20.03.2003

Biggest

The biggest demonstration in York in living memory was proclaimed from the speakers' platform outside York Minster on Saturday March 15 - police estimated that almost 5,000 protestors rallied against the war. Organised by York Stop the War, the march and rally was attended by groups from as far afield as North Lincolnshire and Scarborough. The rally was addressed by Lindsey German and Asad Rehman of the national Stop the War Coalition, as well as Frank Ormston, speaking on behalf of the York Socialist Alliance. The demonstration was characterised by the large numbers of young people on it, including many school students. However, Unison apart, the unions had a very low profile, compared to the many obvious 'first-timers' in attendance. Richard Bayley