04 Feb 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Stop the war rally on 15 February - statement from Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State For Culture, Media and Sport
Hyde Park

"I have today agreed that Hyde Park should be the venue for the Stop the War rally on 15 February. This follows several days of intensive work by my Department to find a better venue for the Rally. Everyone agrees that Hyde Park is far from ideal for an event of this kind at this time of year.

"The right of protestors to organise and take part in peaceful marches and rallies has never been questioned. The issue has only ever been to find a venue that is as safe as possible for those taking part.

"When CND first approached the Royal Parks Agency to ask for the use of Hyde Park as a rally point for its marchers on 15 February, the Royal Parks Constabulary, the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council gave unanimous advice that permission for the rally should not be given.

"Ministers accepted this advice and asked that alternative venues for the rally be considered. Those alternative venues have included Trafalgar Square, which is the normal venue for winter rallies, and the Mall. The Mayor has now ruled out Trafalgar Square, and the Metropolitan Police advise against holding the rally in the Mall.

"We hope that the leaders of the rally will work with the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police to mitigate the risks to the public."

Further information:
http://www.culture.gov.uk.