London F15 Precis
2,000,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | 16.02.2003 17:37
Millions around the world demonstrated against war in the largest global wave of co-ordinated protests ever. Protests were held in 603 cities including Belfast (30,000) and Dublin (100,000). A major demo in Glasgow (up to 100,000) showed Blair who was in town what was thought of his war-plans
In London organisers estimated between 1.5 million and 2 million people took part in the largest uk protest ever, sending a clear message to Blair and the world. The streets began filling with people mid-morning as roads were closed to both normal traffic as well as buses. The march set off early from two starting points due to the sheer weight of numbers. The police estimated half a million at midday, the intended start time of the march (later estimating a total of 750,000, though by their own admission this did not include those who later joined the march or who went direct to Hyde Park).
The march was very densely pack along most of the route with a sea of placcards and home made banners. Every corner of the country was represented with many taking part in their first demonstration. Despite freezing temperatures people remained in Hyde Park to listen to an afternoon of speeches from politicians, campaigners and popstars, before dispersing back to well over 1000 coaches that had brought many to london.
An autonomous space was set up in the park with a battery powered sound system, while 35,000 newspapers promoting direct action against the war were distributed. After 3pm there were scuffles near the American embassy as a crowd of around 100 people were forcefully pushed back by police (one arrest was reported). After the rally had finished another crowd of several hundred danced around the streets leading to the embassy, before moving off down oxford street where passers by shouted support.
Later planned civil disobedience against the war went ahead in Piccadilly Circus where around 100 protestors blocked the road for several hours. Prepared to be arrested they refused to leave and were supported by several hundred others who cheered as police dragged wave after wave away.
Mainstream media coverage has been extensive, with many reporting the 1-2 Million figure. Several papers dubbed it "The people's march" and there has been much talk of "middle england" taking to the streets. Despite this many newspapers continue to support Blair's plans for war.
In London organisers estimated between 1.5 million and 2 million people took part in the largest uk protest ever, sending a clear message to Blair and the world. The streets began filling with people mid-morning as roads were closed to both normal traffic as well as buses. The march set off early from two starting points due to the sheer weight of numbers. The police estimated half a million at midday, the intended start time of the march (later estimating a total of 750,000, though by their own admission this did not include those who later joined the march or who went direct to Hyde Park).
The march was very densely pack along most of the route with a sea of placcards and home made banners. Every corner of the country was represented with many taking part in their first demonstration. Despite freezing temperatures people remained in Hyde Park to listen to an afternoon of speeches from politicians, campaigners and popstars, before dispersing back to well over 1000 coaches that had brought many to london.
An autonomous space was set up in the park with a battery powered sound system, while 35,000 newspapers promoting direct action against the war were distributed. After 3pm there were scuffles near the American embassy as a crowd of around 100 people were forcefully pushed back by police (one arrest was reported). After the rally had finished another crowd of several hundred danced around the streets leading to the embassy, before moving off down oxford street where passers by shouted support.
Later planned civil disobedience against the war went ahead in Piccadilly Circus where around 100 protestors blocked the road for several hours. Prepared to be arrested they refused to leave and were supported by several hundred others who cheered as police dragged wave after wave away.
Mainstream media coverage has been extensive, with many reporting the 1-2 Million figure. Several papers dubbed it "The people's march" and there has been much talk of "middle england" taking to the streets. Despite this many newspapers continue to support Blair's plans for war.
2,000,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!