Manchester Lib Dems Support Albert Square Anti-War Demonstration

6.49.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 17th Mar 2007

Manchester Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Shannon Speaks Out Against Labour's Disastrous Iraq War

On the 4th anniversary of Tony Blair's illegal war in Iraq, Albert Square in Manchester's City Centre today saw a successful anti-war rally organised by the Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition. Protesters staged a "die in" to commemorate the massive loss of life during the conflict. Speakers included CND, the Respect Party, the Green Party, an Iranian campaigner and Liberal Democrat Councillors Paul Shannon & John Leech MP.

Speaking at the demonstration, Manchester Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Councillor Shannon stated:

"It is important that all those in Manchester who oppose this illegal war work together to keep the issue at the top of the political agenda. The Prime Minister this week refused to apologise for his disastrous foreign policy, despite all the evidence of its failure. In staging today's "die in," we lament the senseless loss of life caused by Blair's war & remind this right-wing Labour Government of the strong opposition they face from the people of Manchester."

John Leech MP also attended the rally, after finishing his weekly constituency advice surgery. He recalled the vote in Parliament in 2003 when every Liberal Democrat MP voted against the illegal war in Iraq. He added that history will one day judge harshly this week's Labour and Conservative vote in Parliament to spend billions on replacing Britain's nuclear deterrent. John and fellow Lib Dem MPs all voted against the Trident nuclear weapon replacement this week in the House of Commons.

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Note to Editors:

In a January 2007 Parliamentary debate on the war in Iraq, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP called for a withdrawal of British troops. Outlining the Liberal Democrat strategy for Iraq, Sir Menzies said:

"Given the lack of UK influence over coalition strategy, the deepening sectarian conflict, and the increasing antipathy of the Iraqi people to the coalition forces, the time has come for a controlled exit."

"We have done all we can and our presence is exacerbating the situation."

"The process of withdrawal should begin on in May and end in October. It is time to go."