[Imc-uk-features] feature proposal

[frilby at riseup.net]

for mcr, front page and anti-militarism

phil



Military Families Set to Defy Ban on Peace Camp

"We think it's because it's the Labour conference and they don't want us
going and voicing our opinions"  Rose Gentle, Military Families Against
the War

"They have got every right to protest, and I think we will find they will
protest. Whoever is responsible for this are idiots."  Walter Wolfgang -
ejected from last year's Labour conference for shouting 'Rubbish' at Jack
Straw

A protest group is planning to defy a ban on setting up a peace camp in
Albert Square imposed on them by Manchester City Council.  Military
Families Against the War - an organization of relatives to members of the
Armed Services opposed to the war in Iraq - will be pitching camp outside
the town hall in the run up to the Labour Party Conference.  Come Saturday
the camp will be joined by thousands of people protesting against the
continuing military occupation of Iraq and British foreign policy in the
Middle East.

The Council claim the ban is in place for 'logistical' and 'health and
safety' reasons, a claim that is strongly disputed by MFAW, who say the
council is merely doing the bidding of the Labour Party.  A further claim
that there were 'security issues' with the camp have been denied by GM
Police.

The conference is set to meet a high level of dissent this September. 
Aside from the peace camp a march and rally has been called by the Stop
the War Coalition on Saturday 23rd.  Also on the menu, welfare rights
group, Coalition Against the Welfare Reform Bill, are planning a
demonstration and lobby on Monday 25th in reaction to the punitive
approach towards disabled welfare claimants outlined in the bill.

links:
Military families to defy Ban
(1) http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2006/09/350705.html
(2) http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2006/09/350671.html

Military families Against the war
http://www.mfaw.org.uk/index.html

Stop the war Coalition - time to Go
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/

Demonstration - Coalition Against werlfare Reform Bill
(1)http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2006/09/350252.html
(2)http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2006/09/350245.html