Anti-war plans
Students from across the university gathered at Somerville College on Monday night to discuss the organisation of activities to publicly express their opposition to the war on Iraq.
After a period of inactivity over the summer vacation since the previous anti-war meeting in Trinity Term, the four students heading the meeting expressed their desire to formulate some definite plans for action. Matt Sellwood of New College, Julian Hudson of St. Hugh's and James Lazou and Hannah Stoddart, both from Wadham were eager to hear the ideas of those who attended and to organize participation in protests in Oxford at the end of this month.
Following on from the national demonstration in London on September 28 against war on Iraq, anti-war groups are calling for a national day of demonstration and civil disobedience on October 31. Oxford-based groups, such as the local branch of the Stop The War Coalition, are planning to arrange activities in the city on this date to protest against military attacks.
Matt Sellwood encouraged members of the university to take a stand against war in the Middle East because he believes that the university's prestigious status will give them a powerful voice in both the local and national media. He was pleased with the students' response to direct action, saying that "about five times as many people as I thought would be interested [in direct action] were interested. There's a lot of energy here and I find it really inspiring".
More peaceful methods for raising awareness, such as concerts, street theatre and petitions are also on the agenda.
Chris Allan, a fresher from Somerville, said "I think it's important to get involved when the government's point of view represents something you fundamentally disagree with".
17th Oct 2002