In Britain, a group of anti-war protesters prepares to travel to Iraq - 2003-01-23

In Britain, a group of anti-war protesters is preparing to travel to Iraq to form what are called human shields at key facilities in the country. The first group of 50 activists plans to leave London on Saturday and begin their two-week journey to Baghdad using two double-decker buses. The members of this group intend to camp in front of hospitals, water treatment facilities, and other locations that may be potential targets of a possible US or British attack on Iraq. This group has informed British Prime Minister Tony Blair of their intentions. The leader of the group states that the protesters want their country's leader to understand that participation in a military attack on Iraq could lead to the killing of British citizens. British officials say there are currently no plans to initiate war against Iraq; however, the military mobilization of the United States and Britain in the Persian Gulf region has accelerated. Recent polls in Britain indicate that anti-war sentiment is growing in the country, yet two-thirds of British citizens still say they would support war if the United Nations Security Council approves military action against Iraq.