MP target of anti-war demo

MP target of anti-war demo

Protesters want to change Mr Timms' mind

Anti-war campaigners have targeted an east London MP who backed the government and supported the military action against Iraq.

A coalition of Muslim groups held a protest march on Saturday, which they said attracted thousands of people, to put pressure on Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham, who backed the government's line to take military action against Iraq.

It was backed by the Stop The War Coalition and guest speakers included Labour MP George Galloway and poet Benjamin Zephania.

One of the organisers was Muddassar Ahmed from a local activist group called the Newham Public Affairs committee.

He told BBC London: "Stephen Timms is our MP, we gave him our votes but he supports the war on Iraq.

"This protest is against him as a person and as an MP. If we can change his mind then we can change central government's mind as well.

Stephen Timms MP supports the government's line

"If he doesn't listen then he may find himself in trouble at the next election."

In a statement, Mr Timms said: "I have met the protesters and outlined my view that there was no alternative to the current military action following Iraq's failure to take the final opportunity offered by the UN's Security Council to disarm."

The march began at 1200 GMT at the junction of Green Street and Romford Road.

It went up East Ham High Street and ended at the town hall. A delegation from the protesters met Mr Timms at 1400 GMT.

Scotland Yard said there were 23 separate peace protests across London on Saturday attracting up to 10,000 people in total.

There have been no arrests.

Several hundred people have also rallied outside BBC TV Centre in west London, as part of a campaign by the for more coverage of deaths and injuries to civilians.