SSP defends pupil protest

TOMMY Sheridan, the leader of the Scottish Socialists, was accused of exploiting schoolchildren last night after urging more than 2,000 taking part in an anti-war march to engage in a campaign of civil disobedience.

Many of the youngsters had played truant to take part in the day-long demonstration in Edinburgh, which ended with two arrests. Most of the youngsters were aged 16 or under, and onlookers expressed shock at the sight of an eight-year-old child handing out Anarchist Worker leaflets.

The education spokesman for the Scottish Tories, Brian Monteith, said: "This is political exploitation of children and Sheridan should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.

"Pupils are entitled to their views, but if they wish to protest about this issue then they should do so in their own free time, not while they should be at school."

But Mr Sheridan rejected the claims, telling the protesters: " I think your actions today prove that the young people of this country care about what is done in their name. Those who are irresponsible are Tony Blair and George Bush and the other politicians who are going to support the invasion of a country with 3,000 bombs and missiles in the space of 48 hours."

As the One o’Clock Gun sounded from Edinburgh Castle, the pupils, from both state and private schools, lay down in Princes Street in what they described as a "die-in".

After a demonstration outside the Parliament, the crowd set off for the US consulate in Regent Terrace, where they broke through police lines.