Euro MP Christine Oddy will be joining a picket of the United States embassy in London on Saturday (17 October) as part of the continuing protest against America’s economic blockade of Cuba.

The blockade which has been declared illegal by the United Nations has resulted in severe shortages of food supplies, medicines and fuel in the Caribbean island, which has been forced to buy oil at hugely inflated prices.

The situation has been worsened by the recent hurricane Georges which has damaged thousands of homes and affected production of the sugar, banana and coffee crops.

In response the Cuba Solidarity Campaign has launched a month of activity for October, including Saturday's picket, a House of Commons public meeting and a concert at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Ms Oddy said:

"The world, including every country in the European Union, has overwhelmingly condemned America’s illegal blockade of Cuba. President Clinton has come out against terrorism and illegality by other countries and it is now time for him to put his own house in order by lifting the sanctions which are causing so much hardship."