I thought people might be interested in a report on the Stop the War Coalition's steering committee which met on 27th January, the day after the 1,000+ demo at Fairford. I'm a delegate from Sussex Action for Peace.

The meeting lasted nearly two hours and mainly discussed the march on 15th February. This is going to be very big, with two starting points, the Embankment and Gower Street near Euston station, to accommodate everyone. The marches will merge in Piccadilly on the way to Hyde Park.

Hyde Park police have refused permission for a rally but that is being challenged. With potential speakers like Nelson Mandela and the Archbishop of Canterbury and up to a million people expected you're in quite a strong
position. The Hyde park police refused a rally to a rather famous demonstration in 1990 against the poll tax and it had to meet in Trafalgar Square instead. Scotland Yard aren't very keen on repeating that.

The rally is expected to last from 2 to 5, dusk being at 5.15. There may be two stages. The Daily Mirror is supporting the march, possibly with a front page countdown for two weeks beforehand.

I asked for Fairford to be discussed as it was urgent, important and the coalition never try to build for it. The chair told me he would "see if there's time at the end or discuss it at the next meeting". There was no time and it was not discussed. The phrase direct action was not used once during the meeting.

I think the coalition are doing a great job organising what will be the biggest march in this country for years. On the other hand, they have no idea about direct action. Socialist Worker, whose members lead the coalition, has been talking about mass direct action after 15th February but are doing no planning. In fact the convenor of the coalition has described NVDA training as 'elitist'. Although called a coalition it is not exactly inclusive of the thousands of people who want to take direct action against the war and I think we just note that and carry on, challenging them if they actively try to stop stuff happening.

I hope that was useful.

Colin