Thousands of people demonstrated in Brighton on Sunday 30th September, the first day of the Labour Party Conference. Estimates on numbers mainly range from 4-5000. Organised by several groups, see Globalise Resistance and Gatecrash Labour's Party, the demonstration gathered in a park space to protest against privitisation and other issues, with a strong anti-war focus. As the march was heading off, dozens of riot police moved into the crowd to make unprovoked 'intelligence led' arrests, dragging off wombles and others (see mpeg film clip). The march was heavily policed with conditions imposed agreed by Globalise Resistance under "Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1996", and was filmed by a large number of police cameras. A wide range of groups marched through the torrential rain and strong winds, past numerous blocked streets and along the seafront. Led by a 'carnival collective' band the march stuck to the agreed route and conditions, staying for around half an hour outside the conference centre before returning to the coach pick up point.

Pictures: one, two, three.

Accounts / Reports:
Legal view of police actions: here
Report by an independent reporter: here
Personal View of Brighton demo: here
Police state and direct action: here
We're Wet, We're Tired, But We Will Be Heard: here
Accusation and debate around arrests: here

Additional Info:
Corporate media coverge of Brighton protests.
Legal Information given out at demo.
Blaggers guide to labour conference.