A team of Greenpeace climbers has scaled Big Ben and held a banner, reading 'TIME FOR THE TRUTH' beneath the clock face.
At around 6.30am on the first anniversary of the US-lead invasion of Iraq two volunteers climbed over two fences separating Westminster Bridge from the Houses of Parliament. Free-climbing using specialist equipment that ensured there was no damage to the structure, it took one hour for the Greenpeace team to reach the famous clock face.
Speaking from Parliament Square, Greenpeace Executive Director Stephen Tindale said,
"It's time we got the truth about why thousands of people had to die in a war that the world did not want. Iraq posed no threat to Britain or the US but still Tony Blair drove a horse and cart through the international security system -all because he puts his relationship with George Bush above the rule of law and his own electorate."
The climbers say they will remain on Big Ben until nightfall in protest at Mr Blair misleading Parliament over the Iraq war.
Stephen Tindale added:
"If Mr Blair wants to regain trust he must stop spinning and stalling. Why were we misled on Iraq's non-existent arsenal of banned weapons? When did Mr Blair promise George Bush we'd go to war? What did the Attorney-General tell him in the lead up to war?"
For more information please contact Greenpeace Press Office on 0207 865 8255.
