Anti-war rally to go ahead in Hyde Park

The culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, caused outrage among campaigners when she suggested that the park should not be used because the ground would be too soft and wet to cope with the number of marchers - predicted by organisers to reach as many as half a million.

Following a series of meetings yesterday between police, local authorities and the Royal Parks agency, Ms Jowell announced today that the February 15 rally could go ahead in the park.

She said: "I have today agreed that Hyde Park should be the venue for the Stop the War rally on February 15. This follows several days of intensive work by my department to find a better venue for the rally.

"Everyone agrees that Hyde Park is far from ideal for an event of this kind at this time of year.

"The right of protesters to organise and take part in peaceful marches and rallies has never been questioned. The issue has only ever been to find a venue that is as safe as possible for those taking part.

"When CND first approached the Royal Parks to ask for the use of Hyde Park as a rally point for its marchers on February 15, the Royal Parks Constabulary, the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City council gave unanimous advice that permission for the rally should not be given.

"I accepted this advice and asked that alternative venues for the rally be considered. Those alternative venues have included Trafalgar Square, which is the normal venue for winter rallies, and the Mall.

"The mayor has now ruled out Trafalgar Square, and the Metropolitan police advise against holding the rally in the Mall.

"We hope that the leaders of the rally will work with the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police to mitigate the risks to the public."

John Rees, of march organisers the Stop the War coalition, said: "Freedom of speech in this instance was only defended by the actions of the people.

"The minister wanted to abrogate this fundamental liberty and we have prevented her from doing so."