UK activists sail solidarity flotilla down Thames
Thu Jun 30, 2011 1:55PM
Steve McCaul, Press TV, London
An act of solidarity. While vessels prepare to attempt to break the Gaza siege with an aid flotilla, a group in London sail their own flotilla down the river Thames.
The Free Gaza movement sailed through the centre of the city to the banks where the Houses of Parliament sit. Their aim was to take their message directly to MPs, some of whom were present on the boat.
According to Alex Harrison from Free Gaza, it's essential that they take action to show some form of solidarity.
She was one of the passengers on the Mavi Marmara, the ship which was raided by the Israeli army during the flotilla attempt last year. The group are hoping that their actions will raise awareness of the protection needed for the British people taking part in the Gaza flotilla this year.
The other purpose for this Flotilla was to promote the Free Palestine song which has been released by a group of British musicians. They are aiming to get it into the UK music charts in an attempt to promote the Palestinian cause.
The London flotilla came to an end when Police boarded the boat. But no trouble was caused and they left happy. There is hope that these sentiments are echoed if Israeli police do intercept the Gaza flotilla.
Although we're thousands of miles away, the solidarity here in London is as strong as it is on the continent where hundreds of people are lining up to attempt to sail to Gaza. The main hope of those here is that they've managed to influence the decision makers here at the House of Parliament.
