the serious organised crime and police act section 132, banning 'unauthorised' demonstrations around parliament, faces its biggest challenge in the morning when law lords deliver their verdict on charles clarke and the met's appeal against a previous ruling allowing peace campaigner to remain in parliament square with his anti-war banners.

while other activists have to apply for police permission six days in advance for any protest near parliament, brian has been allowed to remain after a high court ruling that said that the socpa act could not be applied retrospectively to his solo demonstration that had been ongoing for four years.

charles clarke's appeal against this ruling has finally been considered in the high court and the world's media are expected to be present in the square when the verdict is delivered.

if the decision is in favour of brian, other groups will have a stronger case in their judicial review against being banned from demonstrating. if the verdict is against brian then ALL people are banned from any form of spontaneous protest by this draconian legislation. permission will ahve to be sought in advance from the police to engage in any sort of political demonstration anywhere near parliament.

it is likely a civil rights movement will build against this measure, possibly starting with some sort of peace camp in parliament square, as recently seen in east european revolutionary contexts.

brian himself will be in the square in the morning waiting for the decision and all concerned individuals, organisations and supporters are urged to join him there when he gives his reaction and statement to the press.

the high court convenes at 10am in the strand to deliver the verdict.

please come and show solidarity either at the court or the square or both.

MONDAY 8th MAY

the sunday picnics will continue from 1.30 every sunday - all are welcome. discussions and debate create ideas to challenge this law and build towards a 'coalition of the willing' to fight the government's continual erosion of public freedom and establish some future bill of rights or constitution to protect basic freedoms. please feel welcome to come and be part of this, and bring something to share.

www.peopleincommon.org