Protesters claim victory

Organisers of today's demonstration against the controversial visit of President George Bush claimed that up to 200,000 people joined the protest.

The numbers taking part in a march and others waiting in Trafalgar Square for a rally were a record for any weekday protest in the UK, it was claimed.

However, police estimates put the demonstrators' numbers at just 30,000, way short of the figure promised by protest groups.

"This phenomenal response shows the depth of feeling of the British public towards this visit," said a Stop the War Coalition spokesman.

Armed with posters, banners and drums, one large group crowded into Malet Street in Bloomsbury for the start of a symbolic Stop the War march past Parliament and along Whitehall.

Foghorns blared and whistles were blown as the crowd chanted anti-war slogans.

The atmosphere was light-hearted, with many singing and dancing down the street.

The start of the march was delayed by the police because they underestimated the number of protesters that would attend, according to a Stop The War Coalition spokesman.

A ring of stewards formed around several personalities at the head of the march, including Blur front man Damon Albarn.

Mr Albarn said: "My reason is the same as those taken by people collectively today... and Bush's visit is an opportunity to re-express what they feel."
He called the protest a "smart march for smart people".

A second group has congregated in Trafalgar Square, where they were later joined by marchers.

More than 5,000 police officers are on duty in the capital to ensure the march runs smoothly.