When Nato came to Newport it imagined an easy ride. “We will put Newport on the map”, said Cameron. Nato generals presented the Mayors of Newport with its blood-soaked flag. “Welcome to Wales,” said the Welsh government leader. But they had an unexpected welcome from the people. Every day for two weeks, we hammered home our message of peace. We took over their official podiums and marched in our thousands.

When President Obama and other world leaders junketed in Cardiff Castle and Celtic Manor, planning their new wars on Russia and Iraq, thousands of voices outside the ring of steel fencing reached a crescendo, leaving them in no doubt as to what we in Wales thought of their wars. My belief in ordinary people was massively reinforced when the people of Newport lined their streets to cheer and clap the protest as we marched past the fortress of the Celtic Manor.

Ray Davies, Vice chair, CND Cymru