20.03.2003

What democracy looks like

"That's not what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like." That was the refrain of demonstrators outside St Stephen's entrance, Westminster, as the House of Commons sat to debate and vote through its pro-war motion on the evening of March 18. Demonstrators were of course comparing the travesty of democracy inside Westminster to the streets, where there was an example of the anti-war majority insisting that its voice be heard. Protesters had been gathering since noon, as Blair rallied the pro-war party to defy national and international opinion and launch imperialist war against Iraq. There were always at least 200-300 there at any one time, with numbers reaching their peak of around 1,000 at 6pm, as people arrived from work. Newer, young forces joined hardened activists, peaceniks and trade unionists to voice their outrage at the warmonger Blair and his contempt for mass democratic sentiment. That the pro-war party is able to maintain an undemocratic stranglehold on parliament in the face of an anti-war majority is not lost on those demonstrating, nor on the millions in their homes watching developments unfold. After 6pm the demonstration moved onto the streets, blocking traffic for more than two hours, as the police dithered then became increasingly hostile. One copper quipped: "There's too much freedom in this country", looking at the pro-democracy 'rabble' in front of him. The turnout was somewhat disappointing. But, with the action organised at short notice and the war about to become a reality, not totally surprising. This must be a warning sign for the movement. Now is the time to harden our resolve. As the war is launched, softer elements are bound to fall aside in the short term. Some sections will become despondent. We also need to prepare for a jingoistic backlash. Marcus Ström