The lowdown about leather: http://www.cowsarecool.com/theFacts.asp

'Leather may be made from cows, pigs, goats, and sheep; exotic animals like alligators, ostriches, and kangaroos; and even dogs and cats, who are slaughtered for their meat and skins in China, which exports their skins around the world'

Since people are generally against wearing fur in the UK but still happy to buy loads of leather goods, maybe it would be a good idea to have a protest at the European Christmas Market in Manchester? There's going to be a stall there called Ridgeway Leather, selling leather and sheepskin products.

What do you think about a protest being organised? Or how about a low-key handing out of leaflets to shoppers?

I've never organised anything like this but I'm sure it could be done quite easily.

What do you think?

That sounds like a good idea. Perhaps you could have some pro-vegan pamphlets as well. Tell me if you need any help, I'm pretty close to Manchester.

Be careful when protesting in Manchester, the police do not seem to tolerate people handing out leaflets without a permit or having demos outside shops.

What type of demo were you thinking of?

That sounds like a good idea. Perhaps you could have some pro-vegan pamphlets as well. Tell me if you need any help, I'm pretty close to Manchester.

O.K. thanks

Be careful when protesting in Manchester, the police do not seem to tolerate people handing out leaflets without a permit or having demos outside shops.

What type of demo were you thinking of?

Yeh they might not be happy about it. anyway considering people are trying to do their shopping and a demon/protest may backfire, maybe it'd be best just to do a low key handing out of leaflets.

But on an I-want-to-feel-sorry-for-meself-note :), ah what is the world coming to when in a "free" country you can't even protest without permission?

But on an I-want-to-feel-sorry-for-meself-note :), ah what is the world coming to when in a "free" country you can't even protest without permission?

You can, you'll just get arrested, especially if the people you're directly protesting against can press charges.

You can, you'll just get arrested, especially if the people you're directly protesting against can press charges.

Exactly, you get arrested (and a criminal record presumably?) for protesting against something the police/government may not want you to protest against (similar to how they've silenced the Oxford Animal Abuse Centre protesters)

Good luck with this.

RE handing out leaflets without a permit - I know in Leeds and York anyway Animal Rights comes under politcal causes so is exempt from requiring a permit to hand out leaflets.