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MP's Test match protest against 'brutal regime'

00:00, 23 May 2003

DEREK WYATT: "Sport is the new politics"
DEREK WYATT: "Sport is the new politics"

A PROTEST organised by a Kent MP is being staged at Lord's tomorrow against the England cricket team's Test series with Zimbabwe.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey's Labour MP Derek Wyatt, who was a fervent campaigner against World Cup matches being staged in Zimbabwe earlier this year, will be handing out leaflets and talking to fans on the opening day of the first Test match in London.

He said: "We shouldn't be playing cricket while Zimbabwe is in ruins. This isn't a representative team from Zimbabwe."

The campaigners, who include other MPs, human rights campaigners and people from Zimbabwe tortured by President Mugabe's regime, will have a protest bus at the match.

Mr Wyatt said sport was an important medium for protesting against "the brutal regime" and believes theirs will be one of several demonstrations during the five-day match.

He stressed: "Sport is the new politics. More countries belong to the International Olympic Committee and FIFA then the United Nations."

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