It seems unbelievable that Bush and Blair could be contemplating a new war in Iran while the fires they have already started in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to rage.

The British government says that it is pursuing diplomacy, but at the same time it refuses to rule out an attack – the same tactic we saw over Iraq. People up and down the country clearly see Blair has endless money for war but not for our hospitals, schools or pensions.

These are some of the reasons why 50,000 marchers from Penzance to Aberdeen streamed into Albert Square in Manchester on Saturday 23rd September before heading off on the circular route around the city centre.

Protesters held a "die in" at 2.30pm, lying on the ground to symbolise the countless deaths across Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine caused by the wars in the Middle East.

During the rally several speakers noted that it was the anti-war movement that represented the majority in the country and had created the political crisis now surrounding Blair's premiership. John Rees of the Stop the War Coalition said "We are still here marching, but Blair is on his way out," he said.

And he added a warning to Blair's probable successor. "To Gordon Brown, we say if you leave the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, then the same thing that happened to Tony Blair will happen to you."

The day was a fantastic mix of determination and optimism. At a time when social comments and politicians talk consistently about differences and lack of Muslim integration, it was fantastic to see people of all faiths, no faith, young and old united for the most important values of all, peace and justice.