London Human Chain – June 13

50,000 people with banners, whistles and drums swamped central London today to show their support for the Jubilee 2000 campaign to drop the debts of the poorest countries.

Bright sunshine greeted supporters as they descended on central London from all over Britain. People gathered first in venues across the city organised by Coalition partners including Christian Aid, CAFOD, MAYC, Medact, Jubilee 2000 Afrika campaign, Oxfam, WDM, and Reform Judaism. Many thousands attended the Drop the Debt Now rally in Trafalgar Square to listen to an incredible range of speakers from all backgrounds. As well as Archbishop Carey, the line up included Rodney Bickerstaffe, General Secretary of UNISON, Yoon Youngmo, a trade union leader from Korea, Jean Lambert from the Green Party and Vandana Shiva, an environmentalist from India.

CAFOD had a festival of debt-busting activities in Archbishop's park from face-painting to drumming and a photo-stunt with pictures of the world leaders. About 3000 people turned up and listened to a wide range of speakers and musicians. Amongst the speakers were Father Joe Komakoma and Chawe Mapande from Zambia who spoke about children who sit everyday in classrooms waiting for the government to deliver resources for their education. The children would continue to wait until debts were cancelled.

Barbara Crowther, Head of Campaigns at CAFOD said: “It was an unforgettable day. 3000 people – young and old – united by one thing: that Life is more important than Debt and that debt relief programmes must reflect that. I defy any world leader to tell them that they are wrong”

Cardinal Hume was ill and unable to come, however he sent an inspiring message to the Human Chain: “I am sorry to be unable to be with you, but I will be there in spirit. Taking decisive action to remove the burden of unpayable debt is a wonderful aim for the millennium Jubilee which has inspired many of all faiths. I hope and pray that political leaders will act boldly and generously and seek to ensure that the benefits reach the poorest of the poor.”

Christian Aid held an event in Westminster Central Hall which was packed full of supporters, mainly dressed in red and white. After a service, in which Bishop Mandlate from the Mozambique Campaign preached, supporters streamed onto the Victoria Embankment. They were led by Archbishop of Canterbury and 8 of Christian Aid's partners.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey said: “I identify with a campaign drawing people from around the world. Many people are dying because of debt bondage, because of unpayable debts. The G8 must lift the burden of unpayable debt as part of a whole programme leading to betterment of for brothers and sisters worldwide.”

By 1.30pm, it was already clear that the event was going to a spectacular one. Streams of people with banners descended on the river from all directions. Three samba bands led dancing crowds along the river route. Youth groups shouted themselves hoarse: “What do we want? Cancel the Debt! When do we want it? NOW!”

At 2.30pm, huge cheers greeted a giant 4 storey high inflatable bottle bobbed along the river Thames between the Bridges with an unmistakeable message on its label: “DROP THE DEBT NOW” It was accompanied by a flotilla of boats decked with colourful banners calling for debt cancellation – one of which carried the 12 million petition signatures that have been collected so far.

As Big Ben struck three, a tidal wave of noise rolled along the river banks, as people linked arms to form 3 kilometre chain. The atmosphere was electric as shouts echoed across the river. A gospel choir sang an emotional rendition of Redemption Song, which was transmitted along the chain route to supporters. The chain dissolved after about 20 minutes – symbolising the call to break the chains of debt which enslave the poorest countries.

The whole day was broadcast live by Spectrum 558AM, with indepth coverage of debt issues, interviews, music and commentary on the events as they took place. Tearfund, a Jubilee 2000 Coalition partner, provided live multimedia coverage on www.tearfund.org/news .

A young supporter from St Peters, Newbigate said: “I have been supporting Jubilee 2000 and Christian Aid for a few years now. I am going on the chain to make Tony Blair conscious of the need for action.”

Diokano, a Christian Aid partner from the Freedom from Debt Coalition in Philippines said: “I am here because I believe for us to break the chains of debt bondage, we need the solidarity of people over the world. I think people remember the action we took to oust the dictator Marcos in 1986. This is a bigger challenge and we will need all solidarity we can get.”

The London Chain was one of many Chain Reaction events around the world before the G8 Summit in Cologne on 19 June 1999. Over a million people are expected to take to the streets in over 60 countries before the Summit.

Ann Pettifor said: “Today shows that Jubilee 2000 is an unstoppable global force. The argument is won. Ten million people have signed the petition, more than 2 million have supported the drop the debt site, 1 million are taking to the streets in the next week.

Yesterday 10,000 Scots triggered a Global Chain Reaction. Thousands of people in Wales did the same. Today 50,000 gathered in London to send a message to the G8 leaders. Have they got the message? Have they got the bottle to drop the debt?”

• Photos of Rally and Human Chain