Organised by Cambridge Action Network the group thinks the war is unjustified and is calling for troops
to be brought home. One of the Campaigners, Mr. Aran Mathai said
“This war has cost 295 British lives and 30,000 Afghan lives. In
common with most British people we want to see our troops home from
Afghanistan”.

The group feel that this war cannot bring about peace and that the
operation in Afghanistan damages the reputation of British people
around the world. “The War in Afghanistan has not improved our
domestic security nor has it helped the people of that land. It
has, conversely, led to the deaths of our troops and suffering to
Afghan civilians, particularly children.” he added.

The protesters say that with the country in recession a cut to the
military budget can only be a positive thing for Britain. “We call
for the British Troops to be brought home and military spending to
be redirected toward social spending in the UK instead of budget
cuts.”

These military marches with armed soldiers are being staged through all East Anglian towns and cities this summer. The Anglian Regiment were granted freedom of the city in 1979 but we have not seen this happening in Cambridge as far as I know. Indeed have not seen marches in recent memory except a london march by Margaret Thatcher following the Faulklands war. We have to ask why we it is considered necessary now to parade armed soldiers through our cities in clear opposition to the wishes of many citizens, hosted by a liberal council who opposed this war!