- Organisers of today's demonstration against the controversial
visit of President George Bush claimed that up to 150,000 people joined
the protest.
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- The numbers taking part in a march and others waiting
in Trafalgar Square for a rally were a record for any weekday protest in
the UK, it was claimed.
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- Stop The War Coalition said 130,000 people were on the
march, which started close to Euston Station and was passing the House
of Commons and Whitehall before ending at Trafalgar Square.
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- Around 15,000 people lined the route of the march, waiting
to join in, while thousands more waited in Trafalgar Square.
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- "This phenomenal response shows the depth of feeling
of the British public towards this visit," said a spokesman.
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- Armed with posters, banners and drums, one large group
crowded into Malet Street in Bloomsbury for the start of a symbolic Stop
the War march past Parliament and along Whitehall.
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- Foghorns blared and whistles were blown as the crowd
chanted anti-war slogans.
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- The atmosphere was light-hearted, with many singing and
dancing down the street.
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- The start of the march was delayed by the police because
they underestimated the number of protesters that would attend, according
to a Stop The War Coalition spokesman.
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- A ring of stewards formed around several personalities
at the head of the march, including Blur front man Damon Albarn.
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- Mr Albarn said: "My reason is the same as those
taken by people collectively today... and Bush's visit is an opportunity
to re-express what they feel." He called the protest a "smart
march for smart people".
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- A second group has congregated in Trafalgar Square.
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- More than 5,000 police officers are on duty in the capital
to ensure the march runs smoothly.
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- ©2003 Associated New Media
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- http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/7772241?source=Evening%20Standard
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