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Marks and Spencer demo knocks down barriers

Sid Arthur | 18.06.2004 09:16 | Anti-racism | London

Less Zionists + Less police = a nice happy evening.

Another demonstration against Marks and Spencer went ahead last night to expose the companys huge material and ideological support of Israel. I was expecting the numbers on the demo to be down significantly because of the England game being played at the same time...I should have had a bit more confidence though, as over 20 people showed up.

There were 2 particularly pleasing signs on the evening - but not crucial ones. Firstly, as I turned up at 6 o'clock the Zionist counter-demo had been reduced to one person. That's right - one. 1. As in 1 more than ditto. Though he did well, rallying support to a massive 3 on the night! Obviously football is more important to these Zionists than Israel. Good. Secondly, for the second week running there were no police barriers in place around the demonstrations. Furthermore, the attitude of the police was more relaxed and reasonable, allowing demonstrators to petition and communicate with the public relatively freely. This is most likely a result of the misguided tactics previously employed by the police which led to 2 illegal arrests and the Met facing probable legal action.

However, the Zionists and the police are not our main concern. The Zionist counter-demo could go all together and the police may then leave too. But to us we would still be back to square one. The crucial point and the purpose of these demonstrations against Marks and Spencer have always been to build up support for the Palestinian people here. To keep it in the public consciousness and produce an effective solidarity campaign in Britain. I urge all people who support Palestine to come out and join us, we've been going weekly for well over 3 years now and it is imperative that we don't just keep going but keep growing. The bottom line truth is that the crimes against the Palestinians are continuing and that is why we must continue to spread. There was a successful demo against the M&S in Holloway last week and there's going to be one at Camden M&S this Saturday, 12 till 2pm.

Join us on Saturday and join us next and every Thursday at Marks and Spencer Oxford St (Marble Arch end) 6 till 8pm.

Victory to the Intifada!

Sid Arthur
- e-mail: victoryintifada@hotmail.com
- Homepage: http://www.revolutionarycommunist.com