council has released the following new statement on the war in Iraq.

            UNISON reaffirms its statements of 8 October 2002 and 26 February 2003 which stated that “any military action without the explicit authority of the United Nations Security Council would be unjustifiable and against international law and the requirements of the UN Charter”. UNISON condemns the fact that military action by the US and Britain has now commenced against the Iraqi regime without the support of the UN and in the face of strong opposition from much of the democratic and free world.

            UNISON deplores the serious loss of life, mounting casualties, both military and civilian and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Iraq.

            UNISON will continue to take every opportunity to press the case for a new direction to that currently being pursued by the British government and will continue to work through the TUC, STUC, WTUC, ICTU and the Labour Party to build support for our stated position.

            UNISON will continue to work with the Stop the War Coalition and the wider peace movement. By working nationally, regionally and locally we will continue to work collaboratively with the Coalition to support their ongoing programme of activities, in particular a peaceful march to the US Embassy on April 5th, activities to coincide with Budget Day on April 9th and the National Demonstration scheduled for April 12th.

            UNISON will continue to encourage its members to take part in all forms of legitimate protest and will seek to defend their right to do so.

            However, we recognise that now war has begun, many UNISON members are directly involved in the military action and others have family amongst the British armed forces. Many others are directly involved in supporting the war effort including treating the injured. All effort should now be concentrated on maintaining the safety of the British troops and avoiding further casualties, while at the same time seeking an alternative, diplomatic solution so that the war can be brought to a swift and conclusive end and the troops brought home. We condemn the use of cluster bombs and depleted uranium weapons by the US and British forces which will pose a real and pressing danger to the Iraqi people, especially children, long after the war ceases. We call upon the British and US governments to cease the use of such weapons immediately.

            It should also be recognised that the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is a separate serious crisis which requires urgent intervention from the British Government now and should not be tied up with the war.

            There is now an urgent need for an extensive humanitarian aid programme for Iraq to overcome the massive devastation and human suffering endured over the past 20 years and because of the war. Given the extent of malnutrition and disease particularly amongst children it is vital that Britain should take the lead in the UN to put together the broadest possible coalition of countries and aid agencies to ensure the systematic, long term provision of basic necessities such as food, water and medicine.

            It is crucial that the distribution of aid should be controlled by the UN and be for the benefit of the Iraqi people. Such aid and regeneration initiatives should only be developed by the UN working alongside the Iraqi people. Every effort must be made to stop cash hungry multinationals grabbing lucrative contracts for their own benefit.

            For the future, it is crucial that Britain remains committed to a reconstruction programme delivered by the UN and not by the US . Any alternative civil administration of post war Iraq should be established urgently and provided either by the UN or by a democratically elected regime. In the meantime neighbouring countries should respect the integrity of Iraq's borders.

            We will therefore call on the British government to:

            1. Reopen diplomatic discussions with the aim of achieving an urgent solution to the Iraqi crisis.

            2. Reaffirm its commitment to a UN solution and take steps to rebuild confidence in the authority of the UN.

            3. Work through the UN to deliver an extensive package of humanitarian aid to Iraq.

            4. Disassociate the government from the US’s stated aim to unilaterally take control of the reconstruction of Iraq, and instead insist that the UN should oversee the physical and democratic reconstruction of the country.

            5. Make urgent plans to hand over the post war civil administration of Iraq either to a UN interim government or to an elected coalition of the democratic forces which oppose Saddam Hussein.

            6. Make every effort to rebuild relations with our European partners to ensure their full support and involvement in the rebuilding of Iraq and the humanitarian aid programme.

            7. Ensure immediate publication of the “Road Map” to peace including the creation of a viable Palestinian state based on 1967 borders and ensure as a matter of urgency that the US follow through their commitment to helping to achieve this objective.

A leading UK lawyer, Gareth Peirce, has called on people to oppose the "war on terrorism". Speaking at a public meeting organised by the Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC) she said:

            The law in our society is no longer what it was, or at least what we thought it was. During the preparation for war on Iraq, a different kind of war has been waged for some time and has many victims. Our legal norms have been deliberately torn up. Human rights have been intentionally abandoned or destroyed. In arresting people under "anti-terrorist" legislation, governments have been intentionally lawless. Individuals can be kidnapped and taken to another country, interned and forgotten. All this severely undermines the UN Convention on Human Rights.

            The UK government has shamelessly introduced internment without trial and has abolished other rights. Internees are allowed no access to friends, family, relatives or to the press. They have been deliberately disappeared into a legal limbo.

            For the few lucky enough to stand trial, the defendants face a daily torrent of allegations in the mass media, which are not challenged by the government. The same Attorney General is responsible for both the prosecutions and for contempt of court. If one newspaper is not challenged, then it sets a norm which others can follow. Then the judge tells the jury to ignore all press accounts. This request is little use. In one trial, jurors told the judge that they were too frightened to sit on the jury (presumably, frightened of the defendants). And the accused face amorphous charges.

            In one case, two men were arrested at Gatwick airport, enroute to set up a business in Gambia, on grounds that they were carrying suspect devices – which later turned out to be battery chargers. They were released, but their arrest in the UK led them to be interrogated in Gambia by US agents and then kidnapped to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The British Embassy knew in advance of their fate but refused to help. The two men have no diplomatic representatives because they are Iraqi and Palestinian.

            Such persecution abrogates the absolute right to self-defence. All sorts of political activities are labelled as terrorism, e.g. in Chechnya. As part of the "war on terror", Russia asks the USA to put the Chechnyan resistance onto the list of terrorist organizations. Even the UN has colluded by creating its own terrorist list.

            Hopefully the war on Iraq will be stopped. But the other war is already lost. The scars will be permanent. It would be better if thousands also said to this "war on terror" – "Not in Our Name".

WDIE is reproducing below extracts from Gerry Adams’ Presidential Address to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2003.

This is the Ard Fheis of the only all-Ireland political party on this island.

            Nowhere was this more in evidence than the sight of republicans, from all over Ireland, working together since our last Ard Fheis to achieve the incredible breakthrough in the Leinster House elections.

[…]

            So, we are not about getting elected for the sake of it. We have work to do. We are for empowering citizens.

            We cannot lose our campaigning edge. We are people in struggle. We are activists for change.

            We are about building an alternative to the kind of government which can preside for two terms over one of the wealthiest economies in the European Union, yet fail to provide ordinary citizens with decent public services, in health, in education, transport and housing.

            We are about transforming an economy where the income of the wealthiest ten percent is thirteen times that of the lowest paid workers.

            We are for equality. That is why we are a party of change.

            Sinn Féin represents the future. We don't have all the answers but we have never been better placed to make the case for national independence, social justice and equality for all.

            The fact that it took two referendums for the establishment here to get a Yes vote on the Nice Treaty is proof of that and I want to commend everyone who played an active part in that campaign.

            Despite prophesies of isolation in Europe and lies by the establishment parties, almost 40% of the electorate of this state agreed with Sinn Féin's analysis.

[…]

            22 years ago, Bobby Sands and the other hunger strikers were dying in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. They were the target of Margaret Thatcher's intransigence. But Thatcher's efforts to defeat republicanism failed.

            The legacy of Bobby Sands and his comrades is the continued success, determination and growth of our struggle.

            And that my friends, all other things to one side, is what has brought about this crisis in the peace process.

            The British and the Irish establishment's version of the peace process did not allow for the growth of Sinn Féin. Our party was to be perhaps a significant but nonetheless small, incohesive element in an anaemic political system in the North.

            But it hasn't turned out like that. The Good Friday Agreement has been correctly seen as an instrument of change, real change in real ways in people’s lives. For that reason nationalists and republicans and thoughtful unionists support it. For that reason rejectionist unionists and the British establishment oppose it.

            They understand that the Good Friday Agreement is essentially about establishing a level playing field.

            They fear that the achievement of equality of treatment, and the emergence of a new inclusive society in Ireland, will leave much of Irish or Ulster Unionism without any rational basis and erode the very reason for the existence of the union and the British jurisdiction in Ireland.

            Unionist leaders know this. So do British unionists, those in the British establishment and the London government. That is why it is so difficult to get them to implement the changes that constitute the Good Friday Agreement.

            The British government is a pro-union government and its tactical management of the process has exacerbated the crisis within unionism and encouraged the rejectionists. But the rights and entitlements of citizens, regardless of creed, colour, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or political opinion, are non-negotiable. The legacy of discrimination and inequality experienced by nationalists in the north is neither a perception nor a propaganda position. It is a stark reality borne out yet again by the latest unemployment statistics where unemployment levels among Catholic males is twice that of their Protestant counter-parts.

            Rectifying this requires a concentration of resources and other measures of intervention to end the cycle of inequality and eradicate the poverty trap.

[…]

            Depending on your viewpoint, the crisis has been caused by unionism, or by Irish republicans or by the British government or by the Irish government or by the accumulation of factors involving or allegedly involving all of these elements.

            I am not going to engage in the blame game in this speech and I want to acknowledge in a very clear way that the difficulties within unionism have been severely exacerbated by the ongoing focus on alleged IRA activities.

            And of course, on the republican and nationalist side there is anger, frustration and annoyance because there is little focus on the ongoing activities of unionist paramilitaries or the actions of the British forces.

            Should we give up hope in the process? No. But we have to face up to the reality that the British government holds the survival of David Trimble and the ascendancy of the UUP within unionism as priority objectives.

            This might be a fair enough tactical approach if the dynamic was not being drained out of the process; if Mr Trimble was fighting his corner and promoting the Agreement; and if the changes for which the British government has direct responsibility were proceeding regardless. But this is not the case.

            And where stands the Irish government in all of this? The Good Friday Agreement is an international treaty between the Irish and British governments. They have a joint and co-equal responsibility for its implementation. The British government has no right to act unilaterally and it needs to be told this again and again.

            In particular, Irish citizens, victimised and targeted by sectarian violence, have a right to expect effective political protection from the government in Dublin. And all sections of the electorate have the right to expect that the Irish government will uphold their rights in the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, instead of stepping outside that agreement to bring in sanctions.

[…]

            The reality is that the northern state remains in its ethos and symbols a unionist state. This is reflected in all of its agencies and institutions, with the exception of the democratic institutions, which of course are now suspended – yet again.

            The implementation of the Good Friday Agreement means that all the symbols, the ethos, institutions and agencies of the northern state will have to be representative and reflective of all citizens there. There has to be parity of esteem and equality of treatment.

            This week, a senior Irish government source briefed sections of the media that at a meeting last Monday the Taoiseach told the Sinn Féin leadership that there is no room for further negotiations. The Taoiseach did not tell us that. Later a senior Minister was reported as warning parties of seeking a 'concession too far'.

            The issues which are at the core of the Good Friday Agreement are not concessions. They are rights and entitlements. They are also not yet a reality. They are very much work in progress. And until they become a reality and until the Agreement is fully implemented Sinn Féin will continue to negotiate and campaign for this.

            The British Prime Minister's speech last October in Belfast specifically acknowledged that the Good Friday Agreement has not been implemented.

            Our responsibility, and the responsibility of all parties to that Agreement, must be to bring this about. There is no other way forward. All of us have to make politics work. All parties have to strive to bring closure to all these issues in ways that are realistic and achievable. All of the parties, and this includes both governments, have to make peace, to build justice.

            While I believe that the majority of unionists want to embrace change, it is clear that their political leaders do not want the Good Friday Agreement to be implemented. That seems to be the Ulster Unionist Party's current position. Ian Paisley has always been clear about this. It appears that the demands of unionism are insatiable. They are also not deliverable.

            Not unless the two governments tear up the Good Friday Agreement.

            Not unless people in the South allow them to do this.

            Not unless nationalists and republicans in the North decide to accept less than our very basic entitlements.

            We have no intention of doing that.

            The old days are over. The days of second-class citizenship are finished.

            So the challenge for Mr Blair is quite profound. He and the Taoiseach have made an exceptional contribution to the search for peace.

            He understands as well as I do that this is a process and that all of us need to see beyond the difficulties of the moment.

            His task in the short term has to be to continue the process of peacemaking.

            The Good Friday Agreement remains the only show in town.

            This party doesn't need to be told that. But rejectionist unionists do. So too does the British system.

            Unionist concerns

            I believe Mr Blair should also see that Britain's strategic interests are best served by the democratic resolution of the long-standing quarrel between the people of these two islands.

            So the challenge for Mr Blair is to shape his own system, his own agencies, to make this process work, and in so doing to accept that the leaderships of political unionism will not journey along the Good Friday Agreement process if they can avoid that.

            But like people everywhere, they will respond to the conditions in which they live. I therefore retain a confidence that if unionism is liberated, like the rest of us, from the conditions of the past, they will rise to the challenge.

            There can be no escape from the reality that the conditions in which we will all have to live are those defined by the Good Friday Agreement. Until the unionists know that for a certainty, they will resist that Agreement.

            This is a hugely traumatic process for them. In their hearts many unionists know that the game is up. It isn't over. But it is up. And whether the majority of unionists ever had any real advantage from the old agenda depends on how you define the word advantage.

            Let us be clear that social conditions which cause concern in republican and nationalist communities across this island also exist in loyalist and unionist communities in the North. There are conditions of serious and severe social alienation in loyalist areas which lead to genuine feelings of isolation. The causes of these conditions are many – not least the fact that for years there has been social deprivation in protestant working class areas. In fact, the Protestant working class in many ways has been abandoned.

            We want to see the standard of living of all sections of the community raised through meaningful employment, and the provision of social amenities, places of recreation and better housing. Addressing poverty and deprivation by targeting social need is a universal concept that should not be bounded by political allegiance or religious belief.

            There is little merit in governments offering financial support to any section as a short-term sweetener. A prolonged and consistent policy that will remove social grievances and reduce alienation is essential. And we have been arguing for this consistently. Including in the current negotiations with both governments.

            Let the message go out from us here today, to loyalist and unionist working class areas – we understand what is happening to you and we know such problems must be addressed.

            Irish republicans do not want anyone to go into the space that nationalists and republicans in the North are vacating. We want to close that space down. We do not want anyone to be treated the way we were.

[…]

            Sinn Féin is about making peace, about working with others to make this a reality for everyone. There is no other way forward. And that stands true not only in our country but across this planet. Humanity deserves justice. Human beings can live together in harmony.

            This party is opposed to the war in Iraq.

            If big powers want to declare war it should be war against third world poverty. The cost of any one of the bombers being used in Iraq would wipe out the debt of any of the countries that are crucified by this injustice.

            The UN estimates that if funds being used to pay off debt were diverted into health and education the lives of seven million children a year could be saved. That is 134,000 children a week. Saving them would be right. The war in Iraq is wrong.

[…]

            There are very few unionists who would put their hand on their hearts today and say with conviction that Irish unity will never happen. That being the case it is incumbent on all of us to prepare for this and to lead by example – to build bridges. This particularly applies to the two governments.

            The message should be – prepare for re-unification.

            The majority of people in this state want this. Four of the six counties in the North already vote for those parties who would claim to be pro-united Ireland, as do the majority of people in Belfast. And the numbers voting for pro-united Ireland parties in the other two counties is growing by the day.

            It is, therefore, incumbent on the two governments to have in place plans and mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition when the time arrives.

            I am not pointing out these facts in order to frighten or further destabilise unionism but because I believe that many unionists also recognise the change that is taking place.

            Their fears must be addressed in a comprehensive manner, which will secure assurances and guarantees to satisfy misgivings. We have a responsibility to reassure unionists and to guarantee their rights in concrete terms.

            Unionists should not ignore the fact that they represent 20 per cent of the population of this island. Their potential is greater in an Irish state which wants their vital and essential contribution, than it is as two per cent of a British state which has consistently demonstrated no real interest in them, except when it serves their own interest.

            Sinn Féin is calling for:

            · Northern representation in Southern political institutions.

            · Voting rights in Presidential elections for Irish citizens in the North.

            · The publication of a Green Paper on Irish unity by the Irish government.

            · A broad campaign alongside other political parties, community groups, trade unions, and other sections of society in creating an Alliance for Irish Unity.

            · The expansion of the island-wide approach in key policy areas, including the economy, health, agriculture, employment and tourism.

            · The establishment of the all-Ireland inter-Parliamentary Forum.

            · The establishment of the all-Ireland Civic Forum.

[…]

            There is a big challenge facing us also on the issue of the Irish Language. This year's Slógadh was an outstanding success. Our language is a national resource. It is part of our natural wealth.

            Behind the arguments about funding, and rights, and resources and equality for the Irish language, and Irish speakers, there is a fundamental fact that we must never lose sight of – the Irish language belongs to the people of Ireland, all of the people, irrespective of class, or creed or background.

            It has to be our priority to relearn our own language. We have to be part of language planning which puts Irish back in the mouths of the people.

[…]

            Imagine an Ireland in which there is no more war – no more conflict, an Ireland in which the guns and bombs are silent forever, an Ireland in which the words of hate are silent – forever.

            Imagine the people of this island free from division, foreign occupation, injustice and conflict.

            Imagine the five million people of our small island applying our collective energy, our intelligence, our wisdom to produce the wealth to improve the quality of life for all our people.

            Imagine an Ireland using that wealth to tackle poverty, to build homes, to educate, to protect the environment, to heal the sick, to help the weak, the aged, all the children of the nation.

            George Bernard Shaw once said, 'Some people see things as they are and ask why? I dream things that never were and ask why not.'

            This party is determined to rebuild the political process and to keep the peace process intact.

            We are living through a time of great hope, great risk and great opportunity.

            No one ever said that any of this was going to be easy.

            Freedom never comes easily. All history teaches us that.

            But history also teaches us that the determined movement of people organised, and resolutely demanding their rights will win through. That is what we have to do. That is what we will do.

            There is no way back. There is only one way – and that is forward.

The following article on the recent Sinn Féin Ard Fheis was carried by An Phoblacht/Republican News · Thursday 3 April 2003.

Opposition to US-British led attacks against Iraq and to the use of Shannon Airport, solidarity with Palestine and the Basque Country and greetings and support for the Breton political prisoners were the main international motions passed this year by delegates at the Ard Fheis.

            The international section was opened by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs. He highlighted that this war is "illegal, immoral, unjustified and should have never ever happened". He pointed out the irony of this war being waged on the excuse of the elimination of weapons of mass destruction when the US and Britain, together with other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, are the main producers of this kind of weaponry.

            Ó Snodaigh explained that at least a quarter of the US troops taking part in the campaign flew through Ireland "and not only through Shannon Airport, but also Dublin Airport and Baldonnell".

            Roger Cole of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA), addressed the conference during this session.

            He quoted Padraig Pearse, who said of the Redmondites: "The men who have led Ireland for the last 25 years... they are bankrupt, in policy, in credit and now even in words. They have nothing to propose to Ireland, no way of wisdom, no counsel of courage. When they speak their utterances... are the mumblings and the gibberings of lost souls."

            "These words of Pearse echo down the generations and now apply to Ahern and Fianna Fáil," said Cole. He said allowing the use of Shannon Airport was "an illegal act under international law".

            "Whether the next few years see a new political force emerge to replace these born again Redmondites depends on those in this hall as much as anywhere.

            "On 15 February, in over 600 cities across the world, we saw the greatest mobilisation against imperialism the world has ever seen, including millions of Americans and British.

            "PANA calls for an emergency meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations and the withdrawal of the Anglo-American armed forces from occupied Iraq.

            "The only people who can decide the future of Iraq are the people of Iraq. States such as Britain, that conquered Iraq and used poison gas on the Iraqi people at the same time they were allowing the Black and Tans to run riot in Ireland, do not have any authority to use military might to impose a quisling government on Iraq.

            "Iraq is not the only country where there should be a withdrawal by British troops."

            When it came the turn of the delegates to speak, all those referring to the numerous motions against the war on Iraq asked the Ard Fheis to support the emergency motion presented by the Ard Chomhairle. This reaffirmed Sinn Féin's total opposition to the War on Iraq, recognising the United Nations as the sole guarantor of international order and collective security and called on all states to dispense with all weapons of mass destruction. The motion also deplored the human rights record of Saddam Hussein's regime, supported the right of the Kurdish people to self-determination and reiterated the right of Iraqis and other Middle-Eastern peoples to determine their future by themselves.

            At home, Sinn Féin called on the Irish government to publicly acknowledge its responsibility for the outcomes of this war and to recognise the implications for Iraqi civilians, which could include half a million direct or indirect casualties, of which 50% would be children. The republican delegates sent a message of solidarity to anti-war campaigners in Ireland, the US, Britain and around the globe.

            Daisy Mules, from the Padraig Pearse Cumann in Derry, reminded everyone that this war is not being waged to liberate people or the destruction of weapons of mass destruction, but was about neo-liberal policies and neo-imperialism. "We cannot support colonialism of any kind," she stated.

            Daithí Doolan pointed out how Saddam was put on power by others "and used by others" and accused the Irish government of "colluding with the death of innocent Iraqis".

            Chris Ó Rálaigh (Ógra SF) spoke about the need to put and end to the production and use of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

            North Belfast councillor Eoin Ó Broin called on delegates to support the Basque people in their struggle for independence, democracy and peace. Ó Broin pointed out how the banning of the Basque pro-independence party Batasuna on 17 March, the closure of Basque media, and the criminalisation of cultural, social and youth organisations will deepen the causes of conflict and delay any possible solution.

            There was widespread support for the plight of the Palestinian people, for their restraint and dignity in the face of a brutal and genocidal occupation by the Israeli army. The Ard Fheis called for a boycott of Israeli goods and services until troops and illegal settlers withdraw from the Occupied Territories and for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador from Ireland until the Israeli government adheres to all UN resolutions.

            Support and solidarity was also extended to Turkish hunger strikers and their families, friends and comrades, calling for an end to the Turkish government policy of isolation for political prisoners in new, high-security prisons.

Thousands of protesters marched on George Bush and Tony Blair’s war summit near Belfast last night, April 7, and declared: “We want nothing to do with the Iraqi massacre.”

            Heavy security kept demonstrators away from Hillsborough Castle where the US President and the Prime Minister met for talks, but a procession of demonstrators snaked its way up to the County Down village to show opposition to the conflict.

            Amid the beat of drums and chants the crowds told the two leaders to leave Northern Ireland.

            Trade union leaders, politicians and anxious relatives of those caught up in the war all joined the rally.

            One Iraqi who travelled from his new home in Derry to take part in the protest told how he lost contact with his family in Kirkuk in the northern region of the battle-ravaged country 13 days ago. Abdul al-Jibouri launched a stinging attack on the US and British administrations. He said: “We have come here to make sure both the cowboy and his poodle get the message, we are not supporting war. They need to get it into their thick heads that this is a war for oil which is leading to the slaughter of innocents.”

            Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin also addressed the No to War rally outside Hillsborough Castle.

            Speaking prior to the rally, Mitchel McLaughlin said that "most people in Ireland are opposed to the war in Iraq. Sinn Féin shares that view and we believe that it is insensitive for this war summit to be held here in Ireland.” He continued, "This evening we will be joining people from across the country outside Hillsborough and we will be conveying our opposition to the war on Iraq directly to both the British Prime Minister and the US President when we meet them tomorrow."

            Sinn Féin party activists mobilised to attend the anti-war protests in Belfast.

A weekend of protest, non-violent action and civil disobedience at military bases throughout Britain and world-wide took place on April 5 and 6, 2003. For more information, see www.reclaimthebases.org.uk

Sunday, April 6

Over a hundred anti-war activists at Fairford continued their sponsored stop and search. The action, part of the ongoing anti war presence at the base, was designed to highlight the repeated use of stop and search powers under Section 44 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act at USAF Fairford. The embarrassed police refrained from their regular practice of repeatedly stopping and searching people. Dave Cockcroft of Gloucestershire Weapons Inspectors said, “We hope that continued creative anti war action can reverse our government's ridiculous policy of brainlessly following the US regime, however dangerous, bloody and illegal their policies are. Today we have seen cluster bombs being loaded onto B52s, we are appalled that weapons which lead to the same dangers as illegal landmines are being flown out from British soil."

            At RAF Wellford in Berkshire 15 activists took part in a sponsored stop and search like the one at Fairford. Unusually, the police were reluctant to stop and search activists more than once. "Wellford is the store for the bombs which are currently being dropped on Baghdad and we need to increase the pressure on the base here to show our opposition," a spokesperson said.

            About 180 protesters gathered at Northwood, Britain’s military HQ, for a day of anti-war action. 60 protesters were illegally detained at Northwood tube station and forced back onto the tube. Another 60 protesters were illegally detained in a pen outside the main gates to the base. 20 protesters staged a sit down in the road near the main gate. Up to 90 people will now file a formal complaint with the police for illegal detention. Based on legal advice received by people at the site, there is no legal basis for the police action. Sian Jones of anti-war group d10 said, "A senior police officer has said that the confinement is to prevent a breach of the peace, but this is illegal unless there is a threat of violence from the people concerned. As this is a peaceful protest the only threat and use of violence has been by the police. All over Britain, police are increasingly abusing their powers to prevent people protesting against this war. This in an extension of the war, to stamp out protest. While our government is breaking international law in Iraq by attacking civilians with missiles, cluster bombs, tanks and machine guns, they are also breaking human rights law at home."

            120 anti-war protesters gathered at RAF Mawgan in Cornwall for a weapons inspection but are denied access. Betty Levene of Cornwall Stop the War Coalition said, "It is clear opposition to this war has not been deterred by its onset. Many people now feel it is imperative to do all they can to end the war as soon as possible, by resisting it to the best of their ability and to make it quite clear to the UK and US governments that we are not prepared to be complicit in what is, by all standards of international jurisprudence, a crime punishable under international law."

            60 anti-war protesters, including students from the US, Israel, Malaysia, Ghana, Italy, Peru, Pakistan and Spain, marched to RAF St Athan’s in Glamorgan, Wales, to stage a Die In for 40 minutes in front of the West Gate, blocking the gate. They also attached flowers and messages to the gates reading, "No war for oil, not in my name" and "Violence only leads to more violence". The protesters delivered a letter to base commander demanding that the British government stop the use of cluster bombs and end the targeting of Iraqi water and electricity.

            Cyclists took part in a 12-mile cycle ride to RAF Brawdy in Pembrokeshire, Wales, to hand in a petition against the war. Pembrokeshire Peace Initiative (PPI) co-ordinator Frederick Luckman said, "We've been approached by a number of people with loved ones in the Forces who support our campaign to stop the war and bring the troops home. Our message this Sunday is: 'Cycle for peace - don't peddle war'."

            15 protestors had a bonfire and lunch in the Peace Garden next to RAF Molesworth, and planted seeds and tied notices to the Suffolk base reading "CND says no to war, yes to peace", "Iraq war is not in our name" and "RAF Molesworth, gathering information for the illegal and immoral war on Iraq".

            30 people staged a vigil in front of the main gates of RAF Cottesmore. Jeff from Leicester CND said, "We're pleased to be here as witnesses for peace and show the service families here that there is another way, that this is the USA's war, not ours and Tony Blair should bring our troops home."

            16 demonstrators demonstrated at Wilton (British land forces HQ, Wiltshire), and tied white ribbons of the fence. "There are huge famines in Africa now, while tens of billions of dollars are being spent on invading Iraq, against worldwide opinion," a spokesperson said.

            Hundreds of anti-war protesters gathered for a peace rally outside the US embassy in central London condemning the US and British-led assault in the Gulf. Some accused President Bush and Tony Blair of being the "axis of evil". The Stop the War Coalition organised the march, which was overseen by a sizeable police presence.

Saturday, April 5

120 anti-war activists gathered for non-violent direct action at the Naval HQ, Portsmouth but the MoD closed all the gates for the day before they got there. All access gates and doors were closed since before lunchtime, including the visitors’ entrance. Police later opened the main gate but the activists sat in front of it, so they closed it again. Rosie Bremmer of Portsmouth Resistance said, "It appears just by announcing we were planning non-violent direct action we managed to close down the Naval Headquarters. We must come back again! Today we have taken our protest against this illegal, immoral invasion of Iraq to the gates of the Naval HQ and closed it down."

            Protesters took part in a sponsored stop and search at USAF Fairford, while the police invented a demonstration and tried to force the protesters to go there. At one point the police threatened to arrest people under section 12 of the Public Order Act for not getting in a police coach to take to them to the police demo! The canny peacemakers went to the pub instead. Dave Cockcroft of Gloucestershire Weapons Inspectors said, "The police seem determined to police an imaginary demonstration. While Britain and the US claim they are killing thousands in Iraq to deliver freedom, our freedoms are being denied here, as they are denied every day. It seems the closer you get to the US military the less freedom you have."

            120 anti-war protesters walked to RAF Stafford, host to the Tactical Support Wing, an integral part of deployments being made by the RAF, navy and army in the Gulf. The protesters gathered in front of the gates, released doves for peace, and attached anti-war messages to the fence.

            70 anti-war activists stages a weapons inspection at Devonport (Plymouth), banging on the gates and hanging notices recording that weapons inspectors were denied access to a base hosting illegal weapons of mass destruction. Matt Bury, of Plymouth Stop the War Coalition said, "We handed a letter to a senior Naval Officer regarding the hypocrisy of the war on Iraq, a war supposedly about weapons of mass destruction while the US and UK hold and continue to develop illegal weapons of mass destruction.” Devonport is base to at least 12 nuclear powered submarines, including HMS Vanguard, a Trident class sub currently undergoing a refit.

            60 anti-war activists, flying foil kites and wearing foil clothes, joined an anti-war demonstration at RAF Fylingdales, in Yorkshire, part of the Star Wars system, while three of them managed to find their way into the base.

            Activists from both sides of the community in northern Ireland picketed Palace Barracks in Hollywood, Co Down. Statements to the press said: "The pro-war politicians tell us to 'stop undermining our troops' by which they mean 'stop disagreeing with pro-war politicians'. These same politicians are the ones placing the troops in danger of friendly fire, Depleted Uranium and resistance from a population which will only see them as invaders." "This illegal war has already dragged on too long. Relief agencies are complaining of a serious lack of access to the needy and funding for basic food, water and medicine. If people are genuinely concerned about the plight of ordinary Iraqi civilians they will be supporting relief agencies and not a military onslaught." "Tony Blair and George Bush ask us to stop thinking and just trust them. But it is our duty as concerned citizens of a democracy to make our views known. Bring the troops home, Tony, before more people die."

Germany

2,000 participated in a demonstration at US headquarters in Heidelberg.

Greece

Protesters marched at USAF base at Suda (Crete)

Italy

Two to three thousand people joined a demonstration at the US/NATO base in Aviano

Spain

About 25 activists carried out a "civilian weapons inspection" at the Academia Militar General in Zaragoza.