The Luton University Students had organised an anti-fascist meeting for last night (Friday 1st May) but the Bedfordshire Police prevented it from happening citing Public Order excuses.

Local MP Kelvin Hopkins, union shop stewarts, Stop the War Coalition, Hope Not Hate and other anti-fascists agreed to attend the meeting.

Kelvin Hopkins agreed to speak at the meeting, but he was told by the Police the meeting had been cancelled. The Luton Students Union were told the by the police the meeting had been cancelled on the grounds of public order, BUT the police had not informed the organisers of such.

Bearing in mind the meeting was going to be held in the Students Union premises (ie off the street) we are not convinced that any Public Order offences were likely to occur.

I know these facts are sketchy so if anyone knows any further details please add a comment to this piece.

Sounds a little like recent Police clampdowns on demonstrations and meetings before they actually happen. Maybe this country needs some kind of POLICE WATCH campaign to pile pressure on the Police not to act beyond their powers and for a campaign to reduce the power of the Police