Council condemns Iraq war

Council condemns Iraq war

The protest is being made by other cities in Europe

The leader of Manchester City Council has denounced the war in Iraq as "unjustified".

Councillor Richard Leese made the comments as the authority flew the town hall flag at half-mast in protest over the deaths of civilians, as well coalition and Iraqi troops.

The council suspended protocol on flying the flag above the town hall in this way - usually reserved to mark the death of a council member or world figure - to make the protest.

However, its decision has provoked opposition from some residents.

The symbolic gesture has been made as part of a Europe-wide initiative, which also involves the cities of Helsinki, Seville and Leipzig.

I suggest the council should all resign if they feel that much against the war

Resident, interviewed by BBC GMR

On Thursday, Mr Leese said: "We believe that military action, with the inevitable loss of innocent lives caught up in this conflict, is neither necessary or justified."

However, Mr Leese also made it clear the council "totally condemns the current totalitarian regime in Iraq".

"Saddam Hussein has led a regime that has butchered hundreds of thousands of its own citizens," he said.

"[But] we believe the UN weapons inspectors should have been given more time to do their work."

However, some Manchester residents criticised the council's protest.

'No insult'

One man told BBC GMR: "I suggest the council should all resign if they feel that much against the war."

A woman questioned the impact on the morale of allied troops the protest would have.

Another said: "[The lowering of the flag] is not the view of all of the people of Manchester, that's the view of certain people and the city is for everyone."

However, Martin Pagel, the council's deputy leader, said: "I don't think it is an insult to anyone, to mark the tragic loss of life that is currently taking place."