A campaigner for soldiers' welfare has spoken out against the looming Iraqi conflict after joining in the massive London peace march.

Martin Lawton, a former squaddie who served in Northern Ireland in the 80s, was one of about a million people protesting on Saturday against the war.

He said: "It was electrifying: it was fantastic to be part of something so big."

Mr Lawton, 40, of Coronation Way, Kidderminster, marched because he believes men injured in the Middle East would be virtually abandoned on their return.

"Servicemen will be used and abused: there will hardly be any welfare for them when they come back," he said.

Mr Lawton - who knows several veterans suffering from Gulf War syndrome - added he was concerned for his brother, a reservist facing a call-up.

He also argued civilians would be caught in the crossfire of any war.

"I don't believe innocent Iraqi people should suffer."

He added: "I think it's an unnecessary war - inspectors should be given more time. Tony Blair is not listening to anybody."

Mr Lawton has lobbied the Ministry of Defence since 1993 to make life insurance a term of servicemen's contracts. "It's too expensive for them to pay for out of their wage packets - especially if they're privates," he said.

Mr Lawton has written to the Prime Minister, successive defence chiefs and district MPs in his quest - but he admits he has got "nowhere".

The father of two started campaigning after he broke his neck in 1992 playing hockey with the Territorial Army and found he had no cover.

He claims he had been told he was insured and says he was "betrayed" by the MoD.

Mr Lawton - who has partial paralysis in his right arm and arthritis in his spine - lost his job as a transport foreman and his house following the accident.

In 2000 the MoD finally paid him £130,000 in an out-of-court settlement. The MoD declined to comment.