London's Feb 15th Peace Rally Ban 'Could Spark Riot'

Published on Thursday, January 30, 2003 by ITV News
London's Feb 15th Peace Rally Ban 'Could Spark Riot'
Peace marchers may riot if they are not allowed to hold a rally in London, an MP has warned
 
The Stop the War Coalition has been told that protesters can march through the capital on February 15 but will be banned from gathering in Hyde Park afterwards.

Labour MP George Galloway said Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell had informed the Coalition of the rally ban.

"This is an extraordinary turn of events. It would amount to an absolute crime against civil liberties in Britain," said Mr Galloway, MP for Glasgow Kelvin and a vehement critic of war in Iraq.

"If what is expected to be half-a-million people come to London to register their opposition to war, they will be allowed to march through the streets of London but they are not allowed to have a rally at the end of it. "

The Stop The War Coalition, estimates that more than 500,000 people will join next month's march.