I have just returned from the 'organising committee' at city hall. Firstly just to clarify: no-one was turned away from the meetings for not signing the affiliation proposal. (It was agreed to have a meeting to discuss the ammendents to this proposal). There were more than one 'representative' from gr at the meeting. Everyone was allowed to speak. No-one is admitting to just who organised this meeting. It remains a secret. Chris Nineham said 'it didn't matter'.

Onto the meeting. Redmond o'neill was there as a representative of the mayor. This runs contrary to the principles & practices of the esf. Jeremy from workers power raised the issue of redmond o'neill being present. He said it should be discussed. I don't know if it ever was.

Basically the meeting was the redmond o'neill show. He decided that as of this meeting all the working groups already in place (practicalities, culture, programme etc) - as set up at the european esf meeting in dec (which was agreed to by consensus by all) would be dissolved & the 'organising committee' would take on the responsibility for setting up new working groups. This was opposed as an open abuse of process but shouted down by others present. He then went on to outline that organisations should take responsibility in finding venues. Again this was not agreed by anyone anywhere. He said the gla would look at possible venues. This is an obvious & open deception.

The gla had already provisionally booked alexandra palace behind everybody's backs secretly. Again this is a deliberate abuse of process. This was pointed out at the meeting.

Not only was this done in secret, it was done without the consent, authority or acknowledgement of the uk esf assembly. Essentially the gla have disregarded all the defining conditions -transparency, openness, accountability, democracy that were put in place & insisted upon at & by the european social forum itself. This was pointed out only to be shouted down by those present.

The esf in now the gla & the unions. That is it. They are in charge of all decisions that are being made concerning the organising of this esf. All other actors, their voices, criticisms & objections are being actively ignored.

I walked out at the point when redmond o'neill admitted the the gla had already booked alexandra palace for the esf. Others who stayed will doubtless fill you in on what else occurred.

I say to all peoples, organisations, networks & groups who are considering involving themselves in any way shape or form with the esf to think again. It is basically a gla event. Nothing more. To be involved is to legitimize the whole sordid affair & give the gla & ken livingstone credibility.

There is talk of organising a counter esf done properly with all participating equally. If people are interested please contact me & we can start the ball rolling.

Many thanks for all those who fought for something a little bit more