Wednesday December 7th 2005 marks a sad, and disgraceful day in British history. Following a three hour trial at Bow Street Magistrates Court, 25 year old Maya Ann Evans was convicted of breaching section 132 of the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Her crime? To stand by the Cenotaph in Whitehall, reading out the names of British Servicemen killed in Iraq.

This small, but respectful ceremony has changed the face of British law, and the rights of our people to hold peaceful demonstrations. The very fact that Maya Ann chose to highlight the illegal war, and subsequent loss of life suffered by those who fought, makes it all the more dangerous. How are we to remember the men and women who, through no fault of their own, give their lives for Blair’s Folly? Are we to silently accept that the New Labour government is free to declare war on hapless countries, simply because we don’t like the leader of that country?

The basis of the prosecution rests on the banning of demonstrations within one kilometre of Westminster. This bastion of British democracy, has in the past seen many different demos, ranging from small one, two person demonstrations, to well organised, mass demos. But why go to the trouble of arresting, and then charging a young woman, who, rather than demonstrate, aimed to hold a small remembrance ceremony? The way New Labour treats the honest citizens of this country is nothing short of an absolute disgrace. If we cannot remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, then how are we to even remember who we are in future?