March 18

What a marvellous response to the demonstration on Saturday. I've been reading messages and talking to people ever since. If I could have a pound for everyone who said they didn't think it would be this big, I would be rich. OK, not as rich as a Blair Lord, but doing OK.

The problem with a movement as long-established as Stop the War is bringing in new activists while persuading the older activists that there are new people around and that there is a point in booking the coaches, holding the meetings, filling the thermos flasks, making the sandwiches and heading down to London.

But there is a point and Saturday proved it. Firstly because governments do notice these demos - why else do you think John Reid made his trip to Iraq for the anniversary of the war where he lied through his teeth about how happy Iraqis are? His own Ministry of Defence conducted a poll recently where 80 percent of Iraqis questioned said the troops should leave!

Secondly they build support for the movement itself. They show us all that we're not alone and that many other people feel the same as us.

Blair said he would do it all again if he had the chance. So we'll have to do it all again to stop him.