Hundreds of thousands march against Iraq war

Hundreds of thousands of people have marched through London in protest against a possible war with Iraq, in what organisers say is the largest demonstration in British history.

The march took place on 15 February, as part of a day of protests in more than 600 cities around the world.

How many?

Police estimated that around 750,000 people took part in London. Organisers from the Stop the War Coalition and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament put the figure at between one and two million.

Protesters came from all over the country, many on coaches and trains organised by local groups, including from Birmingham. They included people of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom had never been on a demonstration before.

Hyde Park rally

The march ended with a rally in Hyde Park, where speakers included the Labour MP Tony Benn, the Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, and the Reverend Jesse Jackson from the United States.

Speakers argued that war would lead to huge loss of life, and that the United Nations weapons inspectors should be given more time.

Blair stands firm

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has said that Iraq must disarm and that Saddam Hussein is a threat to the world. Speaking in Glasgow on the same day, he said there would be casualties from war, but that there would also be casualties if Saddam remained in power.

The American president, George W Bush, is building up forces in the Gulf. Britain has also sent thousands of troops.

Divided opinion

Opinion polls suggest that most people in Britain are opposed to war without the backing of the United Nations. Many Labour MPs are unhappy with the government's position.

At the United Nations, the weapons inspector Hans Blix reported yesterday that Iraq was cooperating more, but that questions remained. France, Germany and Russia are opposed to military action.

Around the world

Millions took part in protests around the world, including in Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Paris, New York and Sydney. The protest in Rome was one of the largest.

What next?

The government is seeking a second United Nations resolution authorising military action. Protesters say they will continue to campaign against the war.

Whatever happens, the size of the march has sent a clear message to the government about the strength of feeling in the country.