a million protesting about Iraq war did not influence BlairIndirectly (even directly sometimes) - demonstration/public protest and vigils in Countries with parliamentary democracies are a useful litmus test for MPs to gauge public opinion for these issues and thus whether to hold the Government’s foreign policy to account either favourably or negatively - demonstrations in one Country can influence the outcome of a conflict in another (as well as its own) if popular opinion influences the decision as to whether or not a Prime Minister/President agrees to ‘boots on the ground’ for example in a war where the her/his Country’s interests are being threatened. Demonstrations bring the issues more directly into contact with the general public and provide a platform for promoting change which in itself can alleviate suffering when listeners eg donate to international aid groups and other NGOs with relief. Demonstrations attract media attention which in turn informs the electorate through in depth analysis and background reports. Public opinion matters to Politicians. An informed electorate can change the course of history.