Northwood to Battersea walkers seek a world without war, nuclear weapons and violence

Dozens participate in 20-mile London stretch of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence

Around 50 peace campaigners have taken part in a 20+ mile, two-day walk across London this weekend (17-18 October), linking in with a three-month global initiative called the World March for Peace and Nonviolence (2 October – 2 January, 2010) endorsed by a host of well-known personalities and organisations.

The London walk started on Saturday morning near Northwood Permanent Joint Forces / NATO Headquarters, Middlesex, where a 40-minute vigil was held at the gates of the base. Speeches were made by World March UK co-ordinator Jon Swinden, Sonia Azad of Children Against War and organiser Daniel Viesnik, who also read out a message of support from John McDonnell MP (Labour, Hayes and Harlington).

On Sunday, the walk started from Brent Town Hall, Wembley arriving at Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park for lunch. There they where treated to an interactive play on the themes of peace, nonviolence and the power of the imagination written and directed by Charlie Wiseman.

In the afternoon, walkers passed the US embassy and 9/11 memorial in Grosvenor Square, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Square, reaching their final destination, the London Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park, in fading light at 6.30pm.

Daniel Viesnik, 34, a peace activist from north London, the main organiser of the London walk, said:

“ I was thrilled when I heard about the World March for Peace and Nonviolence, a fantastic initiative to unite people of all nations striving for a society based on love, peace and justice. I believe in the transformative power of people united in positive thought and action and wanted to encourage participation in this inspiring project.

"It is significant that the walk passed through areas of the capital which are home to many refugees who have fled conflict in their own countries, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and areas which are the scene of much street violence; but London is proudly also a model for ethnic, religious and cultural diversity and tolerance.

"Overall, we had a successful and enjoyable walk and were encouraged by the many expressions of support we received from the public along the way. We wish the base team of the World March well as they continue their journey around the world."

Other supporters of the London walk included peace activist Bruce Kent, Jean Lambert (Green MEP for London), Trident Ploughshares and World Without Wars.