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Protesters urge end to Afghan war Protesters urge end to Afghan war
(about 2 hours later)
Soldiers and military families are among those joining around 2,000 protesters in London against UK military operations in Afghanistan. Soldiers and military families are among 5,000 protesters in London demonstrating against UK military operations in Afghanistan.
The Stop the War Coalition says it is the first march against the Afghan war since the conflict began in 2001.The Stop the War Coalition says it is the first march against the Afghan war since the conflict began in 2001.
L/Cpl Joe Glenton, of York, who faces a court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan, is leading the march.L/Cpl Joe Glenton, of York, who faces a court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan, is leading the march.
The government said Afghanistan must become "stable and secure" before Nato forces could pull out.The government said Afghanistan must become "stable and secure" before Nato forces could pull out.
'Disobeying orders''Disobeying orders'
The death of British corporal James Oakland, of the Royal Military Police, in a blast on Thursday took the number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 222.The death of British corporal James Oakland, of the Royal Military Police, in a blast on Thursday took the number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 222.
BBC correspondent Tom Symonds said about 2,000 people gathered at Speakers' Corner, in Hyde Park. They then set off for Trafalgar Square, where speakers including MP George Galloway and campaigner Tariq Ali will address the crowd. The protesters gathered at Speakers' Corner, in Hyde Park. They then set off for Trafalgar Square, where speakers including MP George Galloway and campaigner Tariq Ali are addressing the crowd.
L/Cpl Glenton will also give a speech, despite being advised not to do so by military commanders. Some of the crowds chanted "Gordon Brown, terrorist" while others sang "What do we want? Troops out".
L/Cpl Glenton is also due to give a speech, despite being advised not to do so by military commanders.
Andrew Burgin, from the Stop the War Coalition, told the BBC News website: "He has just been told by his commanding officer that he should not enter the demonstration and he should not speak.Andrew Burgin, from the Stop the War Coalition, told the BBC News website: "He has just been told by his commanding officer that he should not enter the demonstration and he should not speak.
Britain's own security is at risk if we again allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists Ministry of Defence spokesman Soldier 'proud' of anti-war march Most 'remain against Afghan war'Britain's own security is at risk if we again allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists Ministry of Defence spokesman Soldier 'proud' of anti-war march Most 'remain against Afghan war'
"He has decided to disobey those military orders.""He has decided to disobey those military orders."
L/Cpl Glenton, based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is facing a court martial in November for alleged desertion after going absent without leave in 2007.L/Cpl Glenton, based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is facing a court martial in November for alleged desertion after going absent without leave in 2007.
In an interview with BBC Radio York, L/Cpl Glenton's wife Claire said he was "proud" to be taking part in the march.In an interview with BBC Radio York, L/Cpl Glenton's wife Claire said he was "proud" to be taking part in the march.
Lindsey German, convener of the coalition, said it would be the first time a serving soldier had openly attended a national anti-war demonstration.Lindsey German, convener of the coalition, said it would be the first time a serving soldier had openly attended a national anti-war demonstration.
"This shows how deep feeling against the war in Afghanistan goes," she said."This shows how deep feeling against the war in Afghanistan goes," she said.
"Barack Obama and Gordon Brown will soon find that this war turns out to be their Vietnam if they keep pouring in troops.""Barack Obama and Gordon Brown will soon find that this war turns out to be their Vietnam if they keep pouring in troops."
Also speaking in Trafalgar Square will be Peter Brierley whose son, L/Cpl Shaun Brierley, was killed in Iraq.Also speaking in Trafalgar Square will be Peter Brierley whose son, L/Cpl Shaun Brierley, was killed in Iraq.
Mr Brierley, from Batley in West Yorkshire, confronted former Prime Minister Tony Blair at a memorial service at London's St Paul's Cathedral, telling him: "You have my son's blood on your hands."Mr Brierley, from Batley in West Yorkshire, confronted former Prime Minister Tony Blair at a memorial service at London's St Paul's Cathedral, telling him: "You have my son's blood on your hands."
'Key to security''Key to security'
Meanwhile, a survey suggests that public support for the war has fallen further. The YouGov survey for Channel 4 News found that 62% of those questioned wanted British troops withdrawn in the coming year at the latest.Meanwhile, a survey suggests that public support for the war has fallen further. The YouGov survey for Channel 4 News found that 62% of those questioned wanted British troops withdrawn in the coming year at the latest.
Of 2,042 adults polled, 6% said that British troops were winning the war, compared with 36% who said they were not winning yet but eventual victory was possible, and 48% who said that victory was not possible.Of 2,042 adults polled, 6% said that British troops were winning the war, compared with 36% who said they were not winning yet but eventual victory was possible, and 48% who said that victory was not possible.
A similar survey in 2007 found that 36% thought that victory was impossible.A similar survey in 2007 found that 36% thought that victory was impossible.
A spokesman for the MoD said on Friday: "It is vital to the UK that Afghanistan becomes a stable and secure state that is able to suppress violent extremism within its borders.A spokesman for the MoD said on Friday: "It is vital to the UK that Afghanistan becomes a stable and secure state that is able to suppress violent extremism within its borders.
"Britain's own security is at risk if we again allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists, and that would be the result if Nato forces were to pull out of the country immediately.""Britain's own security is at risk if we again allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists, and that would be the result if Nato forces were to pull out of the country immediately."
In February 2003, an estimated one million took part in a march in London against the Iraq war.In February 2003, an estimated one million took part in a march in London against the Iraq war.