Anti War Demonstration In Kirkcaldy

3rd November 2001
Around 150 people attended an anti-war demonstration in Kirkcaldy today. The protest under the umbrella of The Fife Coalition For Justice Not War was hailed as a success by organisers.

Following a march through the streets of Kirkcaldy, demonstrators were addressed by local peace activists including former Mid-Scotland & Fife MEP Alec Falconer, and a representative of the Commission For Racial Equality. Jim Parkes spoke on behalf of the Green Party, Linda Graham on behalf of the Scottish Socialist Party, Jock Penman for Dignity For Asylum Seekers (Fife) and Jim Balfour from Trident Ploughshares. Local man Adam Doig spoke on behalf of Fife's Young People.

John McAllion MSP was unable to attend because of a prior engagement, but sent the following message which was read out,

"Please accept my apologies for not being able to be with you this morning. Like a growing number of Scots, I reject the lie that the slaughter of innocents in New York on September 11th can be used as justification for the slaughter of innocents in Afghanistan over these past weeks.

"The ongoing military action against Afghanistan is morally wrong and wholly counterproductive. Far from combating terrorism, it will act as a recruiting sergeant for it. It will also make very much worse the situation of a nation that is already on the edge of starvation.

"There is no alternative to action taken under the rule of international law and the auspices of the United Nations. The present war woefully fails that standard. It is not a just war. It should be opposed and stopped."

A message of support from Tommy Sheridan MSP was also read out.

Another demonstration is planned for Fife in the near future.