Activists gather for peace conference

This event was composed of three 2 and a bit hour long sessions, the first session, aimed at exploring the domestic effects of the re-declared "War on Terror", featured Alan Simpson, Nottingham South's strongly anti-war MP, who kicked things off with his frightening view of our "post-democratic" society. Anti-terror legislation, he said, is increasingly used to crush dissent and enemies of the state. He was followed by Sam Azad, an Iranian refugee who called for a politics at the service of humanity, and a fierce attack on the state terrorism of his home country and Britain. Finally, author and activist Milan Rai made a clear and unequivocal case for a direct link between UK foreign policy and the bombs that shook the nation on 7th July last year. The resulting discussion produced many ideas for resisting the government policy with regard to terrorism, ranging from mass demonstrations to individual direct action.

After a short break, and a chance to peruse the stalls of local campaign groups, we resumed with an examination of the media's portrayal of political events, and the obstacles it presents to the quest for truth. Richard Keeble of Lincoln School of journalism spoke at length about the links between British intelligence and Fleet Street, hinting at the possibility that the establishment are planting news stories and disinformation. The deconstruction of the media was followed by Nottingham academic Meryl Aldridge who addressed the problems of corporate ownership of the media, and the "professionalisation" of journalism. Last but not least, Wietse from Nottinghamshire Indymedia gave an account of an independent grassroots alternative to the mainstream media, and its obvious advantages for activists. Once again, a wide-ranging discussion produced all kinds of ideas for publishing independent media, including, of course, calls for students to support Ceasefire.

At the end of the day, after tasty vegan food provided by the Veggies catering campaign, those attending the conference were invited to attend one of four
practical workshops. One discussing black activism and the role of internal peace, one led by a representative of the Campaign Against Criminalising
Communities (CAMPACC) on campaigning for civil liberties, one in connection with getting involved with local independent media, and one on using creative skills and reusing waste facilitated by local activist artists the Mischief Makers.

Overall it was a useful and successful event, and was covered by Indymedia and URN, the Nottingham Uni radio station.