War opponents to occupy Trafalgar Sq.

Anti-war campaigners are to occupy London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday to call on the British government to end the 10-year military adventurism that started with the Afghan war.

The Stop the War Coalition, formed in 2001 to protest unjust wars western officials describe as the “war on terrorism,” called for a mass rally on Saturday October 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan.

The campaign group said the rally that will feature distinguished people from all groups, including armed forces veterans, trade unionists, writers, academics and politicians, will be held to protest the ongoing wars and call on the British government to “bring the troops home.”

“The last ten years of war have been catastrophic. Tens of thousands killed in Afghanistan. A million killed in Iraq. More than 550 British soldiers dead,” the group said.

“The killing goes on. As politicians insist on deep cuts to essential public services, Britain is spending £5 billion a year on the war in Afghanistan,” it added.

This comes as it emerged last month that the cost of Britain’s involvement in the Libyan campaign has also run into £1.75 billion.

The NATO air strikes on Libya spearheaded by Britain and France also brought condemnation from around the world after repeated reports that the international forces targeted and killed innocent people in Tripoli in what they claimed were mistaken attacks on civilians.

“[We] will occupy Trafalgar Square on Saturday 8 October to show our opposition to war, representing the vast majority of people in Britain who have opposed Britain’s involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya,” the Stop the War Coalition said.

The group is also planning a series of rallies around the country along with “major cultural events in London,” in the run-up to the assembly.