On February 15, 2003, I had the privilege of addressing what was probably the largest demonstration in Scottish history, when 100,000 people rallied outside the SEEC.
Tony Blair flew up in a helicopter and made a speech inside the building. We were condemned as being “pro-Saddam”, and consequently “morally corrupt”.
He then flew off. He should have continued his journey in the chopper for only a few minutes, and would have seen what Hans Blix never found.
The weapons of mass destruction were not hidden in the sands of Iraq, but flaunted in Faslane. They still are, and will be as long as we are part of the British state.
At that time, demonstrations took place in cities all over the world. In London, Jeremy Corbyn addressed a huge rally. I am not a member of the Labour Party, but as a peace activist, over the years I have developed considerable respect for Mr Corbyn.
Never more so than now. He has held to his principles, and he has courage. Chilcot has vindicated him as it has the millions of others who protested against the war on Iraq.
Brian Quail
Glasgow
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