Police gearing up for planned protests

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-25 16:33

Police are gearing up for protests in London ahead of and during a G20 summit of the world's largest economies in the British capital on Thursday, April 2.

Here are the major protests that officers say will be monitored.

Saturday, March 28:

- Thousands are expected to take part in a "Put People First" march through London to protest against the financial crisis, in what police anticipate will be the largest and most organised demonstration.

Protesters will march through the centre of the capital to Hyde Park for a mass rally. The event is organised by a large number of unions, charities and anti-poverty groups.

Wednesday, April 1:

* Anti-war march, organised by Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the British Muslim Initiative.

"Our message will be "Yes We Can'. Yes we can end the siege of Gaza and free Palestine, get the troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, make jobs not bombs, abolish nukes, and stop arming Israel," organisers say.

Protesters will meet near the US Embassy on Grosvenor Square and march for a rally in central London. The groups will also be marching to demonstrate the following day at the ExCel conference centre in east London, near the Canary Wharf financial district, where the G20 summit is being held.

* Financial Fools Day demonstration. According to protest internet sites, processions will begin at four railway stations near the City of London financial district, headed by "Four Horsefolk of the Apocalypse" -- Climate Chaos, War, Job/saving/pensions losses, and Home repossessions.

The parades will then converge on the Bank of England in the centre of the City.

"Join thousands of disgruntled, angry, pissed off people on the streets of the financial district," said a statement posted on a website by the anti-capitalist "Wombles" group.

"As the bankers continue to cream off billions of pounds of our money let's put the call out -- reclaim the money, storm the banks and send them packing."

* Fossil Fools Day demonstration. Environment campaigners are planning a "Climate Camp" in front of the Bank of England and at the European Climate Exchange in London's Bishopsgate area.

Organisers say there will also be a demonstration outside the ExCel Centre, where they will install a large block of ice.

"Whether you've been looking for a chance to dip a toe into the growing climate action movement, or have had your kick-ass action planned since last year, now is the time to do it - whatever it is," organisers say on their Web site.

* Environmental protesters also say they will picket an event to celebrate the centenary of oil firm BP at the British Museum.

Thursday, April 2:

* One anarchist Web site has warned of unspecified action at the G20 summit itself. "A day of (disrupting) the summit and other adventures. Be warned. Be aware. Be ready!," it says.

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