Protest at war and occupation

SEVEN YEARS of war and occupation in Afghanistan, and five and a half years in Iraq, have produced hundreds of thousands of casualties and fatalities in those countries. Britain's support for America's imperialist aims has cost the lives of almost 300 British service personnel.

A recent book by a former chief economist at the World Bank estimates the wars will cost Britain over £20 billion. The long-term worldwide cost was estimated at £1.67 trillion.

A sane, rational world would use such sums instead to eliminate poverty, hunger and disease; and make the necessary paradigm shift in transport and energy production away from polluting technologies that risk climate change, to safe renewable energy. A sane world, though, is impossible under capitalism.

Dave Nellist

Demonstrate outside Labour Party conference, Saturday 20 September, 12.30pm, Cavendish Street, Manchester M15 (demo called by Manchester Stop the War Coalition and CND).