Big names in music and the peace movement came together on Wednesday night to call for an end to the cycle of violence and the occupation of Iraq. Damon Albarn DJ’d at the event to raise money for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Kate Hudson, Chair of CND, Tony Benn and Bruce Kent received huge applause from the East London crowd. The night also saw DJing from Matt Black of Coldcut and Bob Stanley of St Etienne.
Labour Mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone sent this message of support to the event in which he called for an end to the occupation of Iraq.
‘CND’s Protest and Survive event tonight has my full support.
‘The single biggest issue facing us today is the need for international justice and peace. The images of torture and humiliation by American troops have been met with revulsion around the world and are leading to spiralling violence in that country.
‘In the wider Middle East the occupation of Iraq is also leading to a spiral of violence that can only be brought to end by resolving the longstanding injustices in the region.
‘The idea that we should send more troops is the opposite of what should happen. The troops should be pulled out.
‘The British and American troops should be replaced by the United Nations, leading to the earliest possible elections with transfer of full sovereignty to a democratically elected Iraqi government.
‘Good luck with your event tonight and best wishes for your campaigns for peace and justice.’
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Notes to editor:
For further information on CND please contact Ruth Tanner, CND’s Press and Communications Officer on 020 7700 2350 or 07968 420 859