Protesters form alternative parliament
Thousands of anti-war supporters were meeting today to challenge Tony Blair's war strategy in an "alternative parliament".
The People's Assembly, organised by the Stop the War Coalition, was meeting this morning opposite the Palace of Westminster to debate the public's position on possible conflict with Iraq.
Labour MP George Galloway, who will address the assembly, said: "Tony Blair threatens war with or without a UN resolution, but the People's Assembly delegates now being selected will represent the majority opinion in this country.
"So if people can't rely on their MPs to stop the war they will have to rely on their MPPs - members of the people's parliament - to do it for them."
Stop the War Coalition's John Rees added: "The People's Assembly will be a springboard for a much more powerful range of anti-war activities."
Last week three Eton students were elected to the forum.
Several MPs were due to address the delegates, including Jeremy Corbyn, Alan Simpson and Alice Mahon.
Other speakers include Tony Benn, Bianca Jagger, Corin Redgrave and poet Adrian Mitchell.
