Thomas joins anti-war protest

Mark Thomas has laid down in central London traffic this morning to protest about British action in Iraq.

The comedian joined scores of protesters from the Voices in the Wilderness group, who started their action in Whitehall.

Some of the activists wore bandages and bloody clothes to depict the consequences a war would have on Iraqi civilians.

The group has been campaigning to end economic sanctions in Iraq, claiming they have been responsible for the death of 227,000 children.

The protests came as the government released a dossier of alleged human rights abuses by Saddam Hussein's regime, including systematic torture and rape.

But campaigners, including Amnesty International, say the report is a cynical attempt to justify war with Iraq.

Thomas is also taking part in a CND benefit at London's Bloomsbury Theatre tomorrow night to raise funds for a legal challenge to any military action in Iraq.

American satirist Michael Moore and News Quiz regular Jeremy Hardy are also on the bill.

Published: 2 Dec 2002