York MP Hugh Bayley today joined protests against Zimbabwe dictator Robert Mugabe outside the country's cricket Test Match against England.

The Labour MP said he had taken part in the anti-apartheid protests against the South Africa cricket tour 33 years ago. He said he was compelled to do the same at Lords today against the "human rights abuses" being committed by President Mugabe. Mr Bayley said: "Half the population of Zimbabwe are on the edge of faminebecause of Robert Mugabe's dreadful policies." Earlier this week, the Press told how Mr Bayley had slammed the English Cricket Board for allowing the tour to take place.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, May 22, 2003