Sanctions protest hits Millennium Wheel

The wheel is a major Thame-side tourist attraction

A man from West Wales has climbed part of the Millennium Wheel in protest at sanctions against Iraq.

Dave Rolstone, from Narberth in west Wales, spent an hour and a half on the 450ft-high tourist attraction, situated on the bank of the river Thames close to the House of Commons.

The 53-year-old is believed to be a member of a group called Voices in the Wilderness, which campaign's against economic sanctions against Iraq.

Saddam Hussein: UN sanction were imposed in 1990

Before mounting his protest, Mr Rolstone said: "I have visited Iraq myself and seen first hand the devastating effects of economic sanctions. This government's policy is a crime against humanity."

The demonstration was the first in a series of demonstrations planned by the group over the weekend.

They include a vigil at Whitehall and a protest walk from Trafalgar Square to the Foreign Office.

Campaigners say the international sanctions, imposed in 19990 after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, have caused "terrible hardship" on Iraqi people while having little effect on Saddam Hussein.

Scotland Yard said the protester was not arrested because his actions were civil trespass, making the incident a matter for British Airways, the owners of the £35m wheel.

A BA spokeswoman said no decision had been taken on whether to press charges.

The Voices in the Wilderness group said Mr Rolstone had come off the wheel so as to minimise disruption to passengers.

The opening of the attraction was delayed by about half an hour because of the protest.