The government has approved plans for an anti-war demonstration to take place in Hyde Park.

Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, reversed her earlier decision, saying: "I have agreed that Hyde Park should be the venue for the Stop The War rally...The issue has only ever been to find a venue that is as safe as possible for those taking part."

Between 100,000 and 500,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in the rally.