The march was originally scheduled to start in Grosvenor Square.* However on meeting the Metroplitan Police we were advised that it would be easier for them if we started in Hyde Park - we could then go via Grosvenor Square (and march past the US embassy). We decided that we did not have a very strong reason to start (rather than just march through) Grosvenor square so we acceded to their request. We then printed a large quantity of leaflets advertising Speakers Corner, Hyde Park as the starting point. However we were then told that due to the 6th December being 'car-free' day there would be extra road closures that would make it very difficult for the police if we started at Speaker's Corner and had to go across Park Lane. Therefore we have now - with considerable reluctance - agreed to return to the original plan and start the march at Grosvenor Square. We know that changing the starting point of the march, and then changing it back again will cause a lot of people to be very confused and we apologise profusely for this - but this has all happened due to circumstances outside our control.
We still expect a lot of people to turn up at Speaker's corner, Hyde Park - given the amount of leaflets etc we have printed giving that as the starting point - and will make every effort to make sure that they are guided to Grosvenor Square (thankfully only about 5 minutes away) on the day.
*The Campaign against climate Change has for many years demonstrated outside th US emabssy to protest against the role of the Bush administration in blocking any progress towards an international emissions reductions treaty - the only effective way of addressing the global climate crisis. But with a change in the US administration it becomes more appropriate to address the shortcomings of our own government first - hence the main rally at the end of the march in Parliament Square. However in the interests of continuity and in recognition of the extremely obstructive role of the - not quite yet terminated - Bush administration we planned to start at Grosvenor Square where the US embassy is situated.