Defend Joe Glenton

It was a privilege on Tuesday night to speak alongside Clare Glenton at Sunderland Stop the War's public meeting, attended by over 40 people. When Clare arrived she told us of her husband Joe's arrest the previous night. When she spoke in the meeting there was clearly huge admiration for her own and Joe's commitment to oppose a war they believe passionately is unjust and wrong. People were impressed, also, at Clare visiting us at a time of such pressure and strain.

Clare referred to the support her husband had received from fellow soldiers, which is evidently a major source of encouragement for Joe. The solidarity of the anti-war movement is also crucial, which will be expressed in a protest in London later today.

Lindsey German, convenor of Stop the War Coalition: "In the last few days a range of military personnel have been speaking in the media in defence of this appalling war. I doubt any of them have been arrested. This is about the persecution of a soldier who believes in telling the truth in accordance with his conscience. He is saying what the majority of the population believe; this war is unwinnable and immoral. The anti-war movement will be doing everything possible to get Joe released."

Emergency Protest: Thursday 12 November, 5pm, Ministry Of Defence, Whitehall

Email: Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth: defencesecretary@mod.uk or ainsworthr@parliament.uk
Write: Secretary of State for Defence, Floor 5, Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB • FAX: 020 7218 6538
Messages of Support: defendjoeglenton@gmail.com