Interestingly , the Stop the War Coalition press release (see below) claims that
The Metropolitan Police seem set to withdraw permission for demonstrators to assemble in the Square
The Police could withdraw permission for a procession or march which blocks traffic on the highway, under the various laws which govern those e.g. sections 11 to 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.
However , under Section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, they cannot actually withdraw permission, since that has to be automatically granted if a written application is made "at least 6 clear days" or at least 24 hours" beforehand
What they can do under Section 135. is to arbitrarily add to or change the Conditions which may or may not have been imposed when the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis autoomatically granted permission for a "demonstration" within the Designated Area.
It will be interesting to see if there are any arrests for breaking the terms of such conditions, which will be a first use of those particular sections of this dreadful law.
Stop the War Coalition Press Release:
Stop the War Coalition
Press Release
Immediate
Friday 10 March 2007 2.25 pmStop the War Coalition in battle for Parliament Square
'Protest will go ahead no matter what the authorities say'
The Stop the War Coalition are preparing for a battle over the use of Parliament Square ahead of the national anti-war demonstration set for next Saturday, 18 March 2006.
The Metropolitan Police seem set to withdraw permission for demonstrators to assemble in the Square to sign a petition initiated by Tony Benn for a War Crimes Tribunal. This has been set as the starting point for the demonstration and march to Trafalgar Square..
Parliament Square is also set to be used for an installation by anti-war artist, David Gentleman, of 100,000 'blood splatters' representing the dead in Iraq.
The police had previously agreed to the use of the Square but with just a week to go they seem intent on reneging on the agreement.
'We think the police must be subject to political pressure' says Stop the War Coalition convenor Lindsey German. 'We've faced this kind of resistance before despite the fact that there has never been any problem with any of our 13 national demonstrations. It is simply too late to alter our plans now and we intend to go ahead with the protest as planned.'
'We are calling on all those coming to the demonstration to redouble their efforts to bring friends, family, workmates and community to the march so that we can defend our right to protest.'
The demonstration marks the third anniversary of the war and occupation of Iraq and tens of thousands of people are xpected to attned calling for - Troops Home from Iraq, Don't Attack Iran and Defend the Muslim Community (see: www.stopwar.org.uk)
For more information contact:
Lindsey German - (t) 07810 540 584
Andrew Burgin - (t) 07939 242 229
David Wilson - (t) 07951 579 064Stop the War Coalition
27 Britainnia Street
London WC1X 9JPT: 020 7278 6694