By the time the rally at Marble Arch began there were perhaps 500 people at Marble Arch, the women staying in one corner of the area while the men gathered in front of the microphone. Some had earlier said prayers in two corners of the square.

Despite the peaceful intent of the march, and its highly organised nature - at one point it seemed likely there would be more stewards than other marchers - there was a large police presence for the event at Marble Arch and along the route, which seemed unnecessary.

The speakers (much of the event was in English) denounced American plans for a two-state settlement of the Palestine-Israel problem, as well as their support for the corrupt regimes in the area which are supported by America - including Israel, various Arab states and Mahmoud Abbas. Hizb ut Tahrir beleives that the region can only truly be stable through the formation of a new united Islamic Khalifah for the whole region, which will bring both peace and harmony to the area with "Jews, Christians and Muslims and peoples of other religions" able to "live together in peace and dignity as they did in the Khilafah of the past."

After the speeches the march, now nearer a thousand strong, moved off down Park Lane towards the Saudi Embassy, led by the men, with the women together as a group behind them.

More pictures on 'My London Diary' shortly:  http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2008/01/jan.htm